Pressure-treated pine is the cheapest real-wood deck material in 2026. Installed pricing runs $15–$30 per square foot — roughly half the cost of composite — but requires staining every 2–3 years and typically lasts 15–20 years before board replacement starts.
What a PT deck really costs
A 300 sqft pressure-treated deck runs about $4,500–$9,000 installed in 2026. The boards themselves are $1.50–$3.00 per linear foot, but labor, framing, footings, stairs, and railing dominate the total. A small 10×10 deck can come in under $3,000; a multilevel 500 sqft build pushes $15,000–$20,000.
The real long-term math
Upfront PT is half the cost of composite, but maintenance eats the savings. A $9,000 PT deck needs $200–$400/yr in stain, sealer, screws, and occasional board replacement. Over 20 years that's $4,000–$8,000. Composite is $50/yr in cleaning. 20-year all-in: PT $13,000–$17,000 vs composite $17,000–$18,000. PT still wins if you sell within 8–10 years.
Where PT still wins
Large surface areas, budget builds, tight timelines, and hardwood-country regions (Southeast, Midwest) where PT lumber is cheap and skilled wood framers are abundant. Ground-level platforms and pool surrounds are also fine candidates — the board swap every 15–20 years is easier when the deck is low.
Maintenance schedule
Year 1: let it dry 6 months, then stain. Year 2–3: re-stain with semi-transparent penetrating oil. Year 5: tighten loose fasteners, check joist hangers. Year 10–12: first serious board replacement on high-traffic areas. Year 15–20: full rebuild or deck top re-skin over existing framing.
Pressure-Treated Pine deck cost by state — 300 sqft build
Standard 12×25 deck, 3–5 ft off ground, composite balusters, one stair run. Includes framing, footings, railing, stairs, permit, and 8% contingency.
How much does a 12x16 pressure-treated deck cost?+
About $2,900–$5,800 installed for a 192 sqft PT deck with composite-style balusters, one stair run, permit, and 8% contingency. DIY material-only costs are $1,600–$2,400; the rest is labor, permits, and footings.
What lasts longer, pressure-treated or cedar?+
Cedar and PT last about the same structurally (15–25 years) but cedar is more rot-resistant in wet climates and stays straighter. PT has better ground-contact rating and costs 30–50% less per sqft. If you stain both on schedule, they reach the end of life at similar times.
Can I build a PT deck myself?+
Yes — PT is the most DIY-friendly material because it cuts, screws, and nails like any softwood. Expect a 12×16 to take two weekends with two people once footings are set. Framing and ledger attachment are the riskiest steps; most jurisdictions require an inspection before you deck over.
Do I need to stain a new PT deck right away?+
No — PT lumber is kiln-dried with water-borne preservatives and is still wet when delivered. Wait 3–6 months before first stain. A board that still beads water is too wet to stain. Use a semi-transparent penetrating oil stain the first time.
Is pressure-treated wood safe?+
Yes for residential use. Since 2004, consumer PT lumber uses copper-based preservatives (ACQ, MCA) rather than the older chromated copper arsenate. Use stainless or hot-dipped galvanized fasteners — standard steel corrodes fast in ACQ.
Price your own pressure-treated pine deck
Adjust size, height, shape, and features for a specific number in your state.