Category: Decks, Arbors and Pergolas

Mostly Carpentry Projects

From Windy to Wonderful: Transforming an Alberta Backyard with a Modern Deck

A modern deck showcases unfinished wooden beams forming a pergola frame, a planter box bursting with flowers, stairs leading up, and a closed patio umbrella—an inviting Alberta backyard transformation with nearby houses and grassy yard in the background.

Claire and Renald both have large families and busy jobs in Calgary. They love hosting gatherings for relatives and a wide circle of friends, but their windy backyard made it difficult to relax and socialize outdoors. They wanted a versatile, sheltered space that could comfortably accommodate everyone—whether for holiday get-togethers or casual weekend barbecues.

Turning a Rotting Deck into an Entertaining Hub

A lush backyard features a patio with black outdoor dining furniture and chairs, creating an inviting entertaining hub shaded by a large tree. The tree is surrounded by a landscaped garden bed with small green plants and ornamental grass.

Ray and Heather’s existing wooden deck had seen better days. The rotting boards were a safety concern, and the layout couldn’t accommodate a dining table with enough chairs for hosting friends and family. They wanted a more functional, inviting space—one that would let them comfortably gather outdoors and enjoy their yard.

Creating a Private Retreat for Sheila: How a Timber Arbor Helped Screen a Challenging View

This image shows a cozy outdoor seating area underneath a wooden timber arbor in a small garden. The arbor features sturdy beams with a rustic design, blending naturally into the garden's aesthetic. Two wicker chairs, one with a cushioned footrest, are arranged near a weathered wooden fence. The fence is adorned with a climbing plant that creates lush greenery and partial privacy. A sunflower and various other plants add vibrant color and a natural, inviting feel to the scene. The paved stone patio contrasts with the soft foliage, creating a comfortable, tranquil space for relaxation.

Sheila, an elderly homeowner, cherished her peaceful backyard but was facing a problem: her beloved apple tree, which once provided privacy from an abandoned neighboring house, had died. With no viable option to plant new trees due to the shade from a large cherry tree, Sheila needed a solution that would provide instant screening and privacy for her back patio.

Replacing Rotten Deck Stairs with Custom Features to Boost Value for John G

Close-up of a custom sliding door with a stained-glass window, part of under-deck storage. Ferns and greenery grow next to the door, softening the surrounding rock and wood elements.

John G and his wife were looking to improve the curb appeal and functionality of their property in preparation for selling. An old wooden staircase connecting a patio to an upper deck had rotted and was unsafe; while the under-deck storage was practical, it needed refinement, with just a tarp covering the entrance. Additionally, a small, unstable wooden step outside the sliding glass door was a safety concern and detracted from the property’s overall appeal. John wanted the property to make a strong first impression on potential buyers and needed a solution that would enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of these spaces.