How to Choose Deck Builders in the Chicago Suburbs
Building a new deck is an exciting way to expand your outdoor living space and boost your home’s value. However, choosing the right deck builder is crucial for a successful project that meets your needs and budget.
With so many deck builders in the Chicago suburbs, it can be challenging to know where to start. To help you navigate the process, our team at Mitchell Construction has compiled this guide on finding and hiring the best local deck builder for your project.
What to Look for in a Great Chicago Suburb Deck Builder
- Experience Building Decks in the Local Climate and Building Codes: A deck builder with extensive experience in the Chicago suburbs understands the unique challenges posed by the local climate and adheres to specific building codes, ensuring a durable and compliant structure.
- Proper Licensing and Insurance: Verify that the deck builder holds the necessary licenses and insurance. This protects you from liability and guarantees that the builder meets professional standards.
- Positive Reviews and References from Past Clients in Your Area: Look for a deck builder with strong reviews and references from local clients. This indicates a proven track record of satisfaction and reliable service.
- Quality of Materials and Workmanship: Ensure the builder uses high-quality materials and demonstrates superior workmanship. Mitchell Construction, for instance, is a TrexPRO Platinum certified deck builder, providing homeowners with better warranties and proving their expertise in deck building.
- Design Capabilities and 3D Renderings: A great deck builder offers great designs. Look at some of the deck projects they have completed.
- Warranty on Labor and Materials: Look for a local deck builder who offers comprehensive warranties on both labor and materials, ensuring long-term protection and peace of mind.
Popular Decking Materials in the Chicago Area
When building a deck in the Chicago suburbs, choosing the right material is essential for durability, aesthetics, and low maintenance. Deck builders can help you choose the best material for your particular project. Some of the most popular decking materials in the area include:
- Pressure-treated lumber: This affordable option is treated to resist rot, decay, and insects, making it a durable choice for the Midwest climate. It does require regular staining or painting to maintain its appearance.
- Composite decking: Made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic, composite decking offers the look of wood without maintenance. It’s resistant to fading, staining, and mold growth, making it ideal for Chicago’s humid summers and cold winters.
- PVC decking: This all-plastic decking is completely resistant to moisture, insects, and decay. It’s a low-maintenance option that comes in a variety of colors and textures to mimic the look of wood.
- Cedar and redwood: These naturally durable woods offer a beautiful, classic look. They resist rot and insects but require regular sealing to prevent weathering.
At Mitchell Construction, we prefer Trex composite decking for our projects in the Chicago suburbs. Trex offers superior durability, low maintenance requirements, and long-lasting beauty compared to traditional wood decks. It’s also an eco-friendly choice, made from 95% recycled materials.
While the upfront cost may be higher than pressure-treated lumber, Trex decking provides significant long-term value and savings by eliminating the need for staining, sealing, and replacing boards over time.
Custom Patio & Deck Builders in Chicago's Suburbs
Our community is important to us, & our deck company in Chicago’s suburbs proudly serves the following areas and their neighboring towns:
- Bollingbrook, IL
- Frankfort, IL
- Homer Glen, IL
- Lockport, IL
- Lemont, IL
- Manhattan, IL
- Mokena, IL
- Napperville, IL
- New Lenox, IL
- Orland Park, IL
- Plainfield, IL
- Tinley Park, IL
- Dyer, IN
- St. John, IN
Deck Maintenance Tips for Chicago's Climate
The material you choose for your deck will directly impact how long you get to enjoy it. The decking material will also dictate how much time and money you spend maintaining it.
Maintaining your deck is critical to ensure its longevity and appearance, especially in Chicago’s harsh climate with hot summers, cold winters, and plenty of rain and snow. Here are some key maintenance tips, along with a comparison of how Trex composite decking and wood decking hold up:
- Regular cleaning: Sweep your deck regularly to remove debris, and clean it thoroughly at least twice a year. For wood decks, use a mild detergent and soft-bristled brush. Trex decking can be easily cleaned with soap, water, or a pressure washer on a low setting.
- Dealing with ice and snow: Chicago winters bring heavy snow and ice that can damage decks. Use a plastic shovel to remove snow, as metal shovels can scratch surfaces. Avoid using rock salt or chemical ice melters on any deck, as they can be corrosive. Trex decking is more resistant to snow and ice moisture damage than wood.
- Preventing mold and mildew: Chicago’s humid summers can lead to mold and mildew growth. To prevent this, ensure your deck has proper drainage and ventilation. Clean your deck regularly, and consider using a mold inhibitor. Composite decking like Trex is naturally mold-resistant and mildew-resistant, while wood is more susceptible.
- Sealing and staining: Wood decks must be sealed or stained every 1-3 years to protect against moisture and UV damage. Trex decking requires no sealing or staining to maintain its durability and color.
- Making repairs: Inspect your deck annually for signs of damage like warping, splitting, or loose boards. Make repairs promptly to prevent further deterioration. Wood decks are more prone to splintering, cracking, and rotting over time. Trex composite decking is more resistant to structural damage and typically only requires replacing damaged boards.
Regarding weathering Chicago’s climate, Trex composite decking has some significant advantages over wood. Trex decking resists moisture damage, mold growth, fading, and structural issues better than wood decks. It also requires far less maintenance, with no sanding, sealing, or staining needed. While wood decks can be beautiful, they demand more upkeep to maintain their appearance and integrity in Chicago’s four-season weather conditions. Trex offers a durable, low-maintenance option that looks great year-round with minimal effort.
Let Mitchell Construction Be Your Deck Builder in the Chicago Suburbs
When selecting among the deck builders in Chicago’s suburbs, take the time to research, verify credentials, read reviews, and look at past projects.
When you are ready to explore your deck project, contact us for a free consultation, and let us help you transform your vision for your outdoor space into a reality.
