Raising the Standard: How Custom Deck Creations Is Redefining What It Means to Be a Contractor

When Phil Black set out to build a deck on his own home in Canton, Michigan, he never imagined that the frustration he faced would spark the founding of a company—one now known across Southeast Michigan for turning the construction experience on its head.

Phil wasn’t a builder. He didn’t come from a trades background or grow up swinging a hammer. Instead, his career path had taken him through service-based industries: managing restaurants, running warehouses, launching e-commerce websites, and working as an analyst at a local hospital system. But what he did know—and care deeply about—was service.

That’s exactly what was missing when he tried to hire a contractor.

The Frustration That Sparked a Mission

In 2017, Phil began reaching out to local builders to get quotes on a composite deck. As a well-researched homeowner who had already identified the product he wanted—Trex decking—he contacted 15 TrexPro Platinum builders. Less than half responded. None of them visited his home. Not one made an effort to understand what he was looking for.

The lack of communication was clear. The lack of respect for the customer was even clearer.

And that’s when Phil made a decision: if no one else was going to build a deck the right way, he would start a company that would.

Instead of putting that money into his own deck, he used it to launch Custom Deck Creations-not just as a construction company, but as something entirely different.

Building Trust Before Decks

From day one, the mission of Custom Deck Creations has been to change the stigma around contractors.

Missed appointments, unclear pricing, poor communication, and work left half-finished are all too familiar to homeowners. That reputation didn't sit well with Phil, who saw a clear opportunity to lead with something the industry often lacks: respect for the client experience.

At Custom Deck Creations, that means on-time project starts (a 5+ year track record with no delays), regular communication, detailed design plans, and the kind of professionalism you’d expect from any other high-end service provider. It also means educating the client, managing expectations, and making sure every detail is handled before the first board is installed.

Every team member, from project managers to the build crews, is trained with this philosophy in mind. It’s not just about doing the work; it’s about how the client feels throughout the process.

Innovation in the Name of Experience

Improving the customer experience doesn’t stop with communication. It also shows up in the building techniques. Custom Deck Creations uses techniques that are often ahead of the curve in the deck-building industry.

One of the best examples? Ground screws.

Traditional decks often require concrete footings, which means heavy digging, torn-up landscaping, and delayed timelines while waiting for inspections or concrete to cure. Ground screws solve all of that. Installed with precision machinery, they create a stable, code-compliant foundation without disturbing the homeowner’s yard. No mud, no mess, and no waiting.It’s a win for efficiency, but more importantly, it’s a win for the homeowner.

That same principle extends to other areas: waterproof joist tape that extends the life of the frame, picture-framed decks that enhance both appearance and structural integrity, and composite materials that require far less maintenance than traditional wood.

Every decision made on a project is rooted in the same question: “How can we make this a better experience for the client?”

Leading by Example

The culture at Custom Deck Creations is grounded in accountability, processes, and empathy, lessons learned from years in customer-facing industries. Everyone is encouraged to communicate openly, solve problems quickly, and always see the project from the homeowner’s perspective.

Today, Custom Deck Creations has grown into a multi-award-winning company with a stellar reputation. They’ve earned top certifications, hired and trained a full in-house team, and developed processes that remove the guesswork for homeowners.

But despite the growth, the mission hasn’t changed.

Every time a new client signs on, they’re not just getting a deck. They’re getting a different kind of experience—one where trust, transparency, and service come first.

A Better Standard for the Industry

By combining innovation with old-fashioned customer service, Custom Deck Creations is working to raise the standard for contractors everywhere.

Yes, the company builds composite decks. But those decks are really just the outcome of something deeper: a service-driven mindset that says homeowners deserve better.

Phil didn’t start Custom Deck Creations to become another builder. He started it to become the kind of company he wished had existed when he was the one on the other end of the phone.

Now, with a growing team, satisfied clients, and a reputation for doing things differently, Custom Deck Creations is proving that there’s a better way to build.