Studio Sheds aren't just for grown ups. This 8x14 was the catalyst for a new and improved outdoor setting: the ground level deck, swings for the kids and a hot tub install. The kids also use one side of the shed for coloring, crafts and homework.

This gorgeous deck addition was built with low-maintenance TimberTech Legacy decking in the Pecan finish. The entire perimeter of the multi-level deck is finished with picture framing for a buttoned-up aesthetic. The Westbury bronze aluminum railings are the perfect complement to the pecan decking, and both the deck and railings are a great dark contrast to the home’s light siding, trim, and stone finishes.

This organic modern design is built in an area known for having notable issues with ground movement. After speaking with the developer and reviewing the soil report with our Structural Engineer, we made our recommendations to the client. Since the budget for a full-blown pier and beam structure with void boxes under the pool was well beyond the comfort level of our client, they elected to have us utilize a float shell construction method. For this, we over-excavated the hole and placed a 12" layer of gravel beneath the shell of the pool. Drain lines lead from the deepest point under the pool down into a culvert, placed off to the side of the pool. A sump pump removes any excess water from the culvert as it accumulates. For the shell of the pool, we utilized a double matt of steel and increased the wall thickness to a minimum of 12". This gave added strength to withstand the volatile soil. The elements of fire, water, wood and stone were very important in creating the organic modern feel of this design. The layered effect along the back wall creates a visual stimulation across the length of the yard, without overwhelming the senses. Rather than creating walls only of hard materials, we used Ipe wood to create horizontal screen walls of a more organic nature. At either end, the raised wall and the fire feature are finished in a large-scale porcelain tile, with the look of stained concrete. Custom stainless steel scuppers, made by a local fabricator, create a soothing sound of falling water. The low wall at the center of the project is faced in natural ledgestone, and carries a color palette that set the tone for the entire project. Behind this wall and in front of one of the Ipe screens are three Desert Steel Giant Agave sculptures. The unique fire feature isn't quite a fire place, nor is it a fire pit. It is a linear fire burner, surrounded by a 4" thick cantilevered Leuder limestone hearth, with a backdrop wall of blue glazed clay tile. Although the pool was initially planned as a plaster pool, as the project began to take shape, the client elected to go all the way and finish it in a beautiful blue glass mosaic. Custom fabricated stainless steel cannon jets send a delicate arch of water over this deep blue, and draw attention to the three square wok planters on the far side of the yard. For the decking on this project, we elected to work with Mother Nature rather than against her. Two and a half inch thick concrete pavers, set on a bed of compacted, decomposed granite allow for movement around the pool that is easily fixed. If an area of deck moves around, we can simply lift the affected areas, re-level with DG bed, and re-set the pavers.

The design brief from this homeowner was to replace their old concrete patio with a beautiful hardwood deck. Unsure of how big to have the deck, the Contractor provided 3D designs of the space (incorporating future landscaping ideas for the garden) and researching the ideal deck size for the type of entertaining we do. Inside Out Design & Build specialize in Hardwood Decking and are very knowledgeable about the various hardwoods available and the best fit for a clients needs and budget. The outcome? First class workmanship - an absolutely gorgeous looking 1x6 Batu Hardwood Deck...and one very happy customer. Concept, Design and Install by Inside Out Design & Build. Material supplied by POCO Building Supplies. Contact sales@pocobuildingsupplies.com

Drew Cunningham and Tom Jacques
Large trendy backyard deck photo in Ottawa

Designed using Trex Transcend decking in Tree House – a warm, earthy brown tone that is complementary the exterior of any home, Trex Transcend decking in Vintage Lantern – a deep-burnished bronze with Old World elegance and Trex Transcend railing.

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

Just imagine, you and your friends relaxing on the upper level and having a clear view of the kids on the lower level of the deck or out in the yard. This Raleigh multi-level deck is a functional family design.

We completed this exterior renovation just in time for our clients to enjoy the last days of summer. In order to bring new life to this backyard, we built a multi-level deck using Trex composite decking. The home-owner wanted a bit of overhead protection for the upper deck so we had a local glass company install a frameless lami-glass canopy, which we supported with fir beams. They completed the design for the upper deck with side-mounted glass guard rails for a cleaner look.

This homeowner decided to retire their aging above ground pool but wanted to know if we could salvage the deck. We lowered the deck, installed new fascia boards, and added steps. The sand bottom of the pool area was replaced by lawn. An oval crushed stone patio was created and the owner added a simple fire pit .

Harold Cross, Archadeck of Central Iowa
Example of a mid-sized classic backyard deck design in Other with a pergola

3D design provided to homeowner
Deck - contemporary backyard ground level deck idea in Newark

This beautiful home needed an equally stunning outdoor space, and they used LANAI to help achieve it. This ground-level deck is done using our Beach Wood PVC decking, creating a hardwood floor look outdoors.

This beautiful home needed an equally stunning outdoor space, and they used LANAI to help achieve it. This ground-level deck is done using our Beach Wood PVC decking, creating a hardwood floor look outdoors.

Timber-Tech PVC deck wiht Intex Pergola and Bluestone Patio
Example of a large trendy rooftop deck design in Philadelphia

Timber-Tech PVC deck wiht Intex Pergola and Bluestone Patio
Large trendy rooftop deck photo in Philadelphia

At Archadeck of Nova Scotia we love any size project big or small. But, that being said, we have a soft spot for the projects that let us show off our talents! This Halifax house was no exception. The owners wanted a space to suit their outdoor lifestyle with materials to last far into the future. The choices were quite simple: stone veneer, Timbertech composite decking and glass railing. What better way to create that stability than with a solid foundation, concrete columns and decorative stone veneer? The posts were all wrapped with stone and match the retaining wall which was installed to help with soil retention and give the backyard more definition (it’s not too hard on the eyes either). A set of well-lit steps will guide you up the multi-level deck. The built-in planters soften the hardness of the Timbertech composite deck and provide a little visual relief. The two-tone aesthetic of the deck and railing are a stunning feature which plays up contrasting tones. From there it’s a game of musical chairs; we recommend the big round one on a September evening with a glass of wine and cozy blanket. We haven’t gotten there quite yet, but this property has an amazing view (you will see soon enough!). As to not spoil the view, we installed TImbertech composite railing with glass panels. This allows you to take in the surrounding sights while relaxing and not have those pesky balusters in the way. In any Canadian backyard, there is always the dilemma of dealing with mosquitoes and black flies! Our solution to this itchy problem is to incorporate a screen room as part of your design. This screen room in particular has space for dining and lounging around a fireplace, perfect for the colder evenings! Ahhh…there’s the view! From the top level of the deck you can really get an appreciation for Nova Scotia. Life looks pretty good from the top of a multi-level deck. Once again, we installed a composite and glass railing on the new composite deck to capture the scenery. What puts the cherry on top of this project is the balcony! One of the greatest benefits of composite decking and railing is that it can be curved to create beautiful soft edges. Imagine sipping your morning coffee and watching the sunrise over the water. If you want to know more about composite decking, railing or anything else you’ve seen that sparks your interest; give us a call! We’d love to hear from you.

Multi-level wood pool deck with white vinyl rails in Aurora, IL. Custom designed and built by Archadeck of Chicagoland. http://chicagoland.archadeck.com/

Example of a pool design in New York