Green Shield carefully checks your height to grade against local building codes. Our crews are experienced in both aluminum deck railing installations and railing free "floating" deck designs. Meeting with a Green Shield Deck Designer is the best way to determine if your deck requires railing. Many homeowners combine traditional and floating deck designs for different levels of their project.
Height from Grade
Height from grade measures the vertical distance from the deck to the ground. The height from grade is used in the enforcement of zoning and building regulations. In Michigan this can be important for determining if your deck requires railing. For Michigan homeowners any deck or walkway built over 30 inches above grade will need to have railing installed that is at least 36 inches tall. Be sure your deck builder knows the local height to grade requirements and has considered all the safety requirements.
Railing Free Deck built by Green Shield Deck Builders on a deck under 30 Inches above grade.
The Green Shield Difference
"Carefully measuring height to grade and knowing local requirements allows Green Shield to offer the best deck solutions."
- Adam Rought,
CEO & Founder
America's #1 Deck Builder
Floating vs Skirting
How Green Shield Wins on Aesthetics and Longevity
Adam Rought, CEO and Founder of Green Shield Deck Builders explains how using skirting around a solid deck frame is the best way to get the "floating" deck look.
Railing Free Deck Designs
A "Floating" Deck Built to Last
Traditional floating decks are built with cheap materials that look good for a season. Green Shield has re-imagined the aesthetic using deck skirting to last a lifetime.
Built by Hand. Backed by Green Shield.
Decks from America's #1 Deck Builder
Explore Green Shield Deck Builders' project gallery to see railing free deck designs built within 30 inches of grade.
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Tigerwood and Tropical Walnut-Trimmed Backyard Deck with 2 Custom Built-in Benches
Holland, MITigerwood and Tropical Walnut-Trimmed Backyard Deck with 2 Custom Built-in Benches
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270 Sq. Ft. Tigerwood deck featuring Black Baluster Railing
Grand Rapids, MI
270 Sq. Ft. Tigerwood deck featuring Black Baluster Railing
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333 Sq. Ft. Ash Gray deck featuring Black Picture Frame
Kalamazoo, MI333 Sq. Ft. Ash Gray deck featuring Black Picture Frame
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Multi-Story Amazon Gray Green Shield Deck
Grand Rapids, MIMulti-Story Amazon Gray Green Shield Deck
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493 Sq. Ft. Tropical Walnut deck featuring White Baluster Railing
Grand Rapids, MI493 Sq. Ft. Tropical Walnut deck featuring White Baluster Railing
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Tropical Walnut Forest Deck with Cascading Stairs
Muskegon, MITropical Walnut Forest Deck with Cascading Stairs
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437 Sq. Ft. Amazon Gray deck featuring Black Baluster Railing
Kalamazoo, MI437 Sq. Ft. Amazon Gray deck featuring Black Baluster Railing
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Ash Gray Triple-Deck Featuring Expansive Walkway
Grand Rapids, MIAsh Gray Triple-Deck Featuring Expansive Walkway
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Ash Gray Quad-Deck Featuring Black Aluminum Railing
Kalamazoo, MIAsh Gray Quad-Deck Featuring Black Aluminum Railing
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Ash Gray Multi-Deck Project Featuring a Custom Integrated Bench
Kalamazoo, MIAsh Gray Multi-Deck Project Featuring a Custom Integrated Bench
Green Shield Process
Common Questions about Height from Grade
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Green Shield distinguishes itself through a "no-surprises" process, in-house permit management, and a specialized focus on composite materials that outperform traditional wood.
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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.
