A new deck is rarely a standalone project. Most homeowners in the Plainfield area end up doing some level of landscaping alongside the build — whether that’s repairing the yard after construction, adding privacy plantings, installing a paver patio at ground level, or rethinking the entire backyard layout. The best results come when the deck and landscape are planned together, even if they’re built at different times.
This guide covers the practical side of coordinating these two projects — what to plan first, where timing matters, and how to find a qualified landscape professional in the area.
Why Planning Together Matters
Deck construction and landscaping affect each other in ways that aren’t always obvious until one of them is already done. Here are the most common coordination issues:
- Grading and drainage. Building a deck changes the grade around your foundation. If drainage isn’t addressed before landscaping begins, you can end up with water pooling against the substructure.
- Irrigation lines. If your landscape plan includes beds that need regular watering, the irrigation layout should be roughed in before the deck is built.
- Stair placement and pathways. Where your deck stairs land determines the path of foot traffic through the yard. Paver walkways and fire pit areas need to be coordinated with stair location.
- Lighting. Post-cap lights, stair lighting, and landscape path lights should be on a single wiring plan.
- Plant clearance. Shrubs, trees, and planting beds need at least 18 inches of clearance from the deck edge to allow airflow and prevent moisture damage.
What to Build First
In most cases, the deck goes in first and the landscaping follows. Deck construction requires equipment access, material staging, and excavation for footings — all of which will damage any landscaping installed beforehand. The construction process also changes the grade and compacts soil. Once the deck is complete and the footings have settled (typically 2–4 weeks), the landscaper has a stable structure to design around.
That said, the landscape design should happen before the deck build — even if the planting doesn’t. If your landscaper has drawn a plan that calls for a retaining wall, a paver landing at the base of the stairs, or a drainage solution, your deck contractor needs to see that plan before finalizing the footing layout and stair placement.
Finding a Landscape Professional
The Plainfield and Joliet area has a strong base of professional landscape contractors. When you’re looking for a landscaper to work alongside a deck build, look for someone who handles both softscape (plantings, mulch, grading) and hardscape (pavers, retaining walls, fire pits).
Landscape Illinois (formerly ILCA) is the state’s leading professional association for landscape contractors. Founded in 1959, it has more than 800 member companies statewide. Members are required to carry workers’ compensation and general liability insurance, demonstrate technical competence, and maintain professional standards through continuing education.
Landscape Illinois operates a public “Find a Contractor” directory that allows you to search by ZIP code, service type, and radius. Enter a Plainfield or Joliet ZIP code and the directory will return member contractors who serve the area.
| Detail | Information |
| Organization | Landscape Illinois Professionals Association (formerly ILCA) |
| Founded | 1959 |
| Members | 800+ companies statewide |
| Headquarters | 2625 Butterfield Rd, Suite 204W, Oak Brook, IL 60523 |
| Phone | (630) 472-2851 |
| Find a Contractor | landscapeillinois.org/find-a-contractor |
| Website | landscapeillinois.org |
What to look for in a landscape contractor:
- Experience working alongside deck or general contractors on combined outdoor projects
- Whether they handle both softscape and hardscape, or subcontract one of the two
- Their approach to grading and drainage around new structures
- Willingness to coordinate timing and staging with your deck contractor
- Insurance coverage (general liability and workers’ comp) — Landscape Illinois members are required to carry both
Local Nurseries for Plant Sourcing
The Growing Place — with locations in Naperville (25W471 Plank Rd) and Aurora (2000 Montgomery Rd) — is a Landscape Illinois member and one of the most well-regarded independent nurseries in the area. They carry roughly 3,000 plant varieties, offer at-home and virtual landscape design consultations, and can handle installation and delivery. For a detailed look, see our guide to landscaping around a new deck.
Permit Coordination
If your combined project includes both a deck and a patio, both elements may require separate permits from the Village of Plainfield. The most efficient approach is to include both in a single application. For a full walkthrough, see our guide to Plainfield’s deck permit requirements.
Choosing Deck Materials That Complement Your Landscape
Your deck’s color and material should work with the landscape palette — not against it. For a comparison of how different composite brands handle color and heat, see our review of heat-resistant composite decking. And for help choosing deck board colors to coordinate with your home and landscape, take a look at our tips for choosing the right deck color.
Start With the Right Team
Platinum Decking builds custom decks and outdoor living spaces for homeowners across Plainfield and the southwest suburbs. We coordinate with local landscapers to make sure your deck and yard come together as one finished space — from grading and drainage to stair placement and lighting. Call us at (224) 634-4345 to start planning your project.