Everything You Need to Know About a Custom Built Deck in Genesee County, MI

A deck isn’t just a platform; it’s an extension of your home. Custom-built decks are especially popular in Michigan, as homeowners want to maximize outdoor living and use their back yards more during the short summers. Swank Builders Inc, an experienced custom deck builder, covers the costs, materials, design options, and timelines to help you get started.

In this blog, you’ll learn:

• What Is a “Custom Built Deck”?
• How Much Does a Custom Deck Cost in Genesee County?
• Choosing the Right Material for Your Deck: Composite vs Vinyl vs Wood
• Hidden Fasteners vs Traditional Fasteners
• Design Options That Transform a Deck
• Railings and Stairs
• How Long Does It Take to Build a Deck?
• What Is the Custom Deck Construction Process?
• Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Built Decks
• Are You Planning a Custom Deck in Genesee County, MI?

What Is a “Custom Built Deck”?

A custom-built deck is created on a design-first approach to customize your outdoor space, constructed with high-end materials and tailored to fit your lifestyle, your home’s architecture, and yard layout. In contrast, a builder-grade deck is more of a cookie-cutter approach with a basic design that uses entry-level materials. Builder-grade decks can quickly add more affordable outdoor functionality, but a custom-built deck will add more value and enjoyment to your home.

How Much Does a Custom Deck Cost in Genesee County?

The cost of your custom deck will depend on the size, material, elevation, structure, and features you want to include. Here are some typical investment range examples to help you get started:

Basic Treated Wood Deck: ~$20,000 - $35,000

• New treated wood framing

• Treated wood decking

• Treated wood skirting on ground-level decks

• Basic treated wood stairs for upper-level decks

Mid-Range Composite Deck: ~$35,000 - $60,000

• New treated wood framing

• Composite decking (Trex or TimberTech) in standard patterns

• Composite or aluminum handrails

• Composite skirting on ground-level decks

• Posts wrapped below deck on upper-level decks

• Upgraded stairs with landings on upper-level decks

High-End Solid Vinyl Deck: ~$60,000 - $100,000+

• New treated wood framing

• Solid vinyl decking (Azek or Wold) in premium patterns

• Aluminum, stainless steel, or glass handrails

• Vinyl skirting on ground-level decks

• Premium stairs with landings on upper-level decks

• Posts wrapped below deck on upper-level decks

• Stone or brick wainscot on posts below the deck

While deck costs vary based on materials and design complexity, they are often just one part of a homeowner’s larger investment plans. If you're considering additional upgrades, it can be helpful to understand how much it costs to remodel a home in Genesee County, MI when comparing different improvement projects.

Choosing the Right Material for Your Deck: Composite vs Vinyl vs Wood

Composite Decking

Composite decking is the most popular material due to its low maintenance needs, long lifespan, and resistance to fading and moisture. The upfront cost is higher than basic pressure-treated wood, but many homeowners find it worth the investment.

Vinyl (PVC) Decking

Vinyl decking is fully synthetic and doesn’t include any wood fibers. It’s extremely durable and moisture-resistant, which makes it a premium option ideal for holding up against Michigan weather. However, premium products come with a premium price, and some homeowners prefer a material that feels more “natural.”

Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure-treated wood decking is the most affordable material up front, but it requires a lot of maintenance and cracks and warps over time. Since it’s the least durable option, it’s best suited for a shorter-term solution.

Interested in the types of custom deck projects we build? Take a look through our portfolio to see what we've built in the past. 

Hidden Fasteners vs Traditional Fasteners

The type of fasteners used to build your deck matters more than you might think. Most high-end decks use hidden fasteners, which provide a clean, seamless appearance with no visible screws. They also reduce the risk of splitting, which helps your deck last longer. Traditional fasteners cost less, but visible screws are less attractive.

Design Options That Transform a Deck

Depending on your lifestyle and the layout of your outdoor space, there are options you can add to make your deck more than a basic platform:

• Multi-tiered decks: Ideal for homes with sloped yards and walkout basements, they can define space between dining and lounging areas and create a better flow.

• Built-in features: Benches, planters, fire pit areas, and outdoor kitchens can add comfort and functionality.

• Covered decks: Let you enjoy the benefits of your deck even when there’s rain or harsh sun.

• Deck lighting: Customizing the way your deck looks in the dark elevates both looks and safety.

Railings and Stairs

The other finishing details that separate average decks from high-end builds are the railings and stairs. Stairs can be wide or narrow and integrate landings. For railings, your options are:

• Composite: Match your railings to your composite deck material.

• Aluminum: Highly durable with a sophisticated look.

• Cable systems: Less view obstruction, low-maintenance, and durable.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Deck?

Typically, the custom decks we build take about 2-6 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the design. Factors that can affect the timeline include:

• Weather: Michigan weather can be unpredictable, and rain or snow can delay construction.

• Material availability: Some materials may have longer lead times or backorders.

• Design complexity: A more complex, custom design will take longer than a basic deck.

• Permits: If your deck build requires a permit, it can slow down the process.

What Is the Custom Deck Construction Process?

1. Consultation: Our process starts with a conversation. If we’re the right fit for your project, we’ll schedule an in-home consultation to understand your goals and talk through possibilities and budget expectations for your new deck.

2. Design and scope development: We develop the design, layout, and full scope of your deck. We’ll help you make the important decisions and refine the details to ensure we have a clear path forward.

3. Pre-construction planning: We take the time to prepare all the details, including finalizing selections and materials, scheduling, and obtaining any required permits.

4. Construction: We communicate with you every step of the way as we bring your deck to life. We show up on time and keep a clean, organized jobsite while building a quality structure that matches your vision.

5. Final walkthrough: Once your deck is completed, we’ll walk through it together to address any final details and ensure you feel confident in the finished result. If any issues come up once the job is done, we want to know so we can make it right.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Built Decks

 Planning a custom deck comes with a lot of important questions, from costs and materials to timelines and design decisions. Below are answers to some of the most common questions homeowners ask so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. 

Do custom decks require permits in Genesee County?

Most decks in Genesee County require a building permit and inspections, and there are stricter requirements for elevated decks. An experienced, local contractor will know which permits are required and how to obtain them.

What are common mistakes homeowners make when building a deck?

Avoiding these mistakes will help ensure your deck meets all your needs:

• Choosing materials solely based on price, without considering their appearance, maintenance, or durability

• Underestimating the size and space needed

• Not planning for shade, lighting, or flow

Why should I build a custom deck?

A custom deck is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your home. It adds significant lifestyle upgrades, including more usable space in your home and better options for entertaining during the warmer months. It also offers strong resale appeal, which makes it a great financial investment.

How do I choose a contractor for a custom deck design?

The right contractor will serve as a guide throughout your deck building project and will have:

• Experience with similar projects in your area

• A portfolio of high-quality custom deck builds

• Great reviews from other local homeowners

• A clear, transparent process from start to finish

How much does a custom deck cost per square foot?

Our prices per square foot include design, permits, labor, and construction materials. Here are some examples:

• Basic Treated Wood Deck: $70 - $90 per square foot

• Mid-Range Composite Deck: $90 - $120 per square foot

• High-End Solid Vinyl Deck: $120+ per square foot

For more detailed cost information, take a look at our free, local cost guide.

Are You Planning a Custom Deck in Genesee County, MI?

Whenever you’re ready to get started with your custom deck building plans in Genesee County and nearby Oakland, Lapeer and Livingston counties, contact us for a consultation.