Alternative Deck Under $35k

This deck was built for a custom home builder for one of their model homes. We teamed up with them to come up with an affordable, yet elegant design for the deck. We wanted the space to be not only fully functional, but to have a statement attraction to it as well.

With this deck being part of a newly developed neighborhood, we were faced with very soft soils. Thanks to our consistent use of helical pier footings, we were able to quickly recognize our lack of ground pressure. Every one of the 12 footings we placed for this project went almost 11 feet into the ground to reach appropriate torque ratings.

Between the double picture frame, the diamond chevron inlay, and the stair treads, there are over 60 pocket screwed and glued miter joints on this small, 200 sq ft deck.

Wanting to have a 100 percent finished look, we wrapped the lower support posts with LP smart trim to make this a deck that will stand the test of time through the harsh seasons of the Midwest.

This project was designed to create a lounge that feels like an outdoor living room—an intimate, light-driven space that becomes the heart of evening gatherings. Central to the design is a fiber-optic lighting system powered by a light-engine that feeds 1,000 individual strands. Every strand required a precise pre-drilled hole and then threaded from the back of the wall. On the front side, the fibers emerge into a recessed shadow- box cavity covered with decorative PVC lattice. Hidden strip lighting inside the box interacts with the twinkling fibers, producing motion, depth, and endless color combinations that shift like living artwork.

On that same wall, seven architectural up/down lights add another layer of illumination. Adjustable shutters on each fixture allow the light to be shaped into beams, fans, slivers, or shadows—creating continuously evolving light art without ever repeating.

Continuous strip lighting runs beneath every stair tread and picture-frame board, routed through strategically placed trim pieces. Below, eclipse-style lights wash a lower lounge area with touch-controlled dimming. Waterfall-folded stair corners and perfectly aligned horizontal lines reinforce the intention: a space that feels curated like a modern indoor living room, yet open to the night air and glowing with light.

All I want to sit on and enjoy while at the pool is a deck, everyone wants to build us a
patio, “can you give us a deck?” Yes we can and let’s make it a good size to fit a variety of furniture. Along with that let’s design you good access to anywhere in the backyard and maybe create some character with curves. Client said “love it, when can you start?” and the a deck with character coming up. Added some interest with 2 colors and suggested a product for traction while coming out from the pool. A simple style deck to solve a big challenge and need.