How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck in Chicago? [2025 Data]

For many Chicagoans, nothing is better than stepping onto your deck to catch a Lake Michigan breeze. On average, building a deck in Chicago costs $7,135, with most projects falling between $4,061 and $10,228. Costs swing depending on whether it’s a simple Jefferson Park porch, a Bucktown rooftop hangout, or a composite build tough enough to outlast snow, slush, and the Windy City’s freeze-thaw grind.

Deck Building Cost Factors

In Chicago, the out-of-pocket cost for a new deck is far from one-size-fits-all. Your final price hinges on the deck’s size, the materials you choose, and the overall design.

For example, a modest pressure-treated wood deck behind a classic bungalow will be more affordable than a rooftop retreat built with composite decking, which costs more up front but offers greater durability and lower maintenance. Chicago’s hot summers and icy winters make weather-resistant materials the best investment, helping your deck last longer and perform better year after year.

Size

Most new decks cost $26 to $52 per square foot. The higher end of that range represents deck projects built on second stories, building a deck with high-end wood, or customized designs. See the table below for general estimates based on the size of your deck:

Material

Your chosen deck material will make up a large portion of your total budget, ranging from $1.75 to $39 per square foot. Less-expensive materials can be tempting, but they may result in extra expenses for maintenance and repair, which you’ll need to hire a local deck contractor to handle. 

Here’s a breakdown of the materials and their costs:

• Pressure-treated wood costs $1.70 to $4.30 per square foot 

• Composite deck materials cost $10 to $19 per square foot 

• Ipe wood decking costs $9 to $17 per square foot 

• Tigerwood costs about $6 to $13 per square foot

• Mahogany costs $7 to $10 per square foot 

• Redwood decking costs $4 to $30 per square foot

• Bamboo decking costs $2.60 to $9 per square foot

• Cedar decking costs $2.60 to $6 per square foot 

• Metal or aluminum decking costs $13 to $17 per square foot

Deck Type

Simply put, the more complex your deck build is, the more it will cost. Types of decks like wraparound, multi-tier, and rooftop decks require greater accessibility, additional prep work, and often more materials.

For example, if you want to build a floating deck, it will likely cost about $17 to $52 per square foot. These decks don’t actually float—they’re just not attached to your home. Because of this, they’ll need a few more support posts to keep them structurally sound.

Deck Height

The type of deck you build will likely go hand in hand with where it’s installed. A second-story deck (which some contractors might deem a balcony) costs more to build because it’s harder to install. The most common place to install a deck, which is also likely the most cost-effective, is on the first floor attached to the backside of your home.

Here’s one example of how the cost average might differ:

• 10x10 first-story deck: $864–$1,728

• 10x10 second-story deck: $3,456–$4,320

Framing

Framing a deck, which ensures the unit's joints are structurally safe and sound, costs $8 to $10 per square foot for labor. The lumber or materials needed to frame your deck account for about one-third of the lumber you’ll need.

Flooring

Some homeowners choose to install flooring over a wood deck. Composite is a good material option, while more elegant choices like porcelain or ceramic could add thousands (or tens of thousands, depending on the deck’s size) to your price tag. The average cost ranges from $17 to $39 per square foot depending on the material. 

Add-Ons

Here are some other costs you might incur if you upgrade from a simple deck build:

• Staircase cost: $21.60–$43.20 per stair

• Electricity cost: $112–$259 per outdoor outlet

• Outdoor lighting fixtures cost: $43–$432

• Heaters cost: $86–$259

• Outdoor misting system cost: $1,814–$2,937

• Sofa, chairs, and table cost: $432+

• Outdoor fireplace cost: $1,296–$6,912

• Retractable deck awning cost: $518–$3,024

Deck Pro Costs

Bringing in pros to build your deck in Chicago means factoring in more than just boards and nails, but it’s well worth the cost for a safe and stable build. When looking for a contractor who builds decks, you must plan for a few extra line items when crunching the numbers.

Local Labor Rates

Since the cost of living in Chicago runs 16% higher than the national average, it’s no surprise that professional deck builders charge a premium here. Licensed contractors and carpenters in the city set higher rates than crews in the suburbs, reflecting both demand and Chicago’s higher day-to-day expenses. If you dream of a rooftop retreat with skyline views or a deck design that goes beyond the basics, expect those labor costs to climb even higher.

Permits and Inspections

Nearly every deck project needs a permit. If drawings are involved, costs​​ start at approximately $300, but depending on your design's square footage and ambition, fees can range from $500 to $5,000.

Remember, the city crunches the numbers based on size and scope, so bigger or more detailed decks mean bigger bills. And don’t forget inspections are baked into the process, which can add time and a little extra expense before you get the go-ahead to break out the grill.

Insurance and Liability

Professional contractors in Chicago are required to carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation. This coverage protects the crew and the homeowner, but it also increases the overall project cost, since contractors factor these expenses into their estimates.

Sales Tax on Materials

It might be surprising to know that Chicago has one of the highest sales tax rates in the country at 10.25%. Contractors are responsible for paying sales tax on all materials they purchase, including wood, concrete, and hardware. However, they’ll roll these costs into the overall project price, so they won’t appear as a separate sales tax line item on the bill.

Licensing and Certification

Local professionals who build decks in the city must be licensed for the area and, in many cases, bonded. Both ensure contractors are meeting local codes and safety standards.

Tipping

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Chicago, but many homeowners still slip a little extra cash to the crew upon completing the job. For example, if your builders spent long days in the sun hauling materials up to a rooftop, a thank-you in the form of $20 to $50 per crew member goes a long way. It’s a gesture that shows immense appreciation.

Does Building a Deck Increase Home Value?

The good news is that the national return on investment for a brand-new deck is around 83%. Chicago homeowners may see a similar payoff, especially for a deck built with the city’s climate in mind. Buyers love spaces that feel safe and sturdy for kids and pets, but also functional enough for everything from grilling brats to hosting Cubs watch parties. 

Features like wider stairs or ramps check the box for universal design, while low-maintenance materials and energy-smart lighting help the deck survive lake-effect snow and steamy summers. Top it off with an aesthetic that matches Chicago’s iconic bungalows, sleek townhomes, or historic homes, and you’ve got a project that adds real value along with serious bragging rights.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.