Deck - mid-sized modern backyard deck idea in Toronto with no cover

The beautiful, old barn on this Topsfield estate was at risk of being demolished. Before approaching Mathew Cummings, the homeowner had met with several architects about the structure, and they had all told her that it needed to be torn down. Thankfully, for the sake of the barn and the owner, Cummings Architects has a long and distinguished history of preserving some of the oldest timber framed homes and barns in the U.S. Once the homeowner realized that the barn was not only salvageable, but could be transformed into a new living space that was as utilitarian as it was stunning, the design ideas began flowing fast. In the end, the design came together in a way that met all the family’s needs with all the warmth and style you’d expect in such a venerable, old building. On the ground level of this 200-year old structure, a garage offers ample room for three cars, including one loaded up with kids and groceries. Just off the garage is the mudroom – a large but quaint space with an exposed wood ceiling, custom-built seat with period detailing, and a powder room. The vanity in the powder room features a vanity that was built using salvaged wood and reclaimed bluestone sourced right on the property. Original, exposed timbers frame an expansive, two-story family room that leads, through classic French doors, to a new deck adjacent to the large, open backyard. On the second floor, salvaged barn doors lead to the master suite which features a bright bedroom and bath as well as a custom walk-in closet with his and hers areas separated by a black walnut island. In the master bath, hand-beaded boards surround a claw-foot tub, the perfect place to relax after a long day. In addition, the newly restored and renovated barn features a mid-level exercise studio and a children’s playroom that connects to the main house. From a derelict relic that was slated for demolition to a warmly inviting and beautifully utilitarian living space, this barn has undergone an almost magical transformation to become a beautiful addition and asset to this stately home.

This custom covered ground-level deck creates a bright, functional outdoor living space with pressure-treated lumber, modern hog wire railing, and a clear fiberglass roof that provides protection from the elements while allowing natural sunlight to shine through. Designed for entertaining and everyday enjoyment, the covered deck offers an inviting backyard retreat with durable materials and timeless craftsmanship.

This custom covered ground-level deck creates a bright, functional outdoor living space with pressure-treated lumber, modern hog wire railing, and a clear fiberglass roof that provides protection from the elements while allowing natural sunlight to shine through. Designed for entertaining and everyday enjoyment, the covered deck offers an inviting backyard retreat with durable materials and timeless craftsmanship.

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 custom covered ground-level deck creates a bright, functional outdoor living space with pressure-treated lumber, modern hog wire railing, and a clear fiberglass roof that provides protection from the elements while allowing natural sunlight to shine through. Designed for entertaining and everyday enjoyment, the covered deck offers an inviting backyard retreat with durable materials and timeless craftsmanship.

This custom covered ground-level deck creates a bright, functional outdoor living space with pressure-treated lumber, modern hog wire railing, and a clear fiberglass roof that provides protection from the elements while allowing natural sunlight to shine through. Designed for entertaining and everyday enjoyment, the covered deck offers an inviting backyard retreat with durable materials and timeless craftsmanship.

quaint hillside retreat | stunning view property. infinity edge swimming pool design + waterfall fountain. hand crafted iron details | classic santa barbara style. Photography ©Ciro Coelho/ArchitecturalPhoto.com

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.

Fully integrated Signature Estate featuring Creston controls and Crestron panelized lighting, and Crestron motorized shades and draperies, whole-house audio and video, HVAC, voice and video communication atboth both the front door and gate. Modern, warm, and clean-line design, with total custom details and finishes. The front includes a serene and impressive atrium foyer with two-story floor to ceiling glass walls and multi-level fire/water fountains on either side of the grand bronze aluminum pivot entry door. Elegant extra-large 47'' imported white porcelain tile runs seamlessly to the rear exterior pool deck, and a dark stained oak wood is found on the stairway treads and second floor. The great room has an incredible Neolith onyx wall and see-through linear gas fireplace and is appointed perfectly for views of the zero edge pool and waterway. The center spine stainless steel staircase has a smoked glass railing and wood handrail. Photo courtesy Royal Palm Properties

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

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours Bobcat Lodge- Lake Rabun Be welcomed to this perfect mountain/lake lodge through stone pillars down a driveway of stamped concrete and brick paver patterns to the porte cochere. The design philosophy seen in the home's exterior extends to the interior with 10 fireplaces, the finest materials, and extraordinary craftsmanship. Great Room Enter the striking foyer with the antique heart pine, walnut and bird's-eye maple inlaid pattern that harmonizes with the natural unity of the spacious great room. The visually anchored stone fireplace accented by hand hewn circa 1800 oak beams silhouettes the soft lake views making a dynamic design statement. The great room was designed with togetherness in mind and features high vaulted ceilings, wormy oak flooring with walnut borders, a spacious dining area, a gourmet kitchen and for softer and more intimate moments a keeping room. Kitchen: Wormy chestnut cabinets, Complimenting South American granite countertops Wolf cooktop, double oven Preparation bar Serving Buffet Separate wet bar Walk-in Pantry Laundry Room: entrance off the foyer, wormy chestnut cabinets and South American granite Keeping Room: Nestled off the kitchen area intimately scaled for quieter moments, wormy chestnut ceilings with hand hewn oak beams from Ohio and Pennsylvania, wormy oak flooring accented with walnut and sycamore, and private fireplace Powder Room off foyer Three Master Bedroom Suites: each with its own unique full bathroom and private alcove with masonry wood burning fireplace Master suite on the main floor with full bath enlivened by a fish theme with earthtones and blue accents, a copper soaking tub, large shower and copper sinks Upstairs master suite with wormy oak flooring sits snug above the lake looking through a tree canopy as from a tree house facilitating a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere- full bath features jetted tub, separate shower, large closet, and friendly lizards sitting on copper sinks Terrace Level Master Suite offers trey ceilings, entrance to stone terrace supported by cyprus tree trunks giving the feel of a rainforest floor: Full bath includes double mosaic-raised copper sinks, antler lighting, jetted tub accented with aquatic life tiles and separate water closet This warm and inviting rustic interior perfectly balances the outdoor lake vistas with the comfort of indoor living.moving directly to the outdoor living spaces. A full length deck supported by cyprus trees offers the opportunity for serious entertaining. The stone terrace off the downstairs family room leads directly to the two stall boathouse for lakeside entertaining with its own private fireplace. Terrace Level: 14 foot ceilings, transom windows A master suite A guest room with trey ceilings, wool carpet, and full bath with copper sinks,double vanity and riverock shower Family room with focal stone fireplace, wet bar with wine cooler, separate kitchen with sink, mini refrigerator and built in microwave Wine closet with hand painted plaster finish A full bath for drippy swimmers with oversized river rock shower accented with crayfish and salamander tiles Extras All windows are Loewen windows A ridge vent system Custom design closets Poured foundation for house and boathouse European spruce framing Exterior siding: 1 x 12 pressure treated pine with 1 x 4 batten strips Siding has three coat process of Sikkens stain finish Ten masonry fireplaces Stacked rock from Rocky Gap Virginia Eight foot custom Honduran Pine True plaster walls with three coat process faux finish Locust hand rails for the deck Support cyprus tree trunks from Charleston Outside light fixtures custom made in NY Five hot water heaters, circulating pump Duel fuel heat pump/propane, 1000 gallon buried propane tank, four zone heating system Two laundry rooms All Fireplaces set up for flat screen TV's Adjacent lot available for purchase

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 four-story townhome in the heart of old town Alexandria, was recently purchased by a family of four. The outdated galley kitchen with confined spaces, lack of powder room on main level, dropped down ceiling, partition walls, small bathrooms, and the main level laundry were a few of the deficiencies this family wanted to resolve before moving in. Starting with the top floor, we converted a small bedroom into a master suite, which has an outdoor deck with beautiful view of old town. We reconfigured the space to create a walk-in closet and another separate closet. We took some space from the old closet and enlarged the master bath to include a bathtub and a walk-in shower. Double floating vanities and hidden toilet space were also added. The addition of lighting and glass transoms allows light into staircase leading to the lower level. On the third level is the perfect space for a girl’s bedroom. A new bathroom with walk-in shower and added space from hallway makes it possible to share this bathroom. A stackable laundry space was added to the hallway, a few steps away from a new study with built in bookcase, French doors, and matching hardwood floors. The main level was totally revamped. The walls were taken down, floors got built up to add extra insulation, new wide plank hardwood installed throughout, ceiling raised, and a new HVAC was added for three levels. The storage closet under the steps was converted to a main level powder room, by relocating the electrical panel. The new kitchen includes a large island with new plumbing for sink, dishwasher, and lots of storage placed in the center of this open kitchen. The south wall is complete with floor to ceiling cabinetry including a home for a new cooktop and stainless-steel range hood, covered with glass tile backsplash. The dining room wall was taken down to combine the adjacent area with kitchen. The kitchen includes butler style cabinetry, wine fridge and glass cabinets for display. The old living room fireplace was torn down and revamped with a gas fireplace wrapped in stone. Built-ins added on both ends of the living room gives floor to ceiling space provides ample display space for art. Plenty of lighting fixtures such as led lights, sconces and ceiling fans make this an immaculate remodel. We added brick veneer on east wall to replicate the historic old character of old town homes. The open floor plan with seamless wood floor and central kitchen has added warmth and with a desirable entertaining space.

For this couple, planning to move back to their rambler home in Arlington after living overseas for few years, they were ready to get rid of clutter, clean up their grown-up kids’ boxes, and transform their home into their dream home for their golden years. The old home included a box-like 8 feet x 10 feet kitchen, no family room, three small bedrooms and two back to back small bathrooms. The laundry room was located in a small dark space of the unfinished basement. This home is located in a cul-de-sac, on an uphill lot, of a very secluded neighborhood with lots of new homes just being built around them. The couple consulted an architectural firm in past but never were satisfied with the final plans. They approached Michael Nash Custom Kitchens hoping for fresh ideas. The backyard and side yard are wooded and the existing structure was too close to building restriction lines. We developed design plans and applied for special permits to achieve our client’s goals. The remodel includes a family room, sunroom, breakfast area, home office, large master bedroom suite, large walk-in closet, main level laundry room, lots of windows, front porch, back deck, and most important than all an elevator from lower to upper level given them and their close relative a necessary easier access. The new plan added extra dimensions to this rambler on all four sides. Starting from the front, we excavated to allow a first level entrance, storage, and elevator room. Building just above it, is a 12 feet x 30 feet covered porch with a leading brick staircase. A contemporary cedar rail with horizontal stainless steel cable rail system on both the front porch and the back deck sets off this project from any others in area. A new foyer with double frosted stainless-steel door was added which contains the elevator. The garage door was widened and a solid cedar door was installed to compliment the cedar siding. The left side of this rambler was excavated to allow a storage off the garage and extension of one of the old bedrooms to be converted to a large master bedroom suite, master bathroom suite and walk-in closet. We installed matching brick for a seam-less exterior look. The entire house was furnished with new Italian imported highly custom stainless-steel windows and doors. We removed several brick and block structure walls to put doors and floor to ceiling windows. A full walk in shower with barn style frameless glass doors, double vanities covered with selective stone, floor to ceiling porcelain tile make the master bathroom highly accessible. The other two bedrooms were reconfigured with new closets, wider doorways, new wood floors and wider windows. Just outside of the bedroom, a new laundry room closet was a major upgrade. A second HVAC system was added in the attic for all new areas. The back side of the master bedroom was covered with floor to ceiling windows and a door to step into a new deck covered in trex and cable railing. This addition provides a view to wooded area of the home. By excavating and leveling the backyard, we constructed a two story 15’x 40’ addition that provided the tall ceiling for the family room just adjacent to new deck, a breakfast area a few steps away from the remodeled kitchen. Upscale stainless-steel appliances, floor to ceiling white custom cabinetry and quartz counter top, and fun lighting improved this back section of the house with its increased lighting and available work space. Just below this addition, there is extra space for exercise and storage room. This room has a pair of sliding doors allowing more light inside. The right elevation has a trapezoid shape addition with floor to ceiling windows and space used as a sunroom/in-home office. Wide plank wood floors were installed throughout the main level for continuity. The hall bathroom was gutted and expanded to allow a new soaking tub and large vanity. The basement half bathroom was converted to a full bathroom, new flooring and lighting in the entire basement changed the purpose of the basement for entertainment and spending time with grandkids. Off white and soft tone were used inside and out as the color schemes to make this rambler spacious and illuminated. Final grade and landscaping, by adding a few trees, trimming the old cherry and walnut trees in backyard, saddling the yard, and a new concrete driveway and walkway made this home a unique and charming gem in the neighborhood.

Taragano Design & Build completed this second story addition in Berkeley, California. Going up rather than out was the only real option. The lot leaves almost no room to extend at grade without consuming the rear yard, which on a property this size is the most valuable space the house has. Building over the existing footprint added the square footage and left the yard intact. Adding a floor to a house built in this era means the existing structure has to carry a load it was never designed for. Framing and foundation both get evaluated before anything is drawn, and what the engineering finds determines whether the project is feasible at all. That work happens during design, not after permits. The roof was the visible decision. Rather than square off the new floor and cap it flat, a cross gable was run to match the pitch and form of the original. From the yard the house reads as a Craftsman that was always two stories, which is the difference between an addition and an obvious addition. The deck was built in two levels stepping down to the lawn. Holding the outer platform low keeps the yard usable from the house without a rail cutting the sight line, and the step gives the seating and dining areas separation without a wall. Licensed general contractor, CSLB #1143420. Diamond Certified.

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.

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