The material you choose for your deck is a big factor in determining the total cost. Affordable materials like pressure-treated wood will cost much less than some more expensive materials like aluminum or composite. If your new deck needs to support the extra weight of items like a hot tub, more rigid (and costlier) foundation structures are required. Poured concrete footings will provide your deck with durable support, but they also cost more to install than decks without them. Small decks attached to your home might not need as much structural support as raised decks, which typically require additional beams and footings. Find out if any permits are required to build your deck and if the cost is included in the contractor estimate. The labor cost to build a deck varies depending on your location and how the builder charges customers for labor. Most decking builders charge by the square foot, but some may charge for labor by the hour.