Wood Deck Over $50k

This 2,015 sq. ft. Ipe hardwood deck transforms a steep, unused slope into a refined outdoor living environment. The design unites multiple zones for dining, lounging, and relaxation, creating a seamless connection between the home and the surrounding landscape.

A grand, twelve-step illuminated staircase descends toward the vineyard, with precision-set bronze under-tread lighting that provides rhythm, safety, and nighttime drama. Concrete retaining walls anchor the structure into the hillside, adding visual
weight, definition, and a sense of permanence to the design. A Feeney stainless steel cable railing system delivers a clean, low-profile frame that preserves unobstructed views while complementing the natural tones of the Ipe.

Structural integrity was critical. Forty-eight-inch reinforced concrete piers were individually drilled and engineered for stability. Beneath the surface, a vapor barrier system integrates with solar-powered ventilation fans to promote constant airflow and prevent moisture buildup. The barrier directs condensation and runoff into a subsurface French drain system, ensuring long-term performance in the hillside setting.

Installed with Camo hidden fasteners, the decking showcases flawless alignment and craftsmanship. As evening falls, the warm wood tones and subtle lighting transform the structure into a luminous statement of balance between engineering precision and timeless outdoor living.

The swim spa concrete pad had to be engineered to hold the weight of the water and because of fill located in the build location, this resulted in a pad that required 24″rx36″ deep sonotubes and three different size rebar. The second obstacle was a septic line running through the build area as well which resulted in design changes. The deck is 1144 sf Natural Ipe with three inlays, swim spa, cable railing with two gates and magna latches, LED lighting, two sets of landings and stairs, extended exterior posts for future string lighting. The deck included Ipe horizontal skirting with a 1/2″ spacing which resulted in over 2000 plugs.

This project was a dream come true for the homeowners…until it wasn’t. This home came with a great canyon view, but a dilapidated back yard. The homeowners planned to build an entertaining deck to take advantage of the canyon view while also installing a hot tub with some privacy. The project went perfectly. When we were about 95% of the way through the project the homeowners found out they were being called back to Europe for work & had to sell the house. They were devastated as they never got to use the new deck. The good news was that the new buyers let them know they bought the house specifically because of the new deck!

The deck is Moso Bamboo with a Timbertech IRX Glass Railing with post lights, planter walls & benches made with Moso Bamboo, and a cladding wall down the front & sides of the deck to keep animals out (& with a secret door for access under the deck). The deck was finished with Penofin Hardwood. There is a 12′ deep retaining wall on the hillside edge that is hidden by the Moso cladding. We also wrapped the tree in lights & installed new grass to finish off the yard.