Cost to Build a Deck in North Dakota (2026)
A 12×16 ft deck in North Dakota runs about $4,684 in pressure-treated pine and $9,791 in composite, installed — right in line with the US average. Here is what moves that number in North Dakota, with a calculator priced for the state.
Pressure-treated pine
$20–$26 /sq ft
Cedar
$29–$37 /sq ft
Composite
$43–$56 /sq ft
Deck cost calculator for North Dakota
Priced with North Dakota labour, material and footing-depth factors. Change any input and the estimate updates.
Estimated installed cost
$8,616 – $11,259
192 sq ft · about $50.99/sq ft
- Materials
- $5,820
- Labour
- $3,970
- Footings (66 in deep)
- 3 × about $301
- Frost-depth adjustment
- +$403
Mid-range estimate for a rectangular deck attached to the house, with one beam line per 12 ft of depth and footings every 8 ft. Excludes demolition, permits and site work. For railing, stairs and a full line-item breakdown use the main deck cost calculator.
North Dakota deck cost by size and material
Mid-range installed prices for a standard-height deck attached to the house, including framing, footings at the local depth and hardware. Railing and stairs are priced separately in the main deck cost calculator.
| Deck size | Pressure-treated pine | Cedar | Composite |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft (100 sq ft) | $2,633 | $3,656 | $5,292 |
| 12 × 12 ft (144 sq ft) | $3,614 | $5,087 | $7,444 |
| 12 × 16 ft (192 sq ft) | $4,684 | $6,649 | $9,791 |
| 16 × 20 ft (320 sq ft) | $8,210 | $11,484 | $16,721 |
| 20 × 20 ft (400 sq ft) | $9,994 | $14,086 | $20,632 |
What drives deck prices in North Dakota
Labour
Labour is the biggest regional variable. Carpentry labour in North Dakota runs right in line with the national level, so a composite 12×16 that averages $9,216 nationally comes to about $9,791 here. On pressure-treated decks labour is more than half the bill, so the regional gap is widest on the cheapest material.
Climate
Extreme cold, the deepest frost in the lower 48 and strong winds.
Footings and frost depth
Footings in North Dakota typically go 60–72 inches deep. At 66 inches each 12 inch footing costs roughly $301 installed, and a 12×16 deck needs about 3 of them — a premium of $403 against the 24 inch depth national prices assume.
Which decking makes sense here
Our pick for most North Dakota homes: pressure-treated pine. Deep footings already cost more than elsewhere, so many owners keep the decking budget-friendly. Composite adds about $5,106 to a 12×16 deck over pressure-treated — see the full 20-year comparison in the composite vs wood calculator.
Permits and code in North Dakota
The State Building Code is adopted by cities; frost depth commonly reaches 60 to 72 inches, which makes footings a large share of the budget.
Typical deck permit fees: $75–$300. Expect a footing inspection before concrete, a framing inspection before the decking goes down and a final. Estimate your fee with the deck permit cost calculator, and read our deck permit guide for what the drawings need to show.
Best time to build a deck in North Dakota
May to September.
Compare neighbouring states
- Minnesota — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,832 (+7% vs US)
- South Dakota — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,173 (−5% vs US)
- Montana — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,465 (−0% vs US)
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to build a deck in North Dakota?
A typical 12×16 ft (192 sq ft) deck in North Dakota costs about $4,684 installed in pressure-treated pine, $6,649 in cedar and $9,791 in composite. That is $20–$26 per square foot for pressure-treated and $43–$56 for composite — right in line with the US average.
Is a composite deck worth it in North Dakota?
On a 12×16 deck composite costs about $5,106 more than pressure-treated up front. Deep footings already cost more than elsewhere, so many owners keep the decking budget-friendly. Composite needs no staining, which saves a refinishing cycle every two to three years on wood.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in North Dakota?
The State Building Code is adopted by cities; frost depth commonly reaches 60 to 72 inches, which makes footings a large share of the budget. Where a permit is required, fees typically run $75–$300. Under the model residential code, a freestanding deck under 200 sq ft and no more than 30 inches above grade that does not serve an exit door is often exempt — attaching it to the house removes that exemption.
How deep do deck footings need to be in North Dakota?
Typically 60 to 72 inches depending on the part of the state. At about 66 inches, each 12 inch footing costs roughly $301 installed, compared with $167 at a 24 inch depth. Confirm the exact depth with your building department before digging.
When is the best time to build a deck in North Dakota?
May to September. Booking a builder outside the spring rush often gets a faster start date and a keener price.
Is North Dakota expensive for deck building compared with other states?
North Dakota ranks 29 of 50 from cheapest to most expensive on our index. Carpentry labour runs right in line with the national level and materials 3% above it, which puts a typical deck right in line with the US average.
Price the rest of the project
How these figures are made: national installed prices per square foot, split into materials and labour and adjusted by a North Dakota labour index (reasoned from BLS state carpenter wage data), a material and freight index, and the local footing depth. They are planning estimates — get two or three itemised local quotes. Method.