Deck guides
Deck guides for Northern Illinois homeowners.
Straight answers on permits, cost, and timing — written for McHenry County and the Fox River towns, not a national average. No fluff, no bait numbers.
Permits · Updated July 2026
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Deck in McHenry County, IL?
Most decks in McHenry County need a permit, and the rules change town to town. This guide walks through when a permit is required, the 42-inch frost-footing rule, the two inspections, and exactly which department to call in your town.
Read the guideCost · Updated July 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck in Illinois?
A new deck in Illinois runs roughly $15–$30 per square foot in pressure-treated wood and $30–$55 in composite, installed. This guide breaks down cost by material and by size, walks the line items, and explains the Illinois-specific factors — like 42-inch frost footings — that move the number.
Read the guideStaining · Updated July 2026
Best Time to Stain a Deck in Northern Illinois
In Northern Illinois you get roughly five months a year to stain a deck and have the finish actually hold. Miss the window — or the weather inside it — and you pay twice. Here's exactly when to stain, and why.
Read the guideStaining · Updated July 2026
Cost to Stain a Deck in McHenry County, IL
Straight answer up front: in McHenry County, staining a deck runs $2.75 to $4.50 per square foot for a full wash, stain, and seal. Where you land in that range depends on a handful of things. Here's exactly what drives the number.
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