Quick Answer

Deck Building Cost in Boston (2026)

Average cost in Boston

US$11,957avg

US$5,500 — US$25,000

US$35 — US$75 per sq ft

+3.9% YoY
9 sources
Updated 1 weeks ago
Greater Boston

Cost Breakdown

Itemized
Materials

Decking boards, framing lumber, and concrete

US$2,475 — US$11,250

45%

Labor

Skilled installation and site prep

US$1,925 — US$8,750

35%

Railing & Stairs

Safety components and access

US$550 — US$2,500

10%

Permits & Design

City of Boston ISD fees and plans

US$275 — US$1,250

5%

Hardware & Finishing

Fasteners, stains, and sealants

US$275 — US$1,250

5%

🧾Sales Tax (6.25%) — Massachusetts
Base cost + $747 tax$12,704

Sales Tax at 6.25%

📋What's Included

Scope

Typically Includes

  • Pressure-treated lumber
  • Concrete footings
  • Railing system
  • Stairs (1 set)
  • Hardware & fasteners
  • Labor

Typically Excludes

  • Composite or hardwood decking
  • Built-in seating or planters
  • Pergola or roof
  • Lighting
  • Permits

Based on a standard 200 sq ft pressure-treated wood deck.

🧮Estimate Your Cost

Interactive

Estimated Cost

US$8,640

US$6,912 — US$10,368

Based on 9 sources and market data for Boston. Actual costs may vary depending on specific project requirements.

📈Price Momentum

Year-over-year

~1 year ago

US$11,508

Today

US$11,957

Deck Building in Boston is 3.9% compared to roughly a year ago — about US$449 more on the average project.

Comparison derived from the year-over-year change rate, not a month-by-month price index. We don't store historical snapshots yet — when we do, this will become a real time series.

🏢Top Deck Build Contractors in Boston

Verified providers
🔨

Sustainable Decks

6 Cavanaugh Rd, Braintree, MA 02184, USA

5.0
★★★★★

50 reviews

🔨

SEAL A DECK

1005 Boylston St #351, Newton, MA 02461, USA

5.0
★★★★★

42 reviews

🔨

Boston Hardwood Decks

32 Rockland Ave, Malden, MA 02148, USA

5.0
★★★★★

38 reviews

🔨

Abacus

190 Old Colony Ave, Boston, MA 02127, USA

4.9
★★★★½

86 reviews

🔨

Archadeck of Suburban Boston

16 Adams St, Burlington, MA 01803, USA

4.7
★★★★½

88 reviews

Provider data sourced from public business directories. Ratings and reviews are public and may change. LookupCost is not affiliated with listed providers.

💬What People Actually Paid

Community

Common Questions

Yes, the Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD) requires a permit for all attached decks and any freestanding deck more than 30 inches above grade. Fees typically range from $300 to $2,000 depending on project value.

Per the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR), footings must extend at least 48 inches below grade to reach the frost line. This prevents structural shifting during Boston's freeze-thaw cycles.

According to 2025-2026 regional data, a wood deck addition in Boston recoups approximately 66.4% of its cost at resale, while composite decks offer a higher return of roughly 72.5%.

While Boston does not have a city-specific sales tax, you must account for the 6.25% Massachusetts state sales tax on all materials. This typically adds $900 to $1,800 to a mid-range project budget.

Boston construction costs are roughly 35-38% higher than the national average due to high prevailing wages for union labor, strict energy and building codes, and logistical challenges of dense urban sites.

📊Our Methodology

How we collect data
1

Aggregated from 5+ verified web sources and cost databases

2

Licensed contractor estimates and regional cost guides

3

Government construction and labor statistics

4

Community-reported project costs and reviews

Last data collection: 1 weeks ago. Updates run weekly. All costs in USD.

About this data

Cost figures are estimates synthesized from public market data using AI research and refreshed regularly. Real project costs vary by scope, materials, contractor, and site conditions. Always get verified quotes from licensed contractors for your specific project.

Spotted bad data? Let us know — we'll review and update.