Building decks in Michigan isn’t just about putting down boards and railings; it’s about understanding our climate, soil movement, and how homeowners actually live through four very different seasons. After more than a decade working as a licensed residential builder specializing in outdoor Website, I’ve learned that a deck here has to survive heavy snow, spring thaw, humid summers, and everything in between. That’s why hiring experienced Deck Builders Michigan is crucial. If it’s not built with that in mind from the first footing to the final fastener, it won’t last.
One of the first mistakes I made early in my career still sticks with me. I was helping on a project where the footings weren’t dug quite deep enough to get below the frost line. The homeowner wanted to save time before winter set in, and the ground was already starting to harden. The following spring, after a brutal freeze-thaw cycle, the deck had shifted slightly. It wasn’t dramatic, but it was enough to cause uneven boards and visible stress at the ledger. We had to come back, reinforce and correct it, which cost the client more in the long run. Since then, I refuse to compromise on proper footing depth. In Michigan, frost heave is not a theory. It’s a reality you either plan for or pay for later.
Many homeowners contact deck builders in Michigan with a specific material already in mind. Composite decking has become popular, and for good reason. I’ve installed miles of it over the years. It handles moisture better than traditional wood and requires far less maintenance. But I always explain the trade-offs. Composite gets hotter under direct summer sun, especially on darker boards. I remember a family in a lakeside community who chose a deep brown composite because they loved the color. By July, their kids couldn’t walk barefoot on it in the afternoon. We ended up adding a pergola and recommending outdoor rugs to make the space more comfortable. Material choice should match lifestyle, not just appearance.
Pressure-treated lumber still has its place, particularly for structural framing. In my experience, the biggest issue isn’t the material itself but poor installation. I’ve inspected decks built by less experienced contractors where joist spacing was too wide or fasteners weren’t rated for outdoor use. A deck might look fine at first glance, but after one Michigan winter, rusted hardware and loose boards start showing up. I always use corrosion-resistant fasteners and properly flashed ledger boards. Water intrusion behind the ledger is one of the most common and dangerous problems I’ve seen. If water gets between the house and the deck connection, rot follows, and that’s not a small repair.
Permits are another area where homeowners sometimes try to cut corners. I’ve had clients tell me they were advised by someone else that a permit wasn’t necessary for “just a small deck.” In Michigan, requirements vary by municipality, but in many cases, permits and inspections are mandatory. A few summers ago, I was called to replace a deck that had failed an inspection during a home sale. It had been built without proper approvals, and the new buyer’s lender required corrections. The seller ended up spending several thousand dollars to rebuild something that could have been done correctly the first time.
As a deck builder who has worked through both booming housing markets and slower seasons, I can say that the best projects are the ones where homeowners think beyond the boards. How will snow be cleared? Is there proper drainage beneath the structure? Will the stairs be safe when icy? I often recommend wider steps and sturdy railings, especially for families with older relatives. Those practical decisions make a bigger difference than decorative details.
Deck builders in Michigan have to be part craftsman and part problem-solver. Our weather doesn’t forgive shortcuts. When I stand on a finished deck overlooking a backyard in late summer, I’m already thinking about how it will hold up in January. That mindset has shaped every project I take on, and it’s what separates a deck that simply looks good from one that truly lasts.