This pool has every feature one could desire. From multiple fire features to various waterfalls, the senses are always engaged in this outdoor space. The Baja shelf allows for shallow sitting relaxation. The swim up grotto is hidden by a continuous water fall and offers bench seating inside. The deck above is nearly 8 feet high off the ground level in order to capture the panoramic ocean views. Complete with a large built in infinity edge spa, fire feature and bubble fountains, the deck space is an entertainers dream.

This custom designed and built deck showcases Trex Spiced rum decking. The space also showcases Trex Lava Rock, accenting the step down into the lower level. We also created an enclosed screened in patio under the main section of the deck.

Drew Cunningham and Tom Jacques
Inspiration for a large modern backyard deck remodel in Toronto with a pergola

The goal for this custom two-story deck was to provide multiple spaces for hosting. The second story provides a great space for grilling and eating. The ground-level space has two separate seating areas - one covered and one surrounding a fire pit without covering.

Designed using Trex Transcend decking in Spiced Rum – a warm, earthy umber featuring subtle shading and natural shade variations creating distinctive hardwood-like streaking and intense, tropical hues that will retain its lush looks for decades and Trex Transcend decking in Vintage Lantern – a deep-burnished bronze with Old World elegance. Additional Trex products featured include Trex Transcend railing and Trex Pergola.

Images by Anna; and a few shots from our skilled professional carpenters.
Inspiration for a timeless backyard deck remodel in Philadelphia

Example of a mid-sized arts and crafts backyard deck design in Philadelphia with no cover

Deck - mid-sized craftsman backyard deck idea in Philadelphia with no cover

Don't let deck railing be an afterthought. During the deck design phase, determine what railing color will complement the shade of the deck material you're leaning toward. With so many rail profile and infill options, you're sure to find a combination that works well with your home's architecture, and creates a custom look that none of your neighbors have. Choose composite deck and rail materials, like Fiberon Symmetry Railing and Good Life decking, for a low-maintenance solution that is backed by a 25-year warranty.

Photography by Jim Tetro This house, built in the 1960s, sits southfacing on a terrific wooded lot in Bethesda, Maryland. The owners desire a whole-house renovation which would improve the general building fabric and systems, and extend the sense of living out of doors in all seasons. The original sixties-modern character is preserved and the renovation extends the design forward into a contemporary, modern approach. Connections to and through the site are enhanced through the creation of new larger window and door openings. Screened porches and decks perch above the sloped and wooded site. The new kitchen and bathrooms allow for opportunities to feel out-of -doors while preparing, cooking, dining, and bathing. Smart passive strategies guide the environmental choices for this project, including envelope improvements, updated mechanical systems, and on-site stormwater management.

This deck and balcony uses a high-quality composite decking called TimberTech with a beautiful wood soffit and Cedar siding. Built by Caleb Wheeler at Centex Decks

16'x32' Dynasty NBS package with 12'x16' Pressure Treated Deck with Azek decking boards and steps.
Inspiration for a timeless pool remodel in Manchester

This modern home, near Cedar Lake, built in 1900, was originally a corner store. A massive conversion transformed the home into a spacious, multi-level residence in the 1990’s. However, the home’s lot was unusually steep and overgrown with vegetation. In addition, there were concerns about soil erosion and water intrusion to the house. The homeowners wanted to resolve these issues and create a much more useable outdoor area for family and pets. Castle, in conjunction with Field Outdoor Spaces, designed and built a large deck area in the back yard of the home, which includes a detached screen porch and a bar & grill area under a cedar pergola. The previous, small deck was demolished and the sliding door replaced with a window. A new glass sliding door was inserted along a perpendicular wall to connect the home’s interior kitchen to the backyard oasis. The screen house doors are made from six custom screen panels, attached to a top mount, soft-close track. Inside the screen porch, a patio heater allows the family to enjoy this space much of the year. Concrete was the material chosen for the outdoor countertops, to ensure it lasts several years in Minnesota’s always-changing climate. Trex decking was used throughout, along with red cedar porch, pergola and privacy lattice detailing. The front entry of the home was also updated to include a large, open porch with access to the newly landscaped yard. Cable railings from Loftus Iron add to the contemporary style of the home, including a gate feature at the top of the front steps to contain the family pets when they’re let out into the yard. Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!

This brick and limestone, 6,000-square-foot residence exemplifies understated elegance. Located in the award-wining Blaine School District and within close proximity to the Southport Corridor, this is city living at its finest! The foyer, with herringbone wood floors, leads to a dramatic, hand-milled oval staircase; an architectural element that allows sunlight to cascade down from skylights and to filter throughout the house. The floor plan has stately-proportioned rooms and includes formal Living and Dining Rooms; an expansive, eat-in, gourmet Kitchen/Great Room; four bedrooms on the second level with three additional bedrooms and a Family Room on the lower level; a Penthouse Playroom leading to a roof-top deck and green roof; and an attached, heated 3-car garage. Additional features include hardwood flooring throughout the main level and upper two floors; sophisticated architectural detailing throughout the house including coffered ceiling details, barrel and groin vaulted ceilings; painted, glazed and wood paneling; laundry rooms on the bedroom level and on the lower level; five fireplaces, including one outdoors; and HD Video, Audio and Surround Sound pre-wire distribution through the house and grounds. The home also features extensively landscaped exterior spaces, designed by Prassas Landscape Studio. This home went under contract within 90 days during the Great Recession. Featured in Chicago Magazine: http://goo.gl/Gl8lRm Jim Yochum

Harbor View is a modern-day interpretation of the shingled vacation houses of its seaside community. The gambrel roof, horizontal, ground-hugging emphasis, and feeling of simplicity, are all part of the character of the place. While fitting in with local traditions, Harbor View is meant for modern living. The kitchen is a central gathering spot, open to the main combined living/dining room and to the waterside porch. One easily moves between indoors and outdoors. The house is designed for an active family, a couple with three grown children and a growing number of grandchildren. It is zoned so that the whole family can be there together but retain privacy. Living, dining, kitchen, library, and porch occupy the center of the main floor. One-story wings on each side house two bedrooms and bathrooms apiece, and two more bedrooms and bathrooms and a study occupy the second floor of the central block. The house is mostly one room deep, allowing cross breezes and light from both sides. The porch, a third of which is screened, is a main dining and living space, with a stone fireplace offering a cozy place to gather on summer evenings. A barn with a loft provides storage for a car or boat off-season and serves as a big space for projects or parties in summer.