Lumber Prices Too High

Lumber Prices Too High

Lumber prices are too high. Although COVID restrictions have ended, the supply chain is still suffering. As a result, the current cost of lumber is sky-high. For people looking for lumber decks, you should be expecting to pay a large sum of cash and expect a long project timeline. However, there are other options besides lumber decks. In fact, you should be looking at composite decks.

Lumber Decking

Without a doubt, lumber is the default material for decking. After all, it has been used for decking for centuries. Although wooden decks have to be constantly maintained and stained, it is still in high demand. There is a natural look, feel, and smell that comes from wooden decks. When pressure treated, wooden decks can be very affordable.

However, the current supply chain shortage has made wood decks more expensive than before. As a result, the price of materials has escalated. Furthermore, the large demand for lumber has made it harder to get shipments in.

Composite Decking

While wood decking is traditional, composite decking is an excellent choice that is becoming more popular! Composite decking is crafted through organic and synthetic compounds. As a result, it is resistant to rot and decay. In addition, it is crack resistant and scratch resistant. Composite decks are also low maintenance and do not require staining. Instead, you can choose from a large variety of colors and types of composite decking like Trex.

Are Lumber Prices Too High? Get a Composite Deck

The price of lumber is not going down anytime soon. However, composite decks are a great alternative. At Miles Bradley, we install wood and composite decks! All of your decks are installed by professionals who have decades of experience. In addition to decks, Miles Bradley has other services and products for your customers. Contact Miles Bradley today to get a quote on our services!

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Lake Home Decks

Lake Home Decks

When you live on the lake, home decks can be a wonderful addition to your home. Living on any shorefront, you want to experience the full view of the lake and more. So, you need to have a place to embrace the full wonders of living on the lake. Just like with other decks, the deck can add something special to your home. Furthermore, it can increase your quality of life!

Reasons to Have Decks at the Lake

Many of the reasons to have a deck on the lake is the same as getting any other deck. Decks can be an amazing investment by adding value to your home. It can provide additional living space and a new area to relax. Furthermore, it allows you to spend more time outdoors. This is especially important when you live on the lake. After all, you are not able to get full use of your property. Most of all, it gives you an area to enjoy quality time with friends and family. You can enjoy the full view of the lake alongside your friends and family.

Types of Decks/Docks at the Lake

So, what types of decks and docks can be built at the lake? First of all, let’s talk about the materials that can be used in conjunction with a dock. Out of all the materials used, cedarwood and PCV wood is popular. Just like regular decks, these materials give the natural feeling of wood. All the while, they also have different pros and cons. At Miles Bradley, we build wood and composite decks made out of the same material. As for dock options, there is a large number of designs. These designs include:

  • Floating Dock
  • Stationary Dock
  • Combination Dock
  • Lift-Up Dock
  • Permeant Dock

Lake Home Decks at Miles Bradley

If you are looking for lake home decks, then contact the professionals at Miles Bradley! Our company has full-service custom design and building deck builders, who can help you create your dream deck. If you need a custom deck to match your dock or a replacement, then you can rely on our professionals. We are licensed and insured, meaning you do not have to worry during the entire building progress.

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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 typical 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 brave the elements so 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.

Custom Deck features can increase deck building cost;

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

Composite Deck Building And Installation

Composite Deck Building And Installation

The best composite deck builder in Michigan or Illinois is Miles Bradley Building and Remodeling.  In addition, Mile Bradley has been installing composite decks for over three decades. As a certified Trex contractor, Miles Bradley can build your new deck to look exactly how you wanted it. Adding a deck to your home is always a great idea. It will add to the curb appeal and overall value of your home.

Trex Composite Deck Building

We always highly recommend Trex or another composite decking.  Of course, we do also install wood decks as well, but composite decks have some distinct over wood. One great advantage Trex decking has is its durability.  Trex decking can resist fading, scratching, staining, and mold that wood decks experience. Another advantage is the low maintenance to maintain a Trex deck. Wood decks require sanding or painting, while a Trex deck does not.

Sustainability is a big part of a composite deck. Composite decks have less of an environmental impact than a more traditional wood deck. Composite decking is made from recycled materials to create the decking. Aesthetics is also another advantage. Composite decks will give you a large choice of colors to choose from. With rich colors and nice accessories, composite decking is always a great choice. Finally, value is an advantage.

With next to no ongoing maintenance and easy to maintain, the price of the composite deck pays for itself in ten years. As you can see there are quite a few advantages for low-maintenance composite decks. Hire an experienced and highly recommended deck builder in Miles Bradley Building and Remodeling. Miles Bradley services all of Michigan and Illinois and can have your deck up and installed before you know it.

Contact us today for more information about your new composite deck or give us a call at 248-478-8660.

Can You Put A Fire Pit On Trex Composite Decking?

Can You Put A Fire Pit On Trex Composite Decking?

While enjoying the outdoors on your new Trex Composite Deck, you may think you would like a fire pit on the deck.  So the question becomes, can you put a fire pit on your composite deck? Well, the answer is a little muddy. First, you should never put a fire pit directly on your deck with no protection. The heat alone can warp the decking materials as well as embers can burn the deck as well.

Trex decking can soften at about 176 degrees Fahrenheit so you have to very cautious about the size of your fire. In addition, never install the firepit directly on top of the deck.  A gas type fire pit is a much better option than a wood-burning one

Composite Deck Fire Pit On Trex Safety Steps

If you are determined to add a fire pit to your deck try to keep some of this advice in mind.  Make sure under the firepit you install fire-resistant material for the pit to rest on. Insulated walls of stone or other types of materials are used to prevent heat from escaping. Deck Protect is another product that is used to prevent fire damage to your deck. Also, you can have a new custom-built deck that encompasses the fire pit and does not have the fire pit directly on the deck.

At Miles Bradley, we custom build low-maintenance composite decks all the time and we can accommodate your needs. While it is not highly recommendable to put a large fire pit on your composite deck. With careful planning and the right type of materials and fire pit, it can be done. Call us today at 248-478-8660 in the Detroit area or 847-920-7601 in the Chicago area. Finally, we can answer any questions you have about Trex composite decks and your options.