The Renovation Story

We received a call from a couple that were interested in having us build a ground level composite deck. A few days later, we met with them on their original builder grade pressure treated deck. It had been built at the same time as the house and was showing signs of wear. Firstly, they were tired of the yearly upkeep involved and were interested in swapping to maintenance free composite boards for their ground level deck. Secondly, the clients were looking to create a  large enough deck to enjoy dinners on during the summer. Home builder decks are often small and as a result can be awkward to use comfortably.  While standing on theirs it became apparent that a table and barbecue would not fit the current deck size.

The ground level deck needed to be larger.

We designed a ground level composite deck to allow the clients to walk out of their kitchen directly onto the deck. The depth was extended to comfortably fit a table and chairs with a barbecue. A ground level deck offers privacy, allowing the clients to be below the fence line from their neighbours. However, since the deck was not completely on the ground it offered some storage below if needed. The new deck size was created for a versatile outdoor living space while not taking up too much of the yard space. 

Composite deck boards, or natural materials?

Low maintenance was very important to the clients so the decision to use a composite decking material was easy. Fiberon is a high-performance, eco-friendly wood alternative that offers the warmth and appeal of natural wood materials. Unlike cedar or pressure treated spruce decking though, composite boards are maintenance free. The client was able to chose from a wide range of colours and finishes to suit their style and budget. After they made their selection, we installed the Fiberon composite deck boards in conjunction with TigerClaw hidden fasteners for a high-end clean look. Last but not least, we installed a crisp looking white railing from Regal Ideas which matches the homes window casings and ties the ground level composite deck and house design all together. 

With more and more people being home during the pandemic, the deck has been well used and enjoyed daily, creating a comfortable and private outdoor living space. Click here for another example of a beautiful composite deck!

We arrived to an existing treated ground level deck in Cochrane that had seen a good life but was ready to be replaced. The homeowner had visions of a large space because she often throws get togethers for her friends, and really likes to take advantage of our warm summer days to relax outside. She liked the look and feel of wood so we went with a pressure treated deck.

We had a blank canvas after demolishing the old deck and decided to make a new layout. The need for a staircase by the detached garage was eliminated by extending the depth of the deck . 24 feet later the pressure treated deck ended where it met up with the upward slope and garage.

A deck that is less than two feet off grade is considered a ground level deck, and as a result a railing is not required. However the homeowner thought that the added safety would be well worth it. Once we finished the construction she was quick to decorate it Canadian style. This homeowner was very happy with her new ground level deck at the end of the day!

Are you interested in a deck with less maintenance? Click here to see an example of a composite deck.

The Renovation Story

There is something comforting about the smell of a freshly built cedar deck. This cedar two storey deck renovation features a custom cedar railing with black metal spindles, a closed singer staircase with riser boards and hidden fasteners throughout.

We arrived to a deck in Calgary that was past its prime and needed a full overhaul. Overall, our clients loved their backyard and wanted to make the most of it during the summer months. They needed an inviting deck where they could relax and entertain their guests. We didn’t stray far from the original size but we definitely added our FCC twist and attention to detail.

A two storey cedar deck renovation requires planning

The previous deck was nice and tall, providing enough headroom for a ground level deck below. Unfortunately, the original deck had a staircase that descended down in front of the lower deck. Sadly, it cut off the view of the beautiful and colourful garden. As a result the clients rarely used the lower level. We thought a set of stairs on the side of the deck would be much more aesthetically pleasing. Clearly it would open up the lower deck to their great backyard!

The cedar deck was a welcome renovation

The old deck was demolished then we started over with pressure treated structural elements and cedar as the finishing material. We used some special touches like Camo hidden fasteners to enable the smooth cedar decking to take center stage. We fabricated cedar plugs on site to hide the screw heads in the mitered railing corners. Black Ozco hardware was used to dress up the cedar cladded beam which matched nicely with the black rail spindles.

The clients have since hung string lights underneath the joists of the top deck which creates a cozy atmosphere for the lower area. What a great multi level space to enjoy during the summer to entertain friends and family! If you like what you see but want to dress up your deck a little more, then click here for an example of a pergola on a deck.

The Renovation Story

We were called to an existing deck in Cochrane that was getting to the point of being unsafe and would have to be completely removed. Since we were needing to start from scratch, the client wanted to have an outdoor space that had different areas. The client envisioned a multilevel composite deck and cedar pergola, complete with an outdoor kitchen, a lounging area, and a place to eat dinner on warm summer nights.

Building the Composite Deck

Demo was quick since the existing wood deck had seen better days. The new composite deck was to have two levels and extend further into the yard, requiring additional beams and foundation elements. After the support was in place we built the framework to carry the weight of the multilevel deck. The cedar pergola columns were then installed while the deck joists were still exposed so they could be sufficiently anchored.

Next was to install the Fiberon composite deck boards, made even cleaner looking with TigerClaw hidden fasteners. The client asked for two planter boxes to be covered with the same composite material so it would match with their outdoor kitchen area, so we built those at the same time as the stairs (which have integrated lighting for night time use).

Details of the Cedar Pergola and Outdoor Kitchen

To finish off the cedar pergola, we chose to install the pergola joists at an angle so they would shield as much sun as possible while still appearing light and airy. The last step in this deck project was to make a custom concrete countertop with backsplash and top cap to go beside the built in natural gas barbecue. We chose a medium grey pigment.

It’s always nice when a client calls you back to do another project for them. There is no higher compliment than repeat work!

Click here to see another pergola design.

The Concept

If you live on a serene acreage property like this one in Bearspaw, how could you not have a barbecue every week? Our client does; even when it’s snowing outside! This entertainment area was previously on ground level, with a wooden staircase leading to the barbecue and dining area. This wasn’t ideal because they had to go up and down the stairs, which get icy and slippery in winter. Our client wanted to be able to have a bigger, safer, and more comfortable space to entertain.

The property is surrounded by a breathtaking view of pine trees that go on for acres. Our client loves this view and would like to be able to enjoy it more from a height. We can achieve this by building a raised deck with a glass railing.

The client wanted to use low-maintenance materials with a design that complements the design of the house. So, we recommended a durable, grey composite deck with a black railing around the glass panes that match their black roof.

What’s great about this raised deck, is it allows the client to use the base of the deck for storage! The Final Cut Creations Team loves these creative solutions. With FCC, our clients not only can uplift their home design and safety but also make their homes more functional.

The Build

This transformational project took a mere 3 weeks, with the first 2 days removing the old staircase and glass panes. We also broke up some of the concrete patio, so it wouldn’t extend past the new footprint of the deck.

We began building the raised deck by cutting holes to insert the screw piles for the posts and the beams. Then we installed the joists and ledgers in line with the beams to maximize headroom for the storage under the deck. We continued by building the staircase and installing joist protection on the joists for extra protection from standing water. This is actually not a code requirement, but we love to go that extra mile for our clients. The next step was to install the composite deck boards with the glass railings.

The Finishing Touches

To achieve that sleek polished look, we installed the composite deck boards with TigerClaw hidden fasteners. We used pressure-treated spruce as a base for the walls around the exterior of the deck. This was then covered with painted cedar that matches the siding of the house for a streamlined look.

When we installed the black aluminum railing with glass inserts, we also included a picket-style gate. This is meant for the family dogs so that they can enjoy the deck and outdoor air safely. We finished the project by installing a set of double doors for the storage space under the deck.

We think this is one of the simplest, yet most functional and transformational projects we have done to date. The choice of the composite deck with glass railings truly raised this property’s barbecue area!

To see another composite deck with a glass railing, complete with multiple zones and a pergola, click here.

The Vision

Living on a higher ground is amazing because it can make you feel uplifted. However, it can
often come with its own challenges such as steep slopes that we need to work around. Our
client’s property is located in a beautiful hilly neighborhood. The challenge is the top of the
slope heads towards only one side of the back of the house. An uneven surface makes it
tricky and less functional to be used as an entertaining space. Our client loves gardening
and they wanted to have natural stones to plant little flowers and shrubs in between them.
They envisioned a lush natural backyard with a stone retaining wall and steps, complete
with a ground level deck. Final Cut Creations came in to help them transform their natural
garden wonderland vision into reality in just 2.5 weeks.

Building the Natural Stone Retaining Wall and the Ground Level Deck

We came straight in to start the build by reshaping the dirt on the steep slope using a skid
steer. After we were all happy with the new shape, we started setting the boulders to create
the stone retaining wall. We had to be careful here as we had to place the stones
according to the angle of the slope. We stacked the boulders on top of each other to create
the wall and the connecting steps. We installed these stone steps to ease access from the
deck to the upper barbecue area. After the stone retaining wall was in place, we were then
ready to start our work on the deck.

We started placing the ledger and beams, followed by the joists and deck boards – all made
of pressure treated spruce. This choice of wood really complements the natural rocks and
lush garden look that our client was aiming for. The wooden deck started out from the back
door of the house, all the way to the stone retaining wall. We then tailor-cut the edges of
the deck to fit exactly around the contours of the stone retaining wall. Our client was really
thrilled with this because it makes the stone retaining wall and wooden deck fit together
seamlessly.

The Magic Touches

Our client wanted the ground level deck to have a natural and organic look, instead of rigid
and rectangular. So, we added a long sweeping curve with a step that flows naturally
towards the lower grounds of the backyard.

After completing the stone retaining wall and deck, our client brought the garden to life
with their gardening talents. They planted lush plants and flowers around the rocks and
added a rock waterfall towards the barbecue area. We love partnering with our clients,
especially when they have a strong vision such as this. We enjoy bringing their ideas to life
which can then be further enhanced by their own personal lifestyle touches.

To see another version of a ground level deck, click here.

The Renovation Story

A lot of us may have taken up gardening as we have been spending more time at home. Like our client here in Calgary, wouldn’t it be amazing to share the wonderful vegetable and flower garden view with passersby? When we hear “Hog Wire Fence”, we often think of a wire-style fence that may well serve its purpose. However, they may not be particularly sturdy or have a high visual appeal. We are proud to say that this hog wire fence ticks all the desired boxes for our client.

The Vision

Our client envisioned a mesh garden fence that does not only act as a physical barrier. They wanted a fence that can allow their neighbors and joggers to enjoy the view of this beautiful garden that our client has nurtured in their backyard.  The elegant country-style design of this utility panel fence would surely spark warm conversations with the neighbors!

Building the Strong Cedar Hog Wire Fence

Our client had a 5-foot high, overgrown hedge with some sections covered with an old fence that we removed in 1 day. As the root of the hedge was quite extensive, we used a bobcat to make sure everything was completely pulled out and would prevent any grow-backs. For the main fence posts, we used sturdy 6×6 posts made of rough cedar, and smaller dimensions for the rails and fence boards. For the wire part of the garden fence itself, we used galvanized hog wire mesh panels. What made these panels special is that they were custom powder coated black which fosters the strong, yet elegant country look that we are going for.

Finishing the Fence

For the final touches, we installed chunky 6×6 cedar gate arbors complete with premium quality gate hardware. This installation is highly practical as it allows the client to open the gate one-handed from either side of the gate. This is perfect for when they are welcoming neighbors who would like to come in and visit their beautiful garden.

The Renovation Story

As homeowners, we may have found ourselves in a patio/backyard rut – where we started by
putting a couch here, then maybe a few plants there and called it a day. You don’t need to have a
large backyard to be able to create a well-functioning entertainment area. This time, our client came
to us to look for a creative solution to an overused, but underdeveloped backyard. Our client loves
entertaining and barbequing long into the precious summer nights. This calls perfectly for a large
lounge area, with a strong cedar deck and pergola, complete with a barbecue kitchen and trellis. We
went with a cosy rustic look, which we get from the raw cedar and the concrete kitchen countertop.

Building the Cedar Deck and Pergola as well as the Glorious Cook’s Kitchen

This whole makeover only took 3 short weeks. We started by demolishing the old deck, which only
took a couple of days. We then augured holes into the ground for the concrete piles that form the
foundation, followed by installing the structure. These include the posts, beams, ledgers, and joists
–all made of pressure treated spruce. We also installed new sliding patio doors that open to the
seating area. Another important part was the skirting to block the view and critters from going under
the deck. After the cedar deck boards were installed, we erected the cedar pergola, and finished off
with the cook’s stainless steel gas barbecue station.

It’s All in The Details

To create an intimate ambience, we installed cedar trellis as privacy screens on both sides of the
fence. We placed one by the seating area, and another one by the outdoor kitchen. Guests would
want to stay longer with the warm lighting we integrated into the cedar beams. What also
completed the look are the shrubberies and the antique style lanterns that embellished the cedar
deck and pergola.

Now all we need are just the smell of barbecued steaks and some nice music to accompany the
laughter….

Click here to see another example of a ground level deck.

The Renovation Story

Now, this is a transformation piece that could well be The Talk of The Town! We are so grateful and proud to be invited by our Client and be a part of this phenomenal project in Calgary. The location and landscape of our Client’s residence make the perfect setting for the bold structural design of this timber frame gazebo and deck. Our Client worked with a structural engineer to design this oversized space with bold natural elements that complement the surrounding.

The Design – Strong as Stone, Warm as Wood

This renovation allows them to have a large space for entertaining from a secluded corner of their house and enjoy the view of the forest. It features a slanted timber frame gazebo complete with a large wood-fired pizza oven, a porcelain tile deck with plenty of seating area, and an outdoor cook station made of custom precast concrete. Talk about natural yet stylish living in the forest!

The Timber Frame Build Process

The grand transformation of this timber frame gazebo and deck took a total time of 3 months, which we must say is well worth the time considering what a significant facelift it gave to the property. As the deck was designed by a structural engineer, we worked with him to make sure we follow all the important structural details that support the deck and gazebo structure. After the demolition process, we started by installing the deck boards to form a strong supportive base. We returned to this later to finish the surface off with stone-textured porcelain tiles.

For the gazebo, we used lots of scaffolds and lifts to set the heavy timbers in place. The slanted roof of the gazebo is exposed tongue and groove cedar which was all stained prior to installation. We then continued by framing the walls to prepare for the placement of the engineered stone for the niche walls and the specialized pizza oven. The interior of the gazebo itself featured a beautiful chandelier style overhead lighting, as well as mesh on the window openings to minimize insects. All the visible wood is pre-stained cedar to match the house siding.

After completing major works on the gazebo and walls, we continued on to the barbecue cook station that was made on-site out of pre-cast concrete. How posh is that! When the concrete was cured, we then polished it with a special grinder to get that smooth finish.

The Rainy Race to the Finish Line

We finally could return to the timber frame gazebo and deck again and finished the transformation off by laying the sleek concrete-looking tiles. The porcelain tiles float above the decking with self-leveling pedestals. This ensures that water does not become trapped in between the tile and the material below. The porcelain tile is not an inexpensive option as far as decking material, but it is very low maintenance and definitely has a unique look when it comes to decks. A very rainy spring made it challenging to keep the project on track. Because the client had a particularly important event planned with the use of the deck. However, the Final Cut Creations team successfully pulled out all the stops to finish on time.

Click here to see another unique outdoor space!