How Much Does a Second-Story Deck Cost in 2024?

Average Second-Floor Deck Costs

Second-Floor Deck Cost Factors

Outside of labor, two aspects that factor into your second-floor deck costs are the building materials used and the deck style.

Decking Materials

Materials are the biggest factor influencing the cost to build a deck. Here are some common decking materials and their cost per square foot:

Pressure-treated wood is by far the most economical choice in decking material. It’s easy to work with and highly renewable, though requires more maintenance. Bamboo decks costs are slightly higher, but offer another option for affordable decking.

Redwood, mahogany, and cedar are hardy and naturally resistant to damage from water, insects, and UV rays. While they reduce maintenance costs in the long run, cedar deck costs are high up-front.

Ipe, tigerwood, and other exotic woods offer exceptional beauty but come with a high price tag. They’re extremely dense, which makes them durable but also more difficult to work with, which increases labor costs. Learn more about ipe deck costs and how they’ll influence your building process.

Synthetic lumber costs roughly 40% more than pressure-treated lumber. It offers the same look as lumber, but it’s much more durable and requires less maintenance.

Aluminum, fiberglass, composite, and other manufactured materials offer a different look without the risk of rotting or insect damage. Some composite deck costs are higher upfront but may cost less in maintenance. Thanks to its gapless installation style, aluminum is a good choice when you want your deck flooring to double as a roof for the space underneath.

Lumber and other decking materials make up the bulk of a deck-building shopping list, but you’ll also need concrete, joist hangers, nails, flashing, and other fasteners. The amount you’ll need for each directly correlates to the size of your deck.

Labor

The cost to build a deck typically includes $15 to $35 per square foot in labor alone. Expect to pay a bit more for an elevated deck, as building the raised framework requires additional time and expertise.

Labor costs may vary depending on your location and the season. Working in wet weather can slow down decking, and cold or frozen ground makes it more difficult to install elevated deck posts.

Shape

Rectangular and square decks represent the lowest price tiers because they’re the easiest to construct. Expect to add anywhere from 50% to 100% to your budget if you want a specialty deck style.

L-shaped and V-shaped decks require extra time and labor. Contractors need to make complex cuts when creating specialty shapes. This can lead to added product waste that requires fees for both extra materials and waste disposal.

In addition, extra planning and engineering may be necessary to support unconventional shapes. The permitting process may be more complex for an unconventional deck shape.

Location

Second-floor deck installation costs vary depending on your state and your proximity to urban centers. Elevated and rooftop deck costs are lower in warm states like Arizona and Florida, where materials and labor are in greater demand. States like North Dakota typically have a higher price for second-story decks.

If you live in a rural area, your labor and materials delivery costs will likely be slightly higher, particularly if your contractor has to commute.

Second-Floor Deck Installation Costs

Labor costs for second-floor deck installation generally account for 35% to 50% of total project costs and are highly dependent on the materials you choose and the complexity of the project. 

Most decking pros charge between $15 and $35 per square foot for labor, with easy-to-use materials like pressure-treated wood resulting in lower costs and complex deck designs commanding higher rates. 

You’ll find that professional labor rates for second-story decks are more expensive than those for traditional first-floor decks due to higher insurance fees for the riskier work and the tools necessary for building so high above the ground.

Speaking of fees, your jurisdiction will likely require a permit for your new deck. Plan to pay about $500 for an elevated deck permit and post-project inspection.

To roughly determine the cost of your second-floor deck by size, add together material and hourly labor costs and then multiply by the square feet of your desired deck.

Keep in mind that costs may be higher if you choose premium materials, ask for a uniquely shaped deck, spring for add-ons like integrated seating, or choose a larger deck size.

Here are some pricing examples assuming an average build rate of $40 to $50 per square foot:

Second-Floor Deck Cost by Style

There are countless deck styles from which you can choose, but keep in mind that every extra feature you choose will add to the overall cost of the project.

In most cases, you don’t need to invest in exterior stairs, assuming you have access to the deck from the second floor. However, double-check with your local permitting office, as some regions have fire codes that require them.

If you want or need stairs, you can expect to pay $15 to $25 per square foot to cover deck staircase costs. This works out to roughly $1,000 to $2,000, or about $100 per tread.

If you want a more affordable option, you might consider adding metal winder stairs in place of handmade stairs. You won’t enjoy the same freedom of customization, but you will pay less at $800 to $1,000.

You can extend the use time of your deck by adding an awning that protects you from the elements. An awning can extend over all or part of the deck to shield you from rain, snow, and the sun. Building an awning costs up to $1,000 for most decks.

To extend the life of your wood deck and reduce maintenance costs, consider sealing it. A sealer will protect the natural beauty of your wood by preventing water penetration that can lead to mold, rot, and other deterioration. Expect to pay $550 to $1,300 to professionally seal a deck after installation.

Second-Floor Deck Costs Near You

There can be regional price differences in the cost of constructing a deck due to a number of factors. Material prices play a huge role, but so do labor costs.

If you live in a sunny part of the country where there are many professionals with experience building decks, you can expect to pay less in labor costs. However, if you live in a more remote area where access to materials and deck builders is more scarce, you can expect to pay more. Contact a deck builder in your area to explore estimates for building a second-story deck.

Here's what you can expect to pay for a tall deck around the country:

Cost to Build an Elevated Deck Yourself

Building a deck on your own eliminates the need to pay for outside labor, which could save you 35% to 50% on the total project cost.

Assuming you feel experienced enough to take on the project, you should still consider having a contractor or architect help to design plans to ensure your deck can handle the load you’ll place on it.

Going the DIY route, the cost to build a 120-square-foot deck using pressure-treated lumber can be as low as $420 in materials.

Budgeting for a Second-Story Deck

Constructing an elevated deck typically requires a professional skill set, but there’s plenty you can do to keep the project budget-friendly:

• Choose affordable materials like pressure-treated wood.

• Create a custom look by sealing, staining, or painting the wood.

• Opt for a simple design without intricate cuts.

• Prepare the space by clearing any furniture or debris to minimize labor costs.

• Add finishing touches like lighting and awnings on your own once the deck is complete.

Professional deck builders usually charge an hourly or daily rate, so anything you can do to save time helps make your deck more affordable. While construction is best left to the professionals, many homeowners choose to save money by sanding and staining themselves. You may also be able to save on deck painting costs and deck railing costs by tackling these extras yourself.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.