Deck Building Questions, Answered
The questions we actually get asked at estimates, answered straight. If yours is not here, call (630) 523-8543 and ask.
Cost and budget
How much does a deck cost in the northwest suburbs?
Most decks we build land between $8,000 and $40,000 installed. Material drives most of it, then size, then height off the ground. A ground-level pressure-treated deck sits at the low end and a large elevated composite deck with stairs and aluminum railings sits at the high end. That is a typical range and not a quote. Our 2026 deck cost guide breaks it down by material and size.
What makes one deck cost more than another?
Height, stairs and railings, in that order. A deck four feet off the ground needs bigger footings, a code-compliant railing and a real stair run, and each of those adds material and labor. Two decks of identical square footage can differ by thousands for that reason alone.
Is composite worth the extra money?
It depends how long you plan to stay. Composite costs more up front and almost nothing after. Wood costs less to build and asks for a re-coat every few years. Over ten to fifteen years the totals converge. If the up-front number is the constraint, wood built properly is the better buy.
Do you offer financing?
No. We do not offer or broker financing of any kind. What we can do is scope the deck to your budget, including building in phases or in a less expensive material so the number works.
Permits and code
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
Yes. Every village in DuPage County and northwest Cook requires a permit for a new deck, and most require one for a full replacement. We pull it and handle the submittal and inspections as part of the job. See our deck permit guide for how each town handles it.
What happens if a deck was built without a permit?
It usually surfaces when you sell. An unpermitted deck can stall a closing, and the buyer may require it be brought up to code or removed. If you inherited one, we can look at it and tell you what it would take to get it inspected and legal.
How deep do deck footings need to be in Illinois?
Below the frost line, and the exact depth is set by your village rather than by preference. Schaumburg, for example, requires 42 inches. Illinois freeze and thaw cycles will lift a shallow post and pull a deck away from the house, which is why this is the one number nobody should cut.
How tall do deck railings have to be?
Residential deck guards are generally required at 36 inches minimum, with baluster gaps small enough that a 4 inch sphere cannot pass through. Villages can be stricter, and stair railings have their own rules. Decks built twenty years ago routinely miss current requirements.
Timeline and scheduling
How long does it take to build a deck?
Two to four weeks of build time for most decks once the permit is issued. Multi-level and elevated builds run longer. The permit itself is usually the longest single wait and it depends entirely on your village.
When should I book a deck for next season?
Earlier than most people think. Spring fills fast around here, so March through May is often spoken for by late winter. January and February are the quiet months and the easiest time to lock a spot.
Can you build a deck in winter in Chicago?
Sometimes, and it depends on the ground. Once the ground is frozen hard, digging footings becomes difficult and expensive. Late fall builds are common. Deep-winter builds are the exception, not the rule, and we will tell you honestly if the timing does not work.
How soon can you come out for an estimate?
Usually quickly, because we are local. We are based in Roselle and most of our work is a short drive from it. Call (630) 523-8543 and we will find a time.
Materials and maintenance
Composite or wood, which should I choose?
Composite if you want to stop maintaining your deck and you can carry the up-front cost. Wood if the budget is the constraint or you want real grain. We build both and we will give you real numbers for each. Full comparison in our composite vs wood guide.
Is composite decking maintenance free?
No. Composite is low maintenance, not maintenance free. You still wash it and clear leaves and standing debris. What you do not do is sand, stain or seal it, and that is the difference people are actually paying for.
How long does a composite deck last?
Manufacturers warranty most capped composite for 25 to 50 years against fading, staining and structural failure. Real-world life depends heavily on the frame underneath, which is why we build the structure in pressure-treated lumber to the manufacturer specified joist spacing.
How often does a cedar deck need re-coating?
Every two to four years in this climate, depending on sun and traffic. A deck in full afternoon sun needs it sooner. Left alone, cedar does not rot, it weathers to a silver grey, which some homeowners prefer.
Does a deck add value to a home?
A well-built deck is consistently one of the better-returning outdoor projects, and it also widens the pool of buyers who can picture themselves using the yard. An unpermitted or failing deck does the opposite and can cost you at closing.
Working with us
Do you subcontract the work?
No. We keep our own crew. The people who quote your deck are the people who build it, which is the whole reason we can stand behind the work.
Do I need a whole new deck, or just new boards?
It depends on the frame, not the boards. Push a screwdriver into a post at ground level. Firm wood is a good sign and you are likely a re-decking candidate, which costs far less. If it sinks in, or the deck moves when you walk it, you need replacement. We inspect underneath free.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, on every job. Illinois does not issue a state-level deck builder license, so there is no state number to quote. Village registration and proof of insurance are what actually matter, and we carry and provide both.
What area do you serve?
We are based in Roselle and build across DuPage County and the northwest suburbs. We have dedicated pages for 19 towns and we work beyond them. Not sure if we reach you? Call (630) 523-8543 and we will tell you straight.
Before and after
A few of the decks behind the answers above.
Streamwood, IL. An old, low wood deck replaced with a bright white composite deck and black aluminum railings.
Hanover Park, IL. A dated red wood deck rebuilt in warm composite with white posts and black railings.
Want the long version?
We wrote these so you can price and compare before you talk to anyone, including us.
Still have a question?
Ask it at your free estimate. We will walk the yard, look underneath, and give you a written price with no pressure.