What is the best way for a homeowner in the Ann Arbor area to get a deck built or repaired?
Homeowners in the Ann Arbor area can initiate a deck build or repair by submitting a free quote form, followed by a personalized, on-site consultation to measure the project site, discuss budget and materials, and finalize the schedule. This direct process allows for tailored planning, including selecting durable composite materials suited for Michigan climates.
What are the normal steps involved in the deck building process once you start the job?
Once our team officially starts your custom project, we follow a carefully structured construction sequence to ensure safety, efficiency, and exceptional quality. If your project is a deck replacement, we will demo and remove the old deck following all required safety and disposal procedures. Our crew carefully dismantles the aging structures, manages structural hazards, and hauls away all raw debris. This clean slate approach guarantees that we are building your new investment on a completely solid, predictable foundation.
With the old materials safely cleared out, we transition directly into the foundational phase of your new build. Our team lays out the precise footprint and prepares the site by excavating and pouring heavy-duty concrete footings that meet or exceed local building codes. Once the concrete cures, we carefully attach the structural ledger board directly to your home using heavy-duty, weather-resistant fasteners and proper flashing to prevent future water infiltration.
Next, our crew begins framing the skeleton of your deck. We install sturdy pressure-treated support posts, main beams, and joists. We check every single piece for squareness and level to ensure maximum structural integrity. Once the robust framing layout passes internal inspection, we lay down your chosen surface material, whether you selected natural cedar or modern composite boards. We carefully align and fasten each piece to create a seamless, beautiful finish.
The final phase of our build process focuses entirely on the safety features and finishing details. We install your custom post railings, secure the steps, and attach matching fascia wrap to complete the clean look. After a final thorough walkthrough to clean up every remaining piece of construction debris, we hand over your beautiful, fully finished outdoor living space.
What is the average cost per square foot to build a deck in Ann Arbor?
When budgeting for a new deck in the Ann Arbor area, total installation costs generally range from $35 to $95 per square foot, depending heavily on your chosen materials. To simplify your choices, we categorize our custom deck installations into three distinct tiers: good, better, and best. Each tier offers unique structural advantages regarding upfront investment, seasonal maintenance requirements, and long-term durability against unpredictable Michigan winter weather.
Our “Good” material tier features traditional pressure-treated pine lumber, typically costing between $35 and $55 per square foot fully installed. This option provides the absolute lowest upfront construction cost and delivers a classic, natural wood aesthetic. However, pressure-treated wood requires rigorous annual maintenance, including deep pressure washing and protective restaining every two years to prevent splitting, severe warping, or rot.
Our “Better” material tier transitions up to premium cedar wood or entry-level composite decking, ranging from $55 to $75 per square foot fully installed. Natural cedar offers superior natural oils that naturally resist insects and decay, providing a gorgeous appearance. Alternatively, entry-level composites provide a massive leap forward in convenience, giving homeowners incredible structural resilience without any of the exhausting upkeep associated with wood.
Our “Best” material tier showcases premium capped composite decking, which ranges from $75 to $95+ per square foot fully installed. Utilizing industry-leading manufacturer brands like Trex and TimberTech, these elite boards feature a heavy-duty polymer cap wrapped tightly around a dense composite core. They are completely impervious to moisture, termites, and fading, backed by robust 25-year manufacturer warranties.
Ultimately, the ideal selection balances your immediate target budget with your long-term lifestyle goals. While premium composites require a larger upfront investment, they save thousands of dollars over their lifespan by completely eliminating maintenance. Fill out our free online form today to evaluate your layout options.
At Burton Decks, local expertise meets elite structural craftsmanship. Born and raised right here in Washtenaw County, our owners and managers are deeply rooted in the communities we serve. Our leadership team brings an unmatched academic and technical pedigree to every project, proudly consisting of graduates from both the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University.
We do not just build outdoor spaces; we engineer them. For over two decades, our leadership has operated as a fully licensed contractor and professional construction manager, bringing corporate-grade project oversight to residential deck design. This extensive dual-decade background in comprehensive project management means your installation will follow strict timelines, precise budgeting, and rigorous safety protocols from start to finish.
As lifelong Michigan residents, we understand how local winter weather patterns impact structural longevity. We combine our deep regional pride with twenty years of field-tested building compliance to deliver stunning, durable decks that elevate your property value. Trust your upcoming backyard transformation to a localized team that pairs true hometown care with seasoned, professional contracting expertise.
No-Cost Deck Repair or Replacement Estimate
