How much does it cost to build a deck in Washington, DC?

A new deck in Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC: $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 Washington, DC

• Pillar Development, LLC · 2001 S ST NW, Washington, DC, 20009, USA, Washington, DC
• ANGELOS CONTRACTING INC. · 1524 U ST NW, 2, WASHINGTON, DC, 20009, USA, Washington, DC
• AMERICAN MINORITY GENERAL CONTRACTORS LLC. · 609 H ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20001, USA, Washington, DC
• Hamel Builders of Washington, LLC · 810 NEW JERSEY AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20001, USA, Washington, DC
• OH CS LLC · 52 O ST NW, 304, WASHINGTON, DC, 20001, USA, Washington, DC
• IRON FABRICATION SERVICES LLC · 306 FLORIDA AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20001, USA, Washington, DC
• WINMAR Inc. · 1010 WISCONSIN AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20007, USA, Washington, DC
• HK PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT LLC. · 605 CONSTITUTION AVE NE, WASHINGTON, DC, 20002, USA, Washington, DC

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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.