Your backyard should be more than just an open space—it should be an extension of your home, a place where you can entertain guests, relax with family, and enjoy Michigan’s changing seasons. But without the right design, materials, and craftsmanship, a deck can quickly become a maintenance headache rather than a long-lasting investment.
At Custom Built, we understand that a deck isn’t just a project—it’s a space that brings people together. With decades of experience in remodeling and outdoor construction, we take a meticulous, client-focused approach to ensure every deck we build is durable, functional, and beautifully designed.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through our step-by-step approach to building composite decks, covering everything from planning and materials to installation and final finishing touches. Here’s how we make your dream deck a reality:
- Design & Planning
- Demolition & Site Preparation
- Footings & Framing
- Decking Installation
- Railings & Stairs
- Skirting & Finishing Touches
- Final Inspection & Cleanup
- Warranty & Maintenance
1. Design & Planning
Designing your dream deck starts with a vision. Our team works with you to create a layout that complements your home and meets your needs. From selecting high-quality materials to integrating future features, we ensure every detail is considered.
- Site Visit & Layout Design: We start with an on-site consultation to understand your needs, take measurements, and determine the best layout for your deck.
- Material & Color Selections: Choose from top brands like Trex and TimberTech, selecting colors and finishes that complement your home’s exterior.
- 3D Renderings: We create a digital model of your future deck, helping you visualize how it will look before construction begins.
- Comprehensive Planning: Unlike many deck builders, we integrate furniture placement, accessory planning, and potential future upgrades into our designs.
- Estimating & Material Lists: We provide a detailed estimate and order high-quality materials to prevent delays.
- Permit Preparation & Scheduling: Our team handles all necessary permits to ensure compliance with local building codes.
- Locating Utilities: We call Miss Dig to mark underground utilities before excavation begins.
2. Demolition & Site Preparation
Before building begins, we take careful steps to prepare your yard and remove any existing structures. Our team prioritizes protecting your property and assessing the site to ensure a solid foundation for your new deck.
- Protecting the Area: We lay down plywood to protect lawns, cover plants, and take steps to minimize disruption to your yard. However, it's important to note that some disturbance is inevitable during construction, especially with larger projects or when equipment is involved.
- Careful Removal: If an old deck exists, we carefully dismantle it and remove debris to prepare for the next phase.
- Substructure Inspection: We inspect the area where the new deck will be built, including the ledger connection point on your home (for attached decks). This area is critical—we check for water damage or rot caused by improperly flashed or installed previous decks. Ensuring the structure is sound before attaching a new deck is key to safety and long-term durability.
3. Footings & Framing
A strong deck starts with a sturdy foundation. We use durable materials and advanced construction techniques to ensure your deck remains stable and secure for years to come.
- Deep Concrete Footings: We pour concrete footings below the frost line to prevent shifting in Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles.
- Pressure-Treated Lumber: Our decks are built with durable framing that provides strong support.
- Optimized Joist Spacing: Composite decking requires closer joist spacing (12” on center) for structural integrity.
- Double Flashing & Moisture Barriers: We use advanced waterproofing techniques to prevent rot and extend the life of your deck.
- Load Calculations: We assess soil capacity and deck weight to ensure proper footing sizes, accounting for potential additions like hot tubs or pergolas.
- Enhanced Structural Integrity: We use hurricane straps, through-bolted beams, and additional blocking to exceed standard code requirements.
4. Decking Installation
The decking is what you see and feel every day, so we take extra care to ensure a flawless finish. From hidden fasteners to precise board spacing, every element is designed for durability and beauty.
- Hidden Fasteners & Cortex Plugs: We use concealed fasteners and cortex plugs for a clean, seamless look.
- Picture-Frame Borders: Every deck includes a border to hide cut edges and enhance aesthetics (as pictured above).
- Breaker Boards for Expansion: Instead of unsightly seams, we use breaker boards to allow natural expansion and contraction.
- Proper Gapping for Drainage and Material Expansion & Contraction: We ensure precise spacing between boards for longevity and performance. This also allows the composite material to expand and contract appropriately.
5. Railings & Stairs
Railings and stairs play a crucial role in both safety and style. We offer a variety of railing options and design custom stair solutions to suit your deck’s layout.
- Custom Railing Options: While there are plenty of railing materials to choose from, like aluminum, vinyl, cable, or rod rail systems, we love using Trex for its durability, style, and low-maintenance performance. Trex railing pairs beautifully with its decking lines and comes in a variety of designs to suit everything from traditional to modern outdoor spaces.
- Safe & Sturdy Stairs: We design stairs with proper riser height, depth, and handrail support for safety. Here are the guidelines we follow:
- Handrails are required on stairs with four or more risers, regardless of height. For landings or walking surfaces more than 30 inches above grade, guardrails are required. These safety features must be properly spaced and securely installed to help prevent falls and meet code compliance.
- Stair Width must be at least 36 inches for comfortable, code-compliant access.
- Riser Height doesn’t exceed 8¼ inches, and each riser must be consistent to reduce trip hazards.
- Tread Depth must be a minimum of 9 inches for secure footing.
- Integrated Lighting: Post cap lights, stair risers, and under-rail lighting options enhance visibility and ambiance.
6. Skirting & Finishing Touches
PC: Decks.com
A well-finished deck doesn’t just look great—it functions well, too. We add thoughtful details like skirting, built-in features, and accessory planning to complete your outdoor space.
- Fascia Boards & Skirting: We install matching fascia to conceal framing and add a polished look. If you are looking for a covered finished look, we install fascia all the way to the ground, creating skirting for your deck.
- Built-In Features: Our team has the expertise to create custom options, including benches, planters, gates, and storage solutions.
- Accessory Planning: We ensure your deck accommodates additional accessories. A gas line for your grill, enough room for your patio furniture layout, and privacy screens for a cohesive outdoor living space.
7. Final Inspection & Cleanup
The finishing touches matter. We conduct a thorough inspection, clean up the job site, and walk you through your new deck to ensure everything meets your expectations.
- Site Cleanup: We remove debris and leave your yard in pristine condition.
- Code Compliance Check: A final inspection ensures everything meets or exceeds building codes.
- Homeowner Walkthrough: We review all features and answer any questions.
8. Warranty & Maintenance
As a TrexPro Platinum Deck Builder, we protect your investment with industry-leading warranties on materials and workmanship.
Trex Warranty Coverage by Product
Trex Decking
- Trex Transcend® Line
- 50-year fade & stain warranty
- 25-year structural warranty
- Trex Select® & Trex Enhance® Lines
- 35-year fade & stain warranty
- 25-year structural warranty
Trex Railing (Transcend, Select, Signature)
- 25-year manufacturer’s warranty (materials and structural performance)
Trex Outdoor Lighting
- 7-year warranty on LED components
- 3-year warranty on dimmers, transformers, and accessories
Trex Outdoor Furniture
- Varies by product line, up to 20 years residential warranty
- Covers structural integrity and fading (limited)
If You Purchase Trex Products on Your Own
- Must register product manually to activate warranty
- Coverage is materials only (no labor)
- You manage any warranty claims yourself
- Install quality may impact eligibility
- No verification that installer is Trex-trained
If You Work With a TrexPro Platinum Builder (Like Custom Built)
- Product is automatically registered on your behalf
- Up to 10 years of labor warranty on eligible products
- Labor coverage on decking and railing if installed by a certified builder
- Builder helps with warranty claims and documentation
- All serials and product data are kept on file for fast support
- Deck is installed by Trex-trained professionals who meet strict quality standards
Workmanship Guarantee
Backed by a lifetime workmanship Custom Built warranty for durability, every composite deck we build is made to withstand Michigan’s seasons. You get long-term peace of mind knowing your outdoor space is protected and built to last.
Maintenance Support
Cleaning and seasonal care tips to keep your deck in top shape. Enjoy a low-maintenance, long-lasting outdoor space with our expert support.
Next Steps to Building or Remodeling Your Deck with Custom Built
A well-designed composite deck enhances your home, providing a durable, low-maintenance space for relaxing and entertaining. At Custom Built, we focus on quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and lasting value.
With expert planning and precision construction, we ensure your deck is built to fit your lifestyle for years to come. Ready to transform your outdoor space? Contact our professional deck builders today.
Now that you know more about how we build composite decks, let’s explore how much lighting and composite decks cost and Trex’s high-quality composite lines:
- How Much Does Deck Lighting Cost in Michigan? - Discover how much Trex and other deck lighting options cost and what affects the estimate.
- How Much Do Composite Decks Cost in Lansing, Michigan? - An overview of how much your Lansing composite deck will cost and the factors that will influence your price.
- Comparing Trex Lineage, Transcend, Select, and Enhance Composite Decking Lines - Explore our thorough comparison of Trex’s most common composite decking options, including cost, colors, and benefits.
