Split to Single-Level
Composite Deck Replacement
- TimberTech Reserve composite decking
- Westbury Tuscany C10 aluminum railings
- Low-voltage deck lighting package
Location: Killdeer Pl, Rockford, IL
Price: $88,988
Part One: Initial Consultation
Homeowners Steve and Mary reached out to Hard Decks about their backyard deck that technically worked, but barely.
A split-level design had divided their outdoor space into two separate platforms with a step between them. This made the whole area feel smaller and less usable than it actually was.
Steve and Mary had a clear vision. They wanted TimberTech Reserve composite decking with a main field color and a contrasting border. They also wanted to bring in lighting so the deck would feel just as good at night as it does during the day.
All that was left was making it happen.
Some issues with this family's old deck were...
Aging wood boards
The original decking was past its useful life, with warping and surface degradation throughout.
Structural wear
The old wood framing had aged past the point of easy repair. Replacing it was the right call.
Old split level
The step-down between the two deck areas created a tripping hazard and physically divided the space.
Inaccessible yard
A steeply sloped backyard made it awkward and potentially unsafe to get down to the yard.
Part Two: The Design, Planning, Permitting
After the consultation, we put together a full quote and design plan for Steve and Mary. Once the proposal was approved, we pulled the building permits directly on behalf of the homeowners, which included drawings, plans, and all municipal requirements.
The most thoughtful part of the design was how the team solved the split-level problem.
Instead of just rebuilding what was there, we eliminated the step entirely and converted the deck into one flat, unified surface.
That said, Steve and Mary still wanted to feel like they had two distinct areas: a spot for dining and a spot for lounging.
So, the team designed a long accent board in a contrasting color, laid flush in the exact spot where the old step used to sit.
That means no step and no tripping hazard. Just a clean visual break between two seating zones that makes the space feel intentional.
Part Three: The Time Schedule
Steve and Mary were on a tight timeline heading into summer. So, we made sure to work efficiently to keep the build moving at every phase.
Feb 13th
Initial proposal issued to Steve and Mary.
Mar 5th
Mary signed and approved the final proposal.
May 19th
Framing and helical footing installation heavily underway.
May 27th
Crew working on stairs, flashing, and structural blocking.
Jun 1st
Rails, siding, and exterior adjustments complete.
Jun 5th
Homeowner confirmed completion and praised the crew.
Read what the homeowner said after we completed the build...
Stephen Martin
The Hard Decks team did a fantastic job on our deck. The team answered our questions, or would get back to us. They did a very good job of removing the old deck, and are very happy with how our new deck looks.
Jayme and his team were also very responsive to any issues, and worked to fix them or get us the information in a timely manner. I definitely recommend them.
Check Out Their New Composite Deck
Swipe through the photos and see every detail of the new deck up close.
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Split to Single-Level Composite Deck Replacement
This project included:
- Designs, planning and permitting
- Removed all existing deck framing and decking
- Green Treated Wood Framing with a 5-year warranty
- 640 sq. ft. of TimberTech Reserve composite decking
- Black Westbury 2"x2" aluminum posts and Tuscany C10 rails
- Custom stairs with a curved landing and composite treads
- Lighting package: one light per stair riser, post cap lights, and a transformer
- Full conduit, wiring, and three new outlets by a licensed electrician
TimberTech Reserve Collection Composite Deck
TimberTech Reserve is one of the top tiers in composite decking. The boards resist staining, fading, and scratching, and they’re backed by a 50-year limited warranty. The two-color design the homeowners chose (Antique Leather for the field and Dark Roast for the border and accent board) gives the deck a unique look.
Westbury Tuscany C10 Railings
Westbury aluminum railings are one of the most trusted names in the industry. The matte black finish paired with the Tuscany C10 textured infills gives the railing a clean, modern profile that holds up without painting, rusting, or replacing.
Deck Lighting System
The lighting package runs one fixture per stair riser, post-cap lights at every corner, and a single transformer to control the whole system. It turns the deck into a space you actually want to be in after dark.
Materials And Finishes Used
This Deck Was $88,988
This full-service deck build used some of the best materials available. The price also includes permitting, demolition, framing, custom stairs, full electrical work, and a complete lighting system.
350+
decks built & repaired
500+
55+
5-star Google reviews
3-yr
work warranty
Hi! I'm Jayme Carlson, owner of Hard Decks
I started this company in 2021 alongside my co-founder, Andy Dawley, after watching too many homeowners get let down by contractors who did careless work, disappeared after the sale, and built decks that fell apart before their time.
We knew there was a better way to do this. Our crew brings over 35 years of hands-on experience to every project, and we’re one of the only companies in the Belvidere area that focuses exclusively on decks.
If your old deck isn’t doing your backyard justice anymore, we’ll replace it with something built to last, and you’ll know exactly what’s happening every step of the way.
250+ Decks Built, 250+ Happy Families
See what your Rockford neighbors are saying about their new decks.
Kelly Latimer
BEST IN TOWN! They developed a plan that was far superior to what we had originally conceived. Then their crew executed the plan flawlessly.
The finished product is positively stunning. From inception to completion, this is the company you want to build your deck.
or read more on
Beth Ann Alonzo
I had two decks replaced by Hard Decks. Fantastic communication from start to finish. The craftsmanship is excellent.
The foreman patiently and knowledgeable answered my frequent, daily questions thru out the building process. Daily cleanup was done and final cleanup was perfect.
My new decks are beautiful! I highly recommend Hard Decks and give them an A+ rating.
Heather Schneider
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.