Every job below is one we do ourselves across Waukegan.
We frame new decks with pressure-treated joists set on footings poured below the frost line, which around Waukegan runs about 42 inches down. Board spacing, joist hangers, and ledger flashing all get done to code, not just to pass a quick glance. We'll walk you through pressure-treated pine, cedar, or composite decking before we order material.
Sagging deck boards, loose stair stringers, and posts rotting at the base are the calls we get most. We replace what's failed instead of capping over it, because a new board screwed to a rotten joist doesn't fix anything. Small repairs usually get done in a day, bigger structural fixes take longer depending on what we find once boards come up.
We pressure wash the deck first to strip old finish, mildew, and dirt out of the wood grain, then let it dry a couple of days before staining. Sealing keeps water out of the end grain, which is where rot usually starts on a deck. Skip this every year or two and you're looking at replacing boards a lot sooner.
We draw up a layout around how you actually use the space, whether that's a grill station, a hot tub pad rated for the extra weight, or stairs down to a specific spot in the yard. Multi-level decks and built-in bench seating cost more in framing, and we'll tell you that upfront. The design gets you a real quote, not a guess.
Composite boards like Trex or TimberTech don't rot or splinter, but they still require proper joist spacing underneath and airflow so moisture doesn't sit trapped. We install with hidden fastener systems for a clean top surface, no visible screw heads down the length of the deck. It costs more upfront than pressure-treated pine, and most homeowners make that back by skipping the staining cycle.
A railing that wobbles when someone leans on it is a liability, not just an eyesore. We replace cracked balusters, loosened post connections, and rotted top rails, and check that height and baluster spacing still meet code if we're touching a section anyway. Sometimes the whole railing run has to come down if the posts underneath have gone soft.
If the frame underneath is still solid but the boards on top are cupped, splintering, or just worn out, we can pull the decking and replace it without rebuilding the whole structure. It's a faster job than a full rebuild and a lot less expensive. We check joists for rot before committing to that route, because there's no point putting new boards over bad framing.
Under-deck drainage systems and better flashing at the ledger board keep water off whatever's underneath the deck, whether that's a patio, storage space, or a walkout basement door. We seal the ledger connection to the house first, since that's the spot that causes the most water damage if it's missed. Worth doing on any deck attached over living space below.
Old decks get torn out board by board so we can check the ledger and footings before deciding what, if anything, gets reused. We haul the debris off so you don't end up with a pile of lumber and nails in the yard. Usually the first step before a rebuild, but we'll do it on its own if that's all you need.
A screened-in porch built onto an existing deck, or as part of a new one, keeps bugs out without losing the outdoor feel. We frame the roof structure to tie into the house properly, not just bolt it onto the deck ledger. It's a bigger project than a standalone deck, and we'll say so before you commit to it.
Four steps, and no surprises in any of them.
You tell us what you want doing, we look at what is actually there, and we ask the awkward questions early.
In writing, itemised, free. If something might add cost later we flag it now rather than at the end.
Same crew throughout. We cover your floors, keep the dust down and tidy up before we leave each day.
You point out anything you are not happy with and we fix it before the invoice, not after.
Deck installation, repair, and refinishing work covers Waukegan and the surrounding area.
Questions that come up once a deck project actually gets started.
Describe the problem and we will tell you what it probably is. No obligation.
