Wood deck cost in Bismarck, ND
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (300 sq ft)
- $7,150 – $14,300
- Per sq ft
- $23.50 – $47.50
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −5%
- US $11,400
- Rank of 300 metros
- #161
- 1 = most expensive
A wood deck in Bismarck, ND usually costs $7,150 to $14,300 for 300 sq ft. That works out to about $23.50 to $47.50 per sq ft before permits. Compared with the national midpoint that is $610 less. Carpenters earn a median of $26.28 an hour in the Bismarck area, 10% below the US median of $29.12.
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Estimated cost for 300 sq ft in Bismarck, ND, standard level
$9,300 to $12,200
About $31 to $40 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 43% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $5,250 | $6,850 |
| Labor | $4,000 | $5,250 |
| Permits and fees | $75 | $110 |
| Total | $9,300 | $12,200 |
Cost breakdown for 300 sq ft in Bismarck, ND
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $4,000 | $6,050 | $8,050 | 56% |
| Labor | $3,100 | $4,600 | $6,150 | 43% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $90 | $140 | 1% |
| Total | $7,150 | $10,700 | $14,300 | 100% |
Where the Bismarck price comes from
The wage side of the estimate leans on carpenters, who do 80% of the hours on a typical job. Their local median is $26.28 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for Bismarck is 0.93 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 43% of the total.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Bismarck is at 95.7 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $6,300 nationally becomes $6,050 here (midpoint, 300 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 91.0: $45 to $140.
What local crews earn in Bismarck
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 Bismarck the blend is 0.93.
Carpenters (47-2031), 80% of the weighting: a median of $26.28 an hour, 10% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $22.75 and $30.71 an hour. About 510 work in the metro. That is 71.6 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 $23.93 an hour, which is 6% above the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $21.87 and $29.41 an hour. BLS counts 620 of them working in the area, 87.0 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 $600 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $480. That is a swing of roughly 4.5% to 5.6% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Bismarck has 71,270 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 258th 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% | $22.75 | $26.28 | $30.71 | $29.12 | 0.90 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 20% | $21.87 | $23.93 | $29.41 | $22.66 | 1.06 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.93 | |||||
Bismarck: what basic, standard and premium work costs
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Bismarck. 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
$7,150 to $10,000
Pressure-treated pine, low to the ground, simple rectangle
Standard
$9,300 to $12,200
Cedar or upgraded pine, stairs and a railing
Premium
$11,500 to $14,300
Hardwood decking, multi-level, built-in features
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x12 (120 sq ft) | $2,900 – $4,050 | $3,750 – $4,950 | $4,650 – $5,800 |
| 12x12 (144 sq ft) | $3,450 – $4,850 | $4,500 – $5,900 | $5,550 – $6,950 |
| 16x20 (320 sq ft) | $7,600 – $10,700 | $9,900 – $13,000 | $12,200 – $15,300 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $9,500 – $13,300 | $12,400 – $16,200 | $15,200 – $19,100 |
Add-ons priced for Bismarck
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 0.95 for Bismarck, which is the average of the area's wage index (0.93) and goods price index (0.96). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add stairs (flat) | $1,300 – $2,450 |
Bismarck 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, Bismarck (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 Bismarck are April through October: 7 of 12. Outside them, January, February, March, November and December have an average daytime high under 45°F.
In January, February, March, November and December 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.
Bismarck gets about 19 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 51 inches of snow. The wettest months are May, June and July (3.4 inches in June). Inside the workable window, April and October are the driest, at 1.3 and 1.4 inches. The station averages about 21 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 | 23 | 2 | 0.5 | Cold |
| Feb | 28 | 7 | 0.5 | Cold |
| Mar | 41 | 19 | 0.8 | Cold |
| Apr | 56 | 30 | 1.3 | Workable |
| May | 68 | 42 | 2.5 | Workable |
| Jun | 78 | 53 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Jul | 85 | 58 | 3.1 | Workable |
| Aug | 84 | 56 | 2.5 | Workable |
| Sep | 73 | 46 | 1.7 | Workable |
| Oct | 57 | 33 | 1.4 | Workable |
| Nov | 41 | 19 | 0.7 | Cold |
| Dec | 28 | 8 | 0.6 | Cold |
Why two Bismarck quotes can differ
Railing
A wood or vinyl railing adds $20-$60 per linear foot.
Replacement versus new
Deck replacement costs $30-$55 per sq ft because of demolition and haul-away.
Permit
Deck permits average $50-$150. Many cities skip the permit for small, low, freestanding decks.
Related projects, priced for Bismarck
Jobs that often go together with wood deck are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Bismarck wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, paver patio comes out highest (+7%) and composite deck lowest (−6%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite deck | 300 sq ft | $11,400 – $22,800 | −6% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,200 – $3,950 | −2% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,200 – $5,850 | +7% |
| Detached garage | 576 sq ft | $27,700 – $55,600 | −4% |
Bismarck against nearby metros and the rest of North Dakota
Contractors rarely work more than an hour or two from home, so the neighboring metros set a rough ceiling and floor for your quotes. Midpoints for 300 sq ft range from $10,200 to $11,300 across Bismarck and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, NDthis page | $7,150 – $14,300 | $10,700 | |
| Fargo, ND190 miles | $7,300 – $14,700 | $11,000 | +2% |
| Rapid City, SD210 miles | $6,800 – $13,700 | $10,200 | −5% |
| Sioux Falls, SD305 miles | $6,850 – $13,800 | $10,300 | −4% |
| St. Cloud, MN325 miles | $7,500 – $15,100 | $11,300 | +5% |
| Sioux City, IA380 miles | $6,900 – $13,800 | $10,400 | −3% |
| North Dakota (statewide) | $7,250 – $14,600 | $10,900 | +2% |
| United States | $7,550 – $15,200 | $11,400 | +6% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Bismarck ranks #161 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Bismarck is 2% below the North Dakota figure.
Elsewhere in North Dakota
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo, ND | 148,660 jobs | $7,300 – $14,700 | $11,000 | +2% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Bismarck against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redding, CA | 71,550 jobs | $8,400 – $16,800 | $12,600 | +17% |
| Lexington Park, MD | 70,650 jobs | $7,600 – $15,300 | $11,400 | +7% |
| Bozeman, MT | 72,210 jobs | $7,600 – $15,200 | $11,400 | +6% |
| Janesville, WI | 69,870 jobs | $8,050 – $16,100 | $12,100 | +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 $9,300 to $12,200 for Bismarck, ND is attached.
A detailed PDF report of this estimate, $9
Multi-page report for Bismarck, ND: 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 Bismarck: your questions
+How much does it cost to build a wood deck in Bismarck?
For 300 sq ft, expect $7,150 to $14,300 in the Bismarck area. A standard-spec job lands at $9,300 to $12,200. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for wood deck in Bismarck?
About $23.50 to $47.50 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $45 to $140 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $25 to $50.
+Is wood deck cheaper in Bismarck or Fargo?
Fargo is 190 miles away. The midpoint for 300 sq ft there is $11,000, which is 2% more than Bismarck ($10,700). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Bismarck?
About 43% at the midpoint, or $4,600 out of $10,700. Materials are 56% and permits 1%. Nationally, labor is 44%.
+What would 16x20 (320 sq ft) cost in Bismarck?
$7,600 to $15,300. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does wood deck need a permit in Bismarck?
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 Bismarck area (our national range of $50 to $150 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Bismarck expensive for wood deck compared with the rest of North Dakota?
Bismarck is 2% below the North Dakota statewide estimate ($10,900 at the midpoint). We cover 2 metros in North Dakota; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Bismarck?
The BLS median is $26.28 an hour in the Bismarck area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $22.75 to $30.71.
+What do basic and premium wood deck work cost in Bismarck?
For 300 sq ft, basic work runs $7,150 to $10,000 and premium work $11,500 to $14,300. 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 Bismarck?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are April through October. 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 stairs" add in Bismarck?
$1,300 to $2,450, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Wood deck near Bismarck
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