Outdoor Spaces Built to Last Decades

RLF Contracting llc builds custom decks and patios for homeowners in Woodstock, Illinois.

You need outdoor space that holds up through Woodstock winters and humid summers without warping or splitting. RLF Contracting llc designs and builds wood decks and patios that fit your property layout and stand up to freeze-thaw cycles, snowmelt runoff, and seasonal moisture changes that affect most decking materials in northern Illinois.

Each deck is planned around how you use your yard and what your home already looks like. Materials are selected based on exposure to sun, drainage patterns, and expected foot traffic. Your deck or patio becomes usable space for grilling, seating, or outdoor furniture that stays level and secure year after year. Proper joist spacing, fastener placement, and post anchoring prevent sagging and movement over time.

Get started on a custom deck or patio built for your Woodstock home.

How Wood Decks Are Built for Midwest Weather

Your deck begins with a site evaluation to check grade, drainage, and proximity to existing structures in Woodstock. Footings are dug below the frost line to prevent heaving. Pressure-treated lumber or composite decking is installed with spacing that allows water to drain and air to circulate underneath.

Once complete, you will notice a stable walking surface that does not bounce or creak when walked on. Railings are anchored to resist lateral pressure, and stairs are built with consistent riser heights. The deck integrates cleanly with doorways, grading, and landscaping.

Decking boards are fastened with hidden clips or stainless screws to reduce surface exposure to moisture. Flashing is installed where the ledger attaches to the home to prevent water from entering the wall cavity. The structure is built to local code requirements and designed to support typical furniture loads and gatherings.

Questions Before You Build

Homeowners in Woodstock often ask about material choices, timelines, and what to expect during construction. These answers cover the most common concerns before starting a deck or patio project.

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What type of wood works best for decks in this area?
Pressure-treated lumber is the most common choice because it resists rot and insect damage in wet conditions. Cedar and composite options are also available depending on your maintenance preferences and budget.
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How long does it take to build a custom deck?
Most decks take one to two weeks from layout to completion. Timing depends on deck size, railing style, and weather conditions during construction.
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What happens to the yard during construction?
You will see equipment, material staging, and temporary disruption to grass or landscaping near the build area. RLF Contracting llc works to minimize compaction and restores grading after footings and framing are complete.
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Why do some decks need permits?
Most decks over a certain height or square footage require a permit to verify structural safety and code compliance. RLF Contracting llc handles permit applications and inspections as part of the build process.
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How do you prevent water damage where the deck attaches to the house?
A metal flashing strip is installed between the ledger board and the home's exterior to direct water away from the wall. This keeps moisture from entering the framing or siding and causing rot over time.

RLF Contracting llc builds decks and patios across Woodstock that expand your usable outdoor space and increase property value. Whether you need a elevated deck off a second story or a ground-level patio near the back door, the structure will be built to support long-term use. Contact RLF Contracting llc to schedule a site evaluation and discuss your project.