Deck Building Cost in Portland, OR
A 16×20 ft deck in Portland costs $8,200 (pressure-treated) to $17,500 (composite) — 16% above the national average.
Portland — PT Wood Deck (16×20)
$8,200
$26/sqft installed
Composite (Trex)
$17,500
$55/sqft; low-maintenance
vs National Average
16% above
Portland labor market
Deck Cost in Portland by Material — 2026 (16×20 ft, 320 sqft)
| Material | Total Cost | Per Sqft | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $8,200 | $26/sqft | 15–20 yrs |
| Cedar / Redwood | $12,200 | $38/sqft | 20–30 yrs |
| Composite (Trex, Fiberon) | $17,500 | $55/sqft | 25–30 yrs |
| PVC / capped composite | $19,800 | $62/sqft | 30–50 yrs |
Includes framing, decking, 1 set of stairs, basic railing, and permit. Second story or rooftop decks add 25–50%. Portland labor rates are 16% above the national average.
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Deck builder quotes vary $2,000–$5,000 in Portland for the same project. Get 3 bids from licensed contractors.
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FAQs — Deck Cost in Portland
How much does a deck cost in Portland?
A standard 16×20 ft deck (320 sqft) in Portland, OR costs $8,200 for pressure-treated wood, $12,200 for cedar, and $17,500 for composite (Trex) — 16% above the national average of $8,500. Per-sqft rates: PT wood $26/sqft, composite $55/sqft. Costs include framing, decking boards, stairs, and basic railings.
Is composite or wood decking better in Portland?
In Portland's moderate climate, pressure-treated wood ($8,200) is cost-effective if you're willing to seal it every 2–3 years. Composite ($17,500) 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 Portland?
Yes — most deck projects in Portland 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–$475 in Portland and require structural drawings and a post-installation inspection. A licensed OR 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 Portland?
A 12×12 ft deck (144 sqft) in Portland, OR costs: PT wood $4500–$5300, cedar $6700–$7900, composite $9600–$11400. 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 Portland?
A wood deck in Portland recoups approximately 65–75% of cost at resale according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report. A $8,200 PT wood deck adds $5700–$6200 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 Portland's market, outdoor living spaces are increasingly valued — a well-built deck is one of the top outdoor ROI projects.