We understand that building a composite deck is a major investment. Our goal is to give you clear, honest pricing information — the kind of transparency that helps you plan confidently and choose the outdoor living space that's right for your family and your home.
Decked Out Builders specializes exclusively in composite decks, pergolas, screened porches, covered porches, and full outdoor living spaces using only high-end materials. We do not offer wood decks, basic maintenance, or deck repairs.
What You'll Find on This Page
Composite Deck Costs
Decked Out Builders builds composite decks, pergolas, screened porches, covered porches, outdoor kitchens, and complete outdoor living spaces — all using high-end materials and manufacturer-certified installation methods.
⚠️ Please Note: Our minimum deck projects start at $24,000, but most of our projects fall in the $45,000–$65,000 range. We specialize in high-end composite decks using premium materials from brands like TimberTech AZEK and Deckorators Voyage. We do not offer wood decks, maintenance services, or deck repairs.
Entry-Level Composite
$20,000–$35,000
Ground-level, up to ~250 sq ft, entry-grade capped composite, basic railing
Mid-Range Composite
$35,000–$65,000
250–500 sq ft, mid-to-premium composite (TimberTech, Trex Transcend), railings, stairs, lighting
Full Outdoor Living
$65,000–$150,000+
Multi-level, pergola, screened porch, outdoor kitchen, premium finishes, full outdoor living
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Understanding each cost component helps you compare quotes accurately and identify where to invest vs. where you can save.
Cost Breakdown — 350 sq ft Composite Deck (Typical Decked Out Build)
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| Component | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite Decking Boards (TimberTech/Deckorators) | $6,000 | $10,500 | $18,000 |
| PT Framing & Substructure | $3,500 | $5,000 | $8,500 |
| Concrete Footings & Posts | $1,800 | $2,200 | $4,000 |
| Railing System | $2,500 | $5,500 | $12,000 |
| Stairs | $1,200 | $6,400 | $15,000 |
| Hidden Fasteners & Hardware | $900 | $1,000 | $1,800 |
| Permits & Inspections | $200 | $800 | $1,000 |
| Labor & Project Management | $7,000 | $10,000 | $18,000 |
| Site Prep & Cleanup | $400 | $800 | $1,500 |
| Structure Subtotal | ~$23,600 | ~$42,200 | ~$79,800 |
| Optional: Deck Lighting | — | $2,000 | $6,000 |
| Optional: Deck Drainage Systems | — | $3,500 | $8,000 |
| Optional: Post & Beam Wraps | — | $3,000 | $10,000 |
| Optional: Deck Skirting | — | $3,500 | $10,000 |
| Optional: Louvered Pergola | — | $12,000 | $55,000 |
| Optional: Screened Porch Addition | — | $37,000 | $65,000 |
| Optional: Outdoor Kitchen | — | $8,000 | $34,000 |
| Total Range | $23,600 | $42,200–$95,700 | $150,000+ |
Cost Per Square Foot
$65–$80
Entry composite / sqft
$80–$95
Mid-grade installed / sqft
$85–$120
Premium / sqft installed
30-50 yrs
Composite lifespan
Cost Per Square Foot by Material Grade — DECKING ONLY - Fully Installed
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| Composite Grade / Type | Installed Cost / sq ft | Warranty Coverage | Expected Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good — Scalloped composite (entry-level) | $25–$39 / sq ft | 15–25 yr fade & stain | 20-30 years |
| Better — Solid Composite - Capped on All 4 Sides | $40–$50 / sq ft | 30 yr fade & stain | 30-50 years |
| Best — Full PVC / AZEK (TimberTech AZEK) | $50–$70 / sq ft | Lifetime fade & stain | 50+ years |
| Pressure-Treated Wood (we don't build wood decks) | $12–$22 / sq ft | None | 10–15 years |
| Cedar (we don't build wood decks) | $28–$48 / sq ft | None | 15–25 years |
Top Composite Brands & Pricing
Decked Out Builders is a TimberTech Platinum Certified Contractor and works with the best composite decking brands in the industry. Here's how the leading brands compare on price and quality.
TimberTech AZEK
$50–$70 / sq ft installed
Deckorators Voyage
$50–$60 / sq ft installed
TimberTech Reserve
$40–$45 / sq ft installed
Fiberon Promenade
$36–$44 / sq ft installed
TimberTech Terrain
$30–$37 / sq ft installed
MoistureShield Pro
$22–$36 / sq ft installed
Wolf Serenity
$20–$30 / sq ft installed
Our Recommendation: TimberTech AZEK is our most-requested premium board — a full-PVC construction that stays cooler underfoot, resists scratching, and carries a truly transferable lifetime warranty against fading and staining. TimberTech is the top choice for value in the capped composite category. Both are backed by some of the strongest warranties in the industry.
Factors That Affect Your Price
Your final project cost is shaped by a combination of choices. Understanding these factors helps you make smart trade-offs and plan your budget with confidence.
Deck Size & Square Footage
The most direct cost driver. More square footage means more materials and labor. Fixed costs (permits, footings, mobilization) dilute over larger decks, lowering per-sq-ft costs.
200 sqft ≈ $25–$45k · 500 sqft ≈ $55–$90kDeck Height & Elevation
Elevated and second-story decks require significantly more structural framing, beams, posts, and footings. Ground-level decks are the most cost-effective to build.
Ground level: base · Elevated: +25–50% · 2nd story: +40–65%Composite Material Grade
The board you choose is the biggest material cost swing. Upgrading from entry-level to premium AZEK can add $10–$18 per sq ft — but it pays off in longevity and warranty coverage.
Entry: $3–$5/LF · Premium: $6–$10/LFStairs, Landings & Levels
Each stair flight adds significant cost. Wide stairs, angled landings, or multiple stair locations multiply this quickly. Multi-level decks are more complex and costly.
Standard: $4,200–$10,400 · Wide/complex: $8,500–$25,000Railing System
Railings are a major visual and cost element. Basic aluminum balusters are affordable; cable and glass panel systems command a significant premium but look stunning.
Basic aluminum: $75–$90/lft · Cable/glass: $100–$160/lftDeck Shape & Complexity
Rectangular decks are the most efficient to build. Angled cuts, curves, picture frames, and inlays increase material waste and labor, adding 15–35% to the board cost.
Rectangle: base · Complex pattern/curves: +15–35%15-Year Cost of Ownership Comparison
The upfront cost of composite is higher than pressure-treated wood — but over 10 years, composite almost always wins. Here's why the math favors composite for most homeowners.
Cumulative 15-Year Cost of Ownership
Based on a 250 sq ft deck · Composite $24k initial + $40/yr · PT Wood $17k + $750/yr · Cedar $21k + $750/yr · PT Wood crosses composite ~Year 10
15-Year Cost of Ownership — 250 sq ft Deck (Decked Out Builders Real Data)
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| Cost Factor | Composite | Pressure-Treated Wood | Cedar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Build Cost | $24,000 | $17,000 | $21,000 |
| Annual Maintenance Cost | ~$40/yr (hose rinse) | ~$750/yr (stain/seal) | ~$750/yr (stain/seal) |
| Total Maintenance Over 15 Yrs | ~$600 | ~$11,250 | ~$11,250 |
| Deck Replacement at 15 yrs? | No — 25–50 yr lifespan | Approaching end of life | Heavy maintenance needed |
| 15-Year Total Cost | $24,600 ✓ Lowest | $28,250 | $32,250 |
The Real Numbers: PT wood starts $7,000 cheaper than composite — but with $750/year in staining and sealing, it crosses composite's total cost around Year 10. By year 15, composite is the clear winner at $24,600 total vs. $28,250 (PT wood) and $32,250 (cedar) — and composite still has 10–35 more years of life left.
Why Is Composite Decking So Low-Maintenance?
Composite decks require virtually no annual maintenance beyond a simple hose rinse and occasional mild soap wash. The smooth, non-porous surface of capped and full-PVC composite boards prevents algae and mold from taking hold, reducing the need for chemicals and scrubbing.
With wood decks, skipping even one staining cycle can lead to cracking, splintering, graying, and premature board degradation. With composite, there's nothing to skip — it's maintenance-free by design.
Find Out How Much Your Composite Deck May Cost → Get a Free Estimate Takes 2 minutes · No obligation · Transparent project pricingAdd-Ons & Outdoor Living Features
Many homeowners choose to turn their deck into a complete outdoor living space. Here's what popular features and upgrades typically add to a project budget.
Popular Add-On Pricing
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| Feature | Starting Cost | Typical Range | High End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louvered Pergola | $8,000 | $18,000–$35,000 | $50,000+ |
| Covered Porch | $26,000 | $45,000–$60,000 | $75,000+ |
| Screened Porch | $37,000 | $49,000–$75,000 | $90,000+ |
| Three Season Room | $45,000 | $55,000–$85,000 | $100,000+ |
| Deck Lighting | $1,200 | $2,500–$6,000 | $12,000 |
| Premium Railing Upgrade | $2,500 | $5,000–$12,000 | $25,000 |
| Deck Drainage System | $5,000 | $7,000–$15,000 | $20,000+ |
| Outdoor Kitchen / BBQ Station | $5,000 | $12,000–$30,000 | $60,000+ |
| Hot Tub Platform & Reinforcement | $2,000 | $4,000–$8,000 | $15,000 |
| Privacy Walls | $6,000 | $8,000–$12,000 | $18,000+ |
| Deck Skirting | $4,000 | $5,000–$8,000 | $12,000+ |
| Pavilion | $30,000 | $45,000–$60,000 | $80,000+ |
Cost of Decks Built Near Me
Want to know what real composite decks actually cost in your area? Below are three actual Decked Out Builders projects completed in northern Illinois — with real photos, real specs, and real pricing so you can see exactly what goes into each build.
Green Oaks, IL
TimberTech AZEK Deck with Cedar Pergola
- TimberTech AZEK Decking
- Westbury Aluminum Railing with Post Cap Lights
- Custom Built-in Seating
- Cedar Pergola Addition
- Multi-level design with stairs
Approx. Deck Cost
$85,000–$95,000
Towerlakes, IL
Deckorators Voyage with Cable Cocktail Railing
- Deckorators Voyage Decking
- Westbury Verticable Railing System
- Cocktail Railing Detail
- Stair Lighting Package
- Elevated second-story build
Approx. Deck Cost
$60,000–$70,000
Crystal Lake, IL
Deckorators Vault with Deck Cladding & Built-in Seating
- Deckorators Vault Decking
- Composite Deck Cladding (fascia)
- Custom Built-in Bench Seating
- Ground-level / low-elevation build
Approx. Deck Cost
$35,000–$45,000
Note on Local Pricing: Labor costs in the northwest Chicago suburbs run 10–18% above national averages due to local wages and permitting. We serve Barrington, Lake Zurich, South Barrington, Deer Park, Kildeer, Lake Barrington, Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Palatine, Hoffman Estates, and surrounding communities.
ROI & Home Value
↓ All figures below are based on 250 sq ft deck averages
A composite deck consistently ranks among the highest ROI home improvement projects. According to Remodeling Magazine's annual Cost vs. Value Report, composite deck additions recover 63–72% of their cost at resale — and in high-demand suburban markets like Barrington and Lake Zurich, that number can climb higher.
61.9%
Chicago area composite deck ROI
$24,600
Composite 15-yr total cost
$28,250
PT wood 15-yr total cost
25–50 yrs
Composite lifespan
Composite decks outperform wood decks at resale because buyers perceive low-maintenance as a tangible financial benefit. A 10-year-old composite deck that looks nearly new is far more appealing than a weathered wood deck that needs immediate staining and repair before move-in.
Our Build Process
Every Decked Out Builders project follows a proven process from first conversation to final walkthrough. Here's what to expect when you work with us.
01
On-Site Consultation & Estimate
A Decked Out project specialist visits your home, takes measurements, assesses site conditions, and walks you through material options, features, and design possibilities. Or start online with our deck cost estimator.
02
Design & Material Selection
We create a detailed plan with your chosen composite collection, color, railing style, and features. You see exactly what you're getting before we break ground. Browse our project portfolio for inspiration.
03
Permits & Engineering
We handle all permit applications and any structural engineering required by your municipality. Most standard deck permits take 2–4 weeks for approval depending on your local jurisdiction.
04
Construction
Our certified crews build your deck to manufacturer specifications — ensuring warranty validity. A standard 350 sq ft composite deck takes 4–8 days. Larger builds with pergolas or porches take 2–3 weeks.
05
Inspection & Final Walkthrough
We schedule and pass the municipal inspection, then walk you through every detail — care instructions, warranty documentation, and seasonal tips for your new composite deck.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a composite deck cost from Decked Out Builders?
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Our minimum projects start at $20,000, but the majority of our projects fall in the $45,000–$65,000 range for a complete composite deck with premium materials, railings, stairs, and lighting. Full outdoor living spaces with pergolas, screened porches, or outdoor kitchens typically run $65,000–$150,000+. We specialize in high-end builds using only top-tier materials — we do not offer wood decks, basic maintenance, or deck repairs.
What composite decking brands do you use?
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We are a TimberTech Platinum Certified Contractor and primarily work with TimberTech AZEK. View all our brand partners on our brochures page.
How long does composite decking last?
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Quality capped composite decking lasts 25–30+ years with minimal maintenance. TimberTech AZEK (full PVC) boards carry a lifetime warranty against fading, staining, and structural issues. The substructure (pressure-treated framing, posts, footings) typically lasts 30+ years when properly built and maintained. Compare this to pressure-treated wood decks that need replacement in 10–15 years, or cedar that requires annual oiling and begins to show wear within 5–8 years without proper maintenance.
Do you build wood decks?
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No. Decked Out Builders specializes exclusively in composite decks, pergolas, screened porches, covered porches, outdoor kitchens, and full outdoor living spaces. We do not offer wood decks, basic deck maintenance, or deck repairs. If you're comparing composite vs. wood, we're happy to walk you through the full cost-of-ownership difference so you can make an informed decision.
How much maintenance does a composite deck require?
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Composite decking is designed to be virtually maintenance-free. Annual upkeep typically consists of nothing more than a rinse with a garden hose and occasional wash with mild soap to remove pollen, dust, and organic debris. You never need to sand, stain, seal, or paint composite decking. Some boards may develop surface mold in heavily shaded or humid environments — this washes off easily with a composite-safe deck cleaner. TimberTech AZEK in particular has exceptional mold and moisture resistance as a full-PVC board.
Do I need a permit to build a composite deck?
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In almost every municipality in the northwest Chicago suburbs — yes. Permits are required for decks attached to the house, elevated more than 30 inches, or over a certain square footage threshold (often 200 sq ft). Permit fees typically range from $400–$1,500 depending on your municipality and project scope. Decked Out Builders handles all permit applications and municipal inspections on every project we build. Building without a permit can result in fines, forced removal, and serious complications when selling your home.
How long does it take to build a composite deck?
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A standard single-level composite deck (300–400 sq ft) typically takes 5–12 business days of active construction once permits are approved. Add-ons like pergolas, screened porches, or outdoor kitchens extend this to 2–4 weeks. Permit approval in our service area typically takes 2–4 weeks, so total project timeline from contract to completion is usually 4–8 weeks depending on permit and scheduling.
What areas do you serve?
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Decked Out Builders serves the northwest Chicago suburban area including Barrington, Lake Zurich, South Barrington, Deer Park, Kildeer, Lake Barrington, North Barrington, Inverness, Hawthorn Woods, Long Grove, Buffalo Grove, Palatine, Hoffman Estates, and surrounding areas. Check our service areas page or reach out directly to confirm we service your area.
What financing options are available?
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We work with financing partners to help make your outdoor living project more accessible. Options include home improvement loans, home equity financing, and flexible payment plans. Financing terms, rates, and qualifications vary — contact us for details and we'll connect you with the right options for your situation.
What's included in your warranty coverage?
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Our projects are backed by both our workmanship warranty and the manufacturer's material warranty. TimberTech AZEK offers a lifetime fade and stain warranty and a 30-year structural warranty. Our workmanship warranty covers the quality and installation of all components we build. See full details on our warranties page.
A Message from the Decked Out Builders Team
Sorting through composite deck pricing can feel overwhelming — that's exactly why we put this guide together. We want to give you a clear, realistic understanding of what goes into a high-quality composite deck build so you can plan with confidence. From initial pricing to long-term ownership costs, our goal is to help you see the full picture.
At Decked Out Builders, we build premium composite decks and outdoor living spaces using only top-tier materials — TimberTech AZEK and Deckorators. Every build is manufacturer-certified, permitted, and inspected.
Ready to start the conversation? Fill out the form below and we'll reach out to understand your vision, assess your space, and provide you with accurate, transparent pricing.
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By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by a Decked Out Builders project specialist regarding your inquiry. We respect your privacy and will never sell or share your information. See our Privacy Policy. This content was updated February 2025.
