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How much a deck costs in Tampa Bay
Real 2026 quotes, line by line, plus the add-ons and the things that move the price.
A ground-level composite deck in Tampa Bay, built properly on concrete footings with a picture-frame border and hidden fasteners, has been running about $41 to $48 per square foot installed on our recent quotes. Below are the actual numbers, the add-ons, and what pushes a deck price up or down.
Two real quotes, line by line
Both are ground-level Trex decks quoted in St. Pete Beach in 2026 with the same build: dug and poured concrete footings, 6×6 posts held off the ground, 2×8 pressure-treated framing at 12 inches on center, sand-colored Trex boards with a picture-frame border, matching fascia, hidden screws and plugs, blocking for a future gazebo, and haul-off of all waste.
| 16 × 12 deck | 20 × 12 deck | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 192 sq ft | 240 sq ft |
| Materials | $3,889 | $5,900 |
| Labor | $4,000 | $5,510 |
| Total | $7,889 | $11,410 |
| Per square foot | about $41 | about $48 |
The bigger deck costs more per square foot mainly because 20-foot boards cost more per foot than 16-foot boards, and it needs more framing and fascia.
Add-ons and what they cost
From the same 2026 St. Pete Beach quote:
| Add-on | Installed price |
|---|---|
| Two runs of steps, framed and wrapped in Trex | $2,849 |
| Low-voltage deck lighting | $1,200 |
| Three Trex-wrapped posts with rope and post-cap lights | $1,390 |
| Pergola kit assembly and install (homeowner pays kit cost, no markup) | $900 labor |
What raises or lowers the price
- Height: A deck more than about 30 inches off the ground needs a guard railing, taller posts, more bracing and usually more engineering. Raised decks cost noticeably more per square foot than ground-level decks.
- Board line: Entry composite lines cost less than premium lines, and PVC costs more still. Pressure-treated pine is cheapest.
- Railing: Aluminum and cable rail are priced per linear foot and can add several thousand dollars on a raised deck.
- Stairs: Each run of steps adds framing, footings and boards.
- Demolition: Tearing out and hauling away an old deck is its own line. If you do the demo yourself, we take it off.
- Shape and pattern: Diagonal boards, curves, borders inside the field and multi-level decks take more time and material.
- Site: Tight access, slopes, roots and soft ground all add labor.
- Coastal hardware: Stainless fasteners near salt water cost more than coated hardware.
How we price
You get a written, fixed price after a site visit, with materials, labor and each add-on listed separately so you can choose what to include. Our payment schedule is 50% to start, 30% when framing is complete, and 20% at completion after your walk-through.
Permit costs
Permit fees vary by city and county and are based on the job's value. We include the permit in our price and handle the paperwork. See our deck permit guide.
Common questions
How much does a 12×16 composite deck cost in Tampa?
Our 2026 quote for a ground-level 16×12 Trex deck in St. Pete Beach was $7,889 installed: $3,889 in materials and $4,000 in labor, with concrete footings, a picture-frame border and hidden fasteners.
How much does a 20×12 composite deck cost?
Our 2026 quote for a ground-level 20×12 Trex deck was $11,410 installed: $5,900 in materials and $5,510 in labor.
Is wood cheaper than composite?
Yes, up front. Pressure-treated pine boards cost much less than composite. Framing and footings cost about the same either way, since composite decks are framed with treated lumber too.
Do you charge for estimates?
No. The site visit and written quote are free.