When it’s time to plan for a new deck, it can be both exiting and stressful. Exiting because the outdoor space is one of the special places in your house where you make good memories with friend and family, whether that is for a cookout, a birthday or just a get together on a Friday night. It can be stressful when shopping around trying to find good deck builders for a good price, so you don’t feel like you got ripped off no matter the budget you have for the project. Let’s assume you have only $5,000 for the job, is it even possible to build a deck with this money in Naperville, IL?
According to Wolf Spirit Deck Builders in Naperville, each deck is different, but the average estimated price for a professionally built deck in Naperville is upwards of 10,000 dollars, especially with custom features and premium materials. If your budget is on the tighter side, the good news is that an attractive and functional deck can be built for under 5,000 dollars.
No matter if you live in Naperville or somewhere nearby, the goal of this guide is to walk you through the process of building a deck with a $5,000 budget. We’ll cover everything from material selection to permits and regulations – all focused on the local market of Naperville.
1. Set Your Financial Cap
A $5,000 budget can build you a 10’ x 12’ or a 12’ x 14’ pressure-treated wood deck that would be great for grilling, evening gatherings and more. Not a big one, but a good one.
Estimated budget breakdown:
- Lumber: $2,000 – $2,500
- Concrete, fasteners and hardware: $300 – $500
- Permit and inspection in Naperville: $300 – $500
- Tools, rentals, DIY supplies: $300
Labor: $1,000 – $1,500 (with partial help)
2. Use the Correct Materials
Cutting the cost is easier when:
- Using pressure-treated pine cuts over using composite or hardwood.
- Railings can be simple vertical balusters, skipping the fancy ones saves money.
- If the local building code allows, use pier blocks as footings which is cheaper than full footings.
Bonus Tip: Local home improvement stores like Menards, Home Depot, and Lowe’s in Naperville often have seasonal sales. Watch for discounts on lumber and decking packages.
3. DIY or Hire a Pro (Partially)
In case you know the basics of carpentry, constructing it yourself can save you 30-50% of the cost. In case you don’t feel comfortable building it from scratch:
- Contract a professional for the foundation and framing only.
- Do the decking, railings, and sealing.
Also, some deck builders in Naperville offer “build-assist” options. They do the complex part, and the rest is done by you.
4. Obtain a Permit
In Naperville, most deck constructions require permits. You will need:
- A location map.
- Calculation of site area, volume, and estimate along with building elevations.
- A detailed list of components and their respective mathematical values.
Estimation of $200 to $500 could easily be incurred there.
5. Simple Design= Cheaper Deck
A strategically affordable option would involve a rectangular basic level ground deck. Stay away from curves, multi levels, integrated seating, or integrated lighting within these straightforward constructions.
6. Buy Front Locally and Plan Further.
Consider checking local lumber supply stores as compared to conglomerate chains situated within the Naperville region. They may offer more reasonable rates as well as an enhanced stock. In addition, they are likely to even provide free delivery.
- DuPage Lumber & Home Center.
- Naperville Building Supply.
Avoid unnecessary trips by strategically planning, while simultaneously reducing expensive delays.
Final Thoughts
Even though the $5,000 in 2025 is not the $5,000 from 2015 you can still build a good deck in Naperville with this budget, but you will have to do part of the work yourself. Combining both DIY and by hiring a local deck builder could be a good solution to cut budget.
While you can build a deck for $5,000, you’ll have to keep in mind that this will be a long-term project for you. Meaning, you will build a new deck, and you will have to use if for a couple of years and if your budget is only $5,000 in most cases it would be a better idea to wait and save a little more so you can afford a better deck unless your current deck if falling apart. $5,000 can build you a deck but not the one you want for sure. You will need around $10,000 and to do most of work yourself combined with some help for a local deck builder that you hire for some important and sensitive parts of the process.
