What To Consider When Choosing A Livingston County Deck Builder

If you’re thinking about upgrading your outdoor space, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in Livingston County, especially cities like Brighton, Howell, and Harland, are rethinking their backyards, patios, and porches. And it makes sense given how increasingly unsafe wood decks have become in recent years. 

With the right deck builder, you can turn your outdoor space into something functional, beautiful, and long-lasting.

Does Going With A Local Contractor Really Matter?

Choosing a local deck builder means more than hiring someone with tools and a crew. It’s about working with a company that understands the climate, city permitting processes, HOA rules, and the unique needs of families in the area.

In Southeast Michigan, this includes understanding what happens when you put a wood deck through a long winter or a humid summer. Many homeowners come to us asking why their wood deck didn’t hold up, or why they’re now seeing signs of rot, splintering, or structural damage. 

The truth is: Michigan weather is hard on traditional materials. 

That’s why more and more families are switching to composite decking.

Why Didn’t My Wood Deck Hold Up or Last? 

Michigan winters’ impact on wood decks is no joke. Unfortunately, wood decks just aren’t built to withstand decades of freeze-thaw cycles, moisture, and UV exposure. Add in uneven prepped soil and it’s easy to see why so many decks warp, rot, or fall out of level. 

Here’s what our builders are seeing most often throughout Livingston:

• Moisture + Freeze/Thaw Cycles: Wood absorbs water. Then it freezes, expands, contracts, and eventually cracks or rots.

• Inconsistent Soil: Livingston has tricky soil conditions. Without proper foundation methods, like helical piers, decks can shift or sag over time.

• Human Error: If your deck wasn’t installed by a licensed, experienced deck contractor, things like footings, drainage, or fasteners may have been improperly handled.

Our builders at Woodcraft avoid these issues by building with composite decks from trusted brands like Trex, which resist moisture, never splinter, and need virtually no maintenance. 

Pair it with engineered foundations, and these beauties are built to last. No wood in the ground and no guesswork. Just solid, smart construction.

What Deck Material is Best For the Michigan Area?

The best deck material for your home depends on what you’re looking for—but if you want a surface that stays cool in the summer, resists mold and warping, and won’t need sanding or staining every few years, composite decking is the way to go.

Many deck builders are starting to move away from wood and use composite decking. This is something our team has been doing at Woodcraft for the last 30+ years. We specifically specialize in Trex composite decks, which are known for their durability, low-maintenance finishes, and cooling surface technology, which is especially important for families with kids or pets. 

One of the most overlooked, yet equally impactful elements to consider is lighting. Thoughtfully placed lighting can completely transform the atmosphere—from bright and energizing for family gatherings to warm and ambient for relaxed evenings. During the planning process, we’ll help you select and position lighting that elevates both the look and function of your deck, so it works just as beautifully at night as it does during the day.

For homeowners seeking a natural look, Trex also offers a wide range of tones and grain patterns, all backed by industry-leading warranties.

Choosing a Deck Builder in Livingston County

Whether you’re in Pinckney, South Lyon, or just outside Ann Arbor, choosing the right deck contractor comes down to a few key factors:

• Experience & Credentials: Look for licensed, insured professionals who specialize in custom decks. At Woodcraft Design & Build, we’re TrexPro Platinum certified, which means we meet the highest installation standards and build over 100 decks a year.

• Hands-Free Process: Homeowners in Livingston County are busy. You shouldn’t have to chase contractors or pull permits yourself. A trustworthy deck builder will handle everything from demo and site prep to installation and cleanup.

• Material Knowledge: Not all decking materials are created equal. Trex and TimberTech offer long-term value and require very little upkeep—just a rinse with water now and then. If you’re considering PVC, composite materials, or even Deckorators, ask your builder about the pros and cons for Michigan homes.
  

Benefits of Hiring A Master Trex Builder 

Woodcraft Build and Design is a TrexPro® Platinum Contractor. This is the highest level of recognition for an independent contractor. What it means is that as a certified Trex deck builder, we’ve been vetted for our installation expertise, customer service, and build quality. It also means our clients get access to the longest available warranties from Trex.

Our crews understand how to design and install custom outdoor living spaces that reflect your lifestyle, whether that’s:

• Entertaining on a large wraparound deck
• Enjoying quiet mornings on a screened-in porch
• Adding shade with a custom pergola or gazebo
• Relaxing knowing your composite deck investment will last for many years
  

We also offer custom lighting packages to enhance mood, safety, and ambiance—whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just enjoying a glass of wine after sunset.

The Right Michigan Deck Builder Will Customize Your Outdoor Space 

Whether you love hosting backyard barbecues for a crowd or winding down with a quiet evening under the stars, your deck should reflect the way you live. At Woodcraft Design & Build, we specialize in crafting spaces that feel personal—no matter your lifestyle. 

Every deck we build is fully customized, from layout to finishing touches, so you get an outdoor space that feels like a true extension of your home.

Why Go With Woodcraft Design & Build?

From circular decks to radius decks to a simple platform, if you can dream it, we can build it. When it comes to deck construction, you will want to work with a company that has the craftsmanship, experience and knowledge to provide you with the results you are looking for and a deck that will last.

Michigan decking contractors come with all levels of experience and abilities. It is important to only work with a decking contractor that can demonstrate their passion for and knowledge of the industry.
At Woodcraft Design & Build, we have been serving the southwest Michigan area for over thirty years. If you’re wondering where to start, we recommend scheduling a free estimate so we can talk through your new deck goals, timeline, and budget.