Decking & Railing

Decking & Railing Materials for Every Project in Northern Michigan

Choosing the right decking and railing materials is one of the most important decisions in any outdoor project. From low-maintenance composite decking to traditional wood options, the right choice impacts durability, appearance, safety, and long-term maintenance.

At Northern Building Supply, we provide contractors, builders, and homeowners in Traverse City and Suttons Bay with a full range of decking and railing materials—including composite decking, PVC decking, pressure-treated lumber, cedar, hardwood, and premium railing systems. We also offer FREE expert design support, estimating, and local service you won’t find at big-box stores.

Whether you’re building a new deck or upgrading an existing space, our team helps you choose the best materials for your budget, style, and Northern Michigan climate.

Schedule your free consultation today

Featured Brand

Decking & Railing by

Trex Decking & Railing

Make the most of outdoor living with Trex Decking & Railing. Build your dream deck with the world’s best high-performance
composite decking brand. With their multiple collections, Trex has something for every style and budget.

LEARN MORE

What Is the Best Decking Material?

The best decking material depends on your priorities, such as budget, maintenance, durability, and appearance.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the most common decking materials to help you quickly evaluate which option fits your project:

Material Best For Pros Cons
Pressure Treated Budget-friendly builds Affordable, widely available Requires maintenance
Cedar Natural appearance Rot-resistant, beautiful grain Needs regular sealing
Hardwood Premium durability Extremely strong, long lifespan Higher cost
Composite Low maintenance No staining, long-lasting Higher upfront cost
PVC Moisture-prone environments Lightweight, highly resistant Less natural look

In general, pressure-treated lumber is ideal for cost-conscious projects, while composite and PVC decking offer better long-term performance with minimal maintenance.

Popular Decking Materials We Offer

Northern Building Supply offers a wide range of decking materials to fit every style, budget, and performance need:

PRESSURE TREATED

Pressure Treated is the #1 decking material sold in the United States and is an affordable option for your project. Most pressure treated lumber is milled from Southern Yellow Pine and is chemically treated to resist rot, fungus and wood-boring bugs.

CEDAR

Cedar decking is prized for its rich color and natural beauty. It’s dimensionally stable, resistant to cupping, and twisting. Cedar decking contains tannins and oils that make it naturally resistant to rot, decay and insects. It weathers to a soft silvery gray if no finish is applied.

HARDWOOD

Hardwood decking comes from exotic rich-grained woods and is long-lasting, high-strength, beautiful, and exceptionally durable. Naturally resistant to rot and insects, hardwood decking will weather to a soft silvery finished if not stained.

COMPOSITE & PVC

Composite decking & PVC are low maintenance and never need to be sanded or refinished. Composite decking is a mixture of wood fiber, plastic, and some type of binding agent. These ingredients are put together to form a material that is denser, stronger, and heavier than wood alone, a wood-plastic composite.

Railing Options for Safety & Style

The right railing system enhances both the safety and appearance of your deck. We offer a variety of railing options to match your design goals and performance needs.

Common railing types include:

  • Aluminum railing for durability and low maintenance
  • Cable railing systems for a modern, open look
  • Composite railing for a cohesive deck design

Our team can help you select a railing system that complements your decking material while meeting safety requirements.

Decking & Railing by

Trex Decking & Railing

Featured Decking Brand: Trex® Composite Decking & Railing

Trex is one of the most trusted names in composite decking, known for its durability, low maintenance, and long-term performance. For contractors and homeowners looking to reduce upkeep while maintaining a high-end look, Trex is a leading choice.

At Northern Building Supply, we carry a full range of Trex decking collections to fit different budgets and project needs.

Why Choose Trex Decking?

  • Low maintenance—no staining or sealing required
  • Fade, stain, and moisture-resistant
  • Made from recycled materials
  • Long lifespan compared to traditional wood

Trex Decking Collections

Trex offers multiple product lines depending on your budget and performance needs:

SIGNATURE® COLLECTION

Trex Signature decking collection is setting a new standard for style in outdoor living with luxurious, nature-inspired colors featuring elegant wood grain patterns. Signature composite decking is fade resistant, low maintenance and made of recycled and reclaimed materials.

TRANSCEND® LINEAGE COLLECTION

This award-winning decking collection brings the next generation of design and performance, featuring heat-mitigating technology for their coolest decking yet. These durable and long-lasting deck boards are available in a variety of stunning, tranquil color options.

TRANSCEND® COLLECTION

Transcend decking’s deep wood-grain pattern and luxury colors create a premium, ageless look that leaves other composites in the dust. It maintains its vibrant color and luxurious finish, thanks to its unyielding shell protection. You can count on elevated aesthetics and high performance.

SELECT® COLLECTION

Trex Select decking is the perfect pairing of price and minimal maintenance and comes in five nature-inspired colors that pair smartly with any home. It offers a soft, splinter-free finish that’s comfortable underfoot and resists stains and mold better than traditional composites.

ENHANCE® COLLECTION

Enhance decking offers an authentic wood-grain appearance with the durability of composite and the affordability of wood. It’s priced to put the pressure on treated lumber, comes in seven stylish colors, requires little upkeep and is engineered to last. 

Explore Trex Decking Options →

Top Decking & Railing Brands We Carry

Northern Building Supply partners with industry-leading brands to ensure quality, performance, and design flexibility across every project. We carefully select brands based on performance, availability, and long-term reliability in Northern Michigan’s climate.

Composite & PVC Decking

Railing Systems

Westbury Railing - Northern Building Supply

Structural & Framing Materials

Whether you’re building a high-end outdoor space or a budget-conscious deck, our team can help you choose the right brand and system for your project.

Not Sure Which Brand Is Right for Your Project?

Choosing between decking brands depends on:

  • Budget
  • Maintenance expectations
  • Desired look and finish
  • Project location and exposure to moisture/sun

Our team works with contractors and homeowners every day to match the right materials to the job—helping you avoid costly mistakes, delays, and unnecessary maintenance.

Local Lumberyard vs. Big-Box Store: Where Should You Buy Decking?

 

Beyond material selection, where you purchase your decking materials can significantly impact your project’s outcome.

While big-box stores offer convenience, local suppliers like Northern Building Supply provide a higher level of expertise, service, and product access you won’t find anywhere else.

Why contractors and homeowners choose Northern:

  • Access to premium brands like Trex, TimberTech AZEK, and Westbury
  • FREE design support and material estimating
  • Jobsite delivery and local expertise
  • Personalized service and fewer project delays

Decking & Railing FAQs

Beyond material selection, where you purchase your decking materials can significantly impact your project’s outcome.

While big-box stores offer convenience, local suppliers like Northern Building Supply provide a higher level of expertise, service, and product access you won’t find anywhere else.

Why contractors and homeowners choose Northern:

  • Access to premium brands like Trex, TimberTech AZEK, and Westbury
  • FREE design support and material estimating
  • Jobsite delivery and local expertise
  • Personalized service and fewer project delays
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What is the most durable decking material?
Composite and PVC decking are the most durable decking material options, offering resistance to moisture, fading, and wear.
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Is composite decking worth the cost?

Yes—composite decking is worth the cost. While it has a higher upfront price, composite decking reduces long-term maintenance and replacement expenses.

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How long does a deck last?
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Do I need a permit to build a deck in Michigan?
In most cases, yes, you need a permit to build a deck in Michigan—especially for elevated decks. Our team can help guide you through the process.
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Where can I buy decking materials near Traverse City?
Northern Building Supply offers a full selection of decking materials, railing systems, and design support at our Traverse City and Suttons Bay locations.

Start Your Decking Project with Local Experts

Avoid costly material mistakes and get your project started with the right products and expert guidance.

Work with a team that understands Northern Michigan conditions, materials, and project timelines.

  • Get a free design consultation
  • Receive accurate material estimates
  • Talk to a decking specialist
Schedule your free consultation today