From custom builds to repairs, underdecking, and complete outdoor transformations — The DeckSmith delivers expert craftsmanship on every project.
Transform your backyard into an outdoor oasis with a custom-designed deck built specifically for your home and lifestyle.
Personalized design consultation
Premium material selection (wood, composite, PVC)
Full permit handling and code compliance
Structural engineering for multi-level designs
Built-in seating, planters, and custom features
Professional installation by experienced craftsmen
Bring your aging deck back to life. We repair structural issues, replace damaged boards, and restore beauty and safety.
Comprehensive deck inspections
Structural reinforcement and repairs
Rotten board and joist replacement
Re-decking with new surface boards
Railing system upgrades
Frame assessment and strengthening
Maximize your outdoor space by transforming the area beneath your elevated deck into a dry, usable living area.
Waterproof ceiling panel installation
Integrated gutter and drainage systems
Creates dry storage or patio space below
Protects deck framing from moisture
Expands usable outdoor square footage
Multiple finish options to match home
Create a complete outdoor retreat with pergolas, shade structures, custom railings, and integrated features.
Pergola and arbor construction
Custom railing systems (cable, glass, metal, wood)
Built-in benches and storage solutions
Lighting and electrical integration
Privacy screens and shade structures
Complete outdoor room designs
Every DeckSmith project begins with a custom 3D design. See exactly how your deck will look before construction starts. Make changes, refine details, and approve your vision — all at no charge. It’s our commitment to transparency and your peace of mind.
Our 3D design process eliminates guesswork. You’ll see your deck from every angle, review material choices, and make informed decisions before we order a single board. No hidden surprises, just a clear path from vision to reality.
Get straightforward answers to the most common questions homeowners ask before hiring a deck builder in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
In most cases, yes — and as your local Grand Rapids deck builder, The DeckSmith manages the entire permitting process for you. Whenever we construct a brand-new deck in Kent County or the surrounding West Michigan area, a permit is almost always required by the local building department. We pull the paperwork, submit the plans, and coordinate inspections so you don’t have to lift a finger.
There is one common exception. If your project is a deck resurface (sometimes called “re-decking”) where the underlying frame is still structurally sound and only the deck boards are being swapped out, a permit is often not required. However, anytime new structural elements are introduced — such as new support posts or new railing systems on an existing deck — we generally recommend pulling a permit to stay on the right side of code.
Because every Grand Rapids deck project is unique, we evaluate the permit question on a case-by-case basis. Our promise is simple: The DeckSmith always does whatever your local building authority requires for full compliance.
Absolutely — and it’s one of the more popular options we offer at The DeckSmith. Our Grand Rapids deck builders can strip off the old surface boards and worn-out railings and install fresh decking and a new rail system on top of your current substructure.
That said, we don’t recommend reusing a frame that’s older than about eight years, and we cannot offer a warranty on existing framing that we did not build ourselves. Before quoting a re-deck project of this kind, we strongly suggest scheduling a deck inspection with one of our experienced builders. We’ll assess the joists, beams, posts, and footings, then walk you through your options — whether that’s keeping the existing structure or rebuilding from the ground up. We’ll lay out the trade-offs honestly so you can make an informed call.
The frame is the backbone of any deck. The decking material you select is only going to last as long as the structure beneath it, so the foundation has to be capable of supporting the new surface for its full lifespan.
The honest answer is no — there isn’t a single “perfect” decking material. Every product on the market today comes with its own set of advantages and trade-offs, and the right choice for your Grand Rapids backyard depends on your priorities, budget, and how you plan to use the space.
Our deck-building specialists at The DeckSmith are happy to walk you through the full lineup of options. A few things worth knowing:
• Decking technology continues to advance every year, and the newest product lines tend to outperform older generations in durability, fade resistance, and overall finish.
• PVC decking is typically the coolest underfoot, which makes it a smart pick for poolside installations and full-sun exposures. The trade-off is that PVC expands and contracts more dramatically with temperature swings.
• Capped composite decking runs warmer than PVC but delivers a more authentic wood-grain appearance. It’s the material we install most frequently across the Grand Rapids area because it offers an excellent balance of natural aesthetics, longevity, and low maintenance.
We’ll always recommend weighing all of your options before committing — and we’re glad to bring samples to your consultation.
It depends on the material, but for composite decks the answer is neither. Our Grand Rapids deck builders install all composite surfaces using a hidden fastener system, which is included at no additional cost on every composite deck we build. Hidden fasteners give you a clean, uninterrupted surface with no visible screw heads or fastener holes anywhere on the deck boards.
For traditional wood decking, we secure the boards with ring shank nails, which actually grip the wood more tenaciously than screws over the long haul. The framing itself — joists, beams, ledgers, and posts — is assembled with the right combination of structural screws, lag bolts, joist hangers, and framing nails for each specific connection point. We match the fastener to the job, every time.
The DeckSmith does not offer cash discounts on our deck-building projects in Grand Rapids. We accept cash, checks, and credit cards as payment methods. If you choose to pay by credit card, we’re required to be transparent that we pass along the merchant processing fee charged by our payment provider. That fee has most recently been 3.25%, although it is subject to change. There’s no hidden surcharge or markup — you’re simply covering the actual cost the card network charges to process your transaction.
Quote turnaround at The DeckSmith depends on the scope and complexity of your deck project. Most Grand Rapids homeowners receive a written proposal by email within three to six business days following the on-site consultation. We start working on your numbers as soon as we leave your driveway whenever possible.
Larger or more custom projects may require a bit more time, especially when we need updated material pricing back from our suppliers. As anyone who has built or remodeled recently knows, lumber and decking material costs have been on a bumpy road for several years. To protect both you and us from sudden price swings, every quote we issue is valid for a limited, clearly stated window of time. Certain busy seasons in the Michigan deck-building calendar may also extend our turnaround, but we’ll always keep you posted on timing.
Yes. The DeckSmith requires a 50% deposit before our deck builders begin work on any project. We believe that level of commitment is reasonable given the materials we order and the schedule we lock in for your build.
That said, we strongly encourage every homeowner to feel completely confident in their contractor before handing over a deposit. Take time to review the company’s portfolio of completed Grand Rapids deck projects, read reviews, and ask for customer references you can actually speak with. The DeckSmith is happy to provide references from past clients across West Michigan — just ask, and we’ll connect you with homeowners who can share their experience working with our team.
Most residential deck projects in Grand Rapids are completed within 1-2 weeks from start to finish, weather permitting. The timeline depends on several factors:
• Deck size and complexity (multi-level decks take longer)
• Material availability and delivery schedules
• Permitting and inspection requirements
• Weather conditions (we can’t pour concrete in freezing temps or work in heavy rain)
• Custom features like built-in seating, pergolas, or underdecking
During your free consultation, we’ll provide a realistic timeline for your specific project. We’ll also keep you updated throughout the build and let you know immediately if anything impacts our schedule.
Maintenance requirements vary significantly based on your decking material:
**Composite & PVC Decking:**
• Annual cleaning with soap and water
• Occasional power washing (low pressure)
• Inspect fasteners and hardware yearly
• No staining, sealing, or painting required
**Wood Decking (Cedar, Pressure-Treated):**
• Clean 1-2 times per year
• Re-stain or seal every 2-3 years
• Inspect for rot, splinters, and loose boards annually
• Replace damaged boards as needed
Regardless of material, we recommend inspecting your deck’s structural components (ledger board, joists, posts) every few years to catch any issues early. The DeckSmith offers maintenance and inspection services — just give us a call.
Yes. The DeckSmith stands behind our workmanship with a comprehensive warranty on all new deck construction. The specifics vary by project scope:
• **Our Labor & Workmanship:** We warrant our installation against defects for 2 years from project completion.
• **Structural Framing:** We offer extended coverage on framing we build (does not apply to existing structures we don’t construct).
• **Material Warranties:** Most composite and PVC decking manufacturers offer 25-50 year warranties against fading, staining, and structural defects. We’ll help you understand what’s covered and register your materials.
**Wood Decking (Cedar, Pressure-Treated):**
• Clean 1-2 times per year
• Re-stain or seal every 2-3 years
• Inspect for rot, splinters, and loose boards annually
• Replace damaged boards as needed
All warranty details are spelled out clearly in your contract. If any issues arise after your deck is complete, we’re just a phone call away.
Have a question we didn’t cover? Contact The DeckSmith, your trusted Grand Rapids deck builder, to schedule your free consultation.
Ready to transform your outdoor space? Fill out the form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours with a detailed, no-obligation estimate.
(616) 201-3131
info@decksmithbuilders.com
Grand Rapids, Michigan & Surrounding Areas
