This St. Jacobs project was a full surface refurbishment of an existing deck, focused on upgrading material quality and introducing refined detailing without altering the overall footprint.

The structure remained intact, while the entire walking surface was rebuilt in cedar. The design introduces a custom inlay feature and a reworked stair assembly, giving the deck a stronger architectural presence while staying within its original form.

The existing deck was structurally serviceable but visually dated and lacking definition. The objective was to elevate the space through material upgrade and detail work—without expanding or reconfiguring the layout.

Rather than a simple replacement, the goal was to introduce intentional design elements that give the deck a sense of structure, rhythm, and focus.

The approach was to keep the main deck field clean and consistent, allowing specific elements to carry the visual weight.

A custom inlay was introduced as a central feature, using angled board layout and a defined border to create contrast and direction. This adds movement to the surface while remaining contained and controlled.

The stair assembly was refined to feel integrated into the deck rather than appended to it. Proportions were tightened, corners were cleaned up, and the overall form was treated as part of the deck composition.

The result is subtle, but deliberate.

The deck was fully re-skinned in cedar, selected for its durability and natural finish.

Key elements include:

• Cedar decking throughout
• Custom inlay panel with angled board layout and framed perimeter
• Integrated stair assembly with clean mitred corners
• Refined edge detailing for continuity across the surface

Material selection and board layout were carefully controlled to maintain consistency while allowing the natural variation of cedar to come through.

The finished deck maintains its original footprint but presents as a significantly upgraded space.

The inlay introduces a focal point without overpowering the design, while the stair assembly provides a cleaner, more grounded transition. The cedar surface brings warmth and cohesion across the entire build.

What was once a straightforward deck now reads as a considered, architectural element of the backyard.