Alternative Deck $151k-$250k

Having decided that this house is their forever home, this client called us to help them invest in their backyard. Now that the kids are growing up, being able to invite friends and family over to enjoy holidays and the summer became more important. Although this client was outside of our normal distance range, they sought us out after seeing us build other projects with a fusion of decking and tile and made good on their promise that this build would be collaborative.

The key requirements that we had to navigate included:

• Swim spa location – spa was already in place prior to construction and not able to be relocated
• Strength and spans of steel, the warmth of real wood, and the longevity and low maintenance of composite. This was achieved by combining Fortress with the Pioneer line from Eva-Last
• Unobstructed view towards the backyard spa and large fire pit – frameless glass railing was the obvious choice
• Built in bar top and full-length seating bench created by bending the glass-fiber reinforced decking into a waterfall shape.
• A space that is just as warm and welcoming at night as it is during the day, achieved by a thoughtful lighting design and layout

Located on a golf course, this project was designed to be both artistic and functional—reflecting the homeowner’s love of the game while addressing the unique challenges of its setting. The client wanted a creative statement piece that would provide shade, visual interest, and protection from stray golf balls while enjoying the fire pit.

The solution was a custom-engineered, round aluminum pergola with a fully motorized louvered roof—one of a kind in its design and construction. The roof was structurally reinforced to withstand high wind loads from the open course, combining sculpture and structure in a single architectural feature.

The pool’s existing placement and steep elevation changes demanded careful planning. The under-deck area was sunken to create usable living space, while strict setbacks and zoning limitations required precision in every aspect of layout and structure.

The final result is a striking blend of artistry and engineering—a sculptural outdoor retreat that integrates seamlessly with the pool and surrounding landscape, delivering creativity, protection, and year-round livability on a highly constrained site.

The original yard featured an outdated deck over a steep dirt slope, making access and functionality nearly impossible. The goal was a smooth transition between driveway, deck, and patio while creating a visually striking, multi-level outdoor environment.

Extensive excavation and regrading allowed for a cascading bluestone patio that flows seamlessly from the driveway down to the deck and backyard. Structural challenges were significant: the patio required truckloads of large rock for stabilization and water mitigation, including the creation of a water retention basin to manage runoff.

A multi-level, see-through fireplace anchors the design, providing warmth and visual connectivity across the spaces. Custom cast-concrete rail-top bars and fireplace mantels add refined craftsmanship and a cohesive aesthetic.

Every element required precise engineering—from slope stabilization to under-deck space creation—to ensure safety, durability, and usability. The result is a highly functional, visually dynamic outdoor living area that balances dramatic elevation changes with elegance and seamless circulation, transforming a previously unusable slope into a versatile, sophisticated retreat.