Picture this, It’s the first warm Saturday of spring in Michigan. The grill’s fired up, the breeze feels just right. And you’re standing on a deck that looks as good as the day it was built.
No cracks. No splinters. No weekend wasted staining wood.
That’s the reality Coy Construction builds for Michigan homeowners.
In a recent Hire It Done radio show, host Adam Helfman sat down with Chris Quackenbush, one of Metro Detroit’s most trusted deck experts, to talk about what separates an ordinary deck from one that actually lasts a lifetime.
The Deck Revolution Happening in Southeast Michigan
Michigan weather tests everything you build. Sun, snow, salt, and humidity can turn an average deck into a headache in just a few years. Coy Construction has seen it all, and learned how to outsmart it.
“We’ve been around forty-plus years,” Chris said. “We still build three hundred fifty to four hundred decks every year.”
That consistency doesn’t come from shortcuts. It comes from embracing new materials like Trex composite decking, the industry leader in durability and design.
As Chris put it, “When it comes to warranty and innovation, there’s just no one else better.”
What Makes Trex the Game-Changer
Trex decks are not wood. They’re stronger, smarter, and greener.
Made from recycled sawdust and reclaimed plastic film, Trex boards are eco-friendly from the start.
“It’s 100 percent recycled,” Chris explained. “They grind up plastic and sawdust, mix it with bonding agents, and extrude it into deck boards. The top layer is like a turtle shell, it never peels or separates.”
That “shell” protects against Michigan’s wild temperature swings, keeping your deck from fading, warping, or splitting. Each board comes with a 50-year warranty, so your backyard stays beautiful for decades, without you lifting a paintbrush.
Behind the Scenes: The Trex Factory Standard
Coy Construction’s team recently toured Trex’s U.S. manufacturing plant in Winchester, Virginia. What they saw confirmed everything they believed about quality.
“If one deck board is even slightly off,” Chris recalled, “they pull the entire pallet, grind it up, and start over.”
That relentless attention to detail gives Trex a less than one percent warranty claim rate nationwide. Every board that leaves the factory meets the same uncompromising standard, the kind Coy Construction demands for every client in Metro Detroit.
A Deck That Matches Your Lifestyle
No two Michigan homes are the same, and Coy Construction designs each deck to reflect that. Their showroom is like a playground for homeowners. You can see, touch, and compare every color, texture, and railing option before committing.
“When customers come in, they can eliminate the colors they don’t like, take samples home, and match them to their siding or brick,” Chris said.
And before a single board is ordered, their CAD software brings your vision to life in 3D. You’ll see exactly what your backyard will look like every curve, step, and light before the first nail is driven.
The Smartest Time to Build Is Winter
Most people think deck building hibernates in winter. Coy Construction doesn’t.
“We can build all year,” Chris said. “When it snows before it freezes, it actually helps us. The frost doesn’t set in, and we can still dig footings easily.”
That means if you book during winter, you’ll skip the spring rush. When the first 70-degree weekend hits, you’ll already be hosting barbecues while everyone else is still waiting for quotes.
As Chris added, “It actually takes us longer in winter because we make sure our quality stays to high standards. But it’s worth it.”
The Budget-Friendly Way to a Brand-New Deck
If your old deck frame is still solid, don’t tear it all down. Coy Construction offers re-decking, where they replace only the surface boards with Trex.
“A lot of times, somebody built their deck ten years ago but couldn’t afford Trex at that time,” Chris explained. “Now they love the layout but want something maintenance-free. We can inspect the frame and reuse what’s safe.”
Re-decking gives you a brand-new look without paying for a full rebuild, a perfect balance of practicality and performance.
Backyards That Feel Like Resorts
Coy Construction isn’t just building decks. They’re building destinations.
Adam shared one project that stuck with him: “It was raining, and we were standing under a roofed Trex deck with retractable screens. The whole space was dry. It felt like an outdoor living room.”
That design blended comfort with innovation fans, lights, privacy screens, and all. “People want to stay at home but still feel like they’ve gone somewhere,” Chris said. “Retractable screens and lighting let them enjoy the outdoors longer.”
For families who want a true staycation setup, Coy Construction’s decks become an everyday retreat.
Communication That Builds Trust
Even the best builders face challenges. What separates Coy Construction is how they respond.
“The best five-star contractors have issues,” Adam told listeners. “It’s how they solve them. It’s how they communicate with you.”
Chris agreed. “Anything can be fixed. We figure out the solution first and make sure the homeowner agrees before moving forward.”
That philosophy of transparency, calmness, and proactiveness is why Coy Construction has earned its reputation as Metro Detroit’s most trusted deck builder.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Deck Building in Michigan
Coy Construction isn’t slowing down. They’re currently building a state-of-the-art indoor showroom that will showcase full-scale decks, railings, and lighting displays.
“Our outdoor showroom’s been great,” Chris said. “But we wanted an indoor version where homeowners can visit year-round. It’ll feature real decks and design stations so you can see and feel everything before choosing.”
They’re also expanding crews and technology to meet demand as Michigan homeowners continue to prioritize outdoor living spaces that add beauty and long-term value.
How to Get Started
Getting your dream deck starts with a conversation.
“Lauren or Ellie will get you scheduled,” Chris said. “We’ll come out, take a look at your space, and help you design something that fits your home and lifestyle.”
It’s not a sales pitch, it’s a collaboration. And it always starts with a free estimate.
Call Coy Construction at (248) 363-1050 or visit HireItDone.com to find trusted professionals who care about your home as much as you do.
The Bottom Line
A great deck doesn’t just add value to your house. It adds peace to your life.
Coy Construction and Trex have redefined what it means to build for Michigan weather. Sustainable, maintenance-free, and designed to last for generations.
As Adam Helfman said, “Part of getting a good deal is having a good experience. And having a good experience with a contractor is what we’re all about.”
So if you want a backyard that never fades, start where Michigan homeowners already go for peace of mind.
Hire Coy Construction. Build it once. Enjoy it for decades.
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About Hire It Done:
Hire It Done is a trusted resource for navigating the home improvement process, led by industry expert Adam Helfman. Focused on educating homeowners, Hire It Done provides key questions to ask contractors, especially those they may avoid answering. Through its weekly national radio show, Hire It Done offers practical advice and connects homeowners with elite contractors for a hassle-free experience. The platform has become a go-to for homeowners seeking expert guidance and reliable contractors.
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About Adam Helfman:
Adam Helfman has been Metro Detroit's trusted home improvement expert for over 35 years. As the founder of Hire It Done, he’s connected homeowners with top-quality contractors for two decades. Adam's popular Saturday morning home improvement radio show has been a go-to resource for Metro Detroiters for 18 years.
With his extensive industry experience, he knows the critical questions homeowners need to ask. Including those contractors often avoid. Tune in to hear how you can hire the right pro and avoid costly mistakes.
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