Extend your living space with a beautiful, functional outdoor deck
A well-designed deck expands your home's usable space, creates an inviting area for outdoor entertaining, and adds lasting value to your property. Whether you're looking for a simple ground-level platform or a multi-story outdoor retreat, we design and build custom decks tailored to your home's architecture, your yard's unique characteristics, and how you want to use the space.
At Craftsmen Home Builders, we bring decades of construction experience to every deck project. From initial design through final inspection, we focus on structural integrity, quality materials, and precision craftsmanship—delivering outdoor spaces built to perform beautifully year after year.
Choosing the right decking material depends on your budget, desired maintenance level, and aesthetic preferences. Each option offers distinct advantages:
The most economical and widely used deck material, pressure-treated lumber offers proven durability and straightforward installation. Treated to resist rot, decay, and insect damage, it provides excellent structural strength at an accessible price point. While it requires periodic staining or sealing to maintain appearance and extend lifespan, pressure-treated wood remains a reliable, budget-friendly choice for homeowners seeking traditional deck construction.
For those who prefer natural beauty and chemical-free construction, cedar and redwood deliver rich color, distinctive grain patterns, and inherent resistance to rot and insects. These premium softwoods age gracefully, developing a silvery patina over time, or can be maintained with sealant to preserve their original warm tones. While more expensive than pressure-treated options, cedar and redwood offer superior aesthetics and natural durability without relying on chemical treatments.
Engineered from a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastics, composite decking eliminates the ongoing maintenance wood requires. Brands like Trex and TimberTech deliver fade-resistant, stain-resistant surfaces that won't splinter, crack, or rot. Hidden fastening systems create a clean, modern appearance free of exposed screws. While the upfront investment is higher than traditional wood, composite materials save time and money over their lifespan by requiring only occasional cleaning—no staining, sealing, or sanding needed.
The most advanced low-maintenance option, 100% PVC decking contains no organic material—making it completely impervious to moisture, mold, mildew, and insect damage. This synthetic solution offers the longest expected lifespan of any deck material, resisting fading and staining while maintaining structural integrity in all weather conditions. Though it represents the highest initial cost, PVC decking delivers unmatched durability and virtually eliminates long-term maintenance requirements.
Beyond materials, the structural design determines how your deck functions and integrates with your property:
Built close to the ground, these simple, cost-effective designs are ideal for homes with a main floor near grade. They provide an easy transition from indoors to outdoors—often through sliding glass doors—and typically don't require railings if constructed below 30 inches in height. Perfect for starter decks or straightforward outdoor entertaining areas.
Raised decks solve challenges created by sloped lots while offering improved views and the ability to create dry storage or usable space underneath. Elevated designs require engineered structural supports, code-compliant railings, and stairs—but they maximize outdoor living potential on properties where ground-level construction isn't practical.
For larger homes or sloping properties, multi-level decks create distinct zones connected by integrated staircases. This approach allows you to designate separate areas for cooking, dining, and relaxing—adding visual interest while working with your yard's natural topography.
Not attached to the house, freestanding decks can be positioned anywhere on your property—next to a pool, in a quiet corner of the yard, or to create a dedicated outdoor room. This design eliminates the need for ledger board attachment to your home's structure, offering flexibility in placement and simplifying construction on certain properties.
Extending around two or more sides of your home, wraparound decks provide expansive outdoor space, shade options, and enhanced curb appeal. Popular with farmhouse and cottage-style homes, they create multiple access points and offer flexibility in how outdoor areas are used throughout the day.
Every deck project is unique. We'll work with you to select the right materials, design, and structural approach to match your vision, budget, and property.
We start by understanding how you plan to use your deck, your material preferences, and your budget. This conversation shapes the design direction and helps us recommend the best approach for your property.
We visit your property to assess the site, take measurements, and evaluate grade, drainage, and any structural considerations. Using CAD software, we develop detailed plans and 3D renderings so you can clearly visualize the finished deck before construction begins.
With a finalized design, we provide a detailed proposal covering materials, construction timeline, and costs. Once approved, we order materials and schedule your project.
We handle all required building permits and coordinate delivery of materials, ensuring everything is ready for a smooth start.
We begin by installing footings or piers to create a solid, code-compliant foundation. From there, we construct the structural framing system—including joists, beams, and ledger boards—ensuring proper spacing, support, and long-term stability.
Decking boards are installed with precision, using hidden fasteners (for composite/PVC) or proper spacing and fastening techniques (for wood). We then complete railings, stairs, trim, and any final details to ensure a polished, professional result.
Once construction is complete, we walk the finished deck with you to ensure every detail meets our standards and your expectations.
Your new deck is ready to enjoy—built to last and designed to enhance your outdoor living for years to come.
We understand that building a custom deck is an investment in your home. Acorn Finance can help fund your deck project with flexible payment options from multiple lenders. To make your project more affordable, we partner with Acorn Finance to provide easy access to financing.
Get pre-qualified in seconds and explore financing options that work for your budget.
Get a free consultation and detailed estimate for your custom deck project. We serve Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana with over 48 years of construction experience.
Request a Quote Call (269) 503-3309