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Planning Your Deck Project With Hartman's Hammer LLC

Writer: Chad Hartman
Chad Hartman
Aug 12
4 min read

TLDR


At Hartman’s Hammer LLC, we specialize in designing and building premium custom composite decks, Trex® decking, pergolas, and outdoor living spaces for homeowners throughout Southeast Michigan. As a family-owned, TrexPro® Certified deck builder, every project is completed by our dedicated in-house team—never subcontractors. From your first consultation to the final walkthrough, we’re committed to exceptional craftsmanship, honest communication, and creating an outdoor space your family will enjoy for decades.

How much does a new composite deck cost?


The cost of a new custom deck depends on several factors, including the size of the deck, decking material, railing system, stairs, lighting, and overall design complexity. Every project is custom-built to complement your home and outdoor living goals.

Most custom deck and deck replacement projects completed by Hartman’s Hammer LLC range from $30,000 to $60,000+, depending on the scope of work and materials selected. We specialize in premium composite decking, PVC decking, and custom outdoor living spaces designed to provide decades of beauty, functionality, and enjoyment.


Is composite decking better than wood?


For most homeowners, yes. While pressure-treated wood offers a lower initial investment, we typically recommend composite decking because it provides greater long-term value, exceptional durability, and significantly less maintenance.

Composite decking offers many advantages, including:


  • No staining, sealing, or painting required

  • Excellent resistance to rot, moisture, insects, and splintering

  • Outstanding performance in Michigan’s changing seasons

  • Long manufacturer warranties

  • Beautiful, consistent appearance that lasts for decades

  • Lower lifetime ownership costs compared to traditional wood decking


Wood decks certainly have a timeless natural beauty, but they require regular maintenance to protect them from weather, moisture, and UV exposure. Composite decking allows homeowners to spend more time enjoying their outdoor living space and less time maintaining it.


At Hartman’s Hammer LLC, we install premium composite decking from industry-leading manufacturers because we believe it offers the best combination of beauty, performance, and long-term value for most Michigan homeowners.


Do you install Trex® decking?


Yes. Hartman’s Hammer LLC is proud to be a TrexPro® Certified Deck Builder, specializing in Trex composite decking and premium outdoor living projects.

Trex is one of the most trusted names in composite decking, offering exceptional durability, beautiful color selections, and industry-leading warranties. We’ll help you compare Trex with other premium composite and PVC decking products so you can confidently choose the best material for your home, lifestyle, and budget.


Do you offer free deck estimates?


Yes. We provide free consultations and estimates for homeowners considering a new custom deck, deck replacement, pergola, or outdoor living project.

During your consultation, we’ll discuss your vision, evaluate your property, explain your material options, answer your questions, and provide professional recommendations based on your goals and investment.


Understanding the Deck Building Process


How long does deck construction take?


Most custom deck projects are completed within one to three weeks after construction begins. Actual timelines vary depending on project size, design complexity, permitting, weather conditions, and material availability.

Before construction starts, we’ll provide a project timeline so you know exactly what to expect throughout the deck installation process.


Do you build pergolas and other outdoor living structures?


Yes. In addition to custom deck construction, we build a variety of outdoor living features designed to transform your backyard into a beautiful, functional extension of your home, including:


  • Custom pergolas

  • Covered patios

  • Privacy walls

  • Composite and aluminum railing systems

  • Deck lighting

  • Built-in seating

  • Outdoor entertainment spaces


Whether you’re building a brand-new deck or enhancing an existing one, we can help create an outdoor living space that’s beautiful, functional, and built to last.


Should I repair my deck or replace it?


If your deck has widespread structural deterioration, rotting framing, unstable railings, or has simply reached the end of its service life, a complete deck replacement is often the safer and more cost-effective long-term solution.


During your consultation, we’ll perform an honest evaluation of your existing deck and explain your options. If a repair is the right solution, we’ll tell you. If replacing your deck provides better long-term value, safety, and peace of mind, we’ll explain why—without high-pressure sales tactics. Our goal is to help you make the best investment for your home.


What areas do you serve?


Hartman’s Hammer LLC proudly provides custom deck construction, deck replacement, composite decking installation, pergola construction, and outdoor living services throughout Southeast Michigan, including:


  • Novi

  • Northville

  • Plymouth

  • Commerce Township

  • Walled Lake

  • South Lyon

  • Brighton

  • West Bloomfield

  • White Lake

  • Milford

  • Farmington Hills

  • Livonia

If your community isn’t listed, contact us to see if your home falls within our service area.


Why Choose Hartman’s Hammer LLC?


Choosing the right deck contractor is about more than price—it’s about trust, craftsmanship, and having confidence in the people building one of the largest improvements to your home.


Hartman’s Hammer LLC is a family-owned company built on the belief that quality craftsmanship, honest communication, and personal service should never be compromised. We specialize in designing and building premium custom decks and outdoor living spaces that are tailored to your home, your lifestyle, and built to provide decades of enjoyment.


Unlike many contractors, we never subcontract our deck projects. From your initial consultation to the final walkthrough, every phase of construction is completed by our dedicated in-house team. The professionals you meet during the estimate are the same craftsmen who build your deck, ensuring consistent quality, accountability, and exceptional attention to detail throughout every stage of your project.


Because we intentionally maintain a specialized in-house team instead of relying on rotating subcontractors, you’ll enjoy a more personal experience with clear communication, familiar faces on your jobsite, and a team that treats your home with the same care and respect we would our own. Every deck we build is custom-designed for your home—we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions or cookie-cutter designs.


When you choose Hartman’s Hammer LLC, you can expect:


  • Family-owned and locally operated

  • TrexPro® Certified Deck Builder

  • Dedicated in-house installation team—never subcontracted

  • Premium composite and PVC decking options

  • Custom deck designs tailored to your home and lifestyle

  • Honest recommendations with no high-pressure sales tactics

  • Clear communication from consultation through project completion

  • Professional installation that follows manufacturer specifications and local building codes

  • Exceptional craftsmanship backed by pride in our work


Whether you’re replacing an aging wood deck or building a brand-new outdoor living space, our goal is simple: to deliver a beautiful, structurally sound deck that your family will enjoy for decades while providing a building experience you’ll feel confident recommending to your friends, family, and neighbors.


 
 
 

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