Wood deck cost in Alexandria, LA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (300 sq ft)
- $6,550 – $13,100
- Per sq ft
- $21.50 – $43.50
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −13%
- US $11,400
- Rank of 300 metros
- #285
- 1 = most expensive
A wood deck in Alexandria, LA usually costs $6,550 to $13,100 for 300 sq ft. That works out to about $21.50 to $43.50 per sq ft before permits. Compared with the national midpoint that is $1,550 less. Carpenters earn a median of $22.48 an hour in the Alexandria area, 23% below the US median of $29.12.
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Estimated cost for 300 sq ft in Alexandria, LA, standard level
$8,500 to $11,100
About $28 to $37 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 39% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $5,100 | $6,700 |
| Labor | $3,300 | $4,350 |
| Permits and fees | $70 | $100 |
| Total | $8,500 | $11,100 |
Cost breakdown for 300 sq ft in Alexandria, LA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $3,950 | $5,900 | $7,850 | 60% |
| Labor | $2,550 | $3,850 | $5,100 | 39% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $85 | $130 | 1% |
| Total | $6,550 | $9,800 | $13,100 | 100% |
What is behind the Alexandria number
The wage side of the estimate leans on carpenters, who do 80% of the hours on a typical job. Their local median is $22.48 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for Alexandria is 0.77 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 39% of the total.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Alexandria is at 93.7 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $6,300 nationally becomes $5,900 here (midpoint, 300 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 85.7: $45 to $130.
Wood deck: what moves the price in Alexandria
Wood species
Pressure-treated pine is the cheapest at $25-$50 per sq ft installed. Ipe runs $50-$70 and bamboo $27-$52 (HomeGuide).
Height and stairs
A second-story deck needs more structure. New stairs run $1,400-$2,600 installed.
Railing
A wood or vinyl railing adds $20-$60 per linear foot.
What local crews earn in Alexandria
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 Alexandria the blend is 0.77.
Carpenters (47-2031), 80% of the weighting: a median of $22.48 an hour, 23% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $18.58 and $26.89 an hour. About 180 work in the metro. That is 30.0 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 43.1 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 20%) the local median is $17.76 an hour, which is 22% below the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $15.53 and $21.18 an hour. BLS counts 610 of them working in the area, 101.7 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 $600 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $530. That is a swing of roughly 5.4% to 6.1% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Alexandria has 60,000 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 288th 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% | $18.58 | $22.48 | $26.89 | $29.12 | 0.77 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 20% | $15.53 | $17.76 | $21.18 | $22.66 | 0.78 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.77 | |||||
Alexandria: what basic, standard and premium work costs
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Alexandria. 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
$6,550 to $9,150
Pressure-treated pine, low to the ground, simple rectangle
Standard
$8,500 to $11,100
Cedar or upgraded pine, stairs and a railing
Premium
$10,500 to $13,100
Hardwood decking, multi-level, built-in features
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x12 (120 sq ft) | $2,650 – $3,700 | $3,450 – $4,500 | $4,250 – $5,300 |
| 12x12 (144 sq ft) | $3,150 – $4,450 | $4,100 – $5,400 | $5,100 – $6,350 |
| 16x20 (320 sq ft) | $6,950 – $9,750 | $9,050 – $11,900 | $11,200 – $14,000 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $8,700 – $12,200 | $11,300 – $14,800 | $13,900 – $17,400 |
Optional extras in Alexandria
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 0.86 for Alexandria, which is the average of the area's wage index (0.77) and goods price index (0.94). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add stairs (flat) | $1,200 – $2,200 |
How Alexandria compares
Of the five closest metros, none is cheaper than Alexandria. Shreveport comes closest at about $9,850.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LAthis page | $6,550 – $13,100 | $9,800 | |
| Lafayette, LA95 miles | $6,600 – $13,200 | $9,900 | +1% |
| Lake Charles, LA95 miles | $6,600 – $13,300 | $9,950 | +1% |
| Monroe, LA95 miles | $6,600 – $13,200 | $9,900 | +1% |
| Baton Rouge, LA100 miles | $6,950 – $13,900 | $10,400 | +6% |
| Shreveport, LA105 miles | $6,550 – $13,200 | $9,850 | level |
| Louisiana (statewide) | $6,700 – $13,400 | $10,100 | +2% |
| United States | $7,550 – $15,200 | $11,400 | +16% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Alexandria ranks #285 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Alexandria is 2% below the Louisiana figure.
Elsewhere in Louisiana
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans, LA | 445,550 jobs | $6,700 – $13,500 | $10,100 | +3% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 409,690 jobs | $6,950 – $13,900 | $10,400 | +6% |
| Lafayette, LA | 179,570 jobs | $6,600 – $13,200 | $9,900 | +1% |
| Shreveport, LA | 162,750 jobs | $6,550 – $13,200 | $9,850 | level |
| Lake Charles, LA | 101,690 jobs | $6,600 – $13,300 | $9,950 | +1% |
| Slidell, LA | 98,240 jobs | $6,600 – $13,300 | $9,950 | +1% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Alexandria against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chambersburg, PA | 60,280 jobs | $7,050 – $14,200 | $10,600 | +8% |
| Niles, MI | 59,970 jobs | $7,000 – $14,100 | $10,500 | +7% |
| Jonesboro, AR | 60,620 jobs | $6,400 – $12,900 | $9,650 | −2% |
| Kingston, NY | 59,140 jobs | $7,600 – $15,200 | $11,400 | +16% |
Alexandria weather and the wood deck calendar
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Alexandria (5 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 Alexandria are September through June: 10 of 12. Outside them, July and August have an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
Alexandria gets about 61 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are January, November and December (6.1 inches in January). Inside the workable window, May and September are the driest, at 4.6 and 4.0 inches. The station averages about 93 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 | 59 | 39 | 6.1 | Workable |
| Feb | 63 | 42 | 5.1 | Workable |
| Mar | 70 | 49 | 5.2 | Workable |
| Apr | 76 | 55 | 5.4 | Workable |
| May | 83 | 64 | 4.6 | Workable |
| Jun | 89 | 71 | 5.3 | Workable |
| Jul | 92 | 74 | 4.5 | Hot |
| Aug | 92 | 73 | 4.3 | Hot |
| Sep | 88 | 68 | 4.0 | Workable |
| Oct | 79 | 57 | 4.9 | Workable |
| Nov | 68 | 46 | 5.5 | Workable |
| Dec | 61 | 40 | 6.0 | Workable |
What nearby projects cost in Alexandria
Jobs that often go together with wood deck are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Alexandria wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, paver patio comes out highest (−13%) and composite deck lowest (−16%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite deck | 300 sq ft | $10,100 – $20,300 | −16% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,100 – $3,450 | −13% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $2,650 – $4,750 | −13% |
| Detached garage | 576 sq ft | $25,200 – $50,500 | −13% |
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 $8,500 to $11,100 for Alexandria, LA is attached.
A detailed PDF report of this estimate, $9
Multi-page report for Alexandria, LA: 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.
Wood deck in Alexandria: your questions
+How much does it cost to build a wood deck in Alexandria?
For 300 sq ft, expect $6,550 to $13,100 in the Alexandria area. A standard-spec job lands at $8,500 to $11,100. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for wood deck in Alexandria?
About $21.50 to $43.50 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $45 to $130 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $25 to $50.
+Is wood deck cheaper in Alexandria or Lafayette?
Lafayette is 95 miles away. The midpoint for 300 sq ft there is $9,900, which is 1% more than Alexandria ($9,800). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Alexandria?
About 39% at the midpoint, or $3,850 out of $9,800. Materials are 60% and permits 1%. Nationally, labor is 44%.
+What would 16x20 (320 sq ft) cost in Alexandria?
$6,950 to $14,000. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does wood deck need a permit in Alexandria?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $45 to $130 for fees in the Alexandria area (our national range of $50 to $150 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Alexandria expensive for wood deck compared with the rest of Louisiana?
Alexandria is 2% below the Louisiana statewide estimate ($10,100 at the midpoint). We cover 9 metros in Louisiana; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Alexandria?
The BLS median is $22.48 an hour in the Alexandria area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $18.58 to $26.89.
+What do basic and premium wood deck work cost in Alexandria?
For 300 sq ft, basic work runs $6,550 to $9,150 and premium work $10,500 to $13,100. Basic means: pressure-treated pine, low to the ground, simple rectangle. Premium means: hardwood decking, multi-level, built-in features.
+When is the best time to build a wood deck in Alexandria?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are September through June. May and September 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 stairs" add in Alexandria?
$1,200 to $2,200, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Wood deck near Alexandria
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 It Cost to Build a Deck? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: 2026 Building Permit Costs | Fees & Cost Calculator (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Composite Decking Cost? (2026) (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