West Michigan Custom Deck with Cedar Pergola and Switchback Staircase

This one had a lot going on - and we loved every bit of it. The homeowner wanted a backyard space that actually worked for their property, not just a basic platform slapped off the back of the house. What we built instead is a full outdoor living setup that handles elevation, access, shade, and style all at once.

The decking is TimberTech composite in Dark Cocoa, finished with a double picture-frame border that gives the whole surface a clean, intentional look. No fading, no splintering, no annual staining. That's the thing about going with a quality composite - you get a better-looking deck on day one, and it stays that way. The Westbury Tuscany black aluminum railing runs the full perimeter and ties everything together with a sharp, modern edge.

Getting up and down was a real design challenge here. The elevation required a switchback staircase, which we custom-built to navigate the grade naturally without eating up the yard. It's a detail that a lot of builders avoid because it takes more planning and skill - but done right, it makes the whole space feel intentional and easy to move through.

Then there's the pergola. We built it from cedar, handcrafted on site. Cedar is one of our favorite materials for this kind of structure - it holds up well, looks great from day one, and only gets better with age. The pergola sits directly over the main deck area and defines the space without closing it off.

Put it all together and you've got an outdoor space that genuinely adds to how the home lives - not just how it looks from the curb. This is what custom deck building in West Michigan is all about: solving real problems with real craftsmanship.