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This deck project is in partnership with Trex and Lowe’s
For the past couple of years I’ve been planning how our side yard and backyard would come together. I prefer to design outdoor spaces in distinct zones so each area can be completed on its own timeline while still fitting into the overall vision. That approach helps when budgeting or scheduling work, and it keeps the final outcome cohesive.
My plan for the side and backyard was to create a series of connected outdoor rooms that are accessible from the side patio just outside our recently remodeled kitchen.
When you step out the Dutch door on this side of the house, you arrive on the side patio. From there you can descend the stairs to the left and pass through the double gate we installed a couple of years ago (we recently painted it; you’ll see that in upcoming posts).
In progress
The long-term idea was to link this side area to a main gathering spot on a low backyard deck where we’d have a dining table and seating. That deck would become the focal point, tying together pathways to future garden beds and a fire pit area.
Originally, I thought we’d pause the outdoor work at the double gates and save the deck for a later season. Then Lowe’s and Trex contacted me about partnering on a deck and railing project, which accelerated the timeline in the best possible way.
Installing the new deck sooner allowed us to coordinate the railings on our side patio steps with the same black Trex railings chosen for the deck. Everything finally started to come together.
Back of the house, before the deck
(catch up with the exterior projects and see the house before it was painted white)
Where and how do you begin designing a new deck?
This Trex deck project was refreshingly straightforward. Lowe’s stocks materials and provides guidance, and you can also hire a contractor through Lowe’s for installation, which saves both time and hassle. For our climate—where wood decking and railings suffer from frequent rain and require ongoing maintenance—Trex composite decking was the clear choice. Composite materials are low-maintenance and have improved significantly over the past decades.
I began with a general vision for size, shape and materials. Any lingering questions were answered by the resources available at Lowe’s and on their website. Reading product details, exploring design ideas and ordering samples helped finalize my decisions.
While starting a project, it’s useful to browse deck and railing combinations, request samples, plan the layout, download planning guides, estimate costs and review DIY tips if you plan to build yourself. These resources make it easier to picture the finished space and avoid surprises.
Selecting materials for your deck
After researching options online, we visited our local Lowe’s to see displays and to review in-stock and special-order materials. Seeing samples and displays in person helped us choose finishes that flow with the interior of our home and complement the surrounding landscape.
To create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, we continued the interior color palette and style on the exterior. It’s also important to consider how the deck will relate to visible exterior features and the yard, so the whole property feels unified.
You can create a design board to visualize the project and keep the elements consistent. Think about furniture, lighting and surrounding plantings—they all contribute to the final look. Mixing deck colors, materials and furnishings allows you to craft a unique aesthetic tailored to your home and taste.
We used a design board to shape a cohesive plan for how everything would come together. Each choice—from deck boards to railings and furnishings—supports the overall atmosphere, so deliberate selections make a big difference.
I’ll share more about our design choices, before photos and in-process shots in future posts.
Consult with a PSE at Lowe’s — Project Specialist Exterior
One free service I found invaluable was scheduling a Project Specialist Exterior (PSE) from Lowe’s to visit our home. Appointments can be booked in store, online or by text, which makes the process convenient.
Our specialist confirmed that we could leave the original concrete patio in place and frame the deck over it, which simplified installation. He measured the area, validated our plan and suggested options we hadn’t considered—like post cap lighting and creative board layouts for visual interest.
Having an expert review the plan provided peace of mind and helped refine the final design.
I’m excited to show the completed project and how the outdoor spaces all connect.
Stay tuned for more details, the deck installation and the big reveal!
Decking and railing in this project were provided by Trex. Installation and furnishings were provided by Lowe’s.