Deck Building Cost in Los Angeles, CA
A 16×20 ft deck in Los Angeles costs $10,700 (pressure-treated) to $23,000 (composite) — 53% above the national average.
Los Angeles — PT Wood Deck (16×20)
$10,700
$33/sqft installed
Composite (Trex)
$23,000
$72/sqft; low-maintenance
vs National Average
53% above
Los Angeles labor market
Deck Cost in Los Angeles by Material — 2026 (16×20 ft, 320 sqft)
| Material | Total Cost | Per Sqft | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $10,700 | $33/sqft | 15–20 yrs |
| Cedar / Redwood | $16,100 | $50/sqft | 20–30 yrs |
| Composite (Trex, Fiberon) | $23,000 | $72/sqft | 25–30 yrs |
| PVC / capped composite | $26,100 | $82/sqft | 30–50 yrs |
Includes framing, decking, 1 set of stairs, basic railing, and permit. Second story or rooftop decks add 25–50%. Los Angeles labor rates are 53% above the national average.
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Deck builder quotes vary $2,000–$5,000 in Los Angeles for the same project. Get 3 bids from licensed contractors.
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FAQs — Deck Cost in Los Angeles
How much does a deck cost in Los Angeles?
A standard 16×20 ft deck (320 sqft) in Los Angeles, CA costs $10,700 for pressure-treated wood, $16,100 for cedar, and $23,000 for composite (Trex) — 53% above the national average of $8,500. Per-sqft rates: PT wood $33/sqft, composite $72/sqft. Costs include framing, decking boards, stairs, and basic railings.
Is composite or wood decking better in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles's moderate climate, pressure-treated wood ($10,700) is cost-effective if you're willing to seal it every 2–3 years. Composite ($23,000) is the no-maintenance premium choice. Break-even on composite vs. PT wood maintenance savings is typically 10–12 years.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Los Angeles?
Yes — most deck projects in Los Angeles require a building permit if the deck is attached to the house, over 30 inches off the ground, or over 200 sqft. Permits cost $225–$625 in Los Angeles and require structural drawings and a post-installation inspection. A licensed CA contractor will handle permits as part of the project. Unpermitted decks must be disclosed at sale and may need to be removed or permitted retroactively.
How much does a 12×12 deck cost in Los Angeles?
A 12×12 ft deck (144 sqft) in Los Angeles, CA costs: PT wood $5900–$7000, cedar $8900–$10500, composite $12700–$15000. Smaller decks have higher per-sqft costs since fixed costs (footings, framing, stairs) spread over fewer square feet. A 12×12 is popular for smaller yards and costs approximately 55–65% of a 16×20.
What is the ROI on a deck in Los Angeles?
A wood deck in Los Angeles recoups approximately 65–75% of cost at resale according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report. A $10,700 PT wood deck adds $7500–$8000 to your home's value. Composite decks often recoup a similar dollar amount to wood but at a higher cost, so the percentage ROI is lower. In Los Angeles's market, outdoor living spaces are increasingly valued — a well-built deck is one of the top outdoor ROI projects.