Decks built on the Great Lakes are ideal for water access, but they require a higher standard of regulatory and structural planning. Every build must navigate strict local and state approvals regarding shoreline impact, erosion control, and vegetation preservation.
Green Shield Lakeshore Decks
Only forever decks built on the Great Lakes.
Built by Hand. Backed by Green Shield.
Lakeshore Decks Built Different
Every Feature Carefully Chosen
No one builds on the Great Lakes like Green Shield.
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Moisture-Resistant Composites: Green Shield utilizes premier materials engineered to withstand the constant humidity and spray of the Great Lakes without warping or decay.
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KDAT Structural Framing: All wood frames are Kiln Dried After Treatment to ensure maximum stability and prevent the "waving" common in high-moisture regions.
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Corrosion-Resistant Hardware: Green Shield selects hardware designed for high-exposure environments to protect the structural integrity of the build.
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Coastal-Grade Railing Systems: Every railing option is vetted for durability against the elements while maintaining a clear, unobstructed view of the shoreline.
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Smarter Foundation Solutions: Engineered footings and ground screws are used to manage erosion control and soil stability, ensuring the deck remains level despite shoreline shifts.
The Best Decks in America
The Green Shield Permitting Standard
Navigating the complexities of shoreline construction requires more than just a builder; it requires a deep understanding of state and local law. Green Shield maintains a dedicated, in-house permitting department to manage the entire regulatory process.
EGLE Compliance
Green Shield handles all Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) permitting required for lakeshore builds.
Environmental Stewardship
By coordinating directly with regulatory agencies, Green Shield ensures every build respects the delicate coastal ecosystem.
Real Decks. Backed by Green Shield.
Green Shield Permitting Explained
Every step of the approval process is handled by experts, bridging the gap between a homeowner’s vision and a legally compliant reality. The Green Shield team manages all city and township requirements for shoreline impact.
Real Decks Built by Hand. Backed by Green Shield.
Decks Along the Lake Shore
Partner with America's best builder along the Great Lakes.
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Hazelwood Deck Featuring a Ash Gray Picture Frame
New Buffalo, MIHazelwood Deck Featuring a Ash Gray Picture Frame
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Amazon Gray Deck Featuring Frameless Glass Railing
Spring Lake, MIAmazon Gray Deck Featuring Frameless Glass Railing
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Hazelwood Deck Featuring Black Aluminum Railing
Holland, MIHazelwood Deck Featuring Black Aluminum Railing
Award Winning Decks
Building the Best Great Lakes Decks
Design a Dream Forever Deck
Tough Environments. Tougher Decks.
Tackling Lakeshore Moisture
Living along the lakeshore means facing constant humidity, freeze-thaw cycles, wood rot, and soil erosion. Green Shield protects shoreline homeowners with low-maintenance composite decking engineered from 95 percent recycled materials, rice hulls, and protective EPL resin protection. Natural silica inside rice hulls blocks water absorption at the cellular level, preventing mold, mildew, and splintering.
Joint Permit Applications
State and Federal Compliance
Focus on enjoying the lakeshore while Green Shield handles the permitting.
Decks Built for Winter Weather
Lake Effect Snow Proof
A Green Shield deck is an investment in your lakeshore property that lasts a lifetime. Backed by the only real warranty in decking every Green Shield deck is built from the foundation to the railing with snow load in mind.
America's #1 Pet Friendly Decking
Scratch and Slip Resistant
Green Shield builds America's #1 pet friendly decks with fully capped wood-free composite deck boards. Avoid splinters and enjoy built in heat-blocking technology all summer long.
Built to Last a Lifetime
Trust the Experts in Forever Decking
Getting ready to build on the lakeshore? Green Shield offers the only real warranty in decking. Never replace or stain your deck again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lakeshore Deck Building
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Yes. Green Shield engineers premier forever decks along the Great Lakes, specifically designed to withstand intense summer sun and constant moisture. High-performance rice hull composite is reliably engineered to resist the unique coastal elements of the shoreline.
To ensure every project is built correctly, specialized teams coordinate with regulatory bodies like EGLE (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy), ensuring each high-quality build meets all environmental and municipal codes.
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Yes! Green Shield is known for handling permits for every project. Year round, our permitting department works with local municipalities to make sure your deck is safe, up to local ordinances, and inside your property lines. Permits can be a headache for homeowners and can cost $1000 or more on top of construction costs. Green Shield includes the cost of permitting in our flat rate quote, giving homeowners peace of mind.
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Yes! Green Shield engineers America’s #1 pet-friendly decks, prioritizing safety for every family member. High-performance rice hull composite features fully capped, scratch-resistant technology that remains slip-resistant and VOC-free. With heat-blocking innovation and mold resistance, these reliably engineered decks provide a premier, lifetime warrantied space for pets and homeowners alike.
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Green Shield engineers America’s #1 inland lake decks, specialized to withstand high-moisture environments. With a premier range of colors and high-performance railing styles, every project is reliably engineered to complement the homeowner’s aesthetic while providing a 5-star, low-maintenance outdoor living space built for the waterfront.
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Green Shield Deck Builders offers free Deck Checks because it is important to raise awareness around deck safety. Every year over [var:injuriesPerYear] people are injured on decks. Green Shield wants to make sure you, your family, and friends can enjoy quality time on the deck. Faulty railings, loose deck boards, and hidden moisture are all risks to your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to have a Green Shield Deck Designer check your deck.
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Green Shield’s NADRA partnership is part of our commitment to year-round deck safety. As a NADRA Safety Ambassador, Green Shield Deck Builders helps to raise awareness of the risks bad decks pose and provides options to homeowners. Our Deck Checks are free of charge. Homeowners are encouraged to have their deck inspected annually.
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That’s right—a Green Shield deck never requires staining. High-performance, fully capped EPL resin boards are reliably engineered to last a lifetime without the need for sealing or painting. This premier, moisture-resistant technology ensures a low-maintenance outdoor space that maintains its high-quality finish through every season.
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Every year more than 55,000 people are injured by a deck or wood porch. In 2022-2023 the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated more than 30,000 seniors ages 65 years and older were injured due to a fall on a deck, porch, or balcony. With more than half of the 60 million decks in the United States in need of repair or replacement, your deck should be checked annually for issues. Use the following short checklist to get started and be sure to contact Green Shield for assistance.
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Nope! Our Deck Designers will show you the Green Shield Difference after your Deck Check, but there is no obligation to purchase a deck from us. The goal of our free Deck Check is to make sure you have all the information needed to make an informed decision. If you do decide to consider a Green Shield deck, our Deck Designer will give you a price locked in for 30-Days.