Size and shape
More square feet means more material and labor. Angles, curves and multiple levels add cost compared with a simple rectangle.
West Valley City
How Much Does a Deck Cost in Utah?
The honest answer is "it depends", so here's exactly what it depends on, and some real numbers to start from.
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- Composite & Trex Decks
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- Licensed & Insured
- Free Estimates
- West Valley City
- Taylorsville
- Kearns
- Magna
- West Jordan
The Short Answer
The 2025 Remodeling Cost vs. Value report, which prices a 16x20-foot deck (320 square feet), puts a wood deck addition at about $18,300 and a composite deck addition at about $25,100 as national averages. That works out to roughly $57 per square foot for wood and $78 per square foot for composite, including framing, railings and stairs. Your price in West Valley City or anywhere in Salt Lake County can land above or below that, depending on the factors below. A free estimate gives you an exact number for your yard.
Rough Deck Costs by Size
These figures simply scale the national Cost vs. Value averages by area. They're a starting point for budgeting, not a quote: small decks usually cost more per square foot, and big ones a little less.
| Deck size | Area | Wood (~$57/sq ft) | Composite (~$78/sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12x16 | 192 sq ft | ~$11,000 | ~$15,000 |
| 14x20 | 280 sq ft | ~$16,000 | ~$22,000 |
| 12x24 | 288 sq ft | ~$16,400 | ~$22,500 |
| 16x20 | 320 sq ft | ~$18,300 | ~$25,100 |
| 20x20 | 400 sq ft | ~$22,800 | ~$31,200 |
What Drives the Cost of a Deck
Height off the ground
A low deck needs short posts and often no guards. Once a deck is more than 30 inches above grade, the IRC requires guards at least 36 inches high, and taller decks need bigger posts, more bracing and more stairs.
Boards: wood vs. composite
Pressure-treated wood is the least expensive up front. Cedar costs more. Composite costs the most, but needs no staining, and brand lines with longer warranties cost more again (Trex's limited residential warranties run 25 years for Enhance, 35 for Select and 50 for Transcend and Signature). Composite decks →
Railings and stairs
Railings are often one of the biggest line items. Wood is cheapest, while aluminum, composite and cable rail cost more. Every set of stairs adds stringers, treads and often another railing.
Footings and site work
Footings have to go below the 30-inch frost depth used around the valley. Sloped yards, poor access, or removing an old deck all add labor.
Covers and extras
A patio cover or pergola, built-in benches, lighting and skirting add to the total. Covers also need to be designed for snow: Salt Lake City sets a 28 psf minimum ground snow load. Patio covers and pergolas →
Permits
A deck typically needs a building permit if it's more than 30 inches above grade or attached to the house. Permit fees and any required plans are part of the project cost.
Is a Deck Worth It?
Decks are one of the better-returning home projects. The same 2025 report estimates a wood deck addition recoups about 95% of its cost at resale, and a composite deck about 89%. And unlike most remodeling projects, you get to use it every summer evening until you sell.
Repair vs. Replace: the Cheapest Deck Is Sometimes the One You Have
If your current deck has a sound frame, replacing boards and railings costs far less than starting over. InterNACHI puts the life of wood deck planks at about 15 years but structural wood at 10-30 years, so the frame can sometimes outlast a couple of sets of boards. We'll tell you honestly at your estimate. Deck repair →
Licensed & Insured · Free Estimates · Wood, Composite & Trex Decks · Patio Covers
Serving West Valley City, Taylorsville, Kearns, West Jordan and Magna.
How much does a 20x20 deck cost?
Scaling the national Cost vs. Value averages, a 20x20 (400 sq ft) deck works out to roughly $22,800 in wood and $31,200 in composite. Height, railings and stairs can move that a lot either way.
How much does a 12x24 composite deck cost?
Using the same averages, about $22,500. A free estimate gives you the real number for your yard.
Is composite worth the extra cost?
If you don't want to stain every few years, usually yes. Composite costs more up front but saves on upkeep, and brand warranties run 25-50 years.
Do you charge for estimates?
No. Estimates are free.
Get a Real Number for Your Yard
Averages only go so far. Call (385) 398-8451 or send the form for a free, itemized deck estimate.
Serving: West Valley City · Taylorsville · Kearns · Magna · West Jordan