Composite deck cost in Lexington, KY
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (300 sq ft)
- $11,000 – $22,100
- Per sq ft
- $36.50 – $73
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −8%
- US $18,100
- Rank of 300 metros
- #170
- 1 = most expensive
A composite deck in Lexington, KY usually costs $11,000 to $22,100 for 300 sq ft. That works out to about $36.50 to $73 per sq ft before permits. Compared with the national midpoint that is $1,550 less. Carpenters earn a median of $25.01 an hour in the Lexington area, 14% below the US median of $29.12.
Estimate your composite deck cost
Pick a size, a quality level and where you live. Prices update as you type.
Estimated cost for 300 sq ft in Lexington, KY, standard level
$14,400 to $18,800
About $47.50 to $62 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 58% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $6,000 | $7,850 |
| Labor | $8,250 | $10,800 |
| Permits and fees | $75 | $110 |
| Total | $14,400 | $18,800 |
Cost breakdown for 300 sq ft in Lexington, KY
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $4,600 | $6,950 | $9,250 | 42% |
| Labor | $6,350 | $9,550 | $12,700 | 58% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $95 | $140 | 1% |
| Total | $11,000 | $16,600 | $22,100 | 100% |
Where the Lexington price comes from
Labor is 58% 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 Lexington the blended ratio comes out at 0.88.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Lexington is at 96.2 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $7,200 nationally becomes $6,950 here (midpoint, 300 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 92.9: $45 to $140.
What local crews earn in Lexington
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 Lexington the blend is 0.88.
Carpenters (47-2031), 80% of the weighting: a median of $25.01 an hour, 14% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $22.63 and $29.61 an hour. About 1,200 work in the metro. That is 41.8 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 43.1 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 20%) the local median is $22.26 an hour, which is in line with the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $18.37 and $24.40 an hour. BLS counts 1,810 of them working in the area, 63.1 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is about average.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (carpenters) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $1,350 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $710. That is a swing of roughly 4.3% to 8.2% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Lexington-Fayette has 286,910 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 90th 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% | $22.63 | $25.01 | $29.61 | $29.12 | 0.86 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 20% | $18.37 | $22.26 | $24.40 | $22.66 | 0.98 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.88 | |||||
Pick a size, pick a tier: composite deck pricing in Lexington
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Lexington. 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
$11,000 to $15,500
Entry-level composite boards, low deck, simple shape
Standard
$14,400 to $18,800
Mid-grade capped boards with railing and stairs
Premium
$17,700 to $22,100
Premium capped or PVC boards, multi-level, hidden fasteners
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x12 (120 sq ft) | $4,450 – $6,250 | $5,800 – $7,600 | $7,150 – $8,900 |
| 12x12 (144 sq ft) | $5,300 – $7,450 | $6,950 – $9,050 | $8,550 – $10,700 |
| 16x20 (320 sq ft) | $11,800 – $16,500 | $15,300 – $20,000 | $18,800 – $23,600 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $14,700 – $20,600 | $19,100 – $25,000 | $23,500 – $29,400 |
Lexington weather and the composite deck calendar
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Lexington Bluegrass 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 Lexington are February through December: 11 of 12. Outside them, January has an average daytime high under 45°F.
In January the average high stays below 45°F. Sealants, adhesives and some materials, such as vinyl, are harder to install well in the cold, and short daylight cuts the working day.
Lexington gets about 50 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 15 inches of snow. The wettest months are May, June and July (5.4 inches in May). Inside the workable window, September and November are the driest, at 3.4 and 3.4 inches. The station averages about 25 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 | 42 | 25 | 3.4 | Cold |
| Feb | 47 | 28 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Mar | 56 | 36 | 4.5 | Workable |
| Apr | 67 | 45 | 4.4 | Workable |
| May | 76 | 55 | 5.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 84 | 63 | 5.0 | Workable |
| Jul | 87 | 67 | 5.1 | Workable |
| Aug | 86 | 65 | 3.7 | Workable |
| Sep | 80 | 58 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Oct | 69 | 47 | 3.7 | Workable |
| Nov | 56 | 36 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Dec | 46 | 30 | 4.2 | Workable |
Why two Lexington quotes can differ
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.
Engineering
Large or complex decks may need a structural engineer at $100-$220 an hour to get a permit.
Planning more than one job in Lexington?
Jobs that often go together with composite deck are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Lexington wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, paver patio comes out highest (−4%) and wood deck lowest (−7%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $7,000 – $14,100 | −7% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,200 – $3,750 | −6% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $2,900 – $5,250 | −4% |
| Gutters | 160 linear ft | $1,200 – $4,000 | −5% |
Extras that change the Lexington total
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 0.92 for Lexington, which is the average of the area's wage index (0.88) and goods price index (0.96). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add a deck railing (approx. 0.3 ft per sq ft) | $1,650 – $5,000 |
Is Lexington cheap or dear? The local comparison
Same job, same size (300 sq ft), priced for the nearest metros. Cincinnati is the priciest of the group at $17,900. Bowling Green is the cheapest at $16,500.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington, KYthis page | $11,000 – $22,100 | $16,600 | |
| Cincinnati, OH65 miles | $11,900 – $23,900 | $17,900 | +8% |
| Louisville, KY70 miles | $11,500 – $23,000 | $17,300 | +4% |
| Huntington, WV100 miles | $11,000 – $22,000 | $16,500 | level |
| Dayton, OH120 miles | $11,700 – $23,500 | $17,600 | +6% |
| Bowling Green, KY130 miles | $11,000 – $22,000 | $16,500 | −1% |
| Kentucky (statewide) | $11,100 – $22,200 | $16,600 | level |
| United States | $12,100 – $24,200 | $18,100 | +9% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Lexington ranks #170 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Lexington is 0% below the Kentucky figure.
Elsewhere in Kentucky
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville, KY | 685,190 jobs | $11,500 – $23,000 | $17,300 | +4% |
| Bowling Green, KY | 82,160 jobs | $11,000 – $22,000 | $16,500 | −1% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Lexington against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland, ME | 288,480 jobs | $12,300 – $24,700 | $18,500 | +12% |
| New Haven, CT | 281,410 jobs | $12,800 – $25,700 | $19,300 | +16% |
| Stockton, CA | 289,660 jobs | $13,400 – $26,900 | $20,200 | +22% |
| Reno, NV | 275,680 jobs | $12,200 – $24,400 | $18,300 | +10% |
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 $14,400 to $18,800 for Lexington, KY is attached.
Detailed composite deck report for Lexington, KY, $9
Multi-page report for Lexington, KY: 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 Lexington: your questions
+How much does it cost to build a composite deck in Lexington?
For 300 sq ft, expect $11,000 to $22,100 in the Lexington area. A standard-spec job lands at $14,400 to $18,800. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for composite deck in Lexington?
About $36.50 to $73 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $45 to $140 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $40 to $80.
+Is composite deck cheaper in Lexington or Cincinnati?
Cincinnati is 65 miles away. The midpoint for 300 sq ft there is $17,900, which is 8% more than Lexington ($16,600). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Lexington?
About 58% at the midpoint, or $9,550 out of $16,600. Materials are 42% and permits 1%. Nationally, labor is 60%.
+What would 16x20 (320 sq ft) cost in Lexington?
$11,800 to $23,600. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does composite deck need a permit in Lexington?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $45 to $140 for fees in the Lexington area (our national range of $50 to $150 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Lexington expensive for composite deck compared with the rest of Kentucky?
Lexington is 0% below the Kentucky statewide estimate ($16,600 at the midpoint). We cover 3 metros in Kentucky; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Lexington?
The BLS median is $25.01 an hour in the Lexington area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $22.63 to $29.61.
+What do basic and premium composite deck work cost in Lexington?
For 300 sq ft, basic work runs $11,000 to $15,500 and premium work $17,700 to $22,100. 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 Lexington?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are February through December. September and November 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 Lexington?
$1,650 to $5,000 for 300 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Composite deck near Lexington
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