In the Upper Peninsula, a deck is more than just an outdoor space. It’s essential for enjoying the full extent of the UP’s rugged natural beauty. From grilling in the summer to stargazing on cool fall nights, life in Northern Michigan isn’t complete without a dedicated outdoor space for you and your family.
But extreme weather, heavy snow loads, ice, and seasonal moisture problems mean that UP homeowners need to consider design, materials, and maintenance before building or upgrading a deck. In this blog, Astro UP–the Upper Peninsula’s favorite building supply store since the ‘80s–will share time-tested professional tips for building a deck that can handle everything the UP throws at it.
I. Plan with Purpose
One of the most important parts of building a deck happens before you even purchase your supplies. Planning out your deck is an essential first step for a successful build. Start by considering how you’ll use the deck. How do you envision enjoying the space throughout the seasons? If you plan on doing lots of grilling, you will, of course, need a deck with space for a grill station. If you want to entertain large crowds, you’ll need a bigger deck than one meant just for you and your family.
Of course, you can do more than one thing with your deck! But you’ll need to tailor its size and layout to accommodate its purpose. Consider how to position it for the best sun and wind protection. And don’t forget to ensure that it is easily accessible from both the house and the yard.
Once you’ve planned your deck’s size, shape, and layout, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with local zoning and building codes. Contact local authorities to determine what you need to acquire the proper permits.
II. Choose the Right Materials for UP Weather
Not all deck materials can stand up to the Upper Peninsula’s harsh weather conditions. In regions with tough winter weather, composite decking or vinyl decking are much better choices for homeowners looking to build a long-lasting, low-maintenance deck.
Traditional wood boards might look nice, but they’re vulnerable to winter weather. Michigan’s repeated freeze-thaw cycles, ice, and heavy snow loads pose a major problem for wood, which holds moisture. Over time, wood boards will fade, warp and rot, putting the structural integrity of your deck at risk. Wood also provides a perfect home for insects like wasps and termites, and no one wants a bunch of bugs crashing their parties.
Composite decking and vinyl decking help you achieve that classic wood look while also being able to handle extreme weather and pest problems.
Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibers and hardy, high quality plastic. Plastic strengthens the boards and makes them resistant to many of the problems that plague natural wood. Vinyl decking is made from PVC, another durable material with plenty of advantages. Both composite and vinyl decking boards are moisture resistant. Unlike wood, composite and vinyl boards don’t absorb water, which means they won’t rot, warp, or crack even after a long winter buried under snow and ice. This moisture resistance also protects against mold and mildew.
Unlike wood, composite and vinyl decking boards don’t make a very comfy home for insects. They also hold their shape and appearance better than wood does over time, without the sanding, staining, and sealing that comes with wood. That saves you lots of hassle, and leaves you with more time to enjoy your deck. To clean your composite or vinyl deck, you can simply use soap, water, and a mop or sponge.
III. Design for Durability
Once you’ve envisioned the layout and picked your preferred materials, it’s time to sketch out the plans for your deck. If you have experience in large DIY or construction projects, then you may be equipped to build the deck yourself! If not, put safety first and get in touch with some professional deck builders. When it comes to major home renovations and additions, never bite off more than you can chew.
Whether you decide to build it yourself or hire some experts, keep the following things in mind when designing your deck:
- Deck footings: It’s important to make sure your deck post holes are situated below the frost line. The frost line is the deepest point at which the moisture in the soil will freeze. In very cold regions like the Upper Peninsula, the frost line is quite deep–most estimates range from 70-80” below ground. The main concern here is frost heave: as soil freezes, it expands and pushes upward, potentially destabilizing your deck.
- Deck drainage: Like your house, your deck needs to be able to drain off excess moisture. Under-deck drainage systems are very popular, with many different models available on the market. Do some research to determine which you like best. We also recommend sloping the deck very slightly away from the house. You can place flashers where the deck meets the wall of your home to prevent rot.
- Winter readiness: Make sure that your deck can handle a heavy snow load. Composite and vinyl decking boards may be moisture resistant, but the sheer weight of snow can take a toll! You may want to consider closer spacing of the deck boards or wider joists to help reinforce the deck.
IV. Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Though composite and vinyl decking don’t require as much maintenance as wood decking, they still need a bit of upkeep. Depending on the season, here’s what you should look out for:
- Spring: Inspect and prep your deck for a busy summer! Do a walkaround to check for any issues, such as loose boards. Give your deck a clean with soap and water to wash away the remnants of a long winter.
- Summer: As you enjoy your deck throughout the sunny season, keep an eye out for any indications of damage. Toward the end of the summer, do another quick clean to keep everything in tip-top shape.
- Fall and Winter: Sweep away leaves and clear snow to prevent moisture damage or buckling under heavy ice and snow loads. Use a plastic shovel to avoid scratching up the boards.
V. Build with Confidence: The Astro UP Advantage
When it comes time to build your deck, trust the experts at Astro UP in Rock, Michigan to help you out! All of our staff members have roots in the UP, and we’ve run a UP-based business for decades now. So, we’re well versed in the unique challenges that come with building in the Upper Peninsula. We can give you personalized advice based on the location of your home, the details of your project, and your vision for your deck.
Astro UP is proud to carry top quality materials, including premium composite and vinyl deck boards. You can rest assured that we don’t carry anything that we wouldn’t use in our own homes.
We’re a one-stop shop for both DIYers and contractors. We even offer delivery services! But even if you don’t want to do delivery, we’re well worth the drive to Rock, MI. Before you pay us a visit, feel free to explore our decking products online. We hope to see you soon!