Composite deck cost in Phoenix, AZ
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (300 sq ft)
- $11,800 – $23,600
- Per sq ft
- $39 – $78
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −2%
- US $18,100
- Rank of 300 metros
- #124
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for a composite deck in the Phoenix area: $11,800 to $23,600 for 300 sq ft. The low end is a basic job on easy ground; the high end is a premium spec with harder access. The midpoint lands close to the US figure. Building materials run about 5% below the US average here (BEA goods price index 95.0).
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Estimated cost for 300 sq ft in Phoenix, AZ, standard level
$15,300 to $20,100
About $51 to $66.50 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 61% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $5,950 | $7,750 |
| Labor | $9,300 | $12,200 |
| Permits and fees | $85 | $120 |
| Total | $15,300 | $20,100 |
Cost breakdown for 300 sq ft in Phoenix, AZ
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $4,550 | $6,850 | $9,100 | 39% |
| Labor | $7,150 | $10,800 | $14,300 | 61% |
| Permits and fees | $50 | $100 | $150 | 1% |
| Total | $11,800 | $17,700 | $23,600 | 100% |
What is behind the Phoenix number
Labor is 61% of the midpoint bill here, against 60% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is carpenters (80%), construction laborers (20%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Phoenix the blended ratio comes out at 1.00.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Phoenix is at 95.0 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $7,200 nationally becomes $6,850 here (midpoint, 300 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 103.3: $50 to $150.
Composite deck: what moves the price in Phoenix
Board grade
Composite materials run $16-$32 per sq ft and the installed price is $40-$80 per sq ft, including the substructure (HomeGuide).
Labor
Labor for composite is $24-$48 per sq ft, higher than wood because the boards need extra parts and more careful assembly.
Drainage
Ground-level decks over poorly draining yards may need $1,000-$4,000 of drainage work first.
Cost by quality level and size in Phoenix
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Phoenix. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from 10x12 (120 sq ft) to 20x20 (400 sq ft).
Basic
$11,800 to $16,500
Entry-level composite boards, low deck, simple shape
Standard
$15,300 to $20,100
Mid-grade capped boards with railing and stairs
Premium
$18,900 to $23,600
Premium capped or PVC boards, multi-level, hidden fasteners
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x12 (120 sq ft) | $4,750 – $6,650 | $6,200 – $8,100 | $7,600 – $9,550 |
| 12x12 (144 sq ft) | $5,700 – $8,000 | $7,400 – $9,700 | $9,100 – $11,400 |
| 16x20 (320 sq ft) | $12,600 – $17,600 | $16,300 – $21,400 | $20,100 – $25,200 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $15,700 – $22,000 | $20,400 – $26,700 | $25,100 – $31,400 |
Who does the work: Phoenix trade wages
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 2 trades. We compare each trade's local median with the US median, weight the ratios by how much of the job each trade does, and apply the blend to the national labor cost. For Phoenix the blend is 1.00.
Carpenters (47-2031), 80% of the weighting: a median of $29.00 an hour, in line with the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $23.36 and $35.30 an hour. About 12,710 work in the metro. That is 53.5 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 43.1 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 20%) the local median is $22.56 an hour, which is in line with the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $19.79 and $24.90 an hour. BLS counts 29,230 of them working in the area, 123.0 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is deeper than average.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (carpenters) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $1,850 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $1,650. That is a swing of roughly 9.5% to 10.6% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler has 2,375,760 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 11th by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 80% | $23.36 | $29.00 | $35.30 | $29.12 | 1.00 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 20% | $19.79 | $22.56 | $24.90 | $22.66 | 1.00 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.00 | |||||
Phoenix against nearby metros and the rest of Arizona
Of the five closest metros, 4 are cheaper than Phoenix. Yuma is the lowest at about $15,800 (midpoint, 300 sq ft), 110 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZthis page | $11,800 – $23,600 | $17,700 | |
| Tucson, AZ75 miles | $10,700 – $21,500 | $16,100 | −9% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ105 miles | $11,500 – $23,000 | $17,200 | −3% |
| Yuma, AZ110 miles | $10,500 – $21,100 | $15,800 | −11% |
| Flagstaff, AZ185 miles | $11,400 – $22,900 | $17,100 | −3% |
| El Centro, CA190 miles | $13,800 – $27,700 | $20,700 | +17% |
| Arizona (statewide) | $11,600 – $23,300 | $17,500 | −1% |
| United States | $12,100 – $24,200 | $18,100 | +2% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Phoenix ranks #124 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Phoenix is 1% above the Arizona figure.
Elsewhere in Arizona
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson, AZ | 389,630 jobs | $10,700 – $21,500 | $16,100 | −9% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | 72,300 jobs | $11,500 – $23,000 | $17,200 | −3% |
| Yuma, AZ | 68,880 jobs | $10,500 – $21,100 | $15,800 | −11% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | 66,610 jobs | $11,400 – $22,900 | $17,100 | −3% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | 56,490 jobs | $10,500 – $21,000 | $15,700 | −11% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Phoenix against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA | 2,703,890 jobs | $13,900 – $27,900 | $20,900 | +18% |
| San Francisco, CA | 2,373,920 jobs | $16,000 – $32,000 | $24,000 | +35% |
| Miami, FL | 2,819,940 jobs | $11,300 – $22,700 | $17,000 | −4% |
| Seattle, WA | 2,086,210 jobs | $14,100 – $28,300 | $21,200 | +20% |
The best months for composite deck in Phoenix
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Phoenix Deer Valley Muni Ap (10 miles from the city center). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For exterior installation, the comfortable months in Phoenix are October through April: 7 of 12. Outside them, May, June, July, August and September have an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
Phoenix gets about 9 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are January, February and March (1.2 inches in February). Inside the workable window, April and October are the driest, at 0.3 and 0.7 inches. The station averages about 159 days a year at 90°F or above.
We do not adjust the estimate by month, because we have no reliable published data on seasonal pricing. It is still worth asking contractors whether an off-peak start date changes their bid.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 65 | 44 | 1.2 | Workable |
| Feb | 68 | 46 | 1.2 | Workable |
| Mar | 75 | 51 | 1.1 | Workable |
| Apr | 83 | 57 | 0.3 | Workable |
| May | 92 | 65 | 0.2 | Hot |
| Jun | 102 | 73 | 0.0 | Hot |
| Jul | 104 | 81 | 0.8 | Hot |
| Aug | 103 | 81 | 1.0 | Hot |
| Sep | 98 | 75 | 0.7 | Hot |
| Oct | 86 | 63 | 0.7 | Workable |
| Nov | 74 | 51 | 0.9 | Workable |
| Dec | 64 | 43 | 0.8 | Workable |
Add-ons priced for Phoenix
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 0.97 for Phoenix, which is the average of the area's wage index (1.00) and goods price index (0.95). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add a deck railing (approx. 0.3 ft per sq ft) | $1,750 – $5,250 |
What nearby projects cost in Phoenix
Jobs that often go together with composite deck are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Phoenix wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, concrete patio comes out highest (−1%) and gutters lowest (−7%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $7,350 – $14,700 | −3% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,200 – $4,000 | −1% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $2,900 – $5,300 | −3% |
| Gutters | 160 linear ft | $1,200 – $3,900 | −7% |
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $15,300 to $20,100 for Phoenix, AZ is attached.
Detailed composite deck report for Phoenix, AZ, $9
Multi-page report for Phoenix, AZ: low, typical and high cost, a line-item breakdown of materials and labor by trade, permit notes, the best months to schedule, a quote comparison sheet, red flags, questions for contractors, checklists and every source. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Composite deck in Phoenix: your questions
+How much does it cost to build a composite deck in Phoenix?
For 300 sq ft, expect $11,800 to $23,600 in the Phoenix area. A standard-spec job lands at $15,300 to $20,100. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for composite deck in Phoenix?
About $39 to $78 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $50 to $150 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $40 to $80.
+Is composite deck cheaper in Phoenix or Tucson?
Tucson is 75 miles away. The midpoint for 300 sq ft there is $16,100, which is 9% less than Phoenix ($17,700). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Phoenix?
About 61% at the midpoint, or $10,800 out of $17,700. Materials are 39% and permits 1%. Nationally, labor is 60%.
+What would 16x20 (320 sq ft) cost in Phoenix?
$12,600 to $25,200. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does composite deck need a permit in Phoenix?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $50 to $150 for fees in the Phoenix area (our national range of $50 to $150 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Phoenix expensive for composite deck compared with the rest of Arizona?
Phoenix is 1% above the Arizona statewide estimate ($17,500 at the midpoint). We cover 6 metros in Arizona; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Phoenix?
The BLS median is $29.00 an hour in the Phoenix area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $23.36 to $35.30.
+What do basic and premium composite deck work cost in Phoenix?
For 300 sq ft, basic work runs $11,800 to $16,500 and premium work $18,900 to $23,600. Basic means: entry-level composite boards, low deck, simple shape. Premium means: premium capped or PVC boards, multi-level, hidden fasteners.
+When is the best time to build a composite deck in Phoenix?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are October through April. April and October are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
+What does "add a deck railing" add in Phoenix?
$1,750 to $5,250 for 300 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Composite deck near Phoenix
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Composite Decking Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: 2026 Building Permit Costs | Fees & Cost Calculator (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020