As an alternative, homeowners can go for composites that require less frequent maintenance. These materials, however, can encourage mold growth if they are not cleaned after three or four years. Hardwoods, the most durable and rot resistant of them all, are significantly more expensive and labor-intensive.
There’s also the matter of ensuring that the new deck meets all local building standards. In Chicago, the Department of Buildings has very specific guidelines for porches (and by extension, decks). For instance, an attached and unprotected deck made from wood must be no closer than three feet from the interior lot line, unless certain conditions are met, to help prevent fires from spreading. Count on trusted Chicago remodeling contractors like DAL Builders to know these guidelines by heart.
https://dalbuilders.net/remember-even-simple-home-remodeling-chicago-needs-careful-thought/
