This custom roof deck in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood features lightweight aluminum decking, ipe planters, an ipe and metal pergola, and ipe benches with built-in storage under the seats. Few woods can match the natural beauty of ipe (pronounced ee-pey), a hardwood with a 30-year life expectancy. These pictures were taken in early spring, before the leaves have filled out on the trees. Plantings include coralbark maples, hornbeams, pink cherry trees, crape myrtles, and feather grasses. The planters include LED up-lighting and automated drip irrigation lines. Read more about our projects on my blog, www.amberfreda.com.

Deck - traditional deck idea in Raleigh

Sausalito, CA / photo: Jay Graham Constructed by 'All Decked Out' Marin County, CA. 384299
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard metal railing and privacy balcony remodel in San Francisco with no cover

Photography by Studio H Landscape Architecture. Post processing by Isabella Li.
This is an example of a small contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun backyard stone garden path in Orange County.

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard deck remodel in Denver with no cover

Ipe Curved deck with hidden fasteners and Stainless Steel Cable Railing...
Example of a large trendy backyard deck design in Cincinnati

Few materials can match the natural beauty of a newly installed wood deck and fence, which were a dramatic transformation for this small backyard patio. A paraffin treatment brings out the rich colors of ipe, a hardwood with a 30 year life expectancy. We gave the fence a contemporary twist by running the boards horizontally and varying the width, gradually thinning them as they go up. The bluestone pavers add a bit of contrast and visual interest on the patio floor. In order to save space, our clients asked us to build the planters into the fence itself, rather than resting any free-standing planters on the patio floor. This backyard is located in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood. See more garden design photos at www.amberfreda.com.

Tony Soluri Photography
Example of a trendy backyard outdoor kitchen deck design in Chicago with decking

Ipe privacy screen
Inspiration for a timeless deck remodel in New York

Architect: David Kotzebue / Designer: MODtage Design / Photography: Paul Dyer
Hot tub - mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular hot tub idea in San Francisco with decking and no cover

Fiberon Horizon Ipe decking combined with Fiberon Tropics rail. Titan flat black post caps with black square textured balusters and designer connectors. Trex black face mounted post lights and riser lights.

Inspiration for a large transitional backyard deck remodel in Minneapolis with no cover

Danny Deck
Large trendy backyard deck photo in Los Angeles with no cover

This large deck was built in Holmdel, NJ. The flooring is Ipe hardwood. The rail is Azek brand synthetic railing system. The pergola is clear cedar that has been primed and painted. The columns are 10" square Permacast brand. The high underside of the deck is covered with solid Ipe skirting. This blocks the view of the deck under-structure from people enjoying the lower paver patio. Low voltage lights were added to the rail posts, in the pergola and in the stair risers. These lights add a nice ambiance to the deck, as well as safety.

Danny Deck
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard deck remodel in Los Angeles with no cover

Patio container garden - mid-sized contemporary courtyard tile patio container garden idea in New York with no cover

Photography by Studio H Landscape Architecture. Post processing by Isabella Li.
This is an example of a small contemporary backyard stone garden path in Orange County.

Fiberon Horizon Ipe decking combined with Fiberon Tropics rail. Titan flat black post caps with black square textured balusters and designer connectors. Trex black face mounted post lights and riser lights.

Inspiration for a large transitional backyard deck remodel in Minneapolis with no cover