In Tennessee, a standard 300 sqft deck runs roughly $18,097–$26,478 depending on material. Labor runs -17% below the national average, and permits typically cost about $180.
Cost by material — 300 sqft deck in Tennessee
Standard 12×25 deck, 3–5 ft off ground, composite balusters, one stair run. Includes framing, footings, railing, stairs, permit, and 8% contingency.
Pressure-Treated Pine
15–20 yrs · Stain every 2–3 yrs
$60/sqft
$18,097
Cedar / Redwood
20–25 yrs · Seal every 2–3 yrs
$67/sqft
$20,244
Composite (Trex, TimberTech)
25–30 yrs · Rinse yearly
$79/sqft
$23,784
PVC / Cellular
30+ yrs · Rinse yearly
$88/sqft
$26,478
Ipe / Cumaru Hardwood
40+ yrs · Oil annually (optional)
$95/sqft
$28,350
What drives cost in Tennessee
Labor (83% of national avg). Labor is below national averages, keeping full builds affordable.
Permits (~$180). Most Tennessee municipalities require a building permit for any deck over 30 inches. Inspections typically happen at the footing and final stages.
Materials. Pressure-treated pine is the cheapest per sqft; composite (Trex, TimberTech) is 2–3× more but almost maintenance-free. Most Tennessee homeowners picking a mid-tier build land on composite.
Tennessee deck cost — FAQ
How much does a deck cost in Tennessee?+
In Tennessee, a standard 300 sqft deck runs about $18,097 for pressure-treated pine to $28,350 for ipe hardwood. Most homeowners picking mid-tier composite (Trex, TimberTech) land near $23,784 — roughly $79 per square foot installed.
Do I need a permit for a deck in Tennessee?+
Most Tennessee municipalities require a building permit for any deck over 30 inches off the ground or attached to a house. Permit fees typically run around $180. Inspections usually happen at the footing stage and at final.
What's the cheapest deck material in Tennessee?+
Pressure-treated pine at about $60 per square foot installed. Cedar is the next step up at $67/sqft. For long-term cost-of-ownership (accounting for stain and maintenance), composite at $79/sqft often wins past year 12.
How much is labor for a deck in Tennessee?+
Tennessee labor runs 83% of the US average — 17% below the national baseline. Labor accounts for 40–55% of total deck cost. On a 300 sqft composite build, that's roughly $11,416 of the total.
What type of footings does Tennessee require?+
No frost-line requirement — standard 18–24 inch footings apply here. Check local building codes — some coastal Tennessee jurisdictions still require hurricane anchoring on footings.
Does a deck add home value in Tennessee?+
Yes. Nationally, a new deck returns 50–70% of its cost at resale. In Tennessee's climate, an outdoor living space is especially valued. Real estate appraisers typically credit deck value at 50–65% of installed cost; buyers tend to value it even higher when a property is actively listed.
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