Wheeling's Premier Composite & PVC Deck Builder

Homeowners across Wheeling, Illinois are replacing aging wood decks with premium composite and PVC alternatives — and for good reason. The pressure-treated lumber on most Illinois decks lasts 10–15 years before rot, insects, and moisture compromise the structural integrity. By year 12, most wood decks have soft spots, wobbly railings, and deteriorating stair stringers that make them unsafe for your family.

Weatherguard Construction builds decks differently. We start with Owens Corning structural lumber for the three components that fail first: the ledger board (where the deck attaches to your house), posts, and stair stringers. OC Lumber is rotproof, rustproof, and rated for underwater contact — engineered to protect against what wood and steel simply cannot. Combined with proper frost-depth footings and code-compliant ledger flashing, our structural approach eliminates the #1 cause of deck failure in the Midwest. Want the ultimate build? Ask about upgrading your entire deck frame to OC Lumber.

The Chicago metro area receives an average of 36 inches of snow annually combined with summer temperatures routinely exceeding 90°F with high humidity. This combination accelerates wood deterioration, promotes mold growth, and can warp inferior decking materials within just a few years of installation.

From multi-level entertainment decks with integrated lighting and privacy walls to simple platform decks that connect your home to your backyard, Weatherguard handles every step — permits, footings, framing, decking, railing, and final cleanup.

Composite vs. PVC Decking: Choosing the Right Material for Your Wheeling Deck

Both composite and PVC deliver far superior performance to wood, but they have distinct characteristics that make each better suited to different situations. Here is an honest comparison to help you decide:

Our recommendation? If your budget allows, PVC decking provides the ultimate in low-maintenance performance and longevity. If you want an exceptional deck at a lower investment, composite delivers outstanding value and will dramatically outperform any wood deck. Either way, you are making a smart upgrade over traditional lumber.

The Weatherguard Deck Building Process in Wheeling

We have refined our deck building process over hundreds of successful projects to deliver a stress-free experience from first call to final walkthrough:

1. Complimentary Design Consultation: We visit your Wheeling property, take measurements, discuss your goals and budget, review material options, and identify any site-specific considerations like drainage, grading, utilities, or setback requirements.
2. Custom Design and Proposal: Within days, you receive a detailed proposal that includes a material specification sheet, dimensional drawings, color and railing selections, permit requirements, project timeline, and a fixed-price quote.
3. Permitting and Engineering: We submit all required permit applications to your local Wheeling building authority, coordinate any necessary engineering reviews, and schedule inspections — so you never have to deal with the paperwork.
4. Demo and Site Preparation: If you have an existing deck, our crew carefully removes it, salvages any reusable hardware, and disposes of all debris responsibly. We then prepare the site for new footings and structural work.
5. Foundation and Framing: Using helical piers, diamond piers, or poured concrete footings — depending on your soil conditions and local code requirements — we build a rock-solid structural foundation designed to last a lifetime.
6. Decking, Railing, and Finish Work: Your selected composite or PVC boards are installed with hidden fasteners for a clean, screw-free surface. Railings, lighting, skirting, and other enhancements are completed to manufacturer specifications.
7. Final Inspection and Walkthrough: We schedule the required building inspection, walk you through your completed deck, explain care and maintenance (hint: there is barely any), and make sure every detail meets your expectations before we consider the project complete.

Understanding Deck Warranties: What Wheeling Homeowners Should Know

Not all deck warranties are created equal, and understanding the differences can save you thousands of dollars and decades of frustration. Here is a breakdown of the warranty coverage available through Weatherguard's manufacturer partnerships:

Structural Warranties

These cover the core integrity of the decking board — resistance to splitting, cracking, rotting, and structural failure under normal use. Premium products like TimberTech AZEK and Trex Transcend carry Limited Lifetime structural warranties, meaning the boards are warranted against structural defects for as long as you own your home.

Fade and Stain Warranties

This is where cheap decking gets exposed. Budget products may carry a 10-year fade warranty, but premium lines from TimberTech AZEK provide a 50-year fade and stain warranty — guaranteeing your deck's color and finish will remain vibrant for half a century. Trex Transcend products also carry a 50-year warranty against fading and food stains.

Labor and Workmanship Warranties

Materials are only part of the equation. A poorly installed deck will fail regardless of board quality. Weatherguard's craftsmanship warranty covers our installation work — including joist connections, fastener patterns, railing attachments, and structural connections — giving you complete peace of mind.

Our Wheeling design consultants walk you through every warranty detail during your estimate appointment so you understand exactly what protection your investment carries before you commit.

Why Wheeling Homeowners Choose Weatherguard for Deck Construction

Building a deck is a significant investment — one that should enhance your daily life for decades. Here is why Wheeling families consistently choose Weatherguard Construction over the competition:

• Manufacturer Certifications: We hold installer certifications from Trex, TimberTech AZEK, Wolf, Fiberon, and Deckorators. These are not participation trophies — they are earned through demonstrated expertise, ongoing training, and verified craftsmanship. Our certifications unlock enhanced warranty coverage that standard installers cannot offer.
• Structural Engineering Expertise: Every Weatherguard deck is designed to meet or exceed Illinois's residential building codes. We calculate proper beam spans, joist spacing, footing depths, and snow load requirements for your specific property — not generic cookbook formulas.
• Transparent, Fixed-Price Quotes: Our written estimates include every cost — materials, labor, permits, footings, demolition of your old deck, and final cleanup. The price you approve is the price you pay. Period.
• Clean, Professional Jobsites: Our crews clean up daily, protect your landscaping, and treat your property with the same respect they would show their own homes. We know how disruptive construction can be, and we work hard to minimize the impact on your daily routine.
• Full Permit Management: We handle all permitting, inspections, and code compliance requirements in Wheeling and throughout Illinois. You never have to visit a building department or coordinate with an inspector — we manage all of it.
• Comprehensive Warranty Coverage: Beyond manufacturer warranties on materials, Weatherguard provides our own craftsmanship warranty covering structural integrity, fastener performance, and installation quality.

Deck Enhancements That Elevate Your Wheeling Outdoor Living

A great deck is more than boards and railings — it is a complete outdoor living environment. Weatherguard offers a full suite of enhancements that transform a simple deck into the centerpiece of your Wheeling home:

Premium Railing Systems

Your railing choice dramatically impacts both safety and style. We install railing systems from the industry's top manufacturers, including:

• Composite and PVC Rails: Color-matched TimberTech, Trex, and Fiberon rails that blend seamlessly with your deck boards for a unified, polished look.
• Aluminum Rails: Sleek, powder-coated aluminum systems from Westbury and Deckorators that provide unobstructed views and modern curb appeal. Available in black, bronze, and white finishes.
• Cable Rails: Stainless steel cable infill systems from Viewrail that create an open, contemporary aesthetic. Ideal for properties with scenic views you want to preserve.
• Glass Panel Rails: Tempered glass infill panels that provide wind protection and uninterrupted sightlines. The premium choice for elevated decks and waterfront properties.

Integrated Deck Lighting

Professional LED lighting extends your deck's usable hours well into the evening while creating inviting ambiance. We install recessed post cap lights, stair riser lights, under-rail accent strips, and perimeter landscape lighting — all on low-voltage LED systems that cost pennies per day to operate and last for years without bulb changes.

Privacy Walls and Wind Screens

Custom-designed horizontal slat privacy walls, louvered screens, and lattice panels provide seclusion from neighbors without sacrificing airflow or natural light. Available in matching composite, cedar, and aluminum materials.

Deck Skirting and Fascia

Finished skirting conceals the underside of raised decks, blocking debris buildup and pest access while creating a clean, polished appearance from every angle. We use color-matched composite fascia boards and ventilated lattice to ensure proper airflow beneath your deck structure.

Underdeck Drainage Systems

For raised decks, a ceiling-mounted drainage system captures rainwater running between deck boards and channels it away from the space below, creating a dry, usable patio area underneath your elevated deck — effectively doubling your outdoor living square footage.

Pergolas and Shade Structures

Freestanding or attached pergolas add architectural drama and provide adjustable shade coverage over your deck. We build with composite, cedar, and aluminum materials, including motorized louvered pergola systems that open and close at the touch of a button.

Deck Styles and Configurations for Every Wheeling Property

No two Wheeling backyards are identical, and neither should their decks be. Weatherguard designs and builds custom deck configurations tailored to your property's topography, your home's architecture, and the way your family actually uses outdoor space. Here are the most popular deck styles we build across Illinois:

• Platform Decks: Ground-level designs that flow seamlessly from your back door into your yard. Ideal for flat lots and single-story homes, platform decks create an accessible entertaining space without the need for railings or stairs in most cases.
• Raised Decks: Elevated structures that provide panoramic views of your yard while creating valuable covered storage or patio space underneath. Essential for homes with walkout basements or sloped terrain — extremely common in Wheeling neighborhoods.
• Multi-Level Decks: Tiered designs that define distinct activity zones — a cooking and grilling station, a dining area, a lounge space, and a ground-level fire pit pad. Multi-level decks add dramatic architectural interest to your home while maximizing usable square footage.
• Wraparound Decks: Decks that extend along two or more sides of your home, providing multiple access points and diverse sun and shade exposures throughout the day. A wraparound design also maximizes your outdoor living area without expanding your home's footprint.
• Pool Decks: Slip-resistant, moisture-proof surfaces designed specifically to surround in-ground and above-ground pools. Our PVC and composite materials stay cooler underfoot than concrete or stone and will never splinter — critical safety features for barefoot use around water.
• Covered Decks and Porches: Extend your deck season by adding a full or partial roof structure. Covered decks protect your furniture, your grill, and your family from rain and excessive sun while creating a more intimate, room-like outdoor experience.
• Cantilevered Decks: Architecturally striking designs that project outward beyond their support structure, creating a floating visual effect. Popular on modern homes where clean lines and dramatic geometry are part of the design language.
• Screened Deck Enclosures: Full or partial screen systems that keep mosquitoes and insects out while preserving airflow and natural light. A screened deck turns your outdoor space into a comfortable three-season room without the cost of a full enclosure.

Structural Integrity: Why Most Wheeling Decks Fail — And How We Prevent It

The most expensive part of your deck isn't the surface boards — it's the structural framing underneath. And it's the part that most contractors cut corners on. Standard pressure-treated lumber starts absorbing moisture and deteriorating the moment it's installed. In Illinois, where sub-zero temperatures, heavy snowfall, and persistent ice accumulation create relentless freeze-thaw cycles, that process accelerates dramatically. Within 10–15 years, the ledger board, posts, and stair stringers on a typical Wheeling deck are soft, splitting, and structurally compromised.

The Three Points of Failure — And How OC Lumber Solves Them

• Ledger Board: The ledger board connects your deck to your house. When it rots, the entire deck pulls away from the structure — a catastrophic and dangerous failure. Weatherguard uses Owens Corning structural lumber for every ledger board — rotproof, rustproof, and rated for underwater contact. OC Lumber installs with the same tools and fastener patterns as traditional lumber, combined with self-adhering flashing tape for complete moisture protection.
• Posts: Deck posts transfer the full weight of the structure to the footings. Ground-contact moisture, insects, and freeze-thaw cycling destroy standard PT lumber posts from the inside out. OC Lumber posts are rated for ground and underwater contact, eliminating rot at the critical zone where standard lumber fails first.
• Stair Stringers: Stair stringers carry concentrated loads and are repeatedly stressed by foot traffic. They're also exposed to splashing water and ground-level moisture. OC Lumber stringers are rotproof and rated for ground contact, with proper standoff brackets and blocking between stringers for lateral bracing — eliminating the #1 stair failure point.

Why Owens Corning Structural Lumber?

OC Lumber is engineered to protect against what wood and steel simply cannot. Rotproof, rustproof, and rated for underwater contact in both fresh and salt water. Designed to install like the lumber you use every day — same tools, same trade, same practices. Made to last. We don't offer this as an upgrade or an add-on — it's our standard for every ledger board, post, and stair stringer we install in Wheeling and across Illinois.

Optional Upgrade: Full OC Lumber Framing

For homeowners who want the ultimate structural package, Weatherguard offers a full OC Lumber frame upgrade — every joist, beam, rim board, and blocking piece in Owens Corning structural lumber. While our standard build uses OC Lumber for the three components that fail first, a full OC Lumber frame means every piece of structural wood in your deck is rotproof, rustproof, and rated for underwater contact. Combined with properly engineered frost-depth footings and code-compliant ledger connections, our structural approach gives you a deck that will perform for decades, not just years.

Browse 89 Deck Board Colors — Visual Color Swatch Gallery

Choosing the right deck color is one of the most exciting parts of your Wheeling deck project. Weatherguard offers 89 premium deck board colors across 20 collections from TimberTech AZEK Advanced PVC (Vintage, Landmark, Harvest+, Harvest), TimberTech Composite (Legacy, Reserve, Terrain+, Terrain, Prime+, Premier+, Premier), Trex (Signature, Transcend Lineage, Transcend, Select, Enhance, Refuge), and Wolf (Serenity, Haven, Perspective). Scroll through our interactive color swatch gallery above — with authentic product photos from all three manufacturers — to explore every option, from the luxury of Trex Signature Whidbey to the heat-mitigating Trex Transcend Lineage Biscayne, the ultra-premium warmth of TimberTech AZEK Vintage Dark Hickory, the hand-scraped artistry of Legacy Tigerwood, the bold Wolf Serenity Onyx, or the budget-friendly Trex Enhance Foggy Wharf. Every color is available for your custom Wheeling deck project, and we encourage you to request free physical samples to compare in your home's lighting and alongside your siding, trim, and landscape.

Our Wheeling design consultants will bring color samples to your property so you can see exactly how each board looks against your home's exterior. Popular color pairings include warm-toned boards (Mahogany, English Walnut, Wolf Serenity Amberwood, Reserve Antique Leather) with black aluminum railing for a classic contrast, or cool-toned boards (Coastline, Harbor Grey, Island Mist, Wolf Serenity Driftwood Grey) with white composite railing for a coastal aesthetic. Wolf's Perspective line — made from 94% recycled content — is an eco-conscious choice with industry-leading strength, while TimberTech's Terrain and Prime+ lines deliver authentic wood aesthetics with 25-year warranties at price points accessible to most budgets.