Does pressure-treated decking require maintenance?

Yes. Pressure-treated lumber requires periodic staining or sealing to maintain appearance and resist moisture. Without maintenance, the wood will gray, crack, and splinter over time.

Can different materials be combined on the same deck?

Yes. A common combination is composite decking with a contrasting composite picture-frame border. Mixed-material builds are modeled in the 3D design so color combinations and transitions are confirmed before ordering.

Premium Decking Materials in Northern Illinois

Choosing the right decking material in Northern Illinois, dictates the upfront investment, long-term maintenance requirements, and structural performance of an outdoor space. To remove guesswork, every material option is mapped directly into a custom 3D design presentation. Homeowners evaluate color palettes, board textures, and layout configurations at scale prior to any material procurement.

WE’RE TRUSTED BY:

Our Services:

Composite Decking Brands

Five composite decking material in Northern Illinois, options are installed, each with different product lines, cap technologies, and warranty tiers.

TimberTech: Capped composite and capped polymer; the widest range of collections in the lineup.
Trex: Product tiers from entry-level to high-performance capped boards.
Deckorators: Mineral-based composite; different core composition than wood-fiber boards.
AZEK: PVC decking with zero wood fiber content; will not absorb moisture.
Fiberon: Capped composite engineered for mold and moisture resistance.

Pressure-Treated and Cedar Decking

Not every project calls for composite. Other deck materials in Northern Illinois, include pressure-treated lumber, which costs less per square foot, and cedar, available on request.

Pressure-Treated: Kiln-dried, ground-contact-rated lumber specified on every project; accepts stain, paint, and custom finishes.
Cedar: Weathers to a silver-gray patina untreated, or holds a stained tone with routine maintenance.
Labor Warranty: 1 year on composite builds, 3 months on pressure-treated.

Where the Standard Comes From

Echelon Deck Group, recognized for expertise in decking material in Northern Illinois, was founded in 2021 when Andrew DeBruyne left one of the largest deck companies in the country and approached Gil Alvarez about building something different. What started as two people betting on their own standard has grown into a two-crew operation with 15 years of combined experience and a client portal that keeps the build schedule visible from start to finish.

A Closer Look at Every Board and Every Detail

Northern Illinois Is Our Backyard

Northern Illinois

Wisconsin

Every Project Tells a Story

Reputation is built one project at a time. Read what homeowners said when the work was done.

Deck Materials FAQs

What is the difference between composite decking and pressure-treated wood?

The composite is made of wood fibers and polymers, capped with a protective shell; it resists fading, staining, mold, and insects, with no annual maintenance. Pressure-treated lumber is natural wood with chemical preservatives; it resists rot and insects but requires periodic staining or sealing.

How do I choose between composite brands?

Each brand offers different color palettes, textures, cap technologies, and warranty tiers. The selection is narrowed during the design consultation based on budget, sun exposure, color preference, and performance requirements.

Is cedar decking available?

Yes, on request. Cedar does not require chemical preservatives and is a strong option for homeowners who prefer a natural wood species over composite or pressure-treated lumber.

What warranties come with composite decking?

Manufacturer warranties vary by brand and product tier but typically cover structural performance and surface staining for 25 to 50 years, depending on the line. Labor warranty is 1 year on all composite builds.