First and foremost, it’s important to understand what a joist is. A joist is a structural element that supports floors and ceilings in a building. Joists are typically made of wood or steel and can be used to support loads such as roofs, decks, and porches. In order to create a strong structure, it’s important that your joists are properly sized and installed according to code regulations. 

When it comes to selecting materials for your porch or deck in Chicago, there are many options available. The most common materials used for porches and decks include pressure-treated wood, composite decking boards, cedar wood, IPE wood (ironwood), redwood lumber, and vinyl decking boards. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to cost, durability, maintenance requirements, resistance from weather elements such as snow and rain, aesthetics, etc. It’s important to consider all of these factors before making a decision on which material is the best fit for you. 

At City Porches we recommend using pressure-treated wood if budget is an issue since it offers great value for money in terms of durability. If you have more of a budget then we suggest IPE Wood since its naturally beautiful look as well as its superior strength makes it perfect for outdoor projects like porches & decks that will be exposed to harsh weather conditions all year round. For those who want something low maintenance & long lasting then composite decking boards are the way forward since they require very little upkeep while still providing an attractive finish.