For lake homeowners, outdoor spaces are essential—they’re where we gather with family, enjoy the views, and embrace all the seasons. But maintaining a deck on a lake home can come with unique challenges, from water exposure to constant sun and fluctuating temperatures.
At Custom Built, we know the importance of creating outdoor spaces that hold up against these demands while enhancing the beauty of your home. With our expertise in composite decking, we’re here to show you how a composite deck can bring lasting value, low maintenance, and a stunning look to your lakefront.
Explore the top reasons why building a composite deck could be the best investment you make for your lake home:
- Durability in Changing Weather Conditions
- Low-Maintenance Convenience
- Enhanced Safety for Family and Friends
- Eco-Friendly Choice for Sustainable Lake Living
- Resistant to Water and Humidity Damage
- Timeless Beauty Without the Fade
- Extended Warranty for Peace of Mind
- Increase the Value and Appeal of Your Lake Home
- Effortless Transition from Indoor Comfort to Outdoor Leisure
- Support for Local Contractors Committed to Quality
1. Durability in Changing Weather Conditions
Lakefront properties face their own unique climate challenges, from intense sun to high humidity and water exposure. Composite decking is designed to resist moisture, warping, and fading, making it ideal for withstanding the wear and tear of lakefront living. Unlike traditional wood, which can splinter, rot, or deteriorate over time, composite decks hold up beautifully in the face of changing weather, season after season.
2. Low-Maintenance Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects of composite decking is how easy it is to care for. With a composite deck, you won’t need to worry about constant staining, sealing, or sanding—just occasional washing with water to keep it looking pristine. This means more time enjoying the lake and less time on upkeep. It’s a practical choice that lets you focus on what matters most: relaxing and spending quality time with loved ones.
3. Enhanced Safety for Family and Friends
Composite materials are designed with safety in mind. Unlike traditional wood, which can splinter, composite decks provide a smooth, splinter-free surface that’s comfortable and safe for bare feet. Many composite options also come with slip-resistant textures, offering an extra layer of protection for kids, pets, and guests moving between the deck and the water.
4. Eco-Friendly Choice for Sustainable Lake Living
Many composite decking materials are made from recycled wood fibers and plastics, making it a more eco-friendly option compared to traditional wood which requires maintenance with potent chemicals. Building a composite deck helps reduce waste and supports sustainable practices. This allows you to enjoy your lake home while respecting the natural environment around it.
5. Resistant to Water and Humidity Damage
Lakefront decks are exposed to more moisture than those located away from the water. Composite decking’s unique blend of materials is designed to resist water absorption, which helps prevent swelling, rot, and mold. This resilience is essential for lake homes, where water exposure is constant. With composite, your deck maintains its beauty and integrity, rain or shine.
6. Timeless Beauty Without the Fade
PC: Composite Decking vs. Wood Decking Near Lake
Composite decking comes in a wide range of colors and textures, often designed to mimic the natural grain of wood. The best part? Composite boards are UV-resistant, so they retain their rich color even with prolonged sun exposure. This means your deck will keep its good looks for years to come, without the fading, chipping, or staining that can plague traditional wood.
7. Extended Warranty for Peace of Mind
Leading composite brands like Trex offer extensive warranties that cover their decking products, giving you peace of mind with your investment. These warranties often last 25 years or longer, protecting you from defects and ensuring that your deck stands the test of time. For lake homeowners, this means confidence in your deck’s durability and performance over the years.
However, it’s important to remember that not all composite decking is made equally. Quality varies significantly between brands, so choosing a trusted name is essential to getting the long-lasting results you expect. To help you make an informed decision, check out our Top 4 Composite Decking Brands 2024.
8. Increase the Value and Appeal of Your Lake Home
PC: TimberTech
A composite deck not only adds functional outdoor space but also enhances the overall aesthetic and market value of your lake property. A beautiful, low-maintenance deck is a sought-after feature for potential buyers, as it speaks to the convenience and quality that come with composite materials. Investing in a composite deck can be a great way to boost your home’s appeal and long-term resale value (50.3% recouped cost).
9. Effortless Transition from Indoor Comfort to Outdoor Leisure
Composite decks are designed to complement a variety of home styles, seamlessly extending your living space into the outdoors. With customizable colors, textures, and layouts, you can design a deck that blends effortlessly with your lake home’s interior. This creates a fluid, harmonious transition from indoors to the lakeside, giving you a relaxing outdoor environment that feels like a natural extension of your home.
10. Support for Local Contractors Committed to Quality
By choosing a composite deck and working with reputable local contractors, you’re supporting your community while ensuring a high level of craftsmanship. Trusted professionals who specialize in composite decking understand the unique needs of lake homes and can provide guidance on design, installation, and long-term care. Custom Built is committed to delivering a composite deck that complements your lakefront lifestyle while standing up to the demands of Michigan’s weather.
How to Tell Your Lake Home's Deck Needs Replacing
Over time, even a well-built deck will show signs of wear and tear, especially on a lakefront property where water and weather can take a toll. Knowing when it’s time to replace your deck can save you from safety hazards and costly repairs in the future. Here are a few key signs that your deck might need replacing:
1. Rotting Wood
Lake homes are more exposed to moisture, which can accelerate wood rot. If you notice soft spots, crumbling boards, or visible signs of rot on the deck surface or structural components, it’s likely time to replace it. Rot compromises the deck’s structural integrity and can create a safety hazard.
2. Warped or Splitting Boards
Warping and splits can happen as moisture seeps into the wood, followed by hot sun exposure. These changes not only make the deck surface uncomfortable to walk on but also signal that the wood is deteriorating. Composite decking resists warping and splitting, making it a great replacement option.
3. Rusty or Loose Fasteners
Nails, screws, and other fasteners keep your deck secure. If they’re rusting, loosening, or even falling out, it’s a sign that the deck structure is weakening. Frequent repairs might patch up the problem temporarily, but a full deck replacement will provide a lasting solution.
4. Weak or Wobbly Railings
Deck railings should feel secure and sturdy. If they’re loose or wobble when touched, this could be a safety issue. Worn-out railings are a strong indicator that the deck is no longer structurally sound and may need to be replaced.
5. Mold and Mildew Buildup
Lakefront decks are often more exposed to humidity, leading to mold and mildew growth. While some surface-level mildew can be cleaned, deep-seated mold is harder to eradicate and can break down the deck materials over time. Excessive mold growth on boards or under the deck can indicate a need for replacement.
6. Age of the Deck
Most wood decks have a lifespan of 10-15 years with proper maintenance. If your lake home’s deck is reaching or surpassing this age, it’s likely time to start planning a replacement. Composite decking offers a longer lifespan, making it a great choice for your next deck.
Replacing an old, worn-out deck not only restores safety but also gives your lake home a fresh, updated look. With composite materials, you’ll have a low-maintenance, durable deck that stands up to lakefront elements, providing a beautiful and safe outdoor space for years to come.
Next Steps to Building or Replacing Your Lake Home’s Deck
Building a composite deck for your lake home offers unmatched durability, beauty, and ease—creating a space where you can fully enjoy the lakefront lifestyle without constant upkeep. Investing in a deck like this means spending more time with family and friends by the water and less time worrying about maintenance or repairs.
Through this article, you’ve learned why composite decking is especially suited for lake homes, providing you with a durable, stylish, and hassle-free outdoor space.
At Custom Built, we’re passionate about designing spaces that enhance not only your home but also the way you experience life on the lake.
Ready to start your deck project? Contact us to explore composite decking options tailored to your needs and lakefront setting.
Now that you know more about reasons why you should build a composite deck for your lake home, let’s explore the things you should consider while designing your deck, how to compare composite deck builders, and the high-quality decking lines Trex offers:
- 10 Things to Consider While Designing Your Deck - Learn more about the top considerations to think about when designing your dream deck.
- How to Compare Composite Deck Builders - Explore the best strategies for comparing composite deck builders for your outdoor living space project.
- Comparing Trex Lineage, Transcend, Select, and Enhance Composite Decking Lines - A high-level comparison of Trex’s most popular composite decking lines.
