How Much Does it Cost to Build a Second Story Deck?
A second-story deck usually costs $40 to $50 per square foot as a national planning benchmark. Complex designs and material choices can widen that range to $30 to $90 per square foot (Angi).
A basic 10 by 12 foot elevated deck often costs $4,800 to $6,000. Stairs, railings, permits, engineering, and difficult access can increase the final price (Angi).
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How Much Does a Second Story Deck Cost in Total?
A realistic budget starts with the deck area, then adds items that a square foot estimate may exclude.
A standard 120 square foot elevated deck typically costs $4,800 to $6,000 using the national $40 to $50 benchmark. Confirm whether an estimate includes framing, footings, stairs, railings, permits, disposal, and cleanup.
For early planning, use this formula: estimated deck cost equals deck area multiplied by $40 to $50. Unusual materials, shapes, structural needs, and site conditions can push costs outside the range.
| Deck Size | Area | Planning Estimate |
| 10 by 12 feet | 120 square feet | $4,800 to $6,000 |
| 12 by 16 feet | 192 square feet | $7,680 to $9,600 |
| 12 by 20 feet | 240 square feet | $9,600 to $12,000 |
| 16 by 20 feet | 320 square feet | $12,800 to $16,000 |
These figures may exclude complex stairs, specialty railings, engineering, demolition, or high-end finishes. An elevated deck costs more than a ground-level deck because it needs taller supports, stronger bracing, complex access, and more fall protection. Many projects also need stairs and landings, and elevated work requires extra equipment, time, expertise, and insurance.
Which Factors Change an Elevated Deck Budget the Most?
Labor, structural requirements, deck shape, and location cause the largest differences between second-story deck quotes.
Labor commonly represents 30% to 50% of the total project price. Narrow gates, steep slopes, limited staging space, and long carrying distances increase working hours. Scaffolding or lifting equipment can create separate charges.
Greater deck height usually increases the size or quantity of posts, beams, footings, connectors, and bracing. Soil conditions, snow loads, spans, and house connections can change the framing and joist requirements. Some projects may also require professional plans or engineering review.
A rectangular second story deck usually costs less than a curved, angled, wraparound, or multilevel design. Specialty shapes require more cuts, labor, planning, and material waste. Unusual shapes can increase total costs by 50% to 100%.
Prices also vary by location because local wages, material availability, climate, permit fees, and building requirements differ. Remote properties may pay more for delivery and contractor travel. National ranges support planning, but local itemized quotes should guide the final budget.
Which Decking Material Offers the Best Long-Term Value?
Pressure treated wood offers the lowest upfront price, while composite and aluminum usually require less routine maintenance. The prices below cover decking material only. They exclude framing, railings, hardware, labor, and waste.
| Material | Cost per Square Foot | Maintenance | Best Fit |
| Pressure treated wood | $2 to $5 | High | Lowest initial budget |
| Cedar | $3 to $7 | Moderate | Natural appearance |
| Composite | $12 to $22 | Low | Reduced routine upkeep |
| Ipe hardwood | $10 to $20 | Moderate | Dense natural wood |
| Aluminum | $15 to $20 | Low | Water management systems |
Pressure treated wood is usually the cheapest decking surface at $2 to $5 per square foot. It needs regular cleaning, staining, or sealing to reduce weather damage, so include future maintenance when comparing long-term value.
Composite decking can justify its higher price for homeowners who want fewer staining and sealing tasks. The material commonly costs $12 to $22 per square foot. Composite wood decking from EVODEK uses a co-extruded polymer shell that resists fading, staining, and moisture without sealing, which removes the recurring finishing cost that wood requires. Product lines, board profiles, and fastening systems change the price.
Cedar costs less than IPE or aluminum, but it needs periodic finishing. Ipe is dense and can increase installation difficulty. Aluminum resists rot and supports water management designs. Compare the installed quote, maintenance plan, warranty terms, and local availability before deciding.
What Extra Costs Should Be Included in an Elevated Deck Budget?
A complete elevated deck budget should list stairs, railings, permits, plans, and optional features separately.
An average deck stairway often costs $1,500 to $2,000. Height, width, landings, turns, materials, and stair railings affect the price. Request the rise count, width, landing size, and railing specification in writing.
Deck railing materials can cost $15 to more than $150 per linear foot. Installation labor, posts, corners, stairs, and difficult access can raise the installed price.
| Railing Type | Material Cost per Linear Foot |
| Wood | $15 to $30 |
| Composite | $40 to $80 |
| Metal | $50 to $100 |
| Cable or glass | $80 to $150 or more |
Permits and inspections for an elevated deck average about $500. Local fees vary, and engineering plans, revisions, surveys, or zoning reviews may cost extra. Most jurisdictions require a building permit and inspections for a new second-story deck.
Lighting, outlets, privacy screens, shade structures, and under deck drainage can increase the project total. Price every feature separately. Under deck drainage deserves early planning because it can affect framing and usable space below.
How Can You Control Costs Without Compromising Deck Safety?
Homeowners can control costs by simplifying the design, fixing the scope early, and comparing complete contractor quotes.
Most inexperienced homeowners should not build a second-story deck without professional structural guidance. DIY work removes labor costs, but mistakes can affect footings, ledgers, stairs, guards, and inspections.
A rectangular layout, standard board lengths, straight railings, and simple stairs usually reduce the final price. Locally stocked materials can also reduce delivery delays. Finalize dimensions before ordering materials or submitting permit plans. Use the EVODEK decking calculator to estimate material quantities once you have set your deck dimensions.
When comparing contractor quotes, use one written scope and identical material specifications. Check these items:
- Demolition, hauling, and site preparation.
- Footings, framing, connectors, and flashing.
- Decking brand, product line, and fastening system.
- Stair dimensions and railing quantities.
- Permit, design, and engineering responsibilities.
- Cleanup, warranty, payment schedule, and exclusions.
A 10% to 15% contingency is a practical allowance for hidden conditions and approved changes. I use 10% for simple projects with clear access. I use 15% when demolition, difficult soil, or structural uncertainty exists.
Conclusion
A realistic budget begins at $40 to $50 per square foot, then adds stairs, railings, permits, plans, and site work. Pressure treated wood reduces upfront cost. Composite reduces recurring finishing work. Simple shapes and itemized bids provide safer savings than cutting structural scope. Define the size and materials, then request three comparable local quotes before signing a contract.
Order free EVODEK samples to compare composite decking options for your elevated deck, or use the decking calculator to estimate material quantities for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 10 by 12 foot second story deck cost?
A professionally built 10 by 12 foot second story deck usually costs $4,800 to $6,000 at the national $40 to $50 benchmark. The deck contains 120 square feet. Complex stairs, specialty railings, permits, difficult access, or unusual structural requirements can increase the final quote. Confirm every included item before comparing contractors, because a low base price may exclude stairs or permit work.
How much does a 12 by 20 foot elevated deck cost?
A 12 by 20 foot elevated deck usually costs $9,600 to $12,000 at $40 to $50 per square foot. The platform contains 240 square feet. Composite decking, long stair runs, engineered framing, and cable or glass railings can push the installed total above that range. Local labor rates can also change the estimate.
Is a second story deck more expensive than a ground level deck?
A second story deck is usually more expensive because elevated construction needs taller supports, more bracing, and high-access labor. Many designs also need exterior stairs and extensive railings. Permit reviews and engineered plans can create extra costs when local authorities require them. These additions affect both materials and labor on most projects.
Do you need a permit for a second story deck?
Most local authorities require a building permit and inspections for a new second story deck. The process may review footings, framing, house connections, stairs, guards, and setbacks. Contact the local building department before finalizing the design, because fees and submission requirements vary. Early confirmation can prevent redesign costs in many jurisdictions.
Can you build a second story deck without exterior stairs?
A second story deck can sometimes be built without exterior stairs, but local approval determines whether the design is acceptable. The deck still needs compliant access from the house and required guards. Fire, zoning, homeowners association, or local building rules may affect the decision. Ask for written approval before construction begins.
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