Wood Deck costs $27.34 to $54.68 per sq ft in Los Angeles in 2026. For a 400 sq ft project, expect $10,936 – $21,872 installed, typically near $16,404. That is essentially in line with the California average.
Los Angeles wood deck calculator
Planning estimate. Wage index applies to the labor share only; materials held at national prices. Get three written quotes.
How Los Angeles compares with the rest of California
Construction wages in Los Angeles average $37.07 per hour against $37.64 statewide, so pricing tracks the California norm closely.
Labor is about 52% of the installed cost on this type of work, and it is the part that actually moves between markets. Materials are priced by national manufacturers and barely shift, which is why the gap between metros is narrower than wage differences alone suggest.
Wood Deck cost by project size in Los Angeles
| Project size | Los Angeles range | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | $2,734 – $5,468 | $4,101 |
| 200 sq ft | $5,468 – $10,936 | $8,202 |
| 300 sq ft | $8,202 – $16,404 | $12,303 |
| 400 sq ft | $10,936 – $21,872 | $16,404 |
| 600 sq ft | $16,404 – $32,808 | $24,606 |
| 800 sq ft | $21,872 – $43,745 | $32,808 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $27,340 – $54,681 | $41,011 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $41,011 – $82,021 | $61,516 |
Where the money goes
For a 400 sq ft project in Los Angeles at roughly $16,404, a typical bill splits like this:
| Line item | Share | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Labor | 52% | $8,530 |
| Materials | 34% | $5,577 |
| Site prep & equipment | 8% | $1,312 |
| Overhead, disposal & finishing | 6% | $984 |
Los Angeles compared with other California markets
| Area | Cost per sq ft | vs Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $30.07 – $60.13 | +10% |
| Riverside | $26.34 – $52.69 | −4% |
| San Diego | $27.12 – $54.24 | −1% |
| Sacramento | $27.08 – $54.15 | −1% |
| California average | $27.57 – $55.15 | +1% |
Ground conditions and code in Los Angeles
Permits in Los Angeles
A residential permit for this work typically runs around $900 in California. Permit cost is rarely included in a contractor quote, so budget it separately and confirm scope with the Los Angeles building department before work begins.
Hiring in Los Angeles
Get three written, itemised quotes from licensed and insured contractors, each specifying the same scope and grade of material. Ask for local references and check the licence is current in California.
Frequently asked questions
How much does wood deck cost in Los Angeles?
In 2026, wood deck costs $27.34 to $54.68 per sq ft in Los Angeles. For a 400 sq ft project, the installed total typically lands between $10,936 and $21,872.
Is Los Angeles more expensive than the rest of California?
Not meaningfully. Los Angeles prices track the California average closely.
Do I need a permit in Los Angeles?
Most work of this type and value requires a permit. Budget around $900 in California and allow extra time for review in metro jurisdictions.
How do I compare quotes in Los Angeles?
Get three written, itemised quotes covering identical scope and materials. A bid far below the others usually signals a reduced specification rather than better value.
Nearby markets
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