Deck Building Cost in New Orleans, LA
A 16×20 ft deck in New Orleans costs $8,500 (pressure-treated) to $18,300 (composite) — 22% above the national average.
New Orleans — PT Wood Deck (16×20)
$8,500
$27/sqft installed
Composite (Trex)
$18,300
$57/sqft; low-maintenance
vs National Average
22% above
New Orleans labor market
Deck Cost in New Orleans by Material — 2026 (16×20 ft, 320 sqft)
| Material | Total Cost | Per Sqft | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $8,500 | $27/sqft | 15–20 yrs |
| Cedar / Redwood | $12,800 | $40/sqft | 20–30 yrs |
| Composite (Trex, Fiberon) | $18,300 | $57/sqft | 25–30 yrs |
| PVC / capped composite | $20,700 | $65/sqft | 30–50 yrs |
Includes framing, decking, 1 set of stairs, basic railing, and permit. Second story or rooftop decks add 25–50%. New Orleans labor rates are 22% above the national average.
Get Free Deck Quotes in New Orleans
Deck builder quotes vary $2,000–$5,000 in New Orleans for the same project. Get 3 bids from licensed contractors.
Get Free Deck Quotes on AngiAdvertising disclosure: links are paid partnerships. Learn more.
FAQs — Deck Cost in New Orleans
How much does a deck cost in New Orleans?
A standard 16×20 ft deck (320 sqft) in New Orleans, LA costs $8,500 for pressure-treated wood, $12,800 for cedar, and $18,300 for composite (Trex) — 22% above the national average of $8,500. Per-sqft rates: PT wood $27/sqft, composite $57/sqft. Costs include framing, decking boards, stairs, and basic railings.
Is composite or wood decking better in New Orleans?
In New Orleans's humid climate, composite decking (Trex, Fiberon) is strongly recommended. It won't rot, warp, or grow mildew — major problems for wood in humidity. While composite costs $9,800 more upfront, it requires no annual sealing/staining and lasts 25–30 years with minimal maintenance.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in New Orleans?
Yes — most deck projects in New Orleans require a building permit if the deck is attached to the house, over 30 inches off the ground, or over 200 sqft. Permits cost $175–$500 in New Orleans and require structural drawings and a post-installation inspection. A licensed LA 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 New Orleans?
A 12×12 ft deck (144 sqft) in New Orleans, LA costs: PT wood $4700–$5500, cedar $7000–$8300, composite $10100–$11900. 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 New Orleans?
A wood deck in New Orleans recoups approximately 65–75% of cost at resale according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report. A $8,500 PT wood deck adds $6000–$6400 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 New Orleans's market, outdoor living spaces are increasingly valued — a well-built deck is one of the top outdoor ROI projects.