Every year, the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) hosts its National+ Deck Competition — a showcase of some of the most impressive deck projects from across North America, alongside entries from the UK and even Australia. The deck builders and deck designers who submit are pushing limits in design, craftsmanship, and creativity, so when we walked away from the 2024 NADRA Summit with not one, but four awards… yeah, we were pretty excited.

But more than that, we’re proud. Because these awards aren’t just about flashy photos or big budgets. They’re about smart design, precise craftsmanship, and creating outdoor spaces that truly reflect the people who live in them. And with categories spanning a wide range of price points, the NADRA awards recognize quality and creativity at every level.

We’re highlighting our four projects that brought home awards this year — from a richly detailed wood deck to a few standout PVC builds that pushed design and construction to another level. Each one reflects a different approach, but they all share the same foundation: thoughtful planning, precision work, and a serious commitment to quality.

1st Place – Alternative Deck Over $250K

Complete Outdoor Transformation with a Luxury-First Approach

Some projects are about upgrading a space. This one was about creating a world of its own. What began as a blank stretch of lawn is now an immersive outdoor environment layered with custom hardscaping, tiered planting beds, water features, and one of the most visually striking PVC decks we’ve ever built.

The deck itself is the heart of the design — anchored by a circular fire lounge and framed by bold, curved staircases that descend into a resort-style patio and pool area. Every tier of the space has a purpose, whether it’s entertaining at the wraparound kitchen, relaxing under the louvered pergola, or slipping into the hidden, climate-controlled cabana beneath the main structure. By building into the slope, we were able to give each section its own identity while maintaining a seamless connection throughout.

At night, the entire backyard comes alive. Integrated lighting traces the architecture from top to bottom, giving the project the same presence after dark as it has during the day. It’s a full lifestyle experience, built to handle anything from quiet evenings to full-blown celebrations — and it’s no surprise this one took top honors.

1st Place – Wood Deck Over $50K

Crafted Curves and Quiet Drama in a Wooded Hillside

Some properties make you work for it — and this one, with its steep slope and dense tree cover, gave us a serious challenge right from the start. But once we leaned into the terrain instead of fighting it, the vision came together: a warm, elegant wood deck that feels like a natural extension of the home and its landscape.

The deck was designed to echo the home’s architectural details, with soft curves that mirror arched windows and doorways. Rather than forcing straight lines where they didn’t belong, we let the shape of the space guide us — down to the curved picture-frame border that wraps the deck and the custom-built helical stairs that float effortlessly down the hillside. Each piece was cut, bent, and placed with intention, and the result is as technical as it is beautiful.

From the sunken fire feature that keeps the view unobstructed, to the arched footbridge tucked into the woods below, this build is full of quiet details that reveal themselves slowly. It’s not about flash — it’s about fit, and this one fits exactly where it belongs.

3rd Place – Illumination

Lighting That Elevates the Experience, Not Just the Look

This project is a case study in how lighting can shape not just the appearance of a space, but the way it feels and functions. From the moment you step onto the deck, the illumination draws you in — not with brightness, but with balance. Subtle uplighting softens the stonework and surrounding landscape, while linear step lights and fixture placement along the railings create a rhythm that naturally guides you through each zone of the space.

The lighting plan was built around how the space would actually be used — for evening dinners, casual hangouts, and nights spent gathered around the fireplace or TV. By layering multiple light sources and dialing in the warmth of each fixture, we were able to highlight the architecture without overpowering it. Every detail, from the glow under the bar to the lighting tucked into the louvered roof, was selected to enhance ambiance, not just visibility.

During the day, the project already stands out with its natural textures, rich wood tones, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. But it’s at night when the space truly comes alive. The lighting doesn’t compete with the design — it completes it, adding depth, mood, and just the right amount of drama. It’s a reminder that thoughtful lighting doesn’t just help people see — it helps them feel.

3rd Place – Alternative Deck Over $250K

Designed for Flow, Built for Real Life

This project began with the kind of blank canvas that’s equal parts exciting and demanding. With a new construction home, a wide-open yard, and a dramatic elevation change between the house and pool, the challenge was to design something that felt integrated — not tacked on. The result: a multi-level PVC deck and patio that connects everything with ease, both visually and physically.

From the start, it was clear the layout had to work harder than most. Multiple rooflines meant custom framing and structural adjustments just to make the covered spaces align, but the effort paid off. The deck now includes a fully screened lounge area and an open-air section with a louvered roof, all tied together with sharp lines, sleek finishes, and zero clutter. Strategic elevation changes let us avoid railing where possible, preserving wide-open views of the backyard and pool.

What makes this build special isn’t just the materials or features — it’s the way it all flows. The transition from indoor to outdoor is smooth and inviting, and every square foot was designed to be used. Whether you're lounging by the pool, grilling at the bar, or relaxing under the pergola, this space adapts to whatever the day calls for. It’s a clean, modern layout — built for comfort, built to last.

Winning at NADRA is always an honor — but for us, these awards are really a reflection of the people behind them: the designers who plan every detail, the builders who bring those ideas to life, and the clients who trust us to reimagine their outdoor spaces. These projects pushed us in different ways, and each one represents a different kind of challenge, a different kind of solution, and a shared commitment to getting it right.

We don’t build with awards in mind. We build for the families who’ll spend their summers here, the couples who’ll unwind by the fire, and the friends who’ll gather under the lights. But when the industry takes notice — especially at this level — it’s a reminder that craftsmanship still matters, and that design and detail make all the difference.

To every homeowner thinking about what’s possible in their own backyard: these projects didn’t start out award-winning — they just started with a conversation. When you’re ready, we’re here.