How much does it cost to build a deck in San Diego, CA?
A new deck in San Diego, CA typically costs $30–$65 per square foot installed — a 16×20 pressure-treated deck runs roughly $10,000–$18,000, and composite decking pushes the same deck to $16,000–$28,000. Honest quotes include permits, footings, stairs, and railings; they're the most common 'extras' in cheap ones. Height matters: a raised deck costs meaningfully more than a ground-level one.
What you can check yourself
- Decide material first: pressure-treated lumber is cheapest; composite costs ~60% more upfront but skips sealing and most maintenance.
- Ask whether the quote includes the permit and inspections — most towns require both for raised decks, some for all decks.
- Get the footing depth and ledger-attachment method named in writing; ledger failure is how decks collapse.
Typical cost
Typical in San Diego, CA: $30–$45/sq ft pressure-treated; $50–$65/sq ft composite. Stairs, benches, and lighting add $500–$3,000.
When to call a pro
Decks attach to the house and carry crowds — permit-and-inspection work for a licensed contractor, not a weekend crew. An existing deck with a pulling-away ledger board or rotted posts shouldn't host a party until it's inspected.
General Contractor pros in San Diego, CA
- FISCAL DYNAMICS WEST LLC · 950 6TH AVE SUITE 212, SAN DIEGO, CA · (619) 887 2800
- MC REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE · 2442 STATE ST, SAN DIEGO, CA · (619) 781 2806
- Z-4 BUILDERS INC · 1041 MARKET ST 121, SAN DIEGO, CA · (619) 210 5225
- MCINERNEY & CO · 666 STATE STREET, SAN DIEGO, CA · (619) 994 7991
- BOWIE'S CONSTRUCTION · P O BOX 16331, SAN DIEGO, CA · (619) 252 7649
- ECA INCORPORATED · P O BOX 178507, SAN DIEGO, CA · (619) 507 1830
- LLEWELLYN DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION, INC. · P O BOX 740611, SAN DIEGO, CA · (619) 384 7717
- SEVILLE PROPERTY MGMT DESIGN & REMODEL · P O BOX 70002, SAN DIEGO, CA · (619) 260 8121
Get free quotes from San Diego, CA pros →
Data by Servik — verified local pros from official license records and public sources. Cost figures are typical ranges, not quotes; a pro's written estimate is the real number.