DeckMath
Vermont · 20×18 (360 sqft) · 2026-Q1 retail

20×18 Deck Cost in Vermont

A 20×18 (360 sqft) deck in Vermont costs $21,960-$35,280 in mid-tier composite with the state's 1.22× labor multiplier (Northeast). An 18×20 deck (360 sqft) is upper-mid — generous for entertaining without fully committing to wraparound complexity. Vermont's frost depth ties for deepest in the US. Footings dominate the budget. Labor 1.22× national.

360 sqft1.22× laborFrost 60snow climate76 lf perimeter
Area
360 sqft
20×18
PT pine (budget)
$11,160-17,640
$31-49/sqft installed
Mid composite
$21,960-35,280
$61-98/sqft installed
Luxury PVC
$33,120-48,240
$92-134/sqft installed

5 finish tiers — 20×18 in Vermont

National $/sqft × Vermont's 1.22× labor multiplier × 360 sqft = total installed cost. Materials + labor + standard railing included.

Tier
$/sqft
Total low
Total high
Budget · Pressure-treated
PT pine
$31-$49
$11,160
$17,640
Mid · Cedar / premium PT
Cedar
$43-$67
$15,480
$24,120
Premium · Mid composite
Trex Transcend, Fiberon Sanctuary
$61-$98
$21,960
$35,280
Luxury · Premium composite
TimberTech AZEK, Trex Signature
$92-$134
$33,120
$48,240
Exotic · Tropical hardwood
IPE, Cumaru
$110-$171
$39,600
$61,560

Excludes permit ($240-$592 typical in Vermont), demolition (if replacing), and exceptional framing for 60″ frost depth. VT permits $200-340. Frost depth 60″ in northern VT.

20×18 framing notes for Vermont

Joist size
2×10 @ 16″ OC
Span 20 ft requires 2×10 SYP or PT pine for IRC R507.6 compliance. Check Joist Span Calculator for exact spans by species + spacing.
Beam configuration
2-3 beams
A 20×18 deck typically needs 2-3 beams depending on whether you can drop joists onto the beam (1) or hang them flush (2+).
Post count
6 posts
6×6 PT posts at 6-post layout typical. Footings extend below 60″ frost line.
Footings
6 × 60″ deep
Sonotube 10-12″ diameter at 60″ depth per IRC R403.1.4. Concrete budget: ~$329.
Decking
594 lf
360 sqft × 1.65 lf/sqft = 594 lf of deck boards at 16″ joist OC. Add 5-7% waste for cuts.
Railing
76 lf perimeter
76 lf of railing (~$36/lf mid composite, ~$22/lf wood). Stairs need 2 extra handrails (1 each side).

Vermont considerations

Labor multiplier
1.22×
Northeast region labor pricing on all installed costs.
Frost depth
60″
Footings extend below frost line per IRC R403.1.4. Deep frost — sonotube + concrete dominates foundation budget.
Climate
snow
Freeze-thaw cycles favor PVC over composite where budget allows.
Top metros
Burlington · Montpelier
Major metros drive installer availability + pricing pressure.
Permit fee
$240-$592
VT permits $200-340. Frost depth 60″ in northern VT.
Region
Northeast
Northeast regional pricing applied. Multiply national $/sqft by 1.22× for Vermont installed cost.

Get a precise quote for your 20×18 deck in Vermont

Open the Deck Cost Calculator with VT pre-selected and dial in your exact size, framing, material, and railing choices.

FAQ — 20×18 deck in Vermont

How much does a 20×18 deck cost in Vermont?

In Vermont, a 20×18 (360 sqft) deck costs $11,160-$17,640 in pressure-treated, $21,960-$35,280 in mid-range composite (Trex Transcend / Fiberon Sanctuary), and $33,120-$48,240 in luxury composite/PVC (TimberTech AZEK / Trex Signature). Numbers reflect Vermont's 1.22× labor multiplier on 2026-Q1 retail.

What's the cheapest way to build a 20×18 deck in Vermont?

Cheapest = ground-level pressure-treated pine with no railings (where exempt under 30″ height) — ~$8,784-$13,176 in Vermont. Add stairs + railings + above-grade framing and the build goes to ~$12,298-$17,568. DIY saves 30-50% on labor but requires permit + inspection coordination yourself.

How long does it take to build a 20×18 deck in Vermont?

Permit timeline in Vermont: 2-6 weeks depending on jurisdiction. Construction time for a 20×18: pro crew = 5-8 days for framing + boards + railings + stairs. DIY = 3-5 weekends for experienced DIYer. Allow extra time for permit approval + inspections.

What framing do I need for a 20×18 deck in Vermont?

IRC R507-compliant framing for a 20×18 deck typically uses 2×8 joists at 16″ OC for spans up to 12 ft, 2×10 joists for spans 12-16 ft. Vermont's frost depth is 60″ — footings must extend below that per IRC R403.1.4. Deep frost requires more concrete per footing — budget extra for sonotubes + concrete. Verify with your local building department.

Is composite worth it for a 20×18 deck in Vermont?

Over 25 years in Vermont: PT pine = ~$13,176 install + ~$27,450 maintenance (stain every 2-3 yr) = $40,626 total. Mid composite = ~$25,474 install + $0 maintenance = $25,474 total. Composite wins by 59-81% over 25-yr lifecycle PLUS better resale value in Vermont's market.

Compare Vermont brand pricing for a 20×18

Same 20×18 in other states