Not everyone has the backyard that suits a hardscape patio. Those situations sometimes call for a different approach....especially in this case! We built a second-level deck and pergola for this family outside of Greenfield. Cedar all around! They also wanted to retain their beautiful views. So we used a cable railing system that is safe and effective at preventing falls, but also perfect for maximizing those views. I think it turned out well, don't you? Sun-Dried tomatoes anyone?

Roof top deck in Baltimore County, Maryland: This stunning roof top deck now provides a beautiful outdoor living space with all the amenities the homeowner was looking for as well as added value to the home. Curtis Martin Photo Inc.

“Striking two-level deck with integrated LED lighting that highlights the railing and staircase, creating a warm, inviting glow for nighttime ambiance. The spacious lower deck features a comfortable seating area, while the upper level connects directly to the home, ideal for entertaining or relaxing. Modern horizontal cable railings complement the clean architectural lines, making this a perfect blend of functionality, safety, and style.”

The Tice Residences replace a run-down and aging duplex with two separate, modern, Santa Barbara homes. Although the unique creek-side site (which the client’s original home looked toward across a small ravine) proposed significant challenges, the clients were certain they wanted to live on the lush “Riviera” hillside. The challenges presented were ultimately overcome through a thorough and careful study of site conditions. With an extremely efficient use of space and strategic placement of windows and decks, privacy is maintained while affording expansive views from each home to the creek, downtown Santa Barbara and Pacific Ocean beyond. Both homes appear to have far more openness than their compact lots afford. The solution strikes a balance between enclosure and openness. Walls and landscape elements divide and protect two private domains, and are in turn, carefully penetrated to reveal views. Both homes are variations on one consistent theme: elegant composition of contemporary, “warm” materials; strong roof planes punctuated by vertical masses; and floating decks. The project forms an intimate connection with its setting by using site-excavated stone, terracing landscape planters with native plantings, and utilizing the shade provided by its ancient Riviera Oak trees. 2012 AIA Santa Barbara Chapter Merit Award Jim Bartsch Photography

This Chicago roof deck is an entertainers dream. Complete with outdoor bar, TV, concrete fire pit and wicker furniture the space is ready for an evening in the city.

This lovely Brookridge II plan, located at 16716 Haskins Street in the Chapel Hill neighborhood, features a larger lot, covered deck, full walkout lower level, lower level bar and vaulted beam ceiling. (Designer - Teri Stolz, Photographer - E.S. Photography)

Roof top deck in Baltimore County, Maryland: This stunning roof top deck now provides a beautiful outdoor living space with all the amenities the homeowner was looking for as well as added value to the home. Curtis Martin Photo Inc.

This two story deck was remodeled and re-designed with pressure treated pine decking. The black Deckorator pickets give the deck a more modern feel and allow for a less obstructed view to the rest of the yard. The two different levels allow for separate areas for separate activities. This wood deck was custom designed and built by Barrington, IL wood deck designer, Archadeck of Chicagoland.

This two story deck was remodeled and re-designed with pressure treated pine decking. The black Deckorator pickets give the deck a more modern feel and allow for a less obstructed view to the rest of the yard. The two different levels allow for separate areas for separate activities. This wood deck was custom designed and built by Barrington, IL wood deck designer, Archadeck of Chicagoland.

This two story deck was remodeled and re-designed with pressure treated pine decking. The black Deckorator pickets give the deck a more modern feel and allow for a less obstructed view to the rest of the yard. The two different levels allow for separate areas for separate activities. This wood deck was custom designed and built by Barrington, IL wood deck designer, Archadeck of Chicagoland.

This two story deck was remodeled and re-designed with pressure treated pine decking. The black Deckorator pickets give the deck a more modern feel and allow for a less obstructed view to the rest of the yard. The two different levels allow for separate areas for separate activities. This wood deck was custom designed and built by Barrington, IL wood deck designer, Archadeck of Chicagoland.

Three levels of water, two large rock waterfalls and two fire features make up the luxury swimming pool and deck for Platte County Paradise. The highest pool level features a hot tub from which water spills into the main pool. From the main pool, an infinity edge that runs 30 feet in length spills water down 8 feet into the plunge pool. A slide wraps around a rock water fall and ends in the plunge pool. A beautiful stone and iron staircase escorts you and your guests to the slide. For this rustic design, all rocks were drilled and pinned into the gunnite shell with apoxy. The grotto was built so that swimmers can enter from either side to find seating. The cave is designed to hold a large group for parties. We installed two fire features; one is intended for a large gathering where outdoor couches offer seating. The other feature is at patio level. This luxury pool contains every amenity imaginable including a swim-up bar, full and cabana dry stacked with stone and featuring timber that was selected from the property.

The large lower-level of this multi-level deck allows this Raleigh family to cook outdoors and enjoy their table-top fire pit.
Deck photo in Raleigh

Beautiful multi-level curved composite deck. The various seating arrangements and the space allow the deck to be used for different purposes. Each area has a great view of the lake and overlooks the backyard. The deck also features two colors of Trex Transcend, which is a form of maintenance free composite decking.

The outdoor space features Fiberon composite decking and composite railing. Fiberon 'Symmetry' rail has a flat, drink-friendly top rail profile, in a matte finish and comes in multiple colors: Tranquil White, Serene Black, and Simply Brown. The hardware is hidden, keeping the look clean and uncluttered. This sturdy rail never needs painting or staining, and is backed by a 20-year limited warranty.

Spectacular unobstructed views of the Bay, Bridge, Alcatraz, San Francisco skyline and the rolling hills of Marin greet you from almost every window of this stunning Provençal Villa located in the acclaimed Middle Ridge neighborhood of Mill Valley. Built in 2000, this exclusive 5 bedroom, 5+ bath estate was thoughtfully designed by architect Jorge de Quesada to provide a classically elegant backdrop for today’s active lifestyle. Perfectly positioned on over half an acre with flat lawns and an award winning garden there is unmatched sense of privacy just minutes from the shops and restaurants of downtown Mill Valley. A curved stone staircase leads from the charming entry gate to the private front lawn and on to the grand hand carved front door. A gracious formal entry and wide hall opens out to the main living spaces of the home and out to the view beyond. The Venetian plaster walls and soaring ceilings provide an open airy feeling to the living room and country chef’s kitchen, while three sets of oversized French doors lead onto the Jerusalem Limestone patios and bring in the panoramic views. The chef’s kitchen is the focal point of the warm welcoming great room and features a range-top and double wall ovens, two dishwashers, marble counters and sinks with Waterworks fixtures. The tile backsplash behind the range pays homage to Monet’s Giverny kitchen. A fireplace offers up a cozy sitting area to lounge and watch television or curl up with a book. There is ample space for a farm table for casual dining. In addition to a well-appointed formal living room, the main level of this estate includes an office, stunning library/den with faux tortoise detailing, butler’s pantry, powder room, and a wonderful indoor/outdoor flow allowing the spectacular setting to envelop every space. A wide staircase leads up to the four main bedrooms of home. There is a spacious master suite complete with private balcony and French doors showcasing the views. The suite features his and her baths complete with walk – in closets, and steam showers. In hers there is a sumptuous soaking tub positioned to make the most of the view. Two additional bedrooms share a bath while the third is en-suite. The laundry room features a second set of stairs leading back to the butler’s pantry, garage and outdoor areas. The lowest level of the home includes a legal second unit complete with kitchen, spacious walk in closet, private entry and patio area. In addition to interior access to the second unit there is a spacious exercise room, the potential for a poolside kitchenette, second laundry room, and secure storage area primed to become a state of the art tasting room/wine cellar. From the main level the spacious entertaining patio leads you out to the magnificent grounds and pool area. Designed by Steve Stucky, the gardens were featured on the 2007 Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club tour. A level lawn leads to the focal point of the grounds; the iconic “Crags Head” outcropping favored by hikers as far back as the 19th century. The perfect place to stop for lunch and take in the spectacular view. The Century old Sonoma Olive trees and lavender plantings add a Mediterranean touch to the two lawn areas that also include an antique fountain, and a charming custom Barbara Butler playhouse. Inspired by Provence and built to exacting standards this charming villa provides an elegant yet welcoming environment designed to meet the needs of today’s active lifestyle while staying true to its Continental roots creating a warm and inviting space ready to call home.

This multi level wood deck makes the perfect transition from indoor to outdoor living. The different levels allow plenty of space for various functions. The deck allows room for dining and entertaining for large parties, as well as gives enough space for grilling. The deck features pressure treated pine decking, Archadeck’s signature Lifestyle Rails, as well as black aluminum pickets for a more modern look. This wood deck was custom designed and built by Lemont, IL deck builder, Archadeck of Chicagoland.

This multi level wood deck makes the perfect transition from indoor to outdoor living. The different levels allow plenty of space for various functions. The deck allows room for dining and entertaining for large parties, as well as gives enough space for grilling. The deck features pressure treated pine decking, Archadeck’s signature Lifestyle Rails, as well as black aluminum pickets for a more modern look. This wood deck was custom designed and built by Lemont, IL deck builder, Archadeck of Chicagoland.

This multi level wood deck makes the perfect transition from indoor to outdoor living. The different levels allow plenty of space for various functions. The deck allows room for dining and entertaining for large parties, as well as gives enough space for grilling. The deck features pressure treated pine decking, Archadeck’s signature Lifestyle Rails, as well as black aluminum pickets for a more modern look. This wood deck was custom designed and built by Lemont, IL deck builder, Archadeck of Chicagoland.