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NARI Award Winning Project

From Unused Deck to Inviting Outdoor Room

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Location: Austin, TX

Project Type: Outdoor Living Remodel

Timeline: Design – 7 Months
Build – 3 Months


Budget: $88,000

Kitchen renovation
Bathroom renovation
Whole Home renovation
Living Room renovation
Outdoor Living
Outdoor Kitchen
Decks
Exterior Painting
Interior Painting

The Vision

“We wanted a comfortable place that would feel like an outdoor room.”

The homeowners loved being outside, but their existing deck made it nearly impossible to enjoy. It was small, exposed, and felt disconnected from the rest of the home. Their dream was a covered, comfortable deck that looked original to the house—something they could use every day, in any weather, for both quiet mornings and gatherings with friends.

The Challenge

What began as a small, weathered deck and a metal gazebo that trapped heat under the Texas sun was far from inviting.

Existing Conditions:

  • Three unprotected steps to the ground created a safety risk
  • Awkward layout crowded the dining room’s bay window
  • Roofless design offered no shade or rain protection
  • Weathered materials clashed with the home’s exterior
  • Cramped footprint limited furniture and usability

“The old deck never felt safe or comfortable. The metal gazebo we had was unbearable in summer—it was like sitting under a radiator.”

– Matt

What They Asked For

The family wanted a kitchen that reflected their lifestyle—open, bright, and built for connection.

Homeowner Goals:

  • A deck that felt like an architectural extension of the house
  • Shade and protection from the Texas heat
  • Better flow from the interior to the backyard
  • A safer, more inviting space for entertaining
  • Materials that stay cool to the touch and require minimal upkeep

“We’re planning to stay in this house. We’re not trying to do something cheap—we want to do it right.”

– Matt

The Design & Build Process

The project began with a full teardown of the old deck and gazebo, clearing the way for a new 25’×14’ two-tone composite deck and a roof designed to integrate perfectly with the home’s existing architecture.

Design Solutions:

  • Enlarged and shifted the deck for better layout and bay window clearance
  • Lowered the deck for an easier step down to the lawn
  • Added a full-coverage roof that ties into existing soffits, fascia, siding, and shingles
  • Integrated solar tube skylights for natural light and dual ceiling fans for airflow
  • Installed secure, custom-fabricated Texas hog-wire steel railings
  • Used Deckorators Voyage mineral-based composite decking—cool, grippy, and long-lasting

“We’re planning to stay in this house. We’re not trying to do something cheap—we want to do it right.”

– Matt

Craftsmanship Highlights:
  • Mono-truss roof structure designed to blend seamlessly with existing framing
  • Cedar beams and posts engineered for strength and visual warmth
  • Modified bay window soffit to transition cleanly into the new patio cover
  • Tongue-and-groove pine ceiling for a classic Texas porch feel
  • Ground prep and drainage base to ensure long-term durability
  • Powder-coated steel railings for a clean, modern finish
Every component—from hidden fasteners to welded railings—was built with precision, creating a structure that looks and feels original to the home.

The Transformation

What began as an underused backyard corner is now the family’s favorite retreat. The covered deck created a bright, shaded space that remains comfortable year-round. Natural light filters through skylights during the day, while ceiling fans maintain airflow on warm evenings.

The new, lower deck height makes stepping into the yard effortless, and the roof structure ties seamlessly into the home’s existing lines, giving the impression that it was always there.

Now, the family enjoys:
  • Morning coffee and biscuits on the deck
  • Evening drinks and music under the fans
  • A comfortable, protected space for daily living and entertaining

“We use the deck almost every day now. Having a covered area that allows comfortable furniture is fantastic.”

– Matt

Project Impact

2025 NARI Austin RotY Award – Residential Exterior $50,000 – $100,000
This award-winning project demonstrates how thoughtful design and craftsmanship can transform a simple backyard renovation into a seamless architectural extension of the home.
 
By respecting the home’s proportions, integrating structure and aesthetics, and prioritizing long-term performance, this transformation delivered far more than a new deck. It became a timeless outdoor living space that enhances the family’s lifestyle every day.
 
“They handled every challenge with the goal of building something beautiful. It looks like it’s always been part of the house.”
 
This project received a NARI Austin Remodeler of the Year (RotY) Award, a peer-reviewed recognition honoring exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and execution. Judged by experienced remodeling professionals outside the project team, the RotY distinction reflects work held to a higher standard of quality, performance, and professionalism.
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