A backyard deck is often one of the most enjoyed spaces around a home. It’s where families gather on warm evenings, friends come together for weekend barbecues, and homeowners relax after a long day. But like anything exposed to the elements year after year, decks can eventually begin to wear down. Boards may fade, railings can loosen, and the space might not feel as comfortable or functional as it once did.
That’s when a thoughtful redesign and quality craftsmanship can make a big difference. In this project spotlight, we’re highlighting a real outdoor transformation completed by our team at Dupont Decks in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. The goal of this project was to remove an aging deck and replace it with a beautiful, durable composite deck that offers more usable space and modern design features.
Using high-performance materials from AZEK® and TimberTech®, we created a deck that blends durability with style. From the curved front extension to the custom railing details, this project shows how the right design choices can completely transform a backyard.
If you’re a homeowner across the Twin Cities Metro and you’ve been thinking about upgrading your outdoor space, this project is a great example of what’s possible.
At Dupont Decks, we take pride in designing and building custom outdoor living spaces that homeowners can enjoy for years to come. If you’d like to see more examples of the work we’ve completed throughout the Twin Cities Metro , view our project portfolio to explore real deck transformations and outdoor living projects.
The Challenge: Replacing an Aging Deck
Many homeowners reach a point where their deck no longer meets their needs. Traditional wood decks can require constant upkeep such as staining, sealing, and repairs. Over time, weather exposure may cause boards to fade, crack, or warp.
That was the situation with this Lake Elmo home. The existing deck had served the homeowners well for years, but it was starting to show signs of age and wear. The homeowners wanted to improve the space with something that looked better, required less maintenance, and provided more room for relaxing outdoors.
Before starting the project, the homeowners outlined their goals for the new deck. They wanted a space that would be durable, low-maintenance, and visually appealing. They also hoped to create an outdoor area where family and friends could comfortably gather during the warmer months.
Instead of continuing to maintain an older structure, we worked with the homeowner to remove the existing deck and start fresh. . This allowed us to design a new deck that better matched the home and provided a more enjoyable outdoor living area.
Starting from the ground up also gave us the opportunity to include custom features that would make the deck stand out while improving its functionality.
Project Overview: The Lake Elmo Deck Facelift
Every successful deck build begins with a well-planned design. For this Lake Elmo project, we created a deck that balances comfort, durability, and visual appeal.
The finished deck measures 20 feet by 12 feet, providing plenty of room for outdoor seating and gatherings. This size works well for homeowners who want space to relax or entertain without overwhelming the backyard.
One of the most distinctive design elements of this build is the 8-foot wide curved front extension. This arc extends outward from the front of the deck and adds approximately 30 inches of additional depth in that section.
The curved design adds character to the deck and creates additional usable space. Instead of a traditional square layout, the arc gives the deck a custom look that gives it a more custom look in the backyard.
By combining thoughtful planning with quality craftsmanship, we created a deck that enhances both the home and the outdoor living space.
Designing a Functional and Stylish Deck
Good deck design is about more than just building a platform outside a house. It’s about creating a space that feels welcoming and easy to use.
The 20′ × 12′ deck layout provides a balanced amount of space for everyday outdoor activities. Homeowners can easily arrange outdoor furniture, create a dining area, or simply enjoy the open space for relaxing.
The curved front extension also plays an important role in the design. Besides increasing usable space, it adds visual interest and makes the deck feel more custom.
Design features like this help turn a basic deck into a focal point of the backyard. Instead of looking like a simple add-on, the deck becomes a central part of the outdoor living area.
Thoughtful design and skilled construction help ensure that the finished deck is both attractive and practical for daily use.
Premium Decking Materials: AZEK Composite Decking
One of the biggest improvements in this project was the use of AZEK composite decking in the Brownstone color.
Composite decking has become a popular option for homeowners because it offers many advantages over traditional wood. Unlike wood, composite decking resists moisture, insects, and rot, making it a durable choice for outdoor environments.
Another key benefit is reduced maintenance. Wood decks often require regular staining, sealing, and sanding to keep them looking good. Composite decking, however, is designed to maintain its appearance with minimal upkeep.
The Brownstone color used for this project adds a warm, natural look while still delivering the durability of modern composite materials.
By using AZEK decking, we created a deck surface that is both beautiful and long-lasting.
Custom Railing with TimberTech Builder Rail
While decking boards form the main surface of a deck, the railing system is just as important for both safety and design.
For this project, we installed TimberTech Builder Rail posts in Walnut Brown. These posts provide strong structural support while also adding an attractive contrast to the Brownstone decking.
To enhance both appearance and functionality, we added an AZEK deck board along the top of the railing, creating a feature known as a cocktail rail.
A cocktail rail is wider than a traditional railing top, making it ideal for holding drinks, small plates, or decorative items. This simple addition makes the deck more convenient when entertaining guests or relaxing outdoors.
Together, the TimberTech railing and AZEK decking materials create a clean, coordinated look.
Finishing Touches: Cedar Pillar Surrounds
The final details of a project often make the biggest difference in the overall appearance.
For this deck build, we installed cedar pillar surrounds beneath the deck. These pillars measure approximately 10 feet tall and 16 inches wide, giving the structure a stronger and more finished architectural look.
The pillars were painted in complementary walnut and brownstone tones to match the deck materials above. This creates a polished and cohesive appearance for the entire structure.
Details like these help turn a standard deck into a carefully crafted outdoor feature.
The Final Result: A Backyard Transformation
The completed Lake Elmo deck shows how the right design and materials can transform an outdoor space.
What was once an aging deck is now a modern composite outdoor living area that the homeowners can enjoy for many years.
The finished deck includes:
- A spacious 20′ × 12′ composite deck
- A distinctive 8-foot curved front extension
- Durable AZEK composite decking
- Stylish TimberTech Builder Rail posts
- A practical cocktail rail
- Decorative cedar pillar surrounds
Together, these elements create a deck that is both beautiful and functional.
What Homeowners Can Learn from This Project
This deck project highlights how replacing an outdated deck can dramatically improve a backyard.
Homeowners considering a new deck can take away several ideas from this project.
First, starting fresh with a new design allows for improved layout and functionality. A well-planned deck can provide more usable space for relaxing and entertaining.
Second, choosing high-quality materials like TimberTech and AZEK along with other high-quality composite materials, help reduce maintenance while maintaining long-lasting beauty.
Finally, custom design features such as curved extensions, cocktail rails, and decorative pillars can transform a simple deck into a unique outdoor living space.
Projects like this help homeowners visualize what’s possible for their own backyard when thoughtful design and quality materials come together.
Conclusion
The Lake Elmo deck facelift is a great example of how the right design, materials, and craftsmanship can transform a backyard. By replacing an aging structure with durable composite decking, adding a curved extension, and incorporating custom railing and pillar details, we created a deck that is both stylish and practical.
For homeowners throughout the Twin Cities Metro, projects like this show how a well-designed deck can turn an ordinary backyard into a comfortable outdoor retreat.
At Dupont Decks, we bring more than 20 years of construction experience to every project we complete. As a family-operated company, we take pride in the quality and care behind every deck we build. Our motto, “Our Work is Our Word,” reflects our commitment to craftsmanship, attention to detail, and customer satisfaction.
If you’re exploring ideas for your own outdoor living space, seeing real projects can be one of the best ways to get inspired. View our project portfolio to discover more deck builds, renovations, and outdoor living transformations completed by our team throughout the Twin Cities Metro.
