How Much Does a Deck Cost in Little Rock in 2026?

If you’re pricing a new deck in Little Rock, you’ve probably seen numbers that are all over the place. One online calculator says $8,000, a neighbor says they paid $25,000, and a big-box store gives you a materials list without labor. We build decks across Central Arkansas, and here’s the honest answer: in 2026, most decks in our area cost $15 to $60 per square foot installed. Where your project lands depends on the material, how high the deck sits off the ground, and the details you add.

Below we break down what we’re seeing in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Benton, Bryant, Conway, and the surrounding towns, along with the things that move the price up or down.

Deck Prices by Material (Per Square Foot, Installed)

Pressure-treated pine: about $15–$35 per sq ft. Pressure-treated southern yellow pine is the most common deck in Arkansas, and it’s the best value. It’s strong and widely available, and it looks good when you stain it. The tradeoff is upkeep: plan to clean and seal it every 2–3 years to keep boards from cracking and graying in our sun and humidity.

Cedar: about $25–$45 per sq ft. Cedar has a warmer look, resists rot naturally, and takes stain well. It’s softer than pine, so it can dent, but many homeowners love the look for a deck that’s part of the view from the kitchen window.

Composite or PVC: about $30–$60 per sq ft. Capped composite boards (brands like Trex, TimberTech, and Deckorators) and PVC decking don’t splinter, don’t need stain, and come with long manufacturer warranties. In Arkansas humidity, that low maintenance is the main reason homeowners choose them. Composite costs more up front, but over 15–20 years it often comes out close to wood once you count staining and board replacement.

What a Real Deck Costs in Central Arkansas

Per-square-foot numbers are useful, but most people want to know the total. Here are typical ranges for common sizes:

·         12x12 ground-level pressure-treated deck (144 sq ft): roughly $3,500–$5,500

·         12x16 ground-level pressure-treated deck (192 sq ft): roughly $4,500–$7,500

·         12x16 composite deck (192 sq ft): roughly $6,500–$12,000, depending on board line and railing

·         16x20 raised composite deck with stairs and railing (320 sq ft): often $15,000–$22,000 or more

These are ballpark figures. Your yard, your house, and your material choices will set the real number, and that’s why we price every deck on site.

What Changes the Price of a Deck

Height off the ground. A low deck by the back door needs short posts and often no railing. A second-story walkout needs taller posts, larger footings, bracing, stairs, and code-required guards, so it costs much more per square foot.

Railings. Railing is one of the biggest hidden costs. Pressure-treated wood railing is the most affordable. Aluminum, cable, and glass railings look great but can add thousands on a larger deck.

Stairs. Every set of stairs adds framing, stringers, landings, and often a railing on both sides.

Footings and soil. Central Arkansas red clay swells when it’s wet and shrinks when it’s dry. That movement is hard on footings that are too shallow or too small. We size and set footings for local soil so the deck stays level, and that work is built into an honest quote. A quote that skips it might look cheaper today but cost you more later.

Removing an old deck. Tearing out and hauling off an old deck usually adds a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars, depending on size.

Add-ons. Built-in benches, lighting, privacy walls, skirting, and a pergola over the deck all add cost. They also make the deck more useful.

Do You Need a Permit for a Deck in Little Rock?

In most cases, yes. A fence 7 feet or shorter is exempt in Little Rock, but decks are not on the exemption list. The city requires a building permit for work over $5,000 in materials and labor, or any work that needs an inspection, and that covers most raised or attached decks. Expect a footing inspection before concrete is poured and a final inspection once framing is done. Surrounding cities like Benton, Bryant, Conway, and North Little Rock have their own permit offices and rules.

When you hire Premier Fence & Deck, we take care of the permit and schedule the inspections so you don’t have to.

Why Fall Is a Smart Time to Build

Many Arkansas homeowners wait until spring to call, and that’s when contractor calendars fill up. Fall and early winter often mean easier scheduling. Cooler weather is also easier on concrete and on crews. And your deck will be ready for the first warm weekend in March instead of still waiting on a start date.

How to Get an Accurate Deck Price

Online calculators can’t see your yard. Chris comes out personally, measures the space, checks the slope and the house connection, and talks through material options with you. Then you get a written, itemized quote, not a phone guess.

If you’re thinking about a new deck, schedule a free on-site estimate or call 501-772-9273. We’re a locally-owned, licensed and insured custom deck builder in Little Rock, serving Benton, Bryant, Conway, North Little Rock, Maumelle, Sherwood, Jacksonville, and the rest of Central Arkansas.

Deck Cost FAQ

What’s the cheapest way to build a deck in Little Rock? A ground-level, rectangular, pressure-treated deck with no railing (or a simple wood railing) is the most affordable option. Simple shapes and fewer stairs keep labor costs down.

Is composite decking worth it in Arkansas? For many homeowners, yes. Our humidity and summer sun are hard on wood. Composite skips the staining and resists rot and splintering, so the higher up-front cost often pays off over the life of the deck.

How long does it take to build a deck? Most residential decks take 1–3 weeks from start to finish, including permit time. Larger, multi-level, or second-story decks take longer.

How long does a pressure-treated deck last in Arkansas? A well-built pressure-treated deck that gets sealed regularly usually lasts 15–25 years.

Do you build decks outside Little Rock? Yes. We build in Alexander, Benton, Bryant, Conway, Jacksonville, Mayflower, Maumelle, North Little Rock, Sherwood, and Ward.