Michigan’s unpredictable weather can make outdoor living a challenge—but with a deck built by Miles Bradley, you can enjoy your backyard no matter the season. As the region’s leading deck contractor, Miles Bradley combines deep expertise with a personal touch, creating custom decks that stand up to rain, snow, and sunshine while transforming your outdoor space into a true sanctuary.
Miles Bradley understands Michigan’s harsh freeze-thaw cycles and how they can cause average decks to crack, warp, and suffer. Our team has decades of experience selecting the best materials and using time-tested construction techniques. We focus our deck design on longevity, even in Michigan’s toughest conditions. When you work with Miles Bradley, you can relax knowing your deck is crafted to last.
Building a deck in Michigan comes with unique obstacles due to the state’s unpredictable climate. Homeowners have to contend with wide temperature swings—from -20°F in winter to 100°F in summer—as well as heavy snow, frequent rain, and high humidity. Lake-effect weather can make conditions even more intense, leading to increased moisture and temperature fluctuations.
One of the toughest hurdles is the freeze-thaw cycle. As water seeps into deck materials and freezes, it expands, which can cause cracking, warping, and long-term structural damage. In addition, humidity near the Great Lakes raises the risk of mold and rot (primarily with traditional wood).
To keep your deck looking great and performing well year after year, it’s crucial to choose materials that resist moisture, withstand temperature shocks, and prevent fungus or rot. Thoughtful design and quality construction techniques—such as ensuring proper drainage and spacing—will go a long way toward extending your deck’s lifespan.
Composite decking is the gold standard in Michigan, and Miles Bradley has mastered the installation of leading brands like Trex and TimberTech. With an eye for detail and many years of experience, your composite deck will withstand moisture, resist cracking, and look gorgeous for years. And, without the upkeep headaches!
Miles Bradley’s composite decks offer slip resistance for wet springs and snowy transitions, and their team will help you find styles that match both your home and your lifestyle. It’s an investment that pays off in durability and beauty.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly deck, Miles Bradley sources and installs premium pressure-treated lumber. We use wood treated with modern preservatives and select boards with the right grain and strength to minimize warping and rot. In addition, you’ll get expert advice on annual maintenance, so your deck looks great from year to year.
Dreaming of ipe or mahogany? Want the ultimate in weather resistance with a PVC deck? Miles Bradley has extensive experience with specialty woods and advanced synthetics, handling everything from sourcing to installation. Their expertise ensures your premium deck will handle Michigan’s climate and add value and style to your home.
Miles Bradley specializes in deck designs that keep you comfortable all year. Their custom covered zones, roofs, and pergolas protect your dining and lounge areas from rain or baking sun. Retractable awnings, outdoor fans, and built-in heaters are all part of Miles Bradley’s portfolio, letting you enjoy your deck spring, summer, or fall.
Extend your outdoor season with a fire pit or built-in fireplace, designed and safely installed by Miles Bradley. We’ll help position these features for maximum comfort and safety. You’ll be able to enjoy warmth, ambiance, and memorable evenings, no matter the chill.
Miles Bradley knows Michigan’s landscapes—and how to make the most of them with multi-level decks. Create distinct zones for entertaining, relaxing, or playing with designs that fit sloped yards and optimize drainage. Their signature built-in benches, storage, and custom railings ensure style meets function, even in challenging spots.
Building the perfect deck means trusting true experts. Miles Bradley combines skill, service, and local knowledge to deliver results that last. From your first consultation to the final walkthrough, you’ll enjoy a stress-free process and a deck that fits your home and lifestyle.
Start your project now with Miles Bradley, and by next season, you’ll be relaxing, entertaining, and making memories on the best deck in the neighborhood—rain, shine, or snow.
Transform Your Backyard with a Stunning New Deck This Summer
Have you recently attended a BBQ, graduation party, or casual get-together and found yourself thinking, “I wish I had my beautiful deck”? Good news—it’s not too late to make that dream a reality! With Miles Bradley, you can have the perfect deck built in time to host your summer party.
Imagine hosting friends and family on a gorgeous, custom-built deck designed just for you. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy second-story balcony or a spacious multi-level deck, Miles Bradley has the expertise, materials, and dedication to bring your vision to life. No matter the size or style—small, large, single-level, or multi-level—we’ll work within your budget and timeline to create the outdoor space you’ve always wanted.
Serving both Michigan and Chicago, we’re ready to make your deck dreams come true!
A deck isn’t just an addition to your home—it’s the ultimate party space! Here’s why:
With a deck, your backyard becomes the go-to spot for everything from casual hangouts to milestone celebrations.
At Miles Bradley, we offer a variety of decking options to suit your needs. While we can build traditional wood decks using beautiful cedar, we highly recommend composite decking for its durability and low maintenance. Composite decks, especially those built with Trex decking, retain their beauty for years without the hassle of staining or sealing.
Looking for more than just a deck? We also specialize in screen enclosures, gazebos, and other outdoor structures to enhance your backyard.
Don’t wait—your dream deck is just a phone call away. Contact Miles Bradley today to schedule your consultation and find out how soon you can be soaking up the sun on your brand-new deck. Let’s make this summer unforgettable!
Original: July 15, 2020
Rev: July 10, 2025
Spring is here, and with it comes warmer days, longer evenings, and the perfect opportunity to elevate your outdoor spaces. What better way to enjoy the warm weather in Michigan than by planning and building a brand-new deck? Imagine sipping coffee on a crisp morning, hosting weekend BBQs, or simply unwinding with a book—all from the comfort of your very own outdoor haven.
If adding a deck has been on your to-do list, now’s the time to make it happen. It doesn’t just expand your living space—it also boosts your home’s value and creates a stunning outdoor retreat. Plus, with a builder like Miles Bradley, designing your dream deck has never been easier.
Building a deck isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about functionality, increasing your property’s value, and making the most of your outdoor space. Adding one should be on top of your list to:
Extend Your Living Space
A deck acts as a seamless extension of your home. You can create an outdoor dining area, a cozy spot for morning coffee, or even a play zone for kids. Need room for entertaining? It provides the perfect space for gatherings and celebrations. It’s like adding another room to your house—only with a touch of Mother Nature.
Boost Home Value
Did you know that adding a deck ranks as one of the top home improvement projects with a high return on investment (ROI)? Reports show that homeowners can recoup up to 76% of the deck’s cost when they sell their property. Not only does it enhance your day-to-day living, but it can also make your home more appealing to buyers down the road.
Versatility of Design
From multi-level decks to wraparounds, there’s no shortage of design possibilities. Today’s material options, like Trex composite decking, offer both style and substance, giving you durability, low maintenance, and customizable aesthetics for your unique vision.
Plan Your Dream DeckPlanning the perfect deck can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right steps and expert guidance, the process can be smooth, enjoyable, and fun! Here’s how you can plan a deck that checks all the boxes.
Think About Your Lifestyle and Needs
What’s the primary reason you want a new deck? Is it for entertaining? A peaceful retreat? A play area for kids? Maybe all of the above?
Start by identifying how you’ll use the space. For example:
Consider Your Space and Layout
Take stock of your backyard layout and measure how much room you have for a deck. Think about how the design will connect with your home’s architecture. Do you want a classic square deck or something multi-level for added interest and functionality?
Choose Materials Wisely
Your deck’s durability, aesthetics, and upkeep depend largely on the materials you select. Popular options include:
Add Features and Accessories
The small details make a big difference. Consider adding features like:
Now is the perfect time to start building the deck you’ve been dreaming of—and there’s no better team to help you than Miles Bradley. Whether you’re eyeing a spacious multi-level build, a modern composite deck with sleek accessories, or a simple backyard escape, the possibilities are endless.
Don’t wait—take the first step toward upgrading your outdoor space today. Contact Miles Bradley Building & Remodeling to start planning your custom deck, and make the most of everything this spring and summer have to offer.
Building a deck is an exciting project that can add both value and enjoyment to your home. However, before you swing a hammer or lay the first board, it’s important to understand the deck codes that regulate construction. These codes ensure that your deck is safe, durable, and compliant with local regulations. Ignoring them could lead to costly penalties—or, worse, a structure that’s unsafe for use.
Here are essential deck codes you need to know and why hiring professionals, like the experienced team at Miles Bradley, is crucial for a smooth and successful deck installation.
Decks are often elevated or attached to homes, so safety is critical. Deck codes are established to minimize risks such as structural failure, fire hazards, or accidents. These codes typically address elements like frame strength, railing requirements, load capacities, and proper material usage. Deck codes protect both property owners and users, ensuring the structure is built to stand the test of time.
Failing to comply with these codes can lead to:
By understanding the rules upfront, you save yourself from financial headaches and potential safety risks down the line.
Before you dive head first into deck construction, you need to be aware of the deck codes that are relevant to your deck building. Here are important deck codes you need to know:
Before you start your deck installation, obtain the necessary building permits from your local municipality. Permits ensure that your project complies with local zoning laws and safety regulations. Skipping this step could lead to fines and, in some cases, having your deck torn down.
Deck footings are the foundation of your structure. To ensure stability, deck codes specify the depth and size of footings based on factors such as soil type and climate.
Every deck must support a minimum amount of weight safely. The two categories of load capacity are Live Load (temporary weight) and Dead Load (permanent weight). Failure to account for load capacities can lead to structural failure, especially during social gatherings or extreme weather conditions.
The materials you select for your deck should meet specific code requirements. For example:
Using substandard materials not only violates building codes but also decreases the lifespan of your deck.
While DIYing your new deck may sound like fun, the deck codes above are just the surface. In addition to other standard codes surrounding railings and stairs, there are state and local decking codes that need to be followed as well. This is where Miles Bradley comes in!
Miles Bradley is a full-service design and build custom deck and sunroom firm serving all of Michigan and Illinois including the entire Chicago Land area. In addition to being professional deckers who know all local and state decking codes, they have built their nationwide reputation on being an expert in low-maintenance decking and building products. If you looking for a new deck installation, contact Miles Bradley and see what we can do for you!
Even in the wintertime, you need to take measures to prevent your deck from becoming a hazard.
Although people rarely use their deck throughout the winter, it is still important that a homeowner does not neglect it. Injuries and accidents could occur on your deck making you liable, especially if you have been ignoring the upkeep. Winter creates conditions that will increase the likelihood of slips and falls. Here are some tips from Miles Bradley on how to prevent your deck from becoming a hazard.
Let’s start with the obvious things that will make your deck dangerous: ice and snow. While clearing the snow is easy enough, removing the ice is another story. Some people think that sprinkling grit salt is a good solution but this can be incredibly harmful to your deck. Due to composite decks having a high percentage of hardwood fibers inside, this abrasive material can mark up your deck quickly. This also applies to harsh anti-slip chemicals that can stain and discolor your deck.
Instead of relying on grit salt and harsh chemicals, the best way to remove ice is to use warm water. Just fill a bucket with warm water and pour it over the deck to melt away the ice build-up. Sometimes, there will be residue left, but that can be easily removed through cleaning. After applying the warm water, use a squeegee to remove the excess and a dry mop. Also, apply non-slip methods to ensure safety.
When it rains or snows, decks tend to become a slipping hazard. However, adding some non-slip mats and adhesive treads can be a great solution for that. These are affordable solutions to install that will prevent accidents. Treads and mats provide extra grip, reducing the chances of slipping and falling. In addition, mats come in a variety of styles allowing you to choose what is best for your deck.
Although it can be hard with winter snow and ice, you should do regular cleaning when the weather is right. While ice and snow are hazards, the biggest slipping hazard is the build-up of mildew and mold. Once the weather is good, use a hose or powerwash on a low setting to remove mold, debris, and other things that will make your deck hazardous!