Decks and Outdoor Living
Spaces to gather or find peace
Build an outdoor space you’ll actually use.
Zischke Builders builds, replaces, and remodels decks for homeowners throughout Greater Lansing. Whether an existing deck is showing its age or you want to create more useful outdoor space, we assess the structure, layout, and details before determining the right way to move forward.
Not every old deck needs the same solution.
Some homeowners need an entirely new deck. Others have an existing structure that needs to be repaired, resurfaced, expanded, or rebuilt. Before deciding on materials and finishes, it helps to understand what you are actually starting with.
Replace an aging deck
When deterioration or an outdated deck or structure makes rebuilding the better long-term choice.
Update an existing deck
Replace worn surfaces, railings, or other components when the underlying structure is appropriate to keep.
Expand the space
Create more usable room for seating, grilling, gathering or access to the yard.
Start from scratch
Design and build a new deck around the house, property, and the way you plan to use it.
Decks aren’t as simple as they look
A deck can look tired because the decking and railings are worn, or because problems have developed deeper in the structure. Before deciding whether an existing deck should be repaired, resurfaced or replaced, Zischke looks at the conditions that matter below the finished surface.
That may include the framing, connections to the house, stairs, railings, supports and other existing conditions that affect the project.
When an older deck is being upgraded with different materials, the existing structure also needs to make sense for what will replace it.
A deck has to work through more than one Michigan summer.
The right material and layout aren’t just random checklist items. Maintenance, exposure to sun and weather, how the deck will be used, the existing house, and your preferences will determine the best materials and layout. Here are some things we consider:
Maintenance
Different decking and finish materials require different levels of ongoing care. We’ll talk through the maintenence needs of each with you.
Sun and exposure
The amount of shade and direct sunlight can affect how a deck feels and performs. Certain materials get very hot in the sun, while others hold up well in the weather.
Traffic and use
A grilling area, dining space, stairs to the yard and a quiet seating area may require very different layouts. We will help you design an outdoor space your family will enjoy
What affects the cost of a deck project?
The cost depends on the size and height of the deck, whether an existing structure can remain, stairs and railings, material selections, site conditions, and other work required to complete the project.
How long does a deck project take?
The schedule depends on the size and complexity of the project, existing conditions, materials, and the work involved. Once the project has been evaluated and developed, Zischke can provide a more useful expectation for scheduling and construction.
What happens next?
Start with how you want to use the space.
A successful deck project starts with understanding what you want to change. Replacing something that is failing, reducing maintenance, creating more room to gather or improving the connection between the house and yard can lead to very different solutions.
Plan before building
Our owner measures and estimates each project personally. We then work with you through the design until the project is agreed upon.
We work through the scope, existing conditions, materials and coordination required before construction gets underway.
Work from the structure out
For replacement and remodeling projects, we evaluate what is already there before deciding what can remain and what should change. Then we advise on how to proceed to give you the best deck while saving you money where it makes sense.
We pay attention to the finish
Railings, stairs, trim, transitions and the way the new deck meets the existing house all affect how the finished project looks and works.
Questions about building or replacing a deck
Can you rebuild an existing deck?
Yes. Zischke Builders works on existing decks as well as new construction. The first step is evaluating the current structure and determining what makes sense to repair, reuse or replace.
Can you replace only the deck boards?
Sometimes. Whether resurfacing makes sense depends on the condition and configuration of the existing structure and whether it is appropriate for the new decking being considered.
Do you build completely new decks?
Yes. Zischke can build new decks as well as replace and remodel existing ones.
Can you make an existing deck larger?
In many cases, yes. Expansion depends on the existing deck, home, property and scope of the proposed project.
What decking materials do you use?
We use the right materials for your home and your style. We can help you narrow down the right wood or composite to match your needs while making it look the way you’d like.
How much does a new or replacement deck cost?
Deck costs vary depending on size, height, structural work, stairs, railings, material selections and site conditions. Zischke develops project pricing after evaluating the property and scope.
When should we contact you about a deck project?
Earlier is generally better, especially if you hope to use the deck during a particular part of the year. Planning and scheduling before peak outdoor construction season gives you more options.
Where does Zischke build decks?
Zischke Builders is based in Mason and regularly works throughout the greater Lansing area, including Holt, Okemos, DeWitt, Williamston, Grand Ledge and surrounding communities. Larger projects may also be considered elsewhere in Mid-Michigan.
Ready to do something about your deck?
Whether you are replacing an aging structure, expanding what you already have or starting with a new outdoor space, tell us what you are considering.
