The goal was to refresh the existing deck and improve how the space functions day-to-day.

Early on, it became clear the original footprint was too limited for how the homeowners wanted to use the space. The objective shifted toward creating a larger, more usable deck that could properly accommodate seating, cooking, and movement without feeling cramped.

We started by assessing the existing structure and determining what could be reused versus what needed to be rebuilt. As the scope expanded, the design pivoted toward a full deck extension, maintaining clean transitions from the house while opening up the usable area.

The new layout was built out using pressure-treated framing for longevity, paired with cedar decking for a higher-end finish. We also incorporated custom privacy screens to address sightlines from neighbouring properties without closing the space in.

Care was taken to keep everything cohesive—step geometry, deck height, and transitions all tie back into the house cleanly, so the addition feels intentional rather than added on.

• Expanded deck footprint (grew well beyond original scope)
• Cedar decking throughout
• Pressure-treated structural framing
• Custom-built privacy screens with decorative panels
• Tiered step system for clean access to yard
• Integrated layout for seating, BBQ, and circulation
• Balanced mix of openness and privacy

What started as a basic refresh turned into a complete upgrade of the backyard space. The larger footprint makes the deck far more usable, while the cedar finish and privacy screens elevate the overall look.

It’s a good example of how a project can evolve once the real opportunity is identified—rather than just updating what was there, the space was reworked into something that actually fits how it’s used.