The North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) recognizes and promotes excellence in the outdoor living & decking industry. Each year we celebrate and honor outstanding successes in the industry at a prestigious Industry Awards presentation & celebration.
The 12th Annual Awards Celebration was held on March 24, 2022 in Clearwater Beach, Florida. Professionals of all levels & categories, from across North America (and beyond) enter the deck competition.
We invite you to scroll through to see the winning entries of NADRA’s 2021 National+ Deck Competition. Be sure to click on images to see a gallery for each project.
Overall Winners
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First Place
Dr. Decks LLC
Partners: The Azek Company, FastenMaster, G-Tape, Hideaway, In-lite, Regal Ideas, Simpson Strong-Tie
This work of art is my life’s work. It took every skill set I’ve obtained over the last 35 years to complete. This deck features TimberTech Azek decking with over 40 man hours of heat bending required to make all the custom parts needed to complete the design. it took two men over 4 months to complete this massive project. Both decks are waterproofed with EPDM pond liner and the lower deck is completely skirted in matching products to provide a secure storage space for the homeowner. Custom made secure barn door access was created to gain access under the deck. Access to the lower yard is provided by a custom curved spiral staircase that is flanked with custom fabricated curved glass provided by Regal ideas and Coastal Curved Glass. More Regal ideas Crystal Rail curved glass is installed throughout the entire project that seamlessly flows with the lines of the deck. In-Lite lighting is provided for safe, night access down the curved staircase. Hideaway Screens provide privacy to the neighbors and a custom Timbertech Azek axe throwing station is installed behind a custom Azek PVC privacy wall on the far end of the deck.
Second Place
Stump’s Quality Decks and Porches, LLC
This project took some time, but the finished result was gorgeous. One obstacle we faced in the building process was the fact that the customer did not want the roof against the house, to prevent darkness and shadow. We were able to bring the picture in her mind to life, by moving the roof further out (as you can see it is not connected to the house). A couple specific points of craftsmanship would be the radius breakfast bar and the swing. Both of these are more custom made details. Other beautiful details about the project are pretty self explanatory and noticeable just looking at the picture.
Third Place
Decks by Kiefer LLC
Partners: Feeney
The goal of this project was to create an entertainment area in which to relax and enjoy the water view. The upper level, waterproofed with EPDM roofing, provides a covered area for the table and chairs. The ceiling is meranti with recessed lights and a paddle fan. Two steps lead down from the main level to a seating area with a curved bench and slatted lounge chairs that surround a fire pit. This configuration also lowers the line of sight to the water. A live edge cypress slab is incorporated into the design as a bar top.
Fourth Place – TIE
NJ Decks and Railings
This deck was completed in March 2020. This rounded deck and curved stairways were built using steel framing and sitting on steel support posts. The decking and railings are both Trex Transcend with a 2 board border on all sides of the deck. We were only able to install two helical pier footings because of the rock terrain at this location and had to hand dig and pour the rest of the footings. The decking and stair treads are installed using hidden fasteners and Cortex screws for a fastener free finish. All of the decking and railing was custom curved on site with our oven. We installed post cap lights on all of the railing posts, recessed lights in the deck shining up on the rails as well as riser lights in the stairways. We installed a deck drainage system on top of the joists and a white bead board ceiling with recessed lights and fans under both upper and lower decks. We also wrapped all posts and beams. Some of our biggest obstacles on this project were the slope of this yard as well as the over 15’ in height of the upper deck against the house.
Fourth Place – TIE
Decks by Kiefer LLC
A square deck doesn’t have to be boring – just tilt the squares on an angle. This client had a big wish list: A screen porch was created under an existing elevated room. A large upper deck for dining was waterproofed with EPDM roofing. This made for a large dry area on the lower deck furnished with couches, a television, spa, recessed lighting, and paddle fans. An outdoor shower is enclosed under the stairs. For code purposes, we call it a rinsing station. A small roof extension to the existing house provides covering and a spot for a hanging daybed. The design also includes a live edge slab installed as a bar top at which to enjoy a casual drink while watching the children in the yard. The lower deck leads down two more steps to the fire pit.
Fifth Place
French’s Custom Outdoor Concepts, LLC
Multi-level, western red cedar deck. 95% of this deck is completely freestanding, only attaching to the house at the upper level by the home and then at the lower level to about 4′ of the concrete patio extension. The rest is unattached and self-supported. The curves of the outer edge follow the curves of the pool design, at a 12′ projection. We steam bent the outer trim to the curve of the deck. The 2×4’s for the rails and the beams for the pergola were all steamed and curved to match the edge. Top cap was cut down to 2×6 from 2x12s to show the curve. The customer had zero lighting in their backyard, and the entire pergola was built simply to add sconce lighting. The stairs next to the pool took 5 days by themselves and are custom sized to fit tightly up to the pool accent rocks. We utilized the height of the upper deck to convert the under section to a storage shed. The inlays, breaker boards and trim boards were all darkened via shou sugi ban so that the same stain could be used, but still allow for a 2 toned look.
Railing On A Deck
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First Place
Dr. Decks LLC
Partners: The Azek Company, FastenMaster, G-Tape, Hideaway, In-lite, Regal Ideas, Simpson Strong-Tie
This work of art is my life’s work. It took every skill set I’ve obtained over the last 35 years to complete. This deck features TimberTech Azek decking with over 40 man hours of heat bending required to make all the custom parts needed to complete the design. it took two men over 4 months to complete this massive project. Both decks are waterproofed with EPDM pond liner and the lower deck is completely skirted in matching products to provide a secure storage space for the homeowner. Custom made secure barn door access was created to gain access under the deck. Access to the lower yard is provided by a custom curved spiral staircase that is flanked with custom fabricated curved glass provided by Regal ideas and Coastal Curved Glass. More Regal ideas Crystal Rail curved glass is installed throughout the entire project that seamlessly flows with the lines of the deck. In-Lite lighting is provided for safe, night access down the curved staircase. Hideaway Screens provide privacy to the neighbors and a custom Timbertech Azek axe throwing station is installed behind a custom Azek PVC privacy wall on the far end of the deck.
Second Place
Simcoe Decks
Partners: CAMO, Deckorators, Fortress Building Products, In-lite, Regal Ideas
This project was really taken to the next level after the 2020 NADRA deck awards. It lit a real fire inside of me to try and produce something next level to submit for the 2021 deck awards. I started to go through our upcoming projects and to see which ones had potential to go to the next level and clients that were willing to go there. We had this beautiful lakefront project with some amazing clients and I knew this was the one. I wanted to do something really special in the railing category, something that had never been done before. I love frameless glass but the thing is its never really truly frameless, they always have some type of visible hardware attached to it. That’s when the idea came to me to conceal the glass hardware inside the deck framing to give the glass a floating out of the deck appearance. I wish the judges could see this one in person as the pictures don’t even come close to doing this one justice! As if the railing wasn’t completely over the top already we went and added custom Regal Ideas LED edge lighting as well, Cherry on the top!
Third Place
LS Underground
Partners: The Azek Company, FastenMaster
We entered the railing category due to the intricate curvature of the deck and how the rail hugs those lines with perfection and helps to border the beautiful patterns with so much stunning visual appeal. The overall shape and size of the floorplan can hold its own without all the color but one can’t deny that all the bending and curvature bordering everything doesn’t just blend it together all in one. Custom curved “by hand” railing flows and rolls with perfection around the lines, anchored by 40″ stone columns that flank and highlight the double juliet accents cantilevering out into the open. Tremendous views are captured off of the overlook after traversing a color matching S-curved staircase. While curving around existing trees and landscape, we respected the space and absolutely maximized the decks potential.
Best Product Display
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First Place
Deck and Basement Co
Partners: The Azek Company, PHI Decks, Pro Deck Supply
Located in front of the 10th tee at the Old Course on Broken Sound this deck is 35′ x 35′ with a 12′ inset circular middle platform and heat curved inset and outset stairs. The main section features 5 ply center mullion in Timbertech Legacy Ashwood color splitting the middle of the deck and cascading over the frontside down to the ground. Flanking each Legacy Pecan main section is matching Ashwood borders which also cascade over the corners to the ground and frame the side skirting. Tying into the accent color of the circular platform, the side skirting uses the Azek Vintage collection english walnut that is run in both a vertical and horizontal pattern. The 12′ circular platform is done in Azek Landmark collection, french white oak color with english walnut swirl inlay and heat curved steps. Railing is Bronze Timbertech Impression Express aluminum panels with black Azek post sleeves and Legacy Ashwood drink rail.
Second Place
Fortress Building Products
The Total Solution Tour (TST) is an experiential truck and trailer that tours the U.S. for the purpose of increasing brand awareness and product knowledge of Fortress Building Products. Designed and weight engineered to accommodate over 80 products, this mobile showroom truly showcases the total outdoor solution with framing to fencing, railing to lighting, and cladding to decking. This year alone, over 85 dealer events were hosted and multiple tradeshows attended providing Fortress the opportunity to not only enhance existing dealer relationships but engage with thousands of potential customers promoting new products, installation best practices and marketing programs.
Third Place
Digger Specialties, Inc.
DSI Display Trailer(s) Training and Education Program – a fleet of 16 mobile display trailers presenting DSI brands including Westbury® Aluminum Railing, PolyRail® Vinyl Railing, Magena Star® Lighting, DSI Columns® (Composite, Fiberglass, and Aluminum). Fifteen of these units are owned and managed by DSI partner Two-Step Wholesalers or Manufacturers Representatives. The partner owned Display Trailers are smaller versions patterned after the DSI Display Trailer featured in this entry. This display/training program was created by Larry Boyts (VP of Sales and Marketing) and Larry Burkholder (Product Training Manager) in 2007 and has progressed to 16 units. More units are planned for 2022.
The DSI Display Trailer has travelled to 30 states with 300+ presentations in 2021. The current Display Trailer is a custom designed 28’ gooseneck trailer. It is paired with a 2021 GMC 3500SLT Duramax Diesel and 10 speed Allison transmission. Curbside features 18 movable sliders featuring full size 36” X48” Westbury® Aluminum Railing, PolyRail® Vinyl Railing and working Magena Star® Lighting. A large toolbox underneath the display area has room for brochures, tools, and supplies for extended tours. Roadside has floor-to-ceiling displays including DSI Columns® (Aluminum, Fiberglass, and Composite) and Westbury® ScreenRail products.
Commercial Outdoor Living Project
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First Place
New York Decks and Premier Landscapes
Our largest commercial project to date is built on an approximately 11,000 SF set back terrace that wraps around a 50-story commercial tower in the heart of Hudson Yards in NYC. Perched from the 10th floor of the building, it serves as an exhilarating outdoor respite from the bustling interior offices of a major financial firm that wanted to offer its employees healthy alternatives to work, dine, and relax all within the office complex. Wind uploads that are created by the forces of the Hudson River, and, in equal measure, the narrow passage for air funneling between the tower and the neighboring 90 story Equinox Hotel, fostered an innovative method of anchoring a porcelain tile recreational platform to the building slab. New York Decks worked with the building engineers and design staff to create a unique undercarriage that is capable of withstanding the extreme uploads that occur during 140 MPH winds. The all- aluminum undercarriage is anchored to the roof slab with custom made tang-on-plate bases that accept the aluminum primary and secondary cross frames. After the undercarriage grid was established the rails that are a part of the Mirage tile system were bolted down and the grooved-edge tile was installed.
Second Place
New York Decks and Premier Landscapes
New York Decks handled the carpentry package for the “Little Island”, an internationally acclaimed new pier on the Hudson River in New York harbor. Our responsibilities included the build out of the 600- person amphitheater at the northwest corner of the “island”, the multi-level black locust heavy timber hillside steps and stairs, various observation point wood decks, and the wood handrails at the entrance ramps to the island. The stage at the amphitheater had to be prepared to support a variety of recreational and theatrical productions, as well as withstand any adverse weather conditions from being located over the Hudson River. The black locust steps which were bolted to a poured concrete base, needed to be secure enough for heavy foot traffic and also precise enough to meet the exacting standards of New York City code, the aesthetics of the multi- layered design team and Thomas Heatherwick himself, the acclaimed architect and artist who took a very hands-on approach to the project. New York Decks contributed to the technical development of the install, which included aluminum framing to support wooden decks, exterior grade finishes, and the bracket design to hold the massive handrails at the entrance ramps in place.
Third Place
Deck and Basement Company
Partners: The Azek Company, PHI Decks, Pro Deck Supply
At over 2200 square feet this deck makes a serious statement for the home team. Situated outside US Bank Stadium and the venue for the pre-game Vikings festivities, this is where Minnesota die hard grid iron fans get ready for the battle. Featuring the Vikings battle cry SKOL inlay that is 12′ x 18′ and a football that is 18′ tall and nearly 30′ wide. Main deck is Azek Vintage collection english walnut with weathered teak inlay and multi width mahogany football. The perimeter fascia and the football laces are done in white Azek frontier trim and the railing is bronze TimberTech Impressions Express aluminum with wide width Vintage weathered teak drink rail. Perimeter of football is heat-curved narrow width and overall size is proportionally scaled up to allow the multi width decking pattern to form the exact spacing of the laces when scaled.
Refinished/Restored Deck
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First Place
Webb Family Contracting
Partners: The Azek Company, FastenMaster, Trex Company Inc.
The Stoneledge Two Moons Deck and Curved Pergola began as a concept after the overwhelming response we received from our 2020 curved pergola project. This concept became reality when the clients, who had just purchased a home that had been neglected for several years, gave us complete freedom to adapt our design to their existing deck. The cedar decking and railing on the previous deck was beyond repair but surprisingly the existing frame and supports were in great shape and had been framed properly by the original builder. After getting the thumbs from the building inspector and pricing new framing materials, we decided to keep the original frame. This build consists of two decks separated by an existing four seasons enclosed deck. The smaller deck includes an underdeck system and has a finished living space beneath. The main decks focal point is the curved pergola, which is completely wrapped in AZEK. The deck floor includes an aluminum-framed curved tile inlay for grilling and a combination of Trex and AZEK decking to achieve a wide range of textures and colors.
Second Place
Casey Fence and Deck
Partners: CAMO, FastenMaster
As our clients were first starting out years ago, we built their original deck. Now that they are settled in and plan to make this there forever home, they decided it was time for upgrades, especially no more staining or splinters with the older wood decking. We were able to reuse ALL of the existing framework and just added onto it, creating additional space and 60 foot long by 12 foot deep curve across the front where they get to enjoy fantastic sunset views. The clients gave us free reign on the design along with the surprise, illuminated “Divine Rose” star we added to the center. along with the multi-directional decking that was created to eliminate unsightly and potentially hazardous butt joints, we added over 1,000 low voltage LED light diodes. The star itself has over 500 around the outside and is on its own transformer. The larger 6×6 rail post sleeves with steel surface mount posts give an extra sense of safety while the black round balusters open up the view and cocktail rail apparently does its job on a weekly basis as we have been invited back for a cookout.
Dock
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First Place
DOCK & DECK
Partners: Deckorators, Trex Company, Inc.
This double slip fixed dock is almost a 1,700 sq.ft. footprint and includes two boat lifts as well as two jet ski ports that we installed off the side of the walkway. We finished this dock off with stained tongue and groove and stained all LVL headers to give it a finished look. Under water lights around the perimeter of the dock light up the water at night.
Second Place
DOCK & DECK
Partners: Deckorators, Trex Company, Inc.
New dock construction we built. Customer wanted a very detailed dock. He wanted everything uniform and with pressure treated pilings, there are none the same. We cut off every piling under deck and set pressure treated 6×6 posts and wrapped every one with miratec. For the main boat lift the customer wanted the lift hidden up in the ceiling and just cables dropping down. We trimmed out the ceiling with stained pine T&G and put 1x trim around all 4 cable drop downs. We ended up painting all trim and siding and staining all pressure treated wood with a solid color stain.
Third Place
DOCK & DECK
Partners: Pro Wood, Trex Company, Inc., UFP Edge
This dock includes a 70′ walkway out to a fixed single slip boat dock. This dock includes a lift, composite decking, stained pine tongue and groove ceiling and a cupola with a dusk to dawn light inside of it that lights up at night.
Open Porch
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First Place
LS Underground
Partner: FastenMaster
We created a unique roof line that cannot be referenced (Google it). A convex-curve transitioning to a double concave-curve on a steeple pitch center that rolls and transitions from arch to belly. Custom curved LVL beams form the structures unique footprint on similarly unique columns created by blending nature, framing, masonry, and plant life all in one. Our engineer initially turned the project down when we required the structure have vaulted ceilings to match and roll with the same grace as the top surface. We proposed a unique feature and designed a compression ring that would hold multiple hips suspended at the top with no additional load bearing support. To our surprise, our engineer was able to pass this innovation which was the key factor in bringing this project to life. This incredible open-porch design was the greatest challenge of our career, it brought out the best of what we could do from design and implementation perspectives. Degree of difficulty, 10/10! From bending beams, fabricating the steel support, bending and shaping plywood sheathing, Bending, shaping and finishing the underside upside down while custom cutting every shingle to match the curve, emphasizes the efforts achieved and rewards us with its originality.
Second Place
DeckRemodelers.com
The challenge on this space was dealing with roof lines and the numerous windows on the back of the house. The finished project perfectly fits the scale of the space and looks like a natural extension of the house, and not an after-thought. The stunning Tigerwood tray ceiling is the star of this outdoor space. The gorgeous Ipe deck and mahogany TV wall are close seconds. All screw holes are plugged with IPE plugs – there isn’t a screw hole to be seen. Other features include custom built- in granite rail top bar, infrared heaters, standing seam metal roof, layered fascia profile with plinth blocks to give it that “old world charm”, built-in fridge area, double picture frame border with hidden fasteners, and mahogany TV wall that obscures the neighbors.
Third Place – TIE
Dock & Deck
Partners: Pro Wood, Trex Company, Inc., UFP Edge
This was a customer we did a boat dock in the past for. They called us and wanted us to come up with a design and construct an outdoor sitting area and kitchen for them to use. We incorporated two grills, a burner, and a big green egg to cook on. We installed a fire feature in between the pool and new outdoor patio. We installed a pressure treated pergola over top of the area that we stained black.
Third Place – TIE
Premier Outdoor Living
Partner: Deckorators
Large, covered deck extending the existing roofline and pergola built off the front gable wall. The design on this project is my interpretation of the “modern farmhouse” aesthetic. Lots of built-in seating to maximize the functionality of the space.
Closed Porch
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First Place
DeckRemodelers.com
The homeowners wanted an enclosed space that incorporated their antique stained glass. This was a challenging design and difficult to fabricate because of the eyebrow shape. We built it in our shop and transported it to the home. The stained-glass is sandwiched between two panels of tempered glass to protect it and make it code compliant. We purposely positioned the stained glass to ensure that when the sun sets that it shines through the glass, giving a beautiful glow to the enclosed room. The gorgeous Tigerwood ceiling gives the screened room (12′ wide retractable Phantom screen door) an elegant feel, complimenting the stained-glass feature. The room features wolf decking, see-through fireplace, circular lounge, and black standing seam metal roof. All elements work beautifully together, giving this space that visual “wow”.
Second Place
Holloway Company
Partner: Trex Company, Inc.
This porch was about 1/2 of the entire deck build with an under deck living area. It features Sunspace vinyl windows and gas fireplace.
Third Place
Decksouth
Partners: MoistureSheild, Versatex Building Products
The back of the house was very sad with an old, dilapidated deck. The kitchen door exited at the right side and the fixed large windows at the center of the house wall did not allow a large gable porch to be built. So we built a modified roof with a smaller 8/12 pitch gable at the kitchen door and a 2/12 pitch shed roof below the fixed windows. Off the left side of the porch is a small 12×12 open deck and to the right of the porch is an open grill deck with stairs that exit to the ground 11′ below. Our client really wanted a fixed space for a TV so we built a board and batten wall that serves that purpose very well. This room is now their favorite spot in the house.
Illumination
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First Place
Dr. Decks, LLC
Partners: The Azek Company, FastenMaster, G-Tape, Hideaway, In-lite, Regal Ideas, Simpson Strong-Tie
This work of art is my life’s work. It took every skill set I’ve obtained over the last 35 years to complete. This deck features TimberTech Azek decking with over 40 man hours of heat bending required to make all the custom parts needed to complete the design. it took two men over 4 months to complete this massive project. Both decks are waterproofed with EPDM pond liner and the lower deck is completely skirted in matching products to provide a secure storage space for the homeowner. Custom made secure barn door access was created to gain access under the deck. Access to the lower yard is provided by a custom curved spiral staircase that is flanked with custom fabricated curved glass provided by Regal ideas and Coastal Curved Glass. More Regal ideas Crystal Rail curved glass is installed throughout the entire project that seamlessly flows with the lines of the deck. In-Lite lighting is provided for safe, night access down the curved staircase. Hideaway Screens provide privacy to the neighbors and a custom Timbertech Azek axe throwing station is installed behind a custom Azek PVC privacy wall on the far end of the deck.