When the weather turns cold, most homeowners stop thinking about their decks altogether, but that’s actually when the smartest planners get started. By the time spring arrives, builders’ schedules fill fast, materials take longer to come, and projects that could have been enjoyed all summer long get pushed into the late season.
At Custom Built Design & Remodeling, we understand that planning your deck isn’t just about construction; it’s about creating a space your family can enjoy when the weather finally warms up. With over 20 years of experience designing and building decks throughout Greater Lansing and Northern Michigan, we’ve seen firsthand how early planning leads to smoother builds, better material options, and fewer surprises once construction begins.
In this article, we’ll share the top eight reasons why winter is the best time to plan your spring deck build, so you can secure your spot early, make confident design decisions, and look forward to relaxing on your new deck as soon as the first warm days of spring arrive:
- Avoid the Spring Rush
- More Time for Custom Design and Material Selection
- Better Budget Preparation
- Early Ordering Prevents Material Delays
- Construction Starts Sooner in Spring
- More Enjoyment All Summer Long
- Easier Scheduling for On-Site Consultations and Measurements
- Plan Around Your Family’s Schedule
Header PC: Trex
1. Avoid the Spring Rush
When the sun comes out, everyone wants their deck built at once. Most builders schedule projects on a first-come, first-served basis. So, the sooner you plan, the sooner you’ll be enjoying your finished deck.
Why it matters:
- Get your project at the top of the spring build list
- Avoid delays caused by packed contractor schedules
- Enjoy your new space as soon as the weather warms up
2. More Time for Custom Design and Material Selection
PC: Trex
The design phase is where your dream deck comes to life. Winter gives you and your designer time to fine-tune every detail, from layout and railing styles to color choices and lighting options, without the pressure of an approaching build date.
Why it matters:
- Take time to explore design options and features
- Resolve structural or grading challenges early
- Finalize designs and selections with confidence
3. Better Budget Preparation
Planning your deck in the winter often means locking in a price before supplier costs rise in the new year. At Custom Built, we don’t include material escalation clauses in our contracts, meaning the price you agree to is the price you pay.
Why it matters:
- Avoid spring and summer price increases
- Protect your investment against inflation or tariffs
- Enjoy peace of mind knowing your budget won’t change
4. Early Ordering Prevents Material Delays
By planning ahead, you can secure the materials you really want, especially if you’re considering premium decking, finishes, or accessories that tend to sell out during the spring rush.
Why it matters:
- Ensure specialty materials are available when needed
- Avoid supply chain slowdowns during peak season
- Keep your project on schedule from day one
5. Construction Starts Sooner in Spring
While winter weather isn’t ideal for building, it’s the perfect time to get everything lined up, such as designs, permits, and materials, so your deck can break ground early in spring.
Why it matters:
- Be among the first projects to start once temperatures rise
- Prevent delays caused by backlogged permit offices
- Enjoy your deck weeks earlier than most homeowners
6. More Enjoyment All Summer Long
When you plan your deck in winter, you’re not just planning a project; you’re planning your summer. The sooner your deck is built, the sooner you can relax, host gatherings, and make the most of the warm weather with family and friends.
Why it matters:
- Maximize your time outdoors this summer
- Eliminate the stress of rushing to finish mid-season
- Invest in a high-quality deck that’s built to last
7. Easier Scheduling for On-Site Consultations and Measurements
Winter tends to be a calmer season for many homeowners, and for builders, that often means more flexible schedules for home visits, design consultations, and accurate measurements.
With fewer active projects underway, your project advisor and designer can offer even more focused time to your deck’s design and planning. But whether it’s the off-season or the height of summer, our team schedules each project to ensure every homeowner receives the same careful attention to detail.
Why it matters:
- Schedule in-home visits without long wait times
- Get more one-on-one attention from your project team
- Finalize designs with precise measurements before spring begins
8. Plan Around Your Family’s Schedule
Winter is the perfect time to plan home projects before busy spring and summer calendars fill up with vacations, sports, and outdoor events. Getting your deck design finalized early means you’ll have less disruption later and more time to enjoy the space with your family once it’s complete.
Why it matters:
- Reduce stress by planning before life gets busy
- Coordinate timelines around family events
Next Steps to Building or Remodeling Your Deck
Planning your deck in winter gives you a head start: more design time, smoother scheduling, and a better chance of having your project ready when warm weather hits.
You’ve learned how early planning helps you avoid the spring rush, lock in pricing, and secure your preferred materials, all while ensuring your deck is built right and ready for use all summer long.
At Custom Built Design & Remodeling, we’ve helped Lansing and Northern Michigan-area homeowners design and build beautiful outdoor spaces for over 20 years. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process, from winter planning to spring construction.
Start your spring deck build the smart way. Schedule a design consultation this winter to explore your options and secure your place at the top of our spring schedule.
Now that you know more about the reasons why winter is the best time to plan your spring deck build, let’s explore how much composite decks cost, the top differences between Trex and wood decking, and Trex’s high-quality composite lines:
- 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.
- Top 10 Differences Between Trex Composite and Wood Decking Material - Learn more about the basic yet essential differences between Trex composite and wood decking when choosing your deck’s materials.
- 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.
