Is your deck actually usable, or is it just taking up space?
I walk into a lot of backyards in Decatur and Buckhead, and I see the same thing over and over again: a standard 10×10 square tacked onto the back of the house. Sure, it technically counts as a “deck,” but let’s be honest, you hardly ever use it. It’s too small for a real dining table, the flow is awkward, and it feels more like a wooden cage than an outdoor retreat.
When I design a landscape, I believe the deck needs to be an extension of your living room, not an afterthought. If it doesn’t function well, you won’t use it. It’s that simple.
A Case Study: The Decatur Transformation
We just wrapped up a renovation in Decatur that perfectly illustrates this issue. When I first met these clients, they had a deck that was structurally okay, but functionally useless. It was narrow and disconnected from the rest of the yard.
The homeowners told me, “We want to host dinners outside, but we just… don’t.”
Looking at the “Before” pictures, I knew exactly why. It was so cramped that if someone was at the grill, no one else could get past them. It was underused because it was uncomfortable.
The “After” Solution
For the new design, I didn’t just replace the boards; I reimagined the footprint. We pushed the deck out to create distinct “zones”, a dedicated dining area near the kitchen door and a separate lounging space for deep seating. By increasing the size and fixing the traffic flow, the deck now offers real functionality. It’s finally a destination, not just a pass-through.
The Material Debate: Why I Chose What I Chose
Design is half the battle; the materials are the other half. When we started this project, we had a serious conversation about the options, because there are a lot of misconceptions out there.
Why Not Composite (e.g., Trex)?
A lot of people ask me about composite decking. It’s marketed as the “forever” solution because it’s durable. But here is the reality of living in the South: plastic gets hot. Really hot.
In the middle of an Atlanta July, composite boards can burn your bare feet and be uncomfortable for your pets. I want you to be able to walk on your deck without shoes on.
Why Not Brazilian Hardwoods?
Then there is the high-end exotic wood route, species like Ipe or Cumaru. They are incredibly hard and look beautiful, but I have a hard time recommending them.
Beyond the massive price tag, many of these expensive Brazilian woods are simply not sustainable. Harvesting them often damages sensitive rainforest ecosystems, and as someone who works with nature for a living, that’s a trade-off I’m rarely willing to make.
The Winner: Premium Pine (Done Right)
For this Decatur project, I went with a solution that balances sustainability, comfort, and durability.
1. Premium Deck Boards
I sourced premium pressure-treated pine that is graded much higher than what you find at the big-box stores. I specifically look for boards with very few knots. Why does that matter to you? Knots are weak points where cracks start and water gets in. Fewer knots mean a smoother look, less cupping, and a longer life for your investment.
2. The Secret Weapon: Deck Tape
This is a detail a lot of contractors skip to save a few bucks, but I insist on it. Before we laid down the new boards, we applied joist tape to the top of every beam and joist.
Think of this as a shield. When water eventually seeps through the deck boards, it usually sits on the wood framing underneath, causing rot. This tape acts as a waterproof cap, sealing the timber. It can literally extend the half-life of your deck’s structure, meaning you won’t be calling me for repairs in five years.
3. The Importance of Staining
In Georgia, the sun damages wood just as fast as the rain does. We finished this project with a high-quality stain. I always tell my clients: do not skip this step. Staining protects the wood fibers from UV radiation and keeps the boards from turning that sad, splintery gray.
Let’s Get Your Weekend Back
If you live in Brookhaven, Buckhead, or anywhere in the Atlanta area and you’re tired of looking at a deck you never use, let’s talk. I don’t just build decks; I design outdoor experiences that actually fit your life.
