Our History
Our Story
Deck Lab (formerly Western Lakes Outdoors) was founded in 2018 by Sebastian Blanco in West Chicago, IL.
What started as seasonal snow removal quickly evolved into a full-time passion for carpentry and outdoor builds.
By 2021, Sebastian shifted focus entirely to designing and constructing high-quality decks, pergolas, outdoor rooms, and custom exterior living spaces.
Today, Deck Lab is built on:
- Craftsmanship-first construction
- Clean, modern outdoor design
- Reliable crews & project execution
- Long-term builds that last
We don’t do everything.
We do decks and outdoor structures the right way — and we’ve never looked back.
Western Lakes Outdoors laid the foundation. Deck Lab builds the future.

SEBASTIAN BLANCO
FOUNDER
I have over a decade of experience in the construction industry, where I’ve honed my skills in carpentry, project management, and design. I’m a carpenter by trade, and I started my career stick framing custom homes—learning the ins and outs of structural craftsmanship from the ground up.
Later, I worked for a cabinet and furniture maker, where I sharpened my eye for precision, my attention to detail, and my ability to craft custom, high-quality pieces. Those were the days of long hours, tough lessons, and plenty of yelling—where every mistake was more than just corrected; it was drilled into memory.
To keep growing in this field, I take college courses at night, studying Construction Management at the College of DuPage.
For me, the idea of sitting still, away from the tools and the work I love, just isn’t an option. As long as I’m able, I’ll be in the shop, on-site, or at the drafting table, doing what I love until the very end.
With a strong foundation in both hands-on construction and formal education, I continue to lead Deck Lab with a focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
Need help? Contact me
+1 630-822-5261 or contact@decklabbuilders.com
