- Serving Lakewood, Crystal Lake, Schaumburg & More!
- Work with the Premier Roofing Company
Homeowners in Lakewood, Barrington, and Cary trust us to build outdoor living spaces that hold up through freeze-thaw cycles and heavy summer use. We handle design, permits, and construction from start to finish.
Every deck and patio project starts with a site visit and a clear scope. We build to local code and schedule inspections so your project closes cleanly.
Frost heave is the biggest threat to deck longevity in McHenry County. We dig footings to a minimum of 42 inches — the Illinois frost depth — and use tube forms with poured concrete. Post-to-beam connections follow current IRC standards for lateral and vertical load. Ledger boards get flashed and lag-bolted directly to the house rim joist, not the siding.
Pressure-treated lumber is cost-effective and handles our climate well when properly sealed. Composite decking — brands like Trex or TimberTech — resists fading, splintering, and moisture without annual staining. We walk you through both options based on your budget, maintenance preference, and how the deck will be used. Cary and Barrington homeowners often choose composite for lake-adjacent properties where moisture is higher.
A concrete patio starts with proper base prep — 4 to 6 inches of compacted gravel to manage drainage and frost movement. We score and seal poured concrete for a clean finish that lasts. Paver patios allow individual unit replacement if settling occurs. Both options work with Lakewood’s soil and drainage conditions when installed with the right base depth.
We start with a free site visit to measure, check grades, and discuss layout options. After permit approval, footings go in first, then framing, decking, railings, and stairs in sequence. Patio projects follow base prep, form setting, pour or paver installation, and sealing. We leave the site clean and walk the finished project with you before closing the job.
Here are common questions from homeowners in Lakewood, Barrington, Cary, and surrounding areas — and our clear answers:
Yes, attached decks and most freestanding structures above a certain size require a building permit in the Village of Lakewood.
Deck footings must be a minimum of 42 inches deep in McHenry County to get below the Illinois frost line and prevent heaving.
A standard deck project in Lakewood typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from permit approval, depending on size, material, and weather.
Composite decking requires no annual staining and resists the moisture and temperature swings common in McHenry County, making it a strong long-term value.
Spring and early summer fill our schedule fast in Lakewood. The sooner we assess your yard and pull the permit, the sooner your outdoor space is ready to use.
We handle everything from the first measurement to the final inspection. Contact TJ Builders & Developers Inc today.
