The Elmhurst building department along with that of Westchester, has the deepest pier requirement (48") of any town in the Chicago area. It can be challenging and usually requires special digging equipment to arrive at the proper depth. In addition, Elmhurst requires a deck to carry a 60lb. load. That means: more piers, more concrete, more framing lumber, more bolts etc...
"Frank suggested what to do between renovation or new construction of our 30+ year old deck. We worked out a price and a time frame which were both satisfactory. Frank understood our concerns about safety.( we have seven grandchildren on the premises). He did all that we asked and more. The deck is what we hoped it would be. The work was done in the time frame he said it would be. We are completely satisfied. We certainly recommend A- Affordable Decks" -
Demolition
If your deck is falling apart (literally), tear it down! Or maybe we can squeeze in a tear-off. Demolition although quite physical, is pretty hard to screw up. Maybe you or someone in the neighborhood can do that. Eliminate the big safety problem first. Then, new deck install later.
On average, 25% more lumber goes into our deck structures. That equates to more strength, stability and less potential problems in the future. It's difficult not mention the fact that a high percentage of carpenters regardless of what they claim, are looking to spend as little money as possible on materials. This is an easy entry, highly competitive business. These guys survive (barely) by selling jobs on price alone. They will cut every corner. Most decks that I see are crappily built.
Porches
A-Affordable Decks is based here in Lombard, Illinois. In the past 28 years A-Affordable has built many decks (pressure treated pine, western red cedar, Trex, vinyl), porches, pergolas, and has repaired numerous decks for homeowners in Lombard.