About US

In 1995, after years of crafting decks for others, Mike Esper decided to turn his vision into reality and founded MGE Carpentry. Armed with skill, ambition, and a dedication to quality, Mike began building decks that would last for decades. Back then, marketing was simple: a sign in the yard, a name on the truck, and word-of-mouth referrals. But “MGE Carpentry” didn’t exactly roll off the tongue, and remembering a phone number while driving was less than ideal.

By the early 2000s, we saw a better opportunity. This new thing called the Internet was gaining traction, and we knew it could change the game. After brainstorming names (and thankfully rejecting mgesupermichigandeckbuilder.com), we struck gold: CustomDecks.com. The name was bold, memorable, and a perfect fit for the high-quality work we delivered. In 2000, CustomDecks.com went live, and for over 25 years, it has become synonymous with trust, craftsmanship, and innovative outdoor spaces.

When we first started, wood was the material of choice. Cedar decking, prized for its beauty and durability, was king in the 1990s. But in 1996, the decking industry saw a revolution. Trex, LLC introduced composite decking, a durable, low-maintenance alternative to wood that quickly changed the game. From day one, we embraced this innovation and began working with Trex products, recognizing their potential to transform outdoor spaces.

Over nearly three decades, Trex has grown into the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking, setting the standard for quality and sustainability. Today, as a TrexPRO Platinum installer, CustomDecks.com brings unmatched expertise to every project. In fact, while we built exclusively with wood in 1995, by 2024, Trex composite decks make up over 87% of our work. Our ability to evolve with the industry has cemented our reputation as Michigan’s trusted leader in deck building.

For nearly 30 years, CustomDecks.com has been helping Michigan families turn their outdoor spaces into personal retreats. From our humble beginnings to becoming an industry leader, our commitment to quality and innovation has never wavered. Let us show you why so many families choose CustomDecks.com to make their outdoor space their favorite place.