Deck costs in Houston
A 2026 Houston deck cost guide lists installed prices of about:[1]
- Pressure-treated pine: $25–$45 per sq ft
- Cedar: $35–$55 per sq ft
- Composite: $45–$75 per sq ft
- Railings: about $20–$60 per linear ft, depending on material
The same guide puts a 300 sq ft deck at about $7,500–$22,500 depending on material.[1]
Screened patio costs
A Houston patio builder estimates $2,000–$5,000 to screen in an existing 200 sq ft covered patio, and $11,000–$25,000 for a new 12×20 screened porch. Motorized retractable screens add about $2,000–$4,000 per unit.[2] For the roof itself, see patio covers.
These are rough planning ranges pulled from published Houston-area cost guides and contractor websites, not quotes and not HTX Backyard prices. Your price depends on size, materials, access and site conditions.
Permits in the City of Houston
- The city’s residential One-Stop guide lists decks up to 200 sq ft and up to 30 in. above grade as permit-exempt.[3] Larger or higher decks need review.
- The same guide lists covered patios and pergolas as their own project type, with structural, flood, planning and other reviews.[3] A screened enclosure under a new roof usually falls into that category. Ask your builder.
- Outside the city, your county or suburb sets the rules, and your HOA will usually want to see plans.
Houston climate notes
- Wood vs. composite. Humidity, sun and termites are hard on wood. Composite costs more up front but needs less upkeep. It can get hot in full sun, so lighter colors and shade help.[1]
- Wind. Ask how a screened enclosure’s frame is designed for Gulf storm winds.
- Drainage under the deck. Water shouldn’t pond under a low deck or flow toward the house.
Questions to ask before you sign
- What footings, how many, and how deep?
- Which decking brand and product line, and what joist spacing?
- Are railings, stairs and lighting included?
- For screens: what mesh (standard, pet or solar), and what door hardware?
- Who pulls the permit and handles HOA approval?
Frequently asked questions
How much does a deck cost in Houston?
A 2026 Houston deck cost guide lists about $25 to $45 per square foot installed for pressure-treated pine, $35 to $55 for cedar and $45 to $75 for composite, or roughly $7,500 to $22,500 for a 300 square foot deck. These are rough ranges, not quotes.
How much does it cost to screen in a patio in Houston?
A Houston patio builder estimates $2,000 to $5,000 to screen in an existing 200 square foot covered patio, and $11,000 to $25,000 for a new 12 by 20 screened porch.
Do I need a permit for a deck in Houston?
The City of Houston's residential One-Stop guide lists decks up to 200 square feet and up to 30 inches above grade as permit-exempt. Larger or higher decks need a permit. Covered patios are a separate permitted project type.
Is HTX Backyard a deck builder?
No. HTX Backyard is a free matching service. With your consent, we pass your request to one participating local builder, who pays us a fee. You contract directly with the company you choose.
Sources
- local.click: Deck Cost in Houston (2026)
- McBride Construction (Texas Patio Builder): Cost of a Screened In Patio
- Houston Permitting Center: Residential One-Stop guide (Feb 2026)
Sources checked October 2026. Rules, fees and prices change. Confirm details with the agency, HOA or builder before you commit.
How we make money: HTX Backyard is free for homeowners. Participating builders pay HTX Backyard a fee when we introduce them to a homeowner. We are a matching service, not a contractor, and we do not perform, supervise or guarantee any work.