The Perfect Deck for Michigan Weather: Why Miles Bradley is Your Top Choice

The Perfect Deck for Michigan Weather

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.

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Understanding Michigan’s Deck Challenges

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: The Michigan MVP

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.

Pressure-Treated Lumber

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.

Premium Options: Hardwoods and PVC Made Easy

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.

Smart Deck Design Features for Michigan Living

small decks are multi-functional

Covered Areas For Year-Round Use

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.

Cozy Fire Features

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.

Multi-Level Decks for Unique Michigan Yards

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.

Ready to Transform Your Home? Choose Miles Bradley

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.

Get A New Deck for Summer Party!

Summer Party

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.

The Perfect Space for Summer Gatherings

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!

Why Decks are Perfect for Parties

A deck isn’t just an addition to your home—it’s the ultimate party space! Here’s why:

  • Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow: A deck creates a natural extension of your home, making it easy for guests to move between indoor and outdoor spaces.
  • Room for Everyone: Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a big celebration, a deck provides plenty of space for seating, mingling, and activities.
  • Perfect for Dining: Set up a grill, dining table, or even a bar on your deck to create the ultimate outdoor dining experience.
  • Entertainment Hub: From string lights to built-in speakers, a deck can be customized to set the perfect mood for any occasion.
  • Kid-Friendly Fun: A deck offers a safe, contained space for kids to play while adults relax and enjoy the party.

With a deck, your backyard becomes the go-to spot for everything from casual hangouts to milestone celebrations.

Why Choose Miles Bradley

Elite Installer of Azek and TimberTech Decking

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.

Practical Benefits of a New Deck

  • Keep Wet Footprints Outside: Tired of kids running through the house after a swim? A new deck provides the perfect spot for them to dry off while enjoying the sunshine.
  • Expand Outdoor Storage: Need extra storage space? You can add it to your deck!

Let’s Get Started

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

Schedule Your Spring or Summer Deck Installation Now!

Schedule your Spring or Summer deck installation now! Groundhogs day and came and went, and the prediction was bleak. Even though Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog, saw his shadow we won’t let that get us down. Being outside in the cool spring air or the summer sun on a new deck is the only way to enjoy your home. Winter may be in full swing for another 6 weeks but you should start planning for Summer. If you envision BBQs and family time out on a new deck, three seasons room, or pergola, now is the time to book your install date. You won’t have to wish for a beautiful deck for your Summer party because you can have it ready before the hottest season starts! Hire Miles Bradley now to ensure your summer dreams of a new deck come true!

The great outdoors can be that much better with an outdoor patio, three-season room, or pergola addition! Being able to be outside while still being at your home is a luxury and increases your home’s resale value. When you add a deck to your home, you’re not only increasing the space that you can use in your home, but you’re also investing in your home. Miles Bradley has the ability to your deck in time and within your budget! Large deck? Small Deck? Single or multi-level? No problem! The deck of your dreams is one call away.

Plan for your summer now by booking your deck installation

Plan for your summer fun by scheduling your deck installation now!

Why Should I Schedule My Spring Or Summer Deck Installation Now?

The best time to book your deck installation is during the slow periods for deck installers. Since installing decks is seasonal, now is the best time while the ground is frozen. As they say “The early bird gets the worm” and the same is true with scheduling your patio, three seasons room, or pergola installation. If you want the best installation times, you should be booking your appointment now!

During the winter months, our schedules are wide open and ready for your spring deck installation. Since we book up quickly closer to the spring, now is the best time to get your ideal installation date. In some cases, people who wait too long to schedule their deck install have to wait and miss out on summertime spent outdoors.

So don’t wait for Spring before you book your installation. Call or contact us today and get your date locked in! Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

What To Look For In A Professional Deck Builder?

what to look for in a professional deck builder

What to look for in a professional deck builder? It is an important question to ask. After all, you need someone to be prepared and capable of getting the job done. There are a variety of different deck-building companies out there. However, some of these companies could be complete duds. So, how can you distinguish which one is a true professional deck builder? Here are a few qualities that you should be looking for.


Proof of License and Insurance

License and insurance are required and vital to start building. A Contractor’s license proves that your contractor holds liability for the project being up to code and the safety of workers. Hiring an unlicensed is just asking for trouble. If your contract is not licensed, you can not legally enforce a contractor without a license. If something happens during the project, such as damage to your house and or a worker gets hurt, you hold all liability. Furthermore, if they do not build it code, you will be responsible for bringing it to code at additional cost. If a contractor is unable to show their license, do not hire them.

This includes if they refuse to show their insurance. There is multiple types of insurance that contractors should have. First of all, they should have worker compensation insurance. This type of insurance covers workers who get an injury on the job. While homeowners might not think it’s their problem, they will be if there is no worker comp. Also, they should have general liability insurance. General liability covers damage that may occur during the project. Without it, any possible damages to other property will become your financial responsibility. In addition, general liability protects you from lawsuits for damages. It also gives you the policy to collect on if you are injured.


A Good Track Record

While you are sorting through builders, you should look at their track record. If you go on their website, do they complete projects on there? While looking through reviews, are they scathing or glowing? These are important things to consider. After all, you don’t want to hire a company that has more negative reviews than positive ones. Furthermore, you should see if the company has testimonials. People who have a positive experience with a company typically will agree to tell their story. No testimonials might be a clear indication that most people were not satisfied.


Experience

Without a doubt, this is one of the important qualities you should be looking for. Experience matters. If you have to choose between an experienced or an inexperienced contractor, always choose the one with experience. When someone has been working in a field for an extended period of time, they gain skill and knowledge. An experienced contractor, they would be able to foresee potential issues with the project and make adjustments to avoid them. They will know the best ways to put your deck together that could make your project even better. Professionals with experience also are upfront about estimates and try to make them as accurate as possible.


Communication Skills

Communication is key. After all, it is the foundation where all relationships start. This is why this is a fundamental quality to look for. Does your contractor not return calls to answer questions? Are they avoid giving you cost and payment conditions? Is the contractor not being transparent about the end date? If you said yes to any of these then you should look for a new contractor. When looking for a contractor, you want someone who will return your calls, be clear with the cost and payment conditions, and be transparent about when the project will end. Do not settle for anything less. If the starting communication is bad then it will only get worse during the project. And you don’t want them messing up on your deck.


Knowledge of Your Project

When it comes to your project, knowledge is everything. Your contractor/builder needs to understand what you want. Although you could have a clear idea of what you want, a professional can always give feedback and suggestions that can improve your project. They could even recommend add-ons that can improve the quality of life of your new deck.


Hire A Professional Deck Builder at Miles Bradley

All these qualities are what to look for in a professional deck builder. Question is, where can you find a professional that embodies all these traits? Well, look no further because Miles Bradley has all these qualities and more! For 20 years, Miles Bradley has been providing high-quality in deck building, enclosures/gazebos,trellises, and custom deck designs. Miles Bradley has an amazing track record with testimonials to prove it. We have a nationwide reputation for being experts in low-maintenance decks and building materials.

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Cost of New Deck Building in Michigan and Illinois

Spring and Summer are the main seasons for deck building in Michigan and Illinois. During this season, we get many questions asking about the cost of a new deck. There are many deck-building companies out there but few can compete with the high-quality workmanship, materials, and knowledge that Miles Bradley provides. We will tell you all you need to know about the procedures and costs of getting a new deck built for your home. Our offices are located near Detroit and Chicago, serving both metro areas. It should be noted that cost can vary for different types of materials. The ranges below reflect the current year’s prices, but will undoubtedly change year to year.

Low maintenance composite deck costs

Miles Bradley Cost guideline for a New Custom Deck Construction.

The average deck is around 300-400 square feet.

  • A pressure-treated wood deck can cost around $15,000-$18,000 depending on how it is constructed.
  • Cedar decks can cost between $20,000 and $25,000 depending on the specs of the deck.
  • Composite decks can cost between $20,000 and $25,000. Despite the price, these decks are the best value. They are built to withstand the elements, so you can forget warping, weathering, and damage by insects. Check out our Trex Low Maintenance Composite Decks, there is no need to paint, seal, or stain.

Deck cost pricing includes; permits from the city, clean up, labor, material, warranty, and some beautiful rail lighting. (We add in to thank you for your business!)

The prices above are for complete deck construction. Your custom deck will vary within the pricing. Contact us for pricing on building a new deck for your home.

Low Cost Custom Decks at Miles Bradley

Your options are endless! Keep in mind custom features such as curved rails, steel frames, spiral staircases, radius decks, and custom decking patterns can increase costs. Right now is the perfect time to have Miles Bradley help design and build your custom deck. Call our Detroit Michigan office: 248-478-8660 or our Chicago Illinois office: 847-920-7601 for new deck-building costs in your area.

Updated March 2021