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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 and backyard would come together. I like to design outdoor spaces as distinct zones with an overall vision so each area can be tackled one at a time as budget and time allow, while still maintaining a coherent plan for the whole yard.
For our side and backyard, I envisioned a sequence of outdoor areas that would be accessible from the side patio right outside our recently remodeled kitchen.
Exiting the Dutch door on this side of the house brings you to the side patio (below, still in progress at the time). From there you can walk down the stairs on the left and pass through the double gate we installed a couple of years ago and recently painted.
In progress
The long-term plan was to connect this side area to a main gathering spot on a low deck in the backyard, with a dining table and seating. The new deck would act as a focal point, linking to other outdoor spaces and pathways that would lead to garden areas and a fire pit.
Initially I thought we’d pause at the double gates and save the deck for a future season, but as we were planning the railing for the side patio steps, Lowe’s and Trex reached out about partnering on a deck and railing project.
The opportunity to build the deck sooner was perfect. We coordinated the new deck railings with the black Trex railings we chose for our existing steps so everything would tie together.
Back of the house, before the deck
(catch up with the exterior projects and see the house before it was painted white)
How do you begin planning and designing a deck?
This Trex deck project went smoothly. It was convenient to visit our local Lowe’s to see materials and get help. Lowe’s can also coordinate a contractor to install the deck, which saves time and simplifies the process.
Wood decks and railings take a beating in our rainy climate and need frequent upkeep. That’s why I planned to use Trex composite decking and railings — they’re low maintenance and built to last. Composite materials have improved a lot over the past decades, making them a smart long-term choice.
Although I started the project with a general idea of size, shape and materials, choices became easier with the resources available at Lowe’s and on its website. Product information, samples and planning tools helped refine the details and set expectations for the finished space.
You can explore product options, order samples, plan the project, download planning booklets, estimate costs and find DIY tips through Lowe’s resources. Viewing deck-and-rail pairings and samples makes it simpler to finalize colors and styles.
Selecting materials for your deck
After researching online, we visited our local Lowe’s to review in-store displays and special-order options. Seeing the materials in person made it easier to choose the right deck boards and railings.
For a cohesive look, we extended the interior color palette and style through to the outdoor areas to create a strong indoor-outdoor connection. It’s also helpful to consider the home’s surroundings and any exterior features you want to harmonize with the deck design.
You can take inspiration from interior rooms and nearby landscaping to guide material and color choices so the new deck feels like a natural extension of your home.
We created a design board to visualize the overall look and ensure each element would support the final aesthetic. Consider how furniture, lighting and surrounding elements will contribute to the atmosphere when choosing materials and finishes.
Mixing and matching colors, decking styles and furnishings lets you create a personalized look that suits your home. Visiting Lowe’s and browsing ideas online or via Pinterest can help you build a mood board and finalize selections.
I’ll share more about our design choices and progress in upcoming posts, including before-and-during photos.
Consult with a PSE at Lowe’s – Project Specialist Exterior
One free service I found especially helpful was scheduling a Lowe’s Project Specialist Exterior (PSE) to visit our home. Appointments can be made in-store, online or by text, which is very convenient.
When our specialist visited, he confirmed we could leave the original concrete patio in place and frame the new deck over it, which simplified the installation. The specialist measured the space, confirmed our plan, and suggested helpful design ideas like adding post-cap lighting and installing deck boards in patterns to enhance visual interest.
Having an expert evaluate the project provided confidence and practical options we hadn’t considered.
I can’t wait to share the finished results and show how the outdoor spaces came together.
Stay tuned for more project details, installation photos and the big reveal!
Decking and railing in this project were provided by Trex. Installation and furnishings provided by Lowe’s.