Deck Construction

decks that perform better for longer

Deck Installation & Replacement in Kalamazoo and West Michigan

A beautiful, well-built deck is practically a necessity for every Kalamazoo home with the space to accommodate one. During the beautiful months, your deck may be the most popular spot in your home for relaxation, entertaining, and enjoying the West Michigan weather. Unfortunately, Michigan winters can be tough on decks and rapidly degrade materials, especially if they aren’t regularly maintained.


At Advantage Roofing & Exteriors, we offer professional deck installation and replacement services in Kalamazoo and nearby communities, specializing in high-performance composite deck material from TimberTech. Our materials are better able to withstand the winter months and reduce the cost and frequency of deck replacement and maintenance.

deck construction

TimberTech Composite Deck Material Provides a Durable & Low-Maintenance Deck Solution

We install TimberTech composite deck material, a leading product known for its stunningly authentic wood appearance and impressive performance. TimberTech decks offer:


  • The realistic look and feel of natural wood, without the constant upkeep
  • Fade- and stain-resistant finishes that stay vibrant year after year
  • Resistance to moisture, mold, and insect damage
  • No need for painting, staining, or sealing
  • Long-term warranties for peace of mind


Switching from wood to composite means spending less time maintaining your deck and more time enjoying it.

what's the difference

Composite vs. Wood Decking

Natural wood and composite decking can both create an attractive, functional outdoor space, but they differ in maintenance, moisture resistance, appearance, and long-term ownership.



Neither material is automatically right for every homeowner. Natural wood remains appealing for homeowners who prioritize authentic material and don't mind regular maintenance. Composite decking, such as TimberTech, is generally a better fit for homeowners who want to minimize refinishing and weather-related deterioration.

Maintenance

Natural wood generally requires periodic staining or sealing to help protect it from moisture, sunlight, and weather exposure. Depending on its condition, a wood deck may eventually require sanding, repairs, or board replacement to maintain its appearance and performance.



TimberTech composite decking doesn't require painting, staining, or sealing. Instead, TimberTech recommends routine cleaning and periodic inspection to help keep the deck in good condition.

That doesn't mean composite decking is completely maintenance-free. Dirt, leaves, spills, and other debris should still be removed, and the deck should be periodically inspected as part of normal upkeep..

Moisture Resistance

Natural wood can absorb water, and prolonged exposure to moisture can contribute to rot, decay, cracking, and other deterioration. Composite decking itself is much less susceptible to rot and insect damage than natural wood.



The framing beneath either type of deck is still important, however. Composite boards may resist rot, but the structural components supporting them can still be vulnerable to moisture..

Splinters and Checking

Natural wood can develop splinters, cracks, and checking as it ages and responds to changing moisture conditions. These characteristics can vary depending on the type of wood, installation, and maintenance.



Composite decking won't splinter like natural wood, making it an appealing choice for homeowners who want a more consistent walking surface with less concern about wood-related splintering..

Appearance

Natural wood offers genuine grain, natural variation, and the character that comes with using a real wood product. Modern composite decking is designed to reproduce the appearance of natural wood while providing a more consistent surface and reducing the maintenance associated with traditional wood decking.

a structural inspection is an important step

Can New Composite Decking Be Put on an Existing Frame?

Replacing old wood boards with TimberTech does not automatically mean the entire deck structure has to be rebuilt. However, the existing framing should be evaluated before new decking is installed.


A professional evaluation should consider:

  • Rot or decay in joists and beams
  • The condition of posts and footings
  • Ledger attachment to the home
  • Corroded or inadequate connectors
  • Whether joist spacing is appropriate for the new decking
  • Whether the framing is level and sufficiently in-plane for composite boards
  • Whether the existing layout accommodates new stairs, railings, or design changes


If the existing structure is sound and suitable for the new decking, replacing the surface may be possible without rebuilding everything underneath.

kalamazoo deck services

Complete Deck Replacement & Custom Builds

Many of our projects involve replacing old or deteriorating decks with entirely new structures. We handle:


  • Full tear-out of old deck and railings
  • Framing repairs or upgrades as needed
  • Installation of new composite deck material, railings, and stairs
  • Custom configurations, including multi-level decks or special features


Our team works with you to design a deck that fits your home, your lifestyle, and your budget, whether you want a simple replacement or a fully customized upgrade.

 

deck services

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I know if my deck needs to be replaced?

    Signs include loose or rotting boards, wobbly railings, structural issues, or widespread wear that’s beyond basic repairs. We can assess your deck and recommend whether a rebuild makes sense.

  • Why choose composite deck material over wood?

    Composite deck material like TimberTech offers the beauty of wood without the high maintenance. It resists fading, staining, splintering, and insect damage, saving you time and long-term costs.

  • Can you build custom deck designs?

    Yes! We specialize in both standard and custom decks, including multi-level layouts, unique shapes, custom railings, and built-in features.

  • If my deck boards are rotten, does the framing need to be replaced too?

    Not automatically. Surface boards can deteriorate while the framing remains usable, or the opposite can happen in concealed areas. The framing needs to be inspected to determine its actual condition before deciding what should be replaced.

  • Why does the framing matter if composite decking doesn't rot?

    The joists, beams, posts, connections, ledger, and footings support the deck's load. Many composite decks still sit on pressure-treated wood framing, which can deteriorate if it is chronically exposed to moisture.

  • Can you replace wood deck boards with composite without changing the railings?

    Potentially. If the existing railing system and its supporting structure remain suitable, they may be able to stay in place. However, the entire deck should be evaluated as a system rather than assuming every existing component can automatically remain.

  • Why is my existing deck bouncy even though the boards look fine?

    A bouncy deck can have several possible causes, including framing span or spacing, loose or inadequate connections, deterioration, or insufficient blocking. A deck's surface appearance doesn't necessarily tell you whether the underlying structure is sound.

  • Can you change the size or layout when replacing an old deck?

    A replacement doesn't necessarily need to reproduce the old footprint. Depending on structural, site, and code requirements, a new design can potentially change the dimensions, stairs, railing locations, levels, or traffic flow.

  • Does composite decking get slippery when it's wet?

    Any exterior walking surface can become slippery when wet, particularly when algae, ice, leaves, or other contaminants are present. Texture and product line also matter, so the specific composite decking being considered should be evaluated as part of the material-selection process.

  • Does composite decking get hotter than wood?

    There isn't a simple yes-or-no answer. Surface temperature depends on the color, sun exposure, and ambient conditions. Darker surfaces generally absorb more solar energy, so homeowners should consider the specific TimberTech collection and color when choosing decking for a sunny outdoor space.

  • Can you shovel snow off a composite deck?

    Yes, but care should be taken to avoid gouging or damaging the decking surface. Follow the maintenance recommendations for the specific composite product and use appropriate snow-removal tools and techniques.

  • Will snow sitting on composite decking damage it?

    Composite decking is designed for exterior moisture exposure, so simply being wet from snow does not mean the boards will be damaged. With substantial snow accumulation, the bigger concern is the structural loading placed on the entire deck rather than the boards simply getting wet.

kalamazoo deck experts

Why Homeowners Choose Advantage Roofing & Exteriors for Their Deck Installation and Replacement

  • Expert craftsmanship: Our experienced crews and in-house carpenters ensure your new deck is installed to the highest standards, with attention to detail at every step.
  • Premium materials: We use TimberTech composite deck material for outstanding performance and lasting beauty.
  • Custom solutions: We’re not a cookie-cutter deck company. Our professionals handle unique layouts, challenging rebuilds, and custom features that make your space stand out.
  • Local experience: We’ve been building decks in Kalamazoo for decades and understand what it takes to construct decks that stand up to Michigan’s weather.
  • Trusted reputation: After more than 600 Google reviews we have maintained a 4.9-star average rating. We encourage you to read our reviews and look at our deck construction before and after photos.

Schedule Your Free Deck Consultation

Ready to upgrade your outdoor space? Contact Advantage Roofing & Exteriors today at (269) 372-1691 for a free deck consultation and estimate. Let us build a deck you’ll love for years to come.