How much does deck building cost in St. Louis, MO?

Most St. Louis homeowners spend between $4,150 – $11,300 on deck building, with an average around $7,500. Local labor prices 6% below the national average, so St. Louis quotes tend to land at the lower end of national ranges.

Why is deck building more or less expensive in St. Louis than elsewhere?

Licensed trade labor in St. Louis runs about 94% of the national average, and the best crews book out fastest in spring and early summer. Missouri weather drives material choices here, so ask contractors what they install most often in St. Louis and why.

Do I need a permit for deck building in St. Louis, Missouri?

Most St. Louis, MO projects that change structure, electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems need a permit from the local building department; cosmetic work usually does not. Always confirm current requirements with the local building department before signing a contract, and make sure the permit is pulled by your licensed contractor.

How many quotes should I get in St. Louis?

Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured Missouri contractors. Comparing line items — not just the bottom line — is the fastest way to spot an inflated bid in the St. Louis metro market.

How much does a deck cost per square foot?

$15 to $80 per square foot installed. Pressure-treated pine runs $15–$35, composite $30–$60 and tropical hardwood $40–$80.

Is composite decking worth it?

Composite costs roughly twice as much upfront but eliminates staining every two to three years, so it typically wins over a 15+ year hold.

Do I need a permit for a deck?

Almost always if the deck is attached to the house or more than 30 inches above grade. Permits run $150 to $800.

How long does deck construction take?

One to two weeks for a standard deck, plus permit review time before the crew starts.

Does a deck add value to my home?

A wood deck addition typically returns 50% to 65% of its cost at resale, and it is one of the most-requested outdoor features in listings.

What is the cheapest way to build a deck?

Keep it rectangular, ground level and under 200 square feet, frame and surface it in pressure-treated pine, and skip railing, stairs and picture framing.

Home/Cost guides/Deck Building/St. Louis, MO

St. Louis metro · Missouri

Deck Building cost in St. Louis, MO

St. Louis homeowners typically pay $4,150 – $11,300 for deck building. Local labor and materials price 6% below the national average.

Get my St. Louis estimate Use the St. Louis calculator

St. Louis average

$7,500

Typical low

$4,150

Typical high

$11,300

Per square foot

$14 – $75

Sample ZIP

What drives St. Louis pricing

Local labor

Licensed trade labor in St. Louis runs about 94% of the national average, and the best crews book out fastest in spring and early summer.

Permits & code

Most St. Louis, MO projects that change structure, electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems need a permit from the local building department; cosmetic work usually does not.

Climate & conditions

Missouri weather drives material choices here, so ask contractors what they install most often in St. Louis and why.

Instant cost calculator

Adjust the inputs to see live pricing

Deck size350 square feet

Decking material

Height above grade

Railing

Shape

Estimated project cost

$4,900 – $11,550

Most homeowners pay around $8,225

Compare decking material

Cost by material in St. Louis

Installed St. Louis pricing per square foot.

Option	Installed cost	Pros	Cons
Pressure-treated pine	$14 – $33	Cheapest framing and surface option	Needs sealing every 2-3 years; can warp
Cedar	$24 – $42	Naturally rot resistant, ages well	Soft surface, annual maintenance
Redwood	$28 – $47	Rich color, stable	Limited supply outside the West
Composite (Trex, TimberTech)	$28 – $56	No staining, 25-year warranties	Gets hot in sun, higher upfront
PVC / cellular vinyl	$33 – $66	Fully waterproof, lightest maintenance	Most expensive mainstream option
Tropical hardwood (ipe, cumaru)	$38 – $75	Extremely durable, premium look	Hard to cut, needs oiling to keep color
Aluminum	$42 – $85	Will not rot, rust or burn	Industrial look, noisy underfoot

Where the money goes in St. Louis

A typical $7,500 St. Louis project, broken down by line item.

Decking & railing material45% · $3,375
Labor35% · $2,625
Framing, footings & hardware15% · $1,125
Permits & disposal5% · $375

Common add-ons

Extras that show up on St. Louis quotes but rarely in the headline price.

Stairs

Per step

$94 – $235

Built-in bench seating

$565 – $2,350

Pergola or shade structure

$2,350 – $8,450

Under-deck drainage

$1,400 – $4,700

Deck lighting

$375 – $2,350

Old deck demolition

Per square foot

$5 – $14

Permit

$140 – $750

Ways to save in St. Louis

Keep the deck rectangular and under 200 sq ft where codes ease off.
Frame with pressure-treated lumber and spend only on the visible deck surface.
Build ground level — every foot of elevation adds framing, footings and railing.
Schedule in fall when builders discount to keep crews busy.
Skip fascia wraps and picture framing details that add labor with no structural value.

St. Louis FAQs

Get a St. Louis price you can budget against

Answer a few questions about your project and we'll model a low, average and premium price for your MO ZIP code — then connect you with vetted local pros.

Get deck quotes

More St. Louis research

Best deck building companies in St. Louis Deck Building permits in Missouri Deck Building near me All Missouri prices

More Missouri cities

Kansas City Springfield Columbia Independence

Other project costs in St. Louis

Fence Installation in St. Louis

$1,410 – $3,760

Roof Replacement in St. Louis

$7,990 – $31,960

Kitchen Remodel in St. Louis

$16,920 – $89,300

HVAC Replacement in St. Louis

$5,170 – $16,920

Window Replacement in St. Louis

$423 – $1,410

Bathroom Remodel in St. Louis

$6,110 – $35,720

See every St. Louis cost guide