Do I need a permit to build a deck in Naperville, Plainfield, Downers Grove or St. Charles, Illinois?

Yes, a building permit is required in Naperville, Plainfield, Downers Grove, and St. Charles for most deck construction projects. This is typical for nearly all Chicago suburbs, especially when building elevated decks, adding stairs or railings, or making structural changes.

Why is Warner's Decking, Inc the best deck builder in Chicago suburbs?

TrexPRO® Platinum Certified We’re proud to be one of the few TrexPRO® Platinum Builders, the highest certification awarded by Trex. This exclusive status reflects our consistent craftsmanship, product expertise, and top-tier customer satisfaction. Thousands of Successful Projects With decades of experience and thousands of custom deck builds under our belt, we’ve earned hundreds of 5-star reviews on Google, Yelp, Angie’s List, Houzz, and other trusted platforms. Unmatched Selection of Decking Brands Whether you want classic composite or luxury low-maintenance decking, we’ve got you covered. We offer products from Trex, TimberTech - making it easy to find a deck you’ll love. Warranties We back our craftsmanship with a 10-year labor warranty and up to a 25-year fade and stain warranty on materials - so you can enjoy peace of mind for years to come. Award-Winning Customer Service Warner’s Decking has been recognized by Trex with their Best-In-Class Customer Service Award year after year - a testament to our commitment to quality and client satisfaction.

What other services does Warner's Decking Provide?

Warner’s Decking, Inc. is a premier deck and remodeling company offering a wide range of outdoor and home improvement services, including: Outdoor Living & Decking Services Custom Deck Construction - Specializing in composite, cedar, and pressure-treated wood decks Pergolas - Traditional wood pergolas and motorized louvered pergolas (Solace system) Gazebos & Screened Porches - Enjoy the outdoors with shade and protection from the elements Pool Decks - Safe, stylish deck designs for poolside living Deck Resurfacing & Replacements - Upgrade old wood decks with low-maintenance materials Custom Railing Systems - Aluminum, composite, cable, and glass railings for safety and style Interior Remodeling Services Kitchen Remodeling - Design-focused kitchen upgrades to match your lifestyle Basement Remodeling - Transform unfinished basements into livable, beautiful spaces Home Additions & Renovations - Expand your home with high-quality craftsmanship and design

Is composite or real wood better for a deck?

Composite decking is often a better long-term choice than traditional wood for several key reasons: Durability - Composite boards are more resistant to scratching, fading, staining, and moisture damage compared to natural wood. Low Maintenance - Unlike wood, composite decking doesn’t require regular staining, sealing, or painting - just occasional cleaning. Design Flexibility - Composite materials come in a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes, while wood decking is limited to natural tones. While real wood can offer a classic look and lower upfront cost, composite decking delivers better performance, easier upkeep, and longer-lasting beauty - making it a smarter investment for many homeowners.

How much does Trex decking cost?

The cost of a Trex deck varies based on several factors, but a typical installed price ranges from $40 to $70 or more per square foot in the Chicagoland area. Material Costs: Trex offers multiple product lines, from the more affordable Enhance® to premium options like Transcend® and Lineage®, with material prices ranging roughly from $5 to $15+ per square foot. Installation Complexity: Custom designs, stairs, railings, lighting, and site conditions can significantly affect labor costs. Additional Expenses: Don’t forget permits, fasteners, and accessories, which add to the overall project cost. As a TrexPRO® Platinum Contractor, Warner’s Decking provides expert installation, competitive pricing, and access to warranties for your peace of mind.

How to clean Trex Decking?

1. Regular Cleaning (All Trex Decking) Rinse: Use a garden hose to remove loose dirt and debris. Soap Solution: Mix warm water with a mild dish soap. Scrub Gently: Use a soft-bristle brush-avoid stiff wire brushes. Focus on areas where dirt tends to collect. Rinse Thoroughly: Remove all soap residue to prevent film buildup. 2. Deep Cleaning (Newer Trex Boards: Transcend®, Enhance®, Select®) Composite Deck Cleaner: Use a Trex-approved composite deck cleaner. Follow Instructions: Always follow the product label carefully. Pressure Washing (Capped Composites Only): Keep pressure at 2,100 PSI. Use a fan tip no smaller than 40°. Hold the wand at least 8 inches away from the boards and spray along the grain. 3. Stains & Special Cases Mold or Mildew: Use warm water with soap, hose, and a soft bristle brush. Food or Oil Stains: Clean promptly with warm, soapy water. Snow or Ice: Use a plastic shovel (avoid metal). For de-icing, use calcium chloride or rock salt. 4. Things to Avoid on Trex Bleach (undiluted or strong concentrations) Acetone or harsh solvents Sanding or power-scrubbing, which can damage the capped surface Pro Tip: Regular maintenance keeps your Trex deck looking like new and reduces the need for deep cleaning.

How long does it take to build a deck?

The timeline for building a deck can vary widely since each project comes with its own unique factors. After finalizing the design, we secure the necessary permits. These can take a little while, since every town has its own rules and approval times. From there, the overall build depends on whether you’re constructing a brand-new deck from the ground up or resurfacing an existing frame. Custom railings, staircases, integrated lighting, and deck size each have a significant impact on the project timeline. On average, crews complete a standard 500 sq. ft. deck in 2-3 weeks once permits are approved and construction begins.

Helical Piers vs Concrete Footings: Foundation Comparison

Every raised deck needs solid foundation support, but not all foundations deliver the same results. For better performance and efficiency, homeowners and contractors are turning to helical piers instead of concrete footings.

They eliminate curing time and weather delays, provide instant support in challenging soil, and keep your project on schedule. They provide stronger, more reliable support than traditional concrete for new decks or foundation repairs. This means better protection for your home and long-term peace of mind.

What Are Helical Piers?

Helical piers are a type of foundation made of steel shafts with spiral plates that screw deep into the ground. They support raised decks, home additions, and other structures by reaching through weak soil to anchor in stable ground below. They allow installers to measure load capacity during installation, providing proof of compliance that concrete cannot offer.

Why Concrete Foundations Fall Short

Concrete has been the standard for years, but it comes with drawbacks:

Curing Time: Concrete must cure for 7–28 days before it can support weight. Cold or wet weather can halt installation.

Equipment Damage: Heavy machinery can disturb the surrounding area, damage landscaping, and increase restoration costs.

Uncertain Load Capacity: It’s difficult to verify the strength of a concrete slab foundation before problems appear. Problematic soil can lead to uneven floors, cracks, or long-term foundation damage.

These issues make concrete less flexible for modern foundation repair projects, especially in tight spaces or challenging soil conditions.

The Helical Pier Advantage

Helical pier foundation supports weight immediately, unlike concrete, which requires curing. Most installations take 1-2 days to complete, while concrete foundations require 2-4 weeks. This allows foundation repair to finish quickly with minimal disruption to your property.

Workers install helical piers in nearly all weather conditions, keeping the project on track despite rain, snow, or frost. Smaller equipment reduces disruption to the surrounding area, keeping landscaping intact.

Installers verify load capacity in real-time during installation, measuring exactly how much weight each pier can support. They can also place them in challenging soil conditions, including clay, sand, wet ground, or fill.

Helical piers initially cost more than concrete. However, they are faster and more reliable, which can lower total project costs. They eliminate lengthy curing delays, reduce labor time, and solve foundation problems such as settling and sinking decks.

Galvanized steel construction with protective coatings ensures long-term durability without cracking or deterioration.

Installation and Standards

At Warner’s Decking, every helical pier installation follows strict engineering standards. We assess soil conditions to determine optimal pier depth and spacing. Hydraulic torque monitoring ensures each pier meets load ratings of 15,000 – 50,000 lbs. All work complies with IBC and ICC-ES AC358 standards, with full documentation for inspections and permits.

Common Foundation Problems Helical Piers Solve

Helical piers correct a wide range of foundation issues:

Settling or Sinking: Shifting soil can destabilize your foundation. Piers anchor below unstable soil to stabilize the structure.

Poor Drainage: Water can erode or weaken foundations. Piers reach below the water table to solid ground.

Uneven Floors: They lift and level structures affected by foundation settlement.

Helical piers support structures reliably for the long term and work with pier-and-beam foundations, concrete slabs, decks, or basement walls.

When to Choose Helical Piers

Consider helical piers when:

You’re building a new deck or home addition.
You need rapid foundation repair without lengthy delays.
Your soil conditions are poor or inconsistent.
Access is limited, such as in tight spaces or near existing structures.
Load capacity verification is important for permits or peace of mind.
The weather might delay concrete work.
You want long-term protection against foundation damage and settling.

A Smarter Foundation for Your Raised Deck

Choosing helical foundation piers ensures long-term stability for your raised deck or home’s structural foundation. They provide immediate, reliable support during installation. They also help prevent future foundation damage. This makes them a smart and affordable choice for foundation repair.

At Warner’s Decking, we install professional helical pier systems and recommend them as our preferred foundation solution for long-lasting deck stability. Our experienced team ensures every installation meets structural requirements and provides homeowners with reliable, cost-effective, and lasting results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do helical piers cost?

Exact pricing depends on your project & region, but you can typically expect:

Standard 12′ x 16′ deck (6–8 piers): $2,500–$6,500
Larger 16′ x 20′ deck (8–10 piers): $3,200–$10,500+

How deep do helical piers go?

Installers typically drive piers 10–30 feet deep to reach stable soil below the frost line. Depth depends on soil type, structure weight, and local building codes.

How many helical piers do I need?

The number of piers depends on your structure’s weight, size, and soil conditions. Most decks require 4–8 piers per section, while larger structures may need more.

How long do helical piers last?

Galvanized steel piers can last 50+ years, sometimes a lifetime, when properly installed in stable soil conditions.