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5/5

4.9-Star-Rated by Homeowners in Boone and Winnebago Counties

Hard Decks Deck Building Timeline: Simple, Transparent, and Built Around You

At Hard Decks, we believe building your dream outdoor space should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Backed by a team of expert builders and a passion for quality, we turn your vision into a reality without the stress. Below, we’ve outlined our clear process so you know exactly what to expect from start to finish.

Speed, Craftsmanship, and Confidence

At Hard Decks, you don’t have to choose between quality and speed. We deliver both on time and on budget. Our deep experience, trusted reputation, and industry certifications allow us to offer premium materials, precision-built decks, and peace of mind through every phase of your project.
timbertech silver pro

TimberTech Silver Pro Contractor

We’re recognized as a TimberTech Silver Pro—ensuring you get top-tier products installed the right way. TimberTech’s fade and stain warranty, plus long-lasting performance, give you peace of mind with every board we install.
TrexProGold Logo grey

TrexPro® Gold Installer

As a TrexPro® Gold Installer, we build decks that last. With Trex’s 25-year warranty and our expertise, you’ll get a beautiful, worry-free space to grill, chill, and make memories for years. Let’s create something you’ll love outdoors!
Deckorators Certified Pro Logo

Decorators® Certified Pro

As certified Decorators® pros, we install some of the most beautiful, low-maintenance composite decking on the market. That means fewer splinters, less upkeep, and more time enjoying your outdoor space.

Our Deck Building Timeline

We know home projects can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve simplified the process to make it easy, predictable, and stress-free for you. Here’s what your deck-building experience with Hard Decks will look like:
10–20 minutes
Initial Contact & Phone Consultation
Kick things off by filling out our quick contact form. Once we know a bit about what you’re dreaming up, you’ll get a personal call to talk through your goals, preferences, and timeline.
60–90 minutes

Welcome our expert team to your property for a detailed walkthrough. We’ll measure your space, talk materials and layout, and give you personalized advice based on your vision and budget. (Note: $300 consultation fee applied to your project if you move forward.)

30-60min

Your custom plan is reviewed, refined, and finalized. Once you feel confident and ready, we lock in your project start date and collect the deposit. No surprises – just clarity.
1 day before build start
Your space gets prepped and double-checked to ensure everything is safe and build-ready. You’ll get a walkthrough so you know exactly what to expect when construction begins.
3 days – 2 weeks
This is where your vision starts taking shape. Our crew handles every detail while keeping your property clean and you updated. You’ll see progress daily and know exactly who’s doing what.
Once the last board is in place, your space gets a full clean and complimentary wash—so the only thing left to do is step out and enjoy your new deck.
Same day as project completion
You’ll walk the finished deck with us to make sure everything meets your expectations. After we leave, you’ll have three days to take a closer look and let us know if anything needs attention.
We’ll check in after the dust settles to make sure you’re 100% satisfied and answer any questions about care, maintenance, or warranty. We’re here long after the tools are packed up.

Ready to Build?

Get a Custom Deck Built Right: On Time, On Budget, and Built to Last by Northern Illinois’ Trusted Deck Pros

Or Get In Touch Directly

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Jayme Carlson
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Andy Dawley
Jim McMahon
5/5

My wife and I learned about Hard Decks through the Google app.

We took a chance with them and got them out for a quote and were very pleased after getting two other quotes. We talked about our decking options and how to keep cost within our budget.

The crew is very detailed in their work and I was very impressed at how diligent they work. Always willing to answer any questions we had.

We are so happy that we went with them and I would recommend them for anyone looking to have any kind of deck added, improved or replaced.

They responded to phone calls and email quickly. It looks great and we are completely satisfied. Thank you Jayme and Crew! Professional work. Jim & Jan Rockford IL

Toni Kruger
5/5

In 2023, Hard Decks installed our beautiful new deck. Recently, we faced some weather damage to one of our deck lights. 

Without hesitation, we reached out to Jayme and he promptly responded. He swiftly ordered the replacement part and installed it in record time

We really appreciate Hard Decks exceptional customer service and we highly recommend Hard Decks to anyone in need of quality deck installation and maintenance.

Casey Knoepfle
5/5

We had an unfortunate accident with a tree falling and destroying our deck.

Jayme was incredibly easy to work with from the start. He was able to get over and start working on a plan to remove the old one and build a new composite deck within a few days.

He listened to our requests, and offered a couple different options. We never felt like we were pushed into more than we wanted or wanted to spend.

They started the project within a reasonable amount of time, and the quality was exactly what we expected.

I would highly recommend reaching out to Hard Decks if you are in the market for building or replacing your deck.

Jory Anne W
5/5

Jayme, Andrew and the Hard Decks team were very professional

They completed our deck on time and were able make changes on the spot to suit our needs and applied credits where needed based on the new plan.

They also cleaned up after themselves and we are very pleased with our new deck. I would definitely recommend them.

d

5/5

Special thanks out to one and all members of the Hard Decks crew and all the people working behind the scenes to make our deck replacement absolutely beautiful. 

The crew showed up every day with a plan and worked it flawlessly. Andy kept us informed of daily progress and made sure the work site was cleaned up and ready for the next day of work.

Highly recommend this business to anyone interested in deck replacement.

Heather S
5/5

Hard Decks did a beautiful job replacing our deck as well as helping to replace the sliding doors. 

They were prompt, professional, courteous, and in general a great pleasure to work with.

Left a very clean job site at the end of each day and when the work was complete. Overall a wonderful experience.

p

5/5

The team at Hard Decks makes the process of building or replacing your deck painless and worry free

From the first meeting to review the choices available to scheduling and completion are handled professionally.

The entire team is knowledgeable, friendly, expand professional. I would highly recommend Hard Decks for your project.

t

5/5

Great company to work with. They have exceptional attention to details.

We did a big outdoor kitchen project and we are more than thrilled with the result. I would recommend them to anybody.

d

5/5

The entire process working with Hard Decks went incredibly well.

The attention to quality & detail by every single team member could not have been better.

My new deck exceeded my expectations! I highly recommend working with Jayme, Andy and their team.