Deck season is here, Metro Detroit homeowners. And if you're deciding between cedar and Trex, this episode can save you a lot of money (and a lot of maintenance headaches).

I'm joined by Chris Quackenbush from Coy Construction, one of the most experienced Trex deck builders in Southeast Michigan. We break down what actually drives deck cost, what makes Trex worth it, and the install details that separate trusted contractors from "some guy who says he can do it."

If you're planning a backyard upgrade, outdoor living setup, or full home renovation project, this is the kind of conversation that helps you hire smarter and build with confidence.

In this episode, you'll learn why cedar can cost more than entry-level Trex options, what "low maintenance" really looks like day to day, and how small install mistakes (weather, spacing, miters, drainage) can ruin an otherwise great composite deck. Chris also explains warranty realities, heat on the boards, and the add-ons Metro Detroit homeowners love, like under-deck water diversion systems and roofed or screened deck setups.

Q&A-Style Takeaways

Question: What's one of the fastest ways to lower your risk when hiring a deck contractor? Look at longevity. Contractors who've stayed in business for decades are far more likely to stand behind the work and solve problems if anything pops up.

Question: Can Trex really be cheaper than cedar decking? Yes. In many cases, cedar costs more than an entry-level Trex option, while Trex gives you longer life and less upkeep.

Question: What's the real maintenance routine for a Trex deck? Simple cleaning. A hose, a stiff brush, a bucket, and dish soap handles most homeowner needs without constant staining and sealing.

Question: What's the biggest way composite decks go wrong? Installation. If Trex is installed in the wrong weather conditions or with poor spacing, boards can shrink and miters can open up, which makes the deck look bad fast.

Question: How do you keep the space under an elevated deck dry when it rains? Use a system like Trex RainEscape, which channels water into troughs and gutters so you can actually use the patio space below.

Question: Can improper installation affect your Trex warranty? Yes. If the deck isn't installed correctly, warranty claims can turn into an install issue, not a product issue. That's why certified installers matter.

Question: Do Trex decks get too hot in summer? Darker boards will always run hotter in direct sun, but newer Trex lines add heat-reducing tech (like SunComfort features) that can noticeably cut surface heat.

Watch the full episode, drop your deck questions in the comments, and connect with me for more homeowner-first advice on finding trusted contractors in Metro Detroit.

🔗 CONNECT WITH CHRIS AND COY CONSTRUCTION

💻 Website: https://coyconstruction.com/

👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoyConstructionInc/

https://www.facebook.com/chris.quackenbush.96/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coyconstruction__/

🔗 CONNECT WITH Adam

💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/

🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HireitDone

🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhelfman/

🤝 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireitdone/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hireitdone

𝕏 X: https://x.com/helfystyle

#MetroDetroit #HomeImprovement #TrexDecking