Location: Austin, TX
Project Type: Outdoor Living Remodel
Timeline: Design – 7 Months
Build – 3 Months
Budget: $88,000
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
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
- 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
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.
- 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
