Creative Deck Design Helps Transform Small Outdoor Space in Oklahoma
A small backyard doesn’t have to mean sacrificing design or functionality. JDC Decks in Oklahoma proved that in superb fashion for a recent project in Tulsa, where creativity and ingenuity helped solve the challenge of an extremely compact space penned in by an existing retaining wall.
When JDC Decks owner Josh Dankert first started on the project, the 540-square-foot backyard was fairly barren, with only a small stoop and nary a blade of grass. The rear retaining wall is only a few feet from the patio door, leaving a narrow stretch of ground along the back of the house within which to install a deck, interrupted midway by two HVAC units and ending in a concrete slab with a hot tub.
Rather than a long expanse of deck boards covering the length of the space, Dankert designed the decking in a herringbone pattern and then segmented it into sections with double-board picture framing. The main body of the deck features Envision Outdoor Living Products’ Ridge Premium capped composite decking in Black Walnut, with the perimeter boards in a lighter Vintage Oak. The contrast adds visual interest and elevates the design while helping to define different elevations of the deck and make it feel larger overall.
Before installing the deck, Dankert brought in a landscape architect to make sure the surface was graded and flowed properly. He placed heavy-duty ground fabric underneath along with gravel in some problem areas to ensure proper drainage and ventilation.
Getting the framing right took more planning than usual to ensure proper joist spacing and board placement within the tight footprint, Dankert recalls, noting that the joists needed to be closer than a traditionally sized deck. In addition, the team had to work around the existing retaining wall, scrolling cuts to fit into the gaps and screwing the deck board edges into the blocks.
Further enhancing the space both visually and functionally is a custom-made cedar pergola and decorative archways over the hot tub, which Dankert hand-carved and stained black to look like hand-hewn cedar. He used the same technique for a cedar enclosure to hide the HVAC units and a matching cabinet for an electrical box.
The cedar accents coordinate expertly with the Envision composite decking, which offers a signature non-repeating grain and softly blended colors for the authentic look of wood.
Dankert has been installing Envision decking for about seven years. “I like the density of Envision. I like that it’s really hard to scratch, so it lasts longer and is easier to clean,” he says. “It’s also easy to work with. I’ve worked with a lot of other products, but I’ve always preferred Envision.”
