Deck Builders Near Me in Highland Park, IL? Build Your Own Deck With an A-DIY Kit

Both are realistic. Highland Park and North Shore deck contractors take on custom, elevated and ravine-side decks, so compare two or three written quotes with proof of insurance and recent local projects. For a ground-level deck you build yourself, A-DIY delivers professionally engineered wood and composite deck kits to Highland Park homes, and you or a handyman can assemble one with just a drill.

Price depends on size, material, height, footings, site conditions and permit fees, and North Shore labor is a big share of any contractor quote. A-DIY deck kits range from $3,699 for a 6x12 pressure-treated kit to $12,799 for a 16x28 composite kit, and homeowners typically spend 30–50% less than hiring a contractor. Kit prices don’t include permits, site prep or hired labor.

With A-DIY, a 12x12 deck kit is $4,899 in pressure-treated wood or $5,700 in composite. A 12x16 composite kit is $6,600; the closest wood size is 12x18 at $5,969. A 16x20 kit is $7,600 in wood or $10,199 in composite. Framing, decking, footings and hardware are included.

Yes, plan on one. Deck permits are issued by the City of Highland Park Building Division in the Community Development Department (847-432-0808), which lists wood decks among its permit submittals. Properties near ravines or bluffs, designated landmarks and homes in historic districts can need extra review, so mention those when you apply.

Probably not. The model International Residential Code exempts some small, low, freestanding decks, but Highland Park rewrote that exemption list in its local amendments, and decks are not on it. Expect to need a permit for a deck of any size, and confirm with the Building Division before you order.

Many customers use their A-DIY decks for hot tubs and saunas. Applicable configurations are engineered to hold up to 15,000 lbs when properly assembled and supported, but tub weight, placement and wiring vary, so talk to a deck specialist before you order and check local electrical and permit rules.

Highland Park’s code amendments set a 42-inch frost depth, measured from finished grade, and require deck posts to attach to footings above grade with an approved connector rather than being buried. A-DIY kits are freestanding and sit on included Tuff Block footings; whether a floating deck is accepted on your lot is up to the building official.

Lake Michigan shapes it. North or northeast winds can bring lake-effect snow on top of the roughly 38 inches a year measured at O’Hare, while lake breezes take some edge off summer heat. Expect deep frost, freeze-thaw cycles and humid summer thunderstorms, so clear snow with a plastic shovel, keep drainage moving away from the house and seal wood every one to two years.

Late spring through early fall, roughly May to October. Because permit review can take longer when a lot needs ravine or historic review, start planning over the winter. A-DIY Reserve holds today’s price with a $250 non-refundable deposit while you wait on approvals.

Pressure-treated wood kits come in 15 sizes: Standard 12x12, 12x18, 12x20, 12x24, 12x28, 16x16, 16x20, 16x24 and 16x28, plus Compact 6x12, 6x16, 6x20, 8x12, 8x16 and 8x20. Composite kits come in 9 sizes from 12x12 to 16x28 in Amazon Gray or Forest Wood. Custom sizes are available on request.

Yes. A-DIY ships by LTL freight to Highland Park neighborhoods such as Ravinia and Braeside and to nearby Highwood, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Glencoe and Northbrook. The carrier calls ahead to schedule curbside delivery, typically within 10–14 business days.

Pay in full, spread the cost over 0% split payments for up to 8 months, or build now and pay later through Affirm, Klarna or Shop Pay, subject to approval. You can also reserve your kit with a $250 non-refundable A-DIY Reserve deposit that holds today’s price.