The Ground Screw Gambit: A Michigan Firm's Bet on Year-Round Construction

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI – September 09, 2026 – In a move that signals a significant strategic pivot within the regional construction sector, Custom Deck Creations has announced it will now build its composite decks throughout Southeast Michigan’s notoriously harsh winters. This isn't merely a service extension; it's a calculated disruption of the seasonal boom-and-bust cycle that has long defined the industry in cold climates. By leveraging engineered ground screw foundations, the firm is making a bold play to capture off-season demand, create a more resilient business model, and fundamentally alter the value proposition for homeowners.

For decades, the construction calendar in states like Michigan has been dictated by the weather, with the ground freezing and thawing, making traditional concrete work impractical for months. Custom Deck Creations, the state's #1 TrexPro Platinum builder, is challenging that paradigm. This initiative is a compelling case study in how adopting niche technology can unlock new market potential and establish a formidable competitive advantage, providing a new lens on what drives momentum in the 2026 investment landscape.

An Innovation Forged in Steel and Cold

The linchpin of this year-round strategy is the engineered ground screw. Unlike traditional concrete footings, which require excavation and a temperature-sensitive curing process, ground screws are mechanically driven deep into the earth. These large, galvanized steel screws function like massive stakes, providing an immediate, load-bearing foundation for a deck's structure.

Their primary advantage in a climate like Michigan's is the circumvention of problems related to the frost line, which typically sits 42 inches below the surface. Concrete footings that are not properly set below this line are susceptible to "frost heave," where moisture in the soil freezes, expands, and pushes the footing upward, compromising the deck's structural integrity. Ground screws are installed well below this depth, anchoring the structure in stable, unfrozen soil.

Furthermore, the technology is validated by robust industry standards. Leading ground screw manufacturers, whose products are used by installers across the country, hold ICC-ES (International Code Council Evaluation Service) evaluation reports. These certifications verify compliance with building codes and provide the engineering basis for local permit approvals. Some brands, like American Ground Screw, have even secured Michigan-specific statewide approval, streamlining the process for builders and providing peace of mind for homeowners. This regulatory acceptance transforms ground screws from a novel curiosity into a trusted, code-compliant foundation method.

"Ground screws have changed what the construction calendar looks like for us," said Phil Black, an Owner of Custom Deck Creations, in the company's announcement. "We can keep projects moving through more of the year without waiting for concrete to cure, while following the same construction standards we use during warmer months." This ability to decouple the construction schedule from ambient temperature is the core technological enabler of their new business model.

Shifting Value from Seasonal Scarcity to On-Demand Service

From the consumer's perspective, this innovation reframes the entire process of planning an outdoor living space. Traditionally, the desire for a new deck coincides with the arrival of warm weather, creating a frantic spring rush. This surge in demand often leads to long wait times, scheduling bottlenecks, and the pressure of a compressed building season.

Custom Deck Creations is repositioning the winter months as a strategic opportunity for homeowners. "Most homeowners do not think about building a deck when there is snow on the ground, but winter can be one of the best times to get started," noted Matt Kinsler, also an Owner. "It gives families a chance to get ahead of the spring rush and have their outdoor space ready when warmer weather returns."

This approach offers several tangible benefits. Homeowners who plan and build during the fall and winter can bypass the peak season backlog entirely. Their project can be completed and ready for use on the first warm day of spring, maximizing its value for the entire season. The installation process itself is also less invasive. With no need for heavy excavation equipment for concrete pouring, the disruption to a homeowner's lawn and landscaping is significantly minimized—a particularly appealing benefit when the ground is frozen and dormant.

By offering a solution to seasonal scarcity, the company is effectively creating a new form of value: convenience and timeline control. In a market where timing is everything, the ability to deliver a finished product ahead of the demand curve is a powerful differentiator.

The Blueprint for a Resilient Business

Beyond the homeowner benefits, the decision to offer winter builds is a shrewd strategic play. For a business in a seasonal industry, the ability to generate revenue and maintain operational continuity year-round is a significant competitive advantage. It smooths out cash flow, allows for better resource planning, and, crucially, supports employee retention by providing steady work instead of seasonal layoffs.

This move enables Custom Deck Creations to build a more resilient and scalable operation. By capturing a segment of the market that was previously dormant—homeowners willing to plan in the off-season—the company can grow its annual project volume without over-stretching its resources during the chaotic spring and summer months. It also reinforces their premium brand identity. As Michigan's top-ranked Trex builder, known for its high-end composite materials and customer-centric approach, adding technological innovation to its list of credentials further solidifies its position as a market leader.

This strategy is an example of proactively shaping the market rather than reacting to its existing constraints. By investing in the technology and processes required for winter construction, Custom Deck Creations is not just serving existing demand more efficiently; it is creating an entirely new service category that competitors who rely solely on traditional methods cannot easily replicate.

Catalyzing Change in a Frozen Market

The ripple effects of this initiative could extend well beyond a single company. As Custom Deck Creations demonstrates the viability and profitability of a 12-month construction cycle, it will inevitably place pressure on other builders in the region. Competitors may be forced to evaluate their own technological capabilities and business models or risk ceding market share during a third of the calendar year.

This could accelerate the broader adoption of ground screw technology and other weather-independent building solutions throughout Michigan's residential construction industry. What starts with decks could easily expand to sunrooms, home additions, and other structures. The success of this gambit serves as a powerful proof of concept, illustrating how targeted innovation can dismantle long-standing operational barriers.

In the broader 2026 landscape, where investors are increasingly looking for companies with durable competitive advantages, Custom Deck Creations' strategy is a microcosm of a larger trend. It highlights how businesses that identify and solve for industry-specific inefficiencies—in this case, seasonality—are the ones best positioned for sustained growth and market leadership.