Composite deck cost in Modesto, CA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (300 sq ft)
- $14,000 – $28,000
- Per sq ft
- $46.50 – $93
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +16%
- US $18,100
- Rank of 300 metros
- #16
- 1 = most expensive
Modesto homeowners pay roughly $14,000 to $28,000 to build a composite deck at 300 sq ft, or $46.50 to $93 per sq ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Modesto is 16% higher. Carpenters earn a median of $35.45 an hour in the Modesto area, 22% above the US median of $29.12.
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Estimated cost for 300 sq ft in Modesto, CA, standard level
$18,200 to $23,800
About $60.50 to $79 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 63% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $6,550 | $8,600 |
| Labor | $11,500 | $15,100 |
| Permits and fees | $85 | $120 |
| Total | $18,200 | $23,800 |
Cost breakdown for 300 sq ft in Modesto, CA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $5,050 | $7,550 | $10,100 | 36% |
| Labor | $8,850 | $13,300 | $17,700 | 63% |
| Permits and fees | $50 | $100 | $160 | 0% |
| Total | $14,000 | $21,000 | $28,000 | 100% |
What is behind the Modesto number
We price the labor side from BLS wage data for 2 trades: carpenters at 80%, construction laborers at 20%. Weighted together, Modesto wages are 1.23 times the national level. Labor makes up about 63% of the midpoint estimate (60% at national prices).
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Modesto metro is 105.2 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 300 sq ft comes to $7,550, compared with $7,200 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (104.1) and land at $50 to $160.
Add-ons priced for Modesto
Extras are quoted nationally and then scaled to Modesto by the average of the local wage index (1.23) and goods index (1.05), a factor of 1.14. Tick any of them in the estimator above to add them to your total. Treat these as planning figures: an add-on touches different trades than the main job, so the scaling is an approximation.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add a deck railing (approx. 0.3 ft per sq ft) | $2,050 – $6,150 |
When to schedule composite deck in Modesto
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Modesto City Co Ap (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
September through May is the stretch where exterior installation runs into the fewest weather problems in Modesto (9 of 12 months). June, July and August have an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
Modesto gets about 12 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are January, February and December (2.6 inches in January). Inside the workable window, September and October are the driest, at 0.1 and 0.6 inches. The station averages about 90 days a year at 90°F or above.
Does the season change the price? Probably, but we do not have a sourced seasonal price curve, so the estimator shows a year-round figure and does not adjust by month. When you collect quotes, ask whether scheduling in a slower month gets a better rate.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 56 | 39 | 2.6 | Workable |
| Feb | 62 | 42 | 2.2 | Workable |
| Mar | 68 | 45 | 1.8 | Workable |
| Apr | 74 | 48 | 1.0 | Workable |
| May | 82 | 54 | 0.7 | Workable |
| Jun | 90 | 59 | 0.1 | Hot |
| Jul | 95 | 63 | 0.0 | Hot |
| Aug | 94 | 62 | 0.0 | Hot |
| Sep | 89 | 59 | 0.1 | Workable |
| Oct | 79 | 52 | 0.6 | Workable |
| Nov | 66 | 43 | 1.1 | Workable |
| Dec | 56 | 39 | 2.2 | Workable |
Planning more than one job in Modesto?
Because every project leans on different trades, Modesto's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, concrete patio runs +19% and gutters +10%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $8,550 – $17,100 | +13% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,450 – $4,850 | +19% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,450 – $6,250 | +15% |
| Gutters | 160 linear ft | $1,450 – $4,600 | +10% |
Local wages behind the labor line
Wages are the part of this estimate that changes most from town to town. 2 trades carry the job here, and each is compared with its US median. The weighted result for Modesto is 1.23 times the national level.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 80%) the local median is $35.45 an hour, which is 22% above the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $28.52 and $40.15 an hour. BLS counts 1,430 of them working in the area, 73.2 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 43.1), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 20% of the weighting: a median of $29.15 an hour, 29% above the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $22.89 and $38.02 an hour. About 1,070 work in the metro. That is 54.8 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the carpenters on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($40.15 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $1,400. At the 25th percentile ($28.52) it shrinks by about $2,050. The total moves by 6.6% or 9.8%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 195,230 jobs in the Modesto area. That makes it the 117th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.13% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 80% | $28.52 | $35.45 | $40.15 | $29.12 | 1.22 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 20% | $22.89 | $29.15 | $38.02 | $22.66 | 1.29 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.23 | |||||
Modesto against nearby metros and the rest of California
Of the five closest metros, 2 are cheaper than Modesto. Stockton is the lowest at about $20,200 (midpoint, 300 sq ft), 30 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modesto, CAthis page | $14,000 – $28,000 | $21,000 | |
| Stockton, CA30 miles | $13,400 – $26,900 | $20,200 | −4% |
| Merced, CA30 miles | $13,900 – $27,800 | $20,800 | −1% |
| San Jose, CA50 miles | $14,800 – $29,700 | $22,300 | +6% |
| Santa Cruz, CA65 miles | $14,300 – $28,600 | $21,400 | +2% |
| Vallejo, CA70 miles | $14,300 – $28,600 | $21,400 | +2% |
| California (statewide) | $14,200 – $28,500 | $21,300 | +2% |
| United States | $12,100 – $24,200 | $18,100 | −14% |
Across 300 US metros, Modesto comes in at #16 from the top. The priciest is Honolulu, HI at $25,200; the cheapest is Brownsville, TX at $13,500 (midpoints, 300 sq ft). Statewide, Modesto is 2% below the California figure.
Other California metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | 6,271,560 jobs | $14,200 – $28,400 | $21,300 | +2% |
| San Francisco, CA | 2,373,920 jobs | $16,000 – $32,000 | $24,000 | +14% |
| Riverside, CA | 1,716,760 jobs | $13,500 – $27,000 | $20,200 | −3% |
| San Diego, CA | 1,538,060 jobs | $13,900 – $27,900 | $20,900 | level |
| San Jose, CA | 1,134,970 jobs | $14,800 – $29,700 | $22,300 | +6% |
| Sacramento, CA | 1,080,590 jobs | $14,000 – $28,100 | $21,100 | level |
Cities with a workforce like Modesto's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Modesto against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah, GA | 198,360 jobs | $10,100 – $20,200 | $15,200 | −28% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | 192,580 jobs | $10,300 – $20,700 | $15,500 | −26% |
| Manchester, NH | 199,560 jobs | $12,000 – $24,100 | $18,100 | −14% |
| Boulder, CO | 192,390 jobs | $11,800 – $23,700 | $17,700 | −15% |
Composite deck: what moves the price in Modesto
Drainage
Ground-level decks over poorly draining yards may need $1,000-$4,000 of drainage work first.
Engineering
Large or complex decks may need a structural engineer at $100-$220 an hour to get a permit.
Board grade
Composite materials run $16-$32 per sq ft and the installed price is $40-$80 per sq ft, including the substructure (HomeGuide).
Pick a size, pick a tier: composite deck pricing in Modesto
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Modesto wages and prices. They overlap on purpose: a good standard job and a modest premium job can cost the same. The grid below prices the same bands at 4 common sizes.
Basic
$14,000 to $19,600
Entry-level composite boards, low deck, simple shape
Standard
$18,200 to $23,800
Mid-grade capped boards with railing and stairs
Premium
$22,400 to $28,000
Premium capped or PVC boards, multi-level, hidden fasteners
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x12 (120 sq ft) | $5,600 – $7,900 | $7,300 – $9,600 | $9,000 – $11,300 |
| 12x12 (144 sq ft) | $6,750 – $9,450 | $8,750 – $11,500 | $10,800 – $13,500 |
| 16x20 (320 sq ft) | $14,900 – $20,900 | $19,400 – $25,400 | $23,900 – $29,800 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $18,600 – $26,100 | $24,200 – $31,700 | $29,800 – $37,300 |
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 $18,200 to $23,800 for Modesto, CA is attached.
Detailed composite deck report for Modesto, CA, $9
Multi-page report for Modesto, CA: 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 Modesto: your questions
+How much does it cost to build a composite deck in Modesto?
For 300 sq ft, expect $14,000 to $28,000 in the Modesto area. A standard-spec job lands at $18,200 to $23,800. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for composite deck in Modesto?
About $46.50 to $93 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $50 to $160 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $40 to $80.
+Is composite deck cheaper in Modesto or Stockton?
Stockton is 30 miles away. The midpoint for 300 sq ft there is $20,200, which is 4% less than Modesto ($21,000). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Modesto?
About 63% at the midpoint, or $13,300 out of $21,000. Materials are 36% and permits 0%. Nationally, labor is 60%.
+What would 16x20 (320 sq ft) cost in Modesto?
$14,900 to $29,800. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does composite deck need a permit in Modesto?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $50 to $160 for fees in the Modesto area (our national range of $50 to $150 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Modesto expensive for composite deck compared with the rest of California?
Modesto is 2% below the California statewide estimate ($21,300 at the midpoint). We cover 23 metros in California; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Modesto?
The BLS median is $35.45 an hour in the Modesto area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $28.52 to $40.15.
+What do basic and premium composite deck work cost in Modesto?
For 300 sq ft, basic work runs $14,000 to $19,600 and premium work $22,400 to $28,000. 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 Modesto?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are September through May. September 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 Modesto?
$2,050 to $6,150 for 300 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Composite deck near Modesto
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