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.

What Does Louvered Mean? [Definition + Guide]

Close-up view of pergola louvers, showing sunlight blocked when closed and airflow when open

Louvered (pronounced LOO-verd) describes a design made of angled slats, called louvers, that control airflow, light, and sometimes water. The slats let air and sunlight pass through while providing shade, privacy, and protection from outdoor elements.

Architects have used louvers for centuries to ventilate buildings while keeping out rain, snow, and debris. People use modern louvers in pergolas, roofs, windows, shutters, and ventilation openings. Engineers build them from durable materials like aluminum or steel, often making them adjustable or motorized to improve comfort, energy efficiency, and usability.

Features: Adjustable Louvers vs. Fixed

You can rotate adjustable louvers to different angles, allowing you to control light and airflow based on current conditions. Many modern systems include motorized controls for easy adjustment via remote or smart home integration.

Fixed louvers, by contrast, stay in one position and block sun or direct airflow consistently. People often use these where they need constant shading or ventilation.

Common Types and Applications of Louvers

Outdoor Living: Louvered Pergolas & Patio Covers

In Chicagoland and throughout the Midwest, louvered pergolas have become increasingly popular for extending outdoor living seasons. A louvered pergola or patio cover lets homeowners adjust to changing weather. Open the louvers on pleasant evenings or close them during rain or intense sun.

Benefits for Outdoor Spaces:

Year-round usability: Enjoy your patio in spring rain or summer heat
Flexible entertaining: Adjust conditions for guests in real-time
Home value: Premium outdoor structures increase property appeal
Energy savings: Reduce indoor cooling needs by creating shaded areas

Modern systems can include features like LED lighting, heaters, sound systems, and privacy screens. Remote controls and smart home integration make adjusting them effortless. Some homeowners even add retractable screens or glass panels to create three-season rooms.

Popular Applications:

Deck covers for elevated outdoor living space
Patio pergolas over seating and dining areas
Poolside structures for shade and privacy
Outdoor kitchens with weather protection

Architectural Applications: Louvered Windows, Shutters & Doors

Window louvers and shutters improve airflow while maintaining privacy. They also reduce glare and limit direct sunlight.

These designs are common in both traditional and modern architecture. Exterior shutters make your home look better and keep it safe from storms. Interior plantation shutters let you control light without blocking views entirely.

Mechanical: HVAC & Ventilation Systems

Louvers protect equipment and let fresh air move freely in commercial spaces. HVAC systems use them to regulate intake and exhaust. Parking garages rely on them for natural ventilation.

Why Use Louvered Systems? (Key Benefits)

Pergola on a Trex deck in Naperville, IL.

Temperature Control (Ventilation + Shade)

These systems let air move freely while blocking excessive sunlight, supporting passive cooling and improved comfort. This can help save energy in homes and commercial spaces.

Weather Protection & Durability

Many manufacturers make modern systems from aluminum or steel. These materials resist moisture, wind, and sun for a long time.

Aluminum resists rust, making it ideal for long-lasting outdoor use. It works well even in coastal areas. Steel provides extra strength, making it ideal for areas with strong winds.

Privacy Without Sacrificing Airflow

Unlike solid walls or panels, angled slats provide privacy. They still allow ventilation. The slats block direct sightlines from neighboring properties.

Air flows freely through the gaps at the same time. This makes them ideal for patios, windows, and shared outdoor areas.

Choosing the Right Louvered System

Louvered roof covering a patio with an adjacent hot tub, seamlessly integrated into composite decking with hybrid railings and privacy screens.

Selecting the right option depends on budget, material, location, and intended use. Every situation is unique, and our outdoor living experts can assess your space to provide tailored, accurate recommendations.

Materials Comparison (Aluminum, Wood, Steel, Composite)

Aluminum: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and low maintenance. This material is popular for outdoor use. Powder coating protects the finish and offers many color options.

Wood: Natural appearance, but requires regular upkeep. Cedar and teak resist rot naturally and suit traditional architecture well. Plan on sealing or refinishing every few years.

Steel: Highly durable and strong, often used in commercial projects. Best for large installations or areas with high winds. Heavier and pricier than aluminum.

Composite: Combines durability with a finished look, these materials resist weather better than wood.

Residential vs. Commercial Applications

Residential designs usually focus on comfort, appearance, and adjustability. Most projects involve patio covers, pergolas, or window treatments.

Commercial systems focus on scale, strength, and long-term reliability. Restaurants use them to extend outdoor dining seasons. Office buildings install them to reduce cooling costs.

Ready to Add a Louvered System to Your Deck or Patio?

Motorize louvered pergola on top of a composite deck in Plainfield, IL.

At Warner’s Decking, we specialize in designing and installing custom louvered pergolas and patio covers throughout Chicagoland. Our team can help you choose the right materials and features for your space. Contact us today for a free consultation and quote.

Frequently Asked Questions About Louvers

What’s the difference between a louver and a slat?

A slat is one individual blade. A louver refers to the complete system made up of multiple slats working together. In everyday conversation, people use both terms interchangeably.

Are louvered roofs waterproof?

When fully closed, most adjustable roof systems shed water well. They include built-in drainage channels. The key is interlocking blade design with proper seals. Quality varies between manufacturers. Always verify waterproof ratings before purchasing.

Can louvers be motorized?

Yes. Modern louvers often come with motorized controls, remote options, or smart-home integration. Some advanced systems include weather sensors. They can automatically adjust to wind or intense sunlight.

How much maintenance do louvered systems need?

Maintenance varies by material. Aluminum systems need minimal care. Occasional cleaning with soap and water keeps them looking good. Wood may need periodic sealing or refinishing. Plan to maintain your system every 2 to 4 years. These systems are easier to take care of than awnings or regular roofs.