What Does a New Deck Cost in San Antonio, TX?

This is the question we get most often from San Antonio homeowners: what's this actually going to cost? The honest answer is that deck pricing has a wide range, and the variables that drive cost are predictable once you know what they are.

The figures below are based on what we're actually quoting in the Bexar County market in 2025. They include permits, labor, materials, and a standard railing system.

Ground-Level Cost Ranges by Material

Pressure-treated pine deck (most common)

• —Simple 12×16 ground-level deck: $8,500–$13,000
• —Mid-size 16×20 deck with stairs: $14,000–$20,000
• —Large 20×24 deck with multiple levels: $22,000–$32,000

Cedar deck

• —Simple 12×16 ground-level deck: $10,500–$16,000
• —Mid-size 16×20 deck with stairs: $17,000–$24,000
• —Large 20×24 deck with multiple levels: $26,000–$38,000

Composite deck (Trex Select / TimberTech Pro tier)

• —Simple 12×16 ground-level deck: $12,000–$19,000
• —Mid-size 16×20 deck with stairs: $20,000–$29,000
• —Large 20×24 deck with multiple levels: $30,000–$45,000

Premium composite (Trex Transcend / Azek)

• —Simple 12×16 ground-level deck: $16,000–$24,000
• —Mid-size 16×20 deck with stairs: $26,000–$36,000
• —Large 20×24 deck with multiple levels: $38,000–$58,000

What's Included in These Numbers

• —Bexar County / City of San Antonio deck permit (typically $150–$400 for residential)
• —Site prep and post hole excavation
• —Concrete footings to frost depth
• —Pressure-treated structural framing (posts, beams, joists) regardless of decking material
• —Deck boards (material as specified)
• —Standard railing system (PT wood or aluminum balusters)
• —One stair section with handrail
• —Debris hauling and cleanup

What Adds Cost

These are the line items that regularly push projects above base estimates:

• —Elevated decks (second story or high off grade): Add 20–35% for additional structural support and longer posts
• —Cable railing or glass panel railing: Add $80–$160 per linear foot vs. standard railing
• —Built-in bench seating: $400–$800 per linear section
• —Built-in planters: $300–$600 each
• —Deck lighting (recessed, post cap, or riser lights): $1,200–$4,000 depending on scope
• —Composite fascia and picture-frame border: Add $800–$2,500
• —Demo and haul-off of existing deck: $800–$2,500 depending on size
• —Difficult access (tight side yards, sloped lots): Add $500–$2,000

Permits in San Antonio: What You Need to Know

Any deck over 30 inches above grade in San Antonio requires a building permit. Decks attached to the house always require a permit regardless of height. This is non-negotiable — unpermitted decks create liability issues when you sell, and insurance may not cover an unpermitted structure.

Permits in Bexar County and the City of San Antonio typically take 5–15 business days for approval. We handle permitting on all our builds — it's included in our contracts.

What a Quote Should Include

When evaluating contractor quotes, make sure you're comparing apples to apples. A complete quote should specify:

• —Exact decking material, brand, and grade (not just "composite" or "wood")
• —Structural framing material and joist spacing
• —Railing system type, material, and linear footage
• —Stair count and configuration
• —Permit handling (included or excluded)
• —Warranty on labor (minimum 1 year, better contractors offer 2–5 years)

Getting an Accurate Estimate

The only way to get an accurate number is a site visit. Lot slope, access, existing structures, soil conditions, and your local HOA requirements all affect the final number. We offer free on-site estimates with no obligation — typically within 3–5 business days in the San Antonio area.

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