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Outdoor Projects in Michigan: Weather, Maintenance & Material Choices for Decks, Siding & More

  • Writer: Bolyard Lumber & Design
    Bolyard Lumber & Design
  • Jan 19
  • 2 min read

Outdoor projects in Michigan require careful planning and durable materials. Homeowners in Southeast Michigan communities face a unique mix of freeze-thaw cycles, humidity, heavy snow loads, and intense summer sun. Choosing the right materials — and understanding how they perform over time — is essential for long-term value.


How Michigan’s Climate Impacts Outdoor Materials

Michigan weather is demanding on exterior products. Seasonal temperature swings cause expansion and contraction, while moisture and snow accelerate wear. Selecting materials engineered for these conditions helps reduce maintenance, prevent damage, and extend the life of outdoor living spaces.


Modern front porch with double wooden doors, black-framed windows, white vertical siding, and a welcoming seating area featuring a wicker chair, striped rug, and house number sign '353'.

A Brief History of Decking Materials

For much of the 20th century, outdoor decks were built primarily from wood, including pressure-treated lumber, cedar, redwood, Douglas fir, and pine. While these materials were widely used, many struggled to perform over time in Michigan’s climate, often requiring frequent maintenance to address splitting, warping, fading, and moisture-related issues.


The Shift to Composite and PVC Decking

As homeowners placed greater value on outdoor living spaces, demand grew for materials that offered better performance with less upkeep. Composite decking emerged in the early 1990s and has continued to improve. Today’s premium composite and PVC decking products are engineered for durability, moisture resistance, and long-term color retention.


TimberTech decking delivers the natural appearance of wood with superior resistance to moisture, fading, and temperature extremes — making it a smart choice for Michigan decks. Bolyard Lumber & Design proudly offers the full line of TimberTech composite and PVC decking materials.


Contemporary house exterior with white vertical siding, black-framed windows and doors, dual wooden staircases leading to separate entrances, gray tiled patio, and wall-mounted lantern lights.

Exterior Trim and Siding That Last

Beyond decking, exterior trim, and siding are critical to protecting a home. AZEK exterior trim is a low-maintenance option that resists moisture, warping, and deterioration far better than traditional wood, helping exteriors maintain their appearance for years.


Planning for Long-Term Value

Outdoor projects should prioritize durability, not just curb appeal.


“Michigan’s climate is demanding, and outdoor materials need to be chosen carefully,” says Jake Bolyard, CEO of Bolyard Lumber & Design. “We help homeowners and builders select products that deliver lasting performance with lower maintenance.”


At Bolyard Lumber & Design, we work closely with homeowners, builders, and designers to recommend decking, siding, and exterior trim solutions built for Michigan conditions.


Visit our Birmingham and Rochester Hills locations or learn more at www.BolyardLumber.com



 
 
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