--- title: "Unique Deck Builders — Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/decks-patios-and-outdoor-enclosures/unique-deck-builders-pfvwus-pf~2046855810 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2046855810.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Unique Deck Builders" category: ["Decks", "Patios & Outdoor Enclosures"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/d36337b00fe8cf98_6861-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "172 Skokie Valley Road, Highland Park, Illinois 60035, United States" latitude: 42.1794 longitude: -87.8059 phone: "(847) 831-1388" website: http://www.uniquedeck.com rating: 5 review_count: 13 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 78 last_updated: 2026-09-24 --- # Unique Deck Builders Original Houzz profile: [Unique Deck Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/decks-patios-and-outdoor-enclosures/unique-deck-builders-pfvwus-pf~2046855810) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Decks - **Location:** Highland Park, IL - **Serves:** Chicago, Evanston, Arlington Heights, Skokie, Mount Prospect, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Northbrook, Highland Park, Wilmette, Vernon Hills, Morton Grove, Libertyville, Lake Forest, Deerfield, Prospect Heights, Winnetka, Glencoe, Long Grove, Lincolnshire, Lake Bluff, Northfield, Highwood, Green Oaks, Riverwoods, Kenilworth, Knollwood, Bannockburn, Indian Creek, Mettawa, Golf, Fort Sheridan, Glenview Nas, Techny - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (13 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2014–2019), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 500 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Offers Custom Work - 40 years in business The Chicago Area and Northern suburbs leading and most trusted Roof Deck and Back Yard Deck Builder. From Concept To completion. We work with Ipe, Pau-lope, Deckorators Composite decking, Railings in aluminum, Composite and Stainless steel cable rails. We Build Custom Pergolas and Arbors to provide Shade. A New Trend is Covered Pavilions with down lighting that provides the best of options to sit out and enjoy the great Outdoors and not have to worry about rain. We offer Heater options and Privacy walls. ### Services Provided - Deck Building - Porch Design & Construction - Deck Repair - Railing Installation - Sunroom Design & Construction - Deck Design - Gazebo Design & Construction - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Balcony Design & Construction - Rooftop Deck Installation - Trellis Construction - Pool House Design & Construction - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Deck Lighting Installation - Railing Repair - Arbor Design and Construction - Glass Railings - 3D Rendering - Architectural Design - Construction Drawings ### Areas Served - Chicago - Evanston - Arlington Heights - Skokie - Mount Prospect - Glenview - Buffalo Grove - Wheeling - Northbrook - Highland Park - Wilmette - Vernon Hills - Morton Grove - Libertyville - Lake Forest - Deerfield - Prospect Heights - Winnetka - Glencoe - Long Grove - Lincolnshire - Lake Bluff - Northfield - Highwood - Green Oaks - Riverwoods - Kenilworth - Knollwood - Bannockburn - Indian Creek - Mettawa - Golf - Fort Sheridan - Glenview Nas - Techny ### Typical Job Cost $15,000 - 75,000 We review convenient times to set appointments with our clients to come by there homes to meet them and review the Site. Joel Boyer and staff meet to design and show pictures of our work with suggestions and Ideas for their home. We then write up a detailed proposal and provide a cost. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Unique Deck Builders | | Address | 172 Skokie Valley Road, Highland Park, Illinois 60035, United States | | Phone | (847) 831-1388 | | Website | http://www.uniquedeck.com | | Followers on Houzz | 78 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/uniquedeckbuilders?ref=hl - Blog — www.uniquedeck.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Unique Deck Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/decks-patios-and-outdoor-enclosures/unique-deck-builders-pfvwus-pf~2046855810) - **Website:** http://www.uniquedeck.com - **Phone:** (847) 831-1388 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Deckorators \#1 for the Design and Building of Composite Decking and Deckorators Railing options in the years of 2017, 2018 , 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 - 40 Yrs in Business with 1000's of Satisfied Clients. - We Pride ourselves on having Clients completely Satisfied with our work. - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2014–2019), for Service. **Affiliations** - [North American Deck and Railing Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/north-american-deck-and-railing-association-pfvwus-pf~1259836610) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 13 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — User, June 2020** > My review is truly 'unique' because this is the story told 3 Summers after Joel and his team built our deck in Lincoln Park! When we worked with Joel in late 2017 to design the deck, he was both responsive and creative. We truly had fun working with him to design the layout of what would be ultimately built. When it was time to build (July 2018), his crew onsite was both timely and professional. They worked with us to make small 'tweaks' as we saw the design put into place. They worked fast, were pleasant to deal with and cleaned up after themselves every day. > > The final product - now in our 3rd summer of living on the deck = Outstanding build quality! The deck is still beautiful to look at and we use it extensively! Joel's design allowed us 3 distinct 'zones', with each one having a different, pleasurable user experience. The quality of the build is exceptionally solid! > > Given my long term user experience, I can't recommend Joel Boyer & Unique Deck Builders highly enough! **★★★★★ — Christopher Monahan, Jan. 2020** > We used Unique Deck Builders to redo the flooring of the roof deck on our 3-unit condo building (wood boards to composite boards) and could not be happier. Joel and his team were fantastic from beginning to end. We contacted many companies at the beginning of the process and found Joel to be the most responsive, knowledgeable, and professional. He was very reasonable and fair with the price (and the final product looked beautiful) and time frame of the project. Compared to other companies, he was extremely honest with our situation, budget, and recommendations. He did not try to sell us more than we needed/wanted. He truly listened to what we wanted and offered solutions. > > We encountered multiple issues during the project (previous substructure installed incorrectly, rotting support boards, roof leaks), but Joel’s team addressed each issue (without extra charges) while still completing the project on time. Joel’s team worked through cold temperatures to make sure the deck was completed before any snow could delay the project. Joel was always available by phone or email to discuss any questions we had and accommodated a few last-minute updates to the original plan at again no extra charge. > > Highly recommend Joel and his team. The combination of price and quality cannot be beat! **★★★★★ — Jeff Jeffers, Feb. 2019** > Joel put together a great design for a maintenance free roof deck and his crew did an outstanding job with the installation. All of the project deadlines and commitments were met with absolutely no drama. We couldn't be happier with their work or with our experience! **Comment from Unique Deck Builders:** > Jeff, Thank you. It was a pleasure working with you. > The Deckorators Decking will last you a lifetime and it has a 25 Year warranty. > Thanks, > Joel **★★★★★ — Clare Agra, Jan. 2019** > Joel and his employees did a fantastic job creating our outdoor living space above the garage. He came over in person, listened to everything we wanted, gave us a detailed quote & delivered 100%. Couldn't recommend them more. **★★★★★ — Trevor Turk, Nov. 2018** > We had a fantastic experience with Joel and his crew at Unique Deck Builders. They worked with us on a difficult project with some complicated carpentry. They were patient and professional and did excellent work. We've been recommending them to our neighbors and friends, and I would say they should be your first call if you're considering a roof deck project! **★★★★★ — Kathleen Hardy, June 2017** > We had a wonderful experience with Unique Deck Builders from our initial in person meeting at our home with Joel through execution. Joel was incredibly knowledgeable, creative and had excellent follow up through every step of the way. He presented multiple price options/materials to us. His builders were utmost professionals and delivered our wonderful new deck spaces on time and laid out exact to plan. We look forward to using them again in the future. **★★★★★ — jfs2150, Jan. 2017** > Joel and his team at Unique Builders built our wonderful new Deckorators deck and replaced our old wood porch with matching Deckorators flooring \[and beautiful Azek railings\]. We love it. We initially requested bids from several contractors last spring and thought Joel's/Unique Builders' was the most competitive and thorough. We held off on hiring them because they would not have been able to complete the project in the Spring given their other projects. We contacted Joel again in late August and after finalizing the plan and working through the permit process (which Joel handled) the project was started in early November. Joel was very helpful and responsive the whole way through the project - checking in periodically with status updates. His team did a fantastic job and we are incredibly happy with the results. After the job was completed in late November we realized we needed to make some adjustments to the final result and Joel sent a team out to make those adjustments at no additional fee. We highly recommend Joel and Unique Builders! **★★★★★ — Joe Guarascio, Nov. 2016** > Very happy I decided to go with Unique Deck to build out my roof deck. Joel has a great eye for design. Extremely impressed with the quality and creativity of his work. He was also extremely responsive and went out of his way to make sure that I was happy with the result. There were a few last minute changes I had, that I'm sure were costly to him, but he made it clear that he cared more about investing in his customer relationships than a few dollars. Meet with Joel and his knowledge, craftsmanship, and service will speak for itself. **Comment from Unique Deck Builders:** > Joe, Thank you for the opportunity to design and suggest the materiels that you chose to use on your deck. > > The Trex Select Flooring in Pebble Gray is the best product that can be easily cleaned with house soap. > > The deck will never have to be power washed or sealed so the savings using Trex will pay for itself with in two years of the installation. > > The custom Woodway panels installed look beautiful on your deck. They are a custom Horizontal Cedar Privacy Rail Panel. > > The custom Arbor with lighting and the Television mount will provide you a relaxing space to enjoy. > > It was great working with you to get you the Ultimate Roof Deck. **★★★★★ — llspence, Aug. 2016** > It's hard to find a professional who says what they are going to do and actually execute. Joel and his team Enrique and Carlos executed flawlessly and professionally. Enrique and his team create an oasis with the arbor and privacy walls on our roof deck. They did an AMAZING job giving us another space in our condo to enjoy. We are extremely happy with the quality craftsmanship and would recommend Unique Deck Builders to anyone who wants a job done well and with polite crews. **★★★★★ — Jeff Katz, Aug. 2016** > Unique Deck just finished building a beautiful composite deck in our backyard. Joel was very easy to work with and made sure we were ready to go for a large party I had scheduled for the end of August. Sure, there were a few times when it took longer than I would have liked for him to get back to me but overall the project went very smoothly. The crew that actually built the deck could not have been nicer. They arrived early every day and worked through some of the hottest days of the summer. And our end result is beautiful and very high quality craftsmanship. We would not hesitate to recommend Unique Deck Builders. **★★★★★ — annherbach, Aug. 2016** > We were very happy with the Trex deck Joel’s crew — Dan, Paul and Zach — built in Aug 2013. The deck turned out beautiful and they were pleasant to work with. Three years later we had a water problem in our window well that required several deck planks to be removed so that a plumber could make the repair. Joel immediately sent a crew out to remove the planks and then replaced them once the repair was completed. Joel was quick to respond and didn’t charge us for the two visits. I highly recommend Unique Builders! **★★★★★ — jfelgee, Aug. 2015** > We solicited several proposals for a complete demo and rebuild of our backyard deck and patio. Several of the proposals were gorgeous, fully rendered designs and very 'professional' while Joel sketched his out by hand in front of me and so to be honest my wife and I were skeptical. That being said because of the thoughtfulness of his design, follow-up, and overall approach we decided to take a leap of faith. To say the least, we're fanatically pleased with the work. > > The design, workmanship, and timeliness of the crew that worked on our project were exceptional. ## Selected projects - [Chicago Roof Deck with Pavilion Roof with a Great View of the City](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chicago-roof-deck-with-pavilion-roof-with-a-great-view-of-the-city-pj-vj~6487886) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [Chicago Roof Deck with Covered Pavilion Roof](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chicago-roof-deck-with-covered-pavilion-roof-pj-vj~5514127) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 16 - Description: The Ultimate Chicago Roof Deck space using Deckorators maintenance free Decking in the Vault series and Dusk color, this surface is easy to walk on. Deckorators Decking is the only Brand that includes a 25 year warranty including the cost of Labor. The pavilion roof provides the best feature of the deck with great sun coverage, but allowing the breezes to blow through. The custom Pavilion roof with 9 Velux Glass skylights. The Ceiling is a 1 by 6 Cedar Tongue and grove material with recessed LED… - [Chicago Roof Deck with Pavilion and Pergola on Wayne Street](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chicago-roof-deck-with-pavilion-and-pergola-on-wayne-street-pj-vj~5514264) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 22 - Description: Chicago Roof Top Deck, Permitted, Designed and Built using Deckorators Dusk Decking to create a Cool and Contemporary Outdoor Living Space with Pavilion Roof, Pergola, Arbor, Privacy walls and lighting. The Cedar walls and pavilion, trim stained a Mission Brown with a natural Cedar Ceiling. Deckorators Decking is the best composite material that has a 25 year warranty including the cost of labor. This is the last deck you will have to purchase. - [Roof Deck, Chicago in Deckorators Vault Decking.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/roof-deck-chicago-in-deckorators-vault-decking-pj-vj~5514260) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 15 - Description: Chicago Garage Roof Deck, 50 feet by 20 foot Roof deck divided into Two Spaces for 2 owners. We removed the old roof deck. A new Wolmanized Wood Frame Installed. Deckorators Dusk light weight "Eovations" composite decking" this is a lightweight 5/4 by 6 decking. This is the best choice for a Roof Deck. The Deckorators Decking has a 25 year warranty including the cost of Labor. We designed both spaces to fit the needs of the owners. They both agreed on a Dusk color floor. Custom Privacy walls wit… - [Chicago, Roof Top Deck Ipe Hardwood](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chicago-roof-top-deck-ipe-hardwood-pj-vj~5514538) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 6 - Description: Custom Chicago Roof Deck on a 30 by 20 Garage Roof top that we designed using a Wolmanized Frame with Custom Ipe / Pau- Lope Hardwood decking with Privacy Walls using Woodway brand Moderna Series Horizontal Cedar Panels. Custom Bar with Quartz Top, Lower Bar work shelf on the backside of the Bar, Custom Cedar Pergola / Arbor. Custom Lighting. We provide the custom Stain work with lighting to provide a wonderful entertaining space for our clients to relax and enjoy there time at home. - [Chicago Roof Top Deck on Ashland](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chicago-roof-top-deck-on-ashland-pj-vj~5514132) - Location: Ashland, IL - Photos: 11 - Description: Review this custom roof deck, we started with a new Garage roof that was wide open. We designed a custom Deckorators composite decking that comes with a 25 year material and labor warranty. We designed this custom Cedar Pergola to provide shade, we design the overhead structures to look beautiful and provide the proper amount of Shade. We designed and installed custom Ceder Privacy walls, with a Random size Cedar plank set horizontal, plus LED lighting on the walls. - [Chicago Roof Deck composite with White Pergola / Arbor.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chicago-roof-deck-composite-with-white-pergola-arbor-pj-vj~5514158) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 19 - Description: We designed and built this new Roof Deck with Deckorators Composite Dusk Vault Series decking. We recommend Deckorators decking over Trex and other brands from our experience. Deckorators is lightweight with the "Eovations" technology which is 30 percent lighter than Trex's three sided wrapped composite. Deckorators Vault Series does not expand or shrink like the wrapped composites. The Vault, Voyage and Frontiers Series is available in 9 color choices and the surfaces last forever. Deckorators… - [Roof Deck overlooking Lake Michigan with Cable Rails.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/roof-deck-overlooking-lake-michigan-with-cable-rails-pj-vj~5977504) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 17 - Description: Our client has a wonderful location, the first house on the block next to public park and Beach located on dead end street with a view into the City of Chicago. The owner wanted to take full advantage of his second floor roof ,we built and installed a Deckorators Composite deck in the Tundra color with hidden fasteners to provide a clean look on the floor. We custom ordered Fenny Powder coated White Aluminum Vertical posts with Stainless steel cable rails. The cable rails provide clean sight lin… - [Unique Video](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/unique-video-pj-vj~5978899) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - Description: See quick Video to understand why we are one of the most respected Business's to use. - [Deckorators Composite Multi Deck Pictures Many Styles](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/deckorators-composite-multi-deck-pictures-many-styles-pj-vj~5552052) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 28 - [Composite Back Yard Decks](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/composite-back-yard-decks-pj-vj~5514176) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: The are pictures of some of our past work. - [Chicago Roof Deck Lincoln Square](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chicago-roof-deck-lincoln-square-pj-vj~5514269) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 6 - Description: Chicago Roof deck and Pavilion installed. We also designed and installed a lower back deck with Stairs and rails up to the roof deck. The Decking is by Deckorators in the Vault series Composite decking that never needs maintenance. The rails are Deckortaors in the A..LX. Aluminum Series. White Aluminum in a round baluster. We installed custom Privacy walls with a 1 by 6 Horizontal Cedar stained white. Custom Electrical by our licensed electrician with Kicheler up / Down LED lighting with switche… - [Chicago Roof Deck on Deming Place.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chicago-roof-deck-on-deming-place-pj-vj~5567099) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 18 - Description: We designed this new Deckorators Composite roof deck. We recommend Deckorators decking over Trex and the other brands from our experience. Deckorators light weight "Eovations" technology which is 30 percent lighter then the Trex composite. It does not expand or shrink like the wrapped composites. There are 9 color choices and the surfaces last forever. Deckorators is the only brand that has a 25 year warranty including the cost of Labor. We installed the Vault Dusk Decking, White Composite rails… - [Evanston Deck Lake Michigan](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/evanston-deck-lake-michigan-pj-vj~5531138) - Location: Highland Park, IL - Photos: 8 - Description: Ipe, Pau-lope Hardwood Decking, custom 2000 square foot Deck overlooking Lake Michigan located in Evanston, Illinois a suburb North of Chicago. A custom Wolmanized frame set and a Ipe, Pau-lope Hardwood 1 by 6 attached with Stainless steel color coated screw. This is a one level deck, custom Ipe benches along the East overlooking the views of the lake. - [Chicago Garage Roof Deck Huron](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chicago-garage-roof-deck-huron-pj-vj~5514379) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 6 - Description: Chicago Rooftop Deck, Permitted, Designed and Built using Deckorators Dusk Decking to create a Cool and Contemporary Outdoor Living Space with Cedar Pergola / Arbor,Privacy walls and lighting. The Cedar walls and Pavilion Stained in Mission Brown color. Deckorators Decking is the best composite material that has a 25 year warranty including the cost of labor. This is the last deck you will have to purchase. - [Ron of Japan Northbrook](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ron-of-japan-northbrook-pj-vj~5531487) - Location: Northbrook, IL - Photos: 16 - Description: Ron of Japan located in Northbrook, had Unique Builders design and build there new Deckorators maintenance free Deck. They use it to serve there customers. Deckorators is the only Composite decking that offers a 25 year warranty including the cost of labor, material is also full covered. The Railings are the C.X.T. Series, with a 2 inch vertical baluster including a Gate. - [Fitness Formula Club, Chicago, Gold Coast](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fitness-formula-club-chicago-gold-coast-pj-vj~5521077) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 14 - Description: Unique Builders designed and built the new rooftop deck for the Fitness Formula Club with a Wolmanized wood frame. Deckorators Vault Series Composite Decking installed. Deckorators Decking includes a 25 Year Warranty with the cost of labor included. - [Chicago Urban Ipe, Pau-lope Back Yard Deck](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chicago-urban-ipe-pau-lope-back-yard-deck-pj-vj~5567040) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 5 - Description: We worked with our client on their Custom Ipe, Pau-lope hardwood deck. Three 12 by 12 decks set on three distinct levels. Each deck is designed for the needs of the client. The upper deck is for eating and relaxing , the middle level is for the grill and cooking area, the lower level is set with the Couch and fire pit. This is a great use of space the yard width is 25 feet and the Deck is designed to use the space widely and efficiently. We installed a custom Ipe , Pau- lope is a 1 by 6 Hardwood… - [Raised Composite Deck](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/raised-composite-deck-pj-vj~5567377) - Location: Winnetka, IL - Photos: 13 - Description: WInnetka Home owners called us out to review building a maintenance free deck. We presented Deckorators Decking and composite rails they offer a 25 year warranty which also covers labor. This is the last deck they will ever have to pay for. The Deck has a composite floor, vinyl Lattice, Fiberglass rails and composite posts to support the arbor. The Cedar Pergola is a custom designed unit built modern style to provide shade and is stained with a Mission Brown stain by Benjamin Moore. The opners l… - [Licoln Square Deck in Composite Gray Color.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/licoln-square-deck-in-composite-gray-color-pj-vj~5567405) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 16 - Description: Chicago Roof Top Deck, Permitted, Designed and Built using Deckorators Dusk Decking to create a Cool and Contemporary Outdoor Living, White A.L.X. Deckorators Aluminum Rails. Deckorators Decking is the best composite material that has a 25 year warranty including the cost of labor. This is the last deck you will have to Build. [See all 42 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/decks-patios-and-outdoor-enclosures/unique-deck-builders-pfvwus-pf~2046855810) ## Ideabooks - [uniquedeck's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22153900/list/uniquedeck-s-ideas) — 2 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/uniquedeck) ## Community Q&A **Q: Which product line and color ?** *(in Photo Questions)* Which product line and color ? A: DecKorators Vault Series Color Mesquite **Q: is it ok to replace old decking with trex and keep wood existing frame** *(in Photo Questions)* We want to replace old decking only ! Is it possible to use existing wood frame .? A: Hi Jan, Depending on the shape of the Frame you can replace the Wood Decking with Composite. We would suggest replacing Wood with DecKorators Composite no Trex. Where are you located? --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-24.*