The cost of building a deck varies based on factors such as size, materials, and design. On average, you can expect to spend between $120 and $200 per square foot for a basic deck installation with labor and materials included. However, complex designs or high-end materials can increase the cost. Other costs include fees paid to designers and architects where drawn plans are needed, costs to pull permits based on your locality, and possibly overhead costs such as for a demolition dumpster or porta-potties for workers.