How Much Does a Deck Cost in Belleville IL?
Real price ranges from a contractor who has built decks across Metro East since 2002. No fluff — what it actually costs, what changes the price, and how to avoid overpaying.
Deck Cost Ranges for Metro East Illinois
Here are honest price ranges we see on real jobs in Belleville, O'Fallon, Edwardsville, and surrounding Metro East communities. These are installed costs including materials, labor, hardware, and basic footings.
| Deck Type | Small (10×12) | Medium (12×16) | Large (16×20+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Wood | $6,500–$10,000 | $10,000–$18,000 | $18,000–$30,000 |
| Composite (Trex / TimberTech) | $12,000–$18,000 | $18,000–$28,000 | $28,000–$50,000+ |
| Cedar / Hardwood | $9,000–$14,000 | $14,000–$24,000 | $24,000–$40,000 |
| Demo of old deck (add-on) | $800–$2,500 depending on size and material | ||
Why do prices vary so much? Slope of your yard, height off the ground, number of stairs, posts needed, and whether footings require digging through clay (common in Metro East) all affect labor significantly. A quote without a site visit is just a guess.
Cost by Deck Size
The most common sizes we build in Metro East and their typical installed cost ranges for pressure-treated wood:
| Size | Square Footage | Est. Cost (PT Wood) | Est. Cost (Composite) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small patio deck | 120 sq ft | $6,500–$10,000 | $12,000–$18,000 |
| Standard backyard | 192 sq ft | $10,000–$18,000 | $18,000–$28,000 |
| Large entertainment | 320 sq ft | $18,000–$30,000 | $28,000–$45,000 |
| Multi-level / wrap | 400+ sq ft | $28,000–$50,000 | $45,000–$80,000+ |
A good rule of thumb: pressure-treated wood decks in Metro East run $28–$45 per square foot installed. Composite runs $50–$85 per square foot installed.
Wood vs Composite: Which Is Right for You?
Pressure-Treated Wood
- Lower upfront cost — typically 40–50% less than composite
- Requires staining/sealing every 2–3 years
- Can warp, splinter, or crack over time in Metro East's freeze/thaw cycles
- Lifespan: 15–25 years with maintenance
- Best for: budget-conscious builds, investment properties, shorter-term ownership
Composite Decking (Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon)
- Higher upfront cost — but almost zero maintenance
- Fade and stain resistant — holds up to Illinois summers and winters
- No splinters, no annual sealing required
- Lifespan: 25–30 years with minimal upkeep
- Best for: forever homes, families with kids, anyone tired of deck maintenance
Our honest take: If you're staying in your home 10+ years, composite usually wins on total cost of ownership. If you're selling in 3–5 years, pressure-treated wood gives you a better return on investment.
What Changes the Price
These are the factors that push a deck quote up or down the most on Metro East jobs:
Ground slope and height
A flat yard with a deck sitting 18 inches off the ground needs far fewer materials than a sloped lot where the deck is 6–8 feet up. More height = more posts, more concrete footings, and more labor. This is one of the biggest variables in Metro East where yards vary significantly by neighborhood.
Number of stairs and landings
Stairs are labor-intensive. A single 4-foot stair run adds $800–$2,000. A full wraparound stair with landing adds $3,000–$6,000+.
Built-in features
- Built-in benches: $400–$1,200
- Deck lighting (post caps, under-rail, step lights): $800–$3,000
- Pergola or shade structure: $3,500–$12,000
- Built-in planter boxes: $300–$800 each
Demo and haul-away of existing deck
If you have an old deck that needs to come down first, add $800–$2,500 for demo and haul-away depending on size and material.
Permit fees
Most Belleville-area municipalities charge $150–$600 for a deck permit. We include permit coordination in every project — you don't have to chase the city.
Get a Free Estimate for Your Deck
We'll look at your yard, talk through materials, and give you a written quote — no pressure, no obligation.
Permits for Decks in Belleville IL
This is one of the most searched questions we get. Here's the straightforward answer:
- Attached deck over 200 sq ft → permit required in most Metro East municipalities
- Deck more than 30 inches off the ground → permit required
- Freestanding deck under 200 sq ft under 30 inches → may not require permit (varies by city)
- Replacement of deck boards only (no structure change) → typically no permit needed
Permit requirements vary by city. Belleville, O'Fallon, Fairview Heights, Edwardsville, and Collinsville each have their own rules. Permit and inspection responsibilities should be confirmed in the written scope for the project and jurisdiction. — it protects you legally and ensures the work passes inspection.
Warning: Decks built without required permits can cause problems when you sell your home. Always use a contractor who handles permit coordination. All-Pro does this on every job.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Deck?
| Phase | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Free estimate + written quote | 1–3 days after site visit |
| Permit approval (when required) | 1–3 weeks depending on municipality |
| Material ordering and delivery | 3–7 days |
| Deck construction | 3–7 days for most projects |
| Inspection (if required) | Scheduled during build |
From first phone call to finished deck, most Metro East projects are complete in 3–6 weeks. We communicate at every stage so you're never wondering what's happening.
How to Avoid Overpaying for a Deck
Get 2–3 written quotes
Never accept a verbal estimate. A written quote shows the exact scope — materials, size, hardware, labor — so you can compare apples to apples. If a contractor won't put it in writing, walk away.
Ask about permit handling
Some contractors quote low but hand permit responsibility back to the homeowner. That adds time, stress, and sometimes cost. Ask: "Do you pull the permit, or do I?"
Check reviews and ask for references
A $2,000 cheaper quote from an unknown contractor can cost you $10,000 in repairs if the work is done wrong. Check public reviews and ask for recent local references. Ask for the names of 2 recent customers you can call.
Be specific about your scope
The more detail you give a contractor, the more accurate the quote. Know your approximate size, material preference, and whether you want stairs or extras before you call.
Watch out for these red flags
- Requires large cash deposit upfront (50%+ before work starts)
- No written contract or estimate
- No address or verifiable local history
- Can't give you a permit reference number
- Pressures you to sign the same day
Ready to Build? We'll Give You a Straight Quote.
Written estimate and direct local contact. Call to confirm availability for the project address and scope.