Deck cost in Denver, CO (2026)

Planning a deck in Denver? Here is what decks typically cost, what is different about building one in Denver, and how to get a price range for your own yard in about two minutes.

Short answer

Using typical national ranges from published 2026 cost guides (the same sample rates as our calculator), an installed deck runs about $28 to $55 per square foot in pressure-treated wood, $45 to $78 in composite, and $58 to $95 in PVC or premium composite, from ground level up to a walkout or second-story deck. Railing and stairs are extra.

These are not Denver prices. We do not have Denver price data and we do not make up a local average. A local builder sets the real price after seeing your yard, height, footings, access and permit needs.

Typical deck costs by size and height

These worked examples come from the same estimator as the deck cost calculator, using national sample rates:

Deck	Height	Pressure-treated wood	Composite	PVC / premium composite
12 x 16 ft (192 sq ft)	At ground level	$4,550 to $6,200	$7,350 to $9,950	$9,450 to $12,800
12 x 16 ft (192 sq ft)	A few steps up	$6,700 to $9,100	$9,650 to $13,050	$11,950 to $16,150
16 x 20 ft (320 sq ft)	Raised	$17,100 to $23,150	$22,550 to $30,500	$26,900 to $36,400
16 x 20 ft (320 sq ft)	Walkout or second story	$23,550 to $31,900	$29,800 to $40,350	$34,450 to $46,600

Examples assume one side against the house, black aluminum railing where railing is required, and stairs on the raised examples. Typical national ranges, not a quote.

Installed price per square foot (national sample rates)

Height	Pressure-treated wood	Composite	PVC / premium composite
At ground level Under 2 ft · 0-2 steps	$28	$45	$58
A few steps up About 2-4 ft off the ground	$34	$52	$66
Raised About 4-6 ft off the ground	$42	$62	$78
Walkout or second story About 6-12 ft, off an upper door	$55	$78	$95

What is different about building a deck in Denver

An uncovered deck 12 inches or less off the ground does not need a permit in Denver, unless the property is a designated landmark or sits in a historic district. (Denver: Residential Decks)
An uncovered deck more than 12 inches off the ground needs a zoning permit, and at 30 inches or more it also needs a building permit. Any covered deck or porch needs both. Some decks also need a sewer use and drainage permit (SUDP). (Denver: Residential Decks)
Denver's over-the-counter deck guide asks for plans that show footing size and depth, the ledger connection to the house, and guards. In a historic district, landmark review comes first, and if trees in the public right-of-way are near the work, City Forestry gets involved. (Denver deck and porch permit guide (PDF))
A Denver building code amendment record reads the local frost line as a 36 inch minimum depth below finished grade for the bottom of footings. Confirm the depth for your permit with the city. (Denver code amendment, frost protection (PDF))

Permit office: Denver Community Planning and Development, Residential Permits, ResidentialPermits@denvergov.org or (720) 865-2710. Rules change, so confirm with the office before you build. Facts checked October 27, 2026.

Climate and materials in Denver

Denver sits about a mile above sea level. Strong sun, dry air and frequent freeze-thaw swings in winter and spring are hard on wood decking: boards dry out, check and cup faster, and stains fade sooner than in milder places. That does not mean wood is wrong, but it does mean the upkeep side of the wood vs composite comparison weighs more here. Snow that melts on the deck by day and refreezes at night also puts stairs and railings to work, so solid treads and a sturdy rail are money well spent.

Lots, slopes and deck height

Many Denver-area homes have basements, and on sloped lots the back door can sit well above the yard. A deck off an upper door or over a walkout basement falls in the "Walkout or second story" height level. In the sample rates below, that level costs about twice as much per square foot as a deck at ground level, mostly because of taller posts, deeper and bigger footings, more stairs and required railing.

When to plan

Concrete footings go in unfrozen ground, and permit review adds time before any digging. Homeowners who draw the deck and collect quotes in winter are usually first in line when the ground thaws. Use the calculator to set a budget before you call builders.

Draw your deck and see a price range

Find your home on the satellite map, tap the corners of your deck, pick the height and materials, and see typical ranges for wood, composite and PVC side by side. Free, no sign-up, no contact details, nothing saved.

Open the deck cost calculator

How to use these numbers

Use the range to set a budget before you call builders, not as a price to hold anyone to.
Height is the biggest lever. Measure from the ground to the door threshold where the deck will attach.
Ask each builder whether the quote includes the permit, footings, railing, stairs and removal of any old deck, so you compare like with like.

Deck builders in Denver

QuoteDecking puts this estimator on your own website with your prices, and each homeowner's drawing and estimate come to you as a lead. Starter $49/mo, Pro $99/mo. 30-day free trial, no card needed.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for a deck in Denver?

It depends on height and whether it is covered. Uncovered decks 12 inches or less off the ground need no permit (outside landmark and historic districts). Over 12 inches needs a zoning permit, 30 inches or more also needs a building permit, and covered decks need both. Check the city's Residential Decks page for your case.

How deep do deck footings go in Denver?

A Denver code amendment record reads the frost line as 36 inches below finished grade for the bottom of footings. Your permit plans must show footing size and depth, so confirm with the city or your builder.

Is there a Denver average deck price?

We do not publish one, because we do not have Denver price data. The ranges here are typical national ranges from published 2026 cost guides. A local builder sets the real price after seeing your yard.

Is this what a deck costs in Denver?

The ranges are typical national ranges from published 2026 cost guides, not Denver price data. A local builder sets the real price after seeing your yard.

Sources

Prices are typical national ranges from published 2026 cost guides, not Denver prices or a quote. Local permit facts are summarized from the official pages above. Deck cost in other cities.