Epic Deck in the Trees
This project was over a year in the making. Our client had just purchased a unique home with a rotten, poorly built, roof-top deck. It was an odd deck for certain, not an after-thought, but not well planned (at least not made to last), and definitely in a unique location on top of a 3+…
Challenges of Three Spaces Build
The Three Spaces build was a more challenging build than it was supposed to be. First, we couldn’t move the large boulders with our machinery and second, the city would not allow us to pin to the boulders. This left us two options: rent bigger equipment or move the location of the foundation. We ended…
Three Spaces (Entry Porch, Deck, and Concrete Patio)
This project created three spaces: The entry area with well-lit steps that come on every evening. There is handrail for the steps but no guardrails on the side. This was a choice to keep it open and accessible. The main deck which has integrated lighting controlled by remote, as well as two gates to keep…
On Silvering and Stains: Ipe
The above image is of fairly fresh ipe (EE-PAY). It had shipped from the mill a few weeks prior and the photo was taken just after a passing rain shower. Now compare that to aged ipe: Decks are in high exposure environments. Sun, rain, wind… the elements beat down on decks. This is why most…
A Simple Patio Project
This paver project transformed an unused space into an intimate backyard nook for outdoor dining and barbecuing. We built the patio and the steps as well as the handrail. When the owners first called they were interested in a deck quote. However, I often start a project asking for a photo. When they texted me…
Engaging Stairs: Ipe Deck
The owners wanted a deck that created a comfortable flow from their home to their yard. We focused on openness in the design, only using railing on one side to keep the deck fully engaged with the yard. Since the deck height was less than a couple feet from the ground, the railing served more…
Ipe Deck with a Forest View
This hardwood deck is made up of ipe boards in varying applications to give it a sleek look. The ipe deck is a clean rectangle with horizontal railing slats that allow enough space to view the forest behind. Just beyond the forest are little creeks, small bridges, and an old tree house, making the deck…
Garapa Decks Over The Salt Marsh
This garapa deck takes full advantage of the lovely views. We opened up the kitchen to an inviting outdoor deck space overlooking the salt marsh. Although the deck’s size is modest (perfectly fitting the home and backyard), there were some large obstacles to completing this project, even before we started the construction*. There were moments…
Ipe Deck: Winter Build
Seasons in New Hampshire pose a challenge for outdoor builders like us, but by planning projects well we don’t have to stop construction. For this ipe deck we installed footings in the fall just before the ground froze. With the footings in place and the materials on site, we were able to return a few…