“It's hard to believe this is the same backyard.” That’s how Dan and Sarah, the DIY duo behind Joinery & Design Co., sum up their lakeside deck transformation, and the before-and-after photos back them up. The original deck was showing its age. The layout was an awkward mix of levels, one section had rotted through, and a large gazebo sat squarely between the house and the water. So, the Minnesota-based design team tore everything out, rethought the space from scratch, and rebuilt it from the ground up.
Designing for the view
The first big decision was what to remove. Taking out the old gazebo opened up a lake view that deck-users never got to enjoy, and every choice after that was made to protect it. The couple consolidated the choppy levels into one continuous surface and roughly doubled the usable space, then widened the steps so the deck flows into the yard on every side.
The railing carried the same thinking. Deckorators Contemporary Cable Rail in Textured Black keeps sightlines completely open, so the lake stays in view from every seat on the deck while the rail finish ties back to the exterior for a cohesive look.
Warm boards, dramatic backdrop
For the decking, Dan and Sarah chose Deckorators® Vista decking in Dunewood. The warm, wood-toned composite boards set the whole palette for the project, offering hardwood character without the upkeep. Vista’s enhanced traction surface design was a practical bonus, adding slip resistance for a deck where wet feet are part of life on the lake.
The boards do even more work against the home’s new exterior. The couple traded the original mint green siding for Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black, and the contrast is striking. The dark siding makes the decking feel warmer, while recessed stair lighting and coordinating dark fascia pull the whole look together.
An extension of the home
The rebuilt deck now works as a series of outdoor rooms. A cozy sectional anchors the corner closest to the water, lounge chairs create a shaded sitting area along the side of the house, and the wide steps make it easy to spill out into the yard. “The deck feels like an extension of the house and truly feels like outdoor living,” Dan and Sarah shared.
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Ready to reimagine your own outdoor space? Explore Vista decking and Contemporary Cable Rail.
