Getting Started Planning your project
We design and build decks, porches and outdoor living spaces throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. That includes McHenry, Lake, Kane and northwest Cook counties in Illinois, plus Walworth and Kenosha counties in Wisconsin.
Our showroom is in Cary, so if you’re nearby, we’d love for you to come see it in person.
The easiest first step is to book a showroom visit or request an on-site consultation. You can also get a quick ballpark with our online estimator before you talk to anyone.
When you reach out through our website, we call you back within an hour during business hours.
We build composite and PVC decks only. They don’t need staining, sealing or sanding, and they hold up far better to our freeze and thaw winters than wood decking does. Your deck’s structure is built with pressure-treated framing, or with Fortress steel framing if you choose that upgrade.
We like to have quotes back to you via email within 3-7 business days. With design renderings or larger project scopes it may take up to 2 weeks.
When it comes to the building aspect we do not subcontract. Electrical, we work with our trusted partners to perform the work. We only use subcontractors that we trust and have built a long lasting relationship with.
Yes. New decks start at 200 square feet. Most of the decks we build are between about 16′ x 20′ and 20′ x 26′, and many are larger, especially when they include a porch, hot tub or multiple levels.
Pricing & Budget What it costs and why
It depends mostly on the size of the deck, how high it sits off the ground, the decking and railing you choose, and how many stairs it needs. Our online deck estimator gives you a realistic ballpark in a few minutes, and we’ll walk through exact pricing with you at the showroom or during your on-site consultation.
- Height. Raised and second-story decks need more framing, posts, stairs and railing than ground-level decks.
- Decking line. Entry-level composite, premium composite and PVC are priced very differently.
- Railing. Glass and cable railing cost more than aluminum or composite.
- Features. Lighting, privacy walls, built-in benches, hot tub framing, porches and pergolas all add to the total.
We’ll show you how each choice changes the price so you can put your budget where it matters most to you.
Quotes are valid for 30 days. Material prices change throughout the year, so if you come back after that, we’ll update your quote with current pricing.
Yes we do, approval is based on your credit history and income.
For custom projects, a design agreement covers the detailed measurements, plans and 3D renderings we create before final pricing. If you move forward with your project, the design agreement fee is credited toward it.
Many factors go into pricing a job. Customer Experience is huge for us! When comparing the most obvious is making sure all the estimates have the same scope of work and materials. It is important to check the contractors reviews & previous work. When a contractor carries all the proper equipment and required insurances, the prices will be higher than a “fly by night” contractor. We aren’t here just to make a buck, we want to provide you with that better contractor experience & relationship. We include our customers in the project the whole time, keep the line of communication open and stand behind our work.
Read More Here: Why Contractor Pricing Can Differ – Decked Out Builders
Design & Materials Choosing the right deck
Composite decking blends wood fibers or minerals with plastic, giving you a natural look and feel at a lower price. PVC decking contains no wood at all, so it’s lighter, stays cooler in direct sun, and carries the longest warranties.
Both are low maintenance. The best choice comes down to your sun exposure, how you use the deck and your budget. The quickest way to decide is to stand on them side by side in our showroom.
Our showroom is in Cary, we’d love for you to come see it in person.
PVC decking, like AZEK and TimberTech Advanced PVC or Deckorators MBC, stays noticeably cooler underfoot than composite. Lighter colors also run cooler than dark colors. If your deck faces south or west with no shade, PVC is usually worth it.
We usually recommend Deckorators Voyage, a mineral-based composite with excellent grip when wet. PVC is another great choice if you also want the coolest surface for bare feet. Both also hold up well to pets and heavy foot traffic..
We install TimberTech and AZEK composite and PVC decking, Deckorators, and EvaLast. We are a Platinum TimberTech/AZEK contractor and a Deckorators Certified Pro, which means factory training and access to the strongest manufacturer support
Aluminum, composite, glass and horizontal cable railing, plus drink rail with a flat top for setting down plates and glasses. Glass and cable keep your view open, while aluminum and composite give you the most color and style choices.
Yes. We install low-voltage stair, post and rail lighting that makes your deck safer at night and beautiful after sunset. You can see it lit up in our showroom.
Yes. We build multi-level decks, curved edges and curved or cascading stairs. Curved decking requires PVC boards, and curved railing comes in specific aluminum styles, so we’ll guide you to the options that work for your design.
Absolutely! We can design your space based upon both your desires and your budget. We also recommend coming to our showroom for inspiration.
Porches & Covered Spaces Screened porches, three-season rooms and more
A screened porch keeps out bugs and lets the breeze in. A three-season room adds window systems, so you can close it up on cool or rainy days and use it from early spring well into fall. We offer vinyl window systems and all-glass panel systems.
We don’t build porches on top of existing decks. An existing deck’s framing wasn’t designed to carry a roof, and putting one on it is a safety risk. Instead, we build your porch on a new deck engineered for it, or on a new or existing concrete patio.
Gable, shed (single slope), hip and combination roofs, finished with architectural shingles or black standing seam metal. We’ll recommend the style that fits your home’s roofline best.
We don’t install patios ourselves. We can build your porch on an existing patio, or on a new patio poured for the project by a separate contractor.
Yes. Porch fireplaces can be finished with stone or with siding to match the porch, and we offer corner fireplaces too. They’re one of the best ways to stretch your porch season into late fall.
Yes. We build custom pergolas and install vinyl pergolas and motorized louvered pergolas that open and close at the touch of a button. You can stand under them in our showroom and see how much shade each style gives you.
The Build What to expect
It depends on the size and features. A ground-level deck goes much faster than a raised deck with a porch or multiple levels. Before your build starts, we’ll give you a schedule for your specific project.
We build year round. Our schedule fills up quickly in spring and summer. Homeowners who plan and sign in fall or winter get the best choice of spring start dates. Reach out and we’ll tell you where our schedule stands today.
No. As long as our crew can get to the backyard, you don’t need to be home. We’ll keep you updated along the way and walk the finished project with you at the end.
- Get HOA approval, if you have an HOA.
- Clear furniture, planters and grills from the work area.
- Make sure gates and side yards are accessible for materials.
- Let us know about sprinkler lines, invisible pet fences or private wiring.
We call in utility locates about a week before your start date so public underground lines are marked
Depends on Location and Specific Builds. Our decks are built to code on footings designed for Northern Illinois frost depth, so your deck stays solid and level through every winter. Every deck is inspected by your local building department.
With any remodeling project, you can’t see everything until exposed. Any changes are discussed prior and agreed upon by you prior to us taking any action.
Warranty & Care After your project
We have a 5 year craftmanship warranty. All the products we use also are backed by 25-50 manufacturer warranties. However, if there is general ware or homeowner damage that does not fall under warranty.
Warranties | Decked Out Builders
A couple of times a year, sweep off debris and wash the deck with warm soapy water and a soft-bristle brush. Clean up grease and food spills soon after they happen. That’s it. No staining, sealing or sanding, ever.
Warranties | Decked Out Builders
Yes. Use a plastic shovel and push in the same direction as the boards. Avoid metal blades, which can scratch the surface. Check your decking’s care guide before using any ice melt.
Yes. When someone you refer becomes a customer, we send you a thank-you. Ask us for the details at your final walkthrough.
