Backyard Renovation Part 1: The Deck
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When we started planning our backyard renovation, we knew we wanted to create an outdoor space that felt like a true extension of our home. The first project on our list was the deck, and it ended up completely changing the way we use this part of the backyard.
We barely used this side of the yard before. The gravel looked charming in theory, but it was a lot to keep up with, always seemed to look messy, and with kids and Pisco running around, keeping it looking good was almost impossible.
A deck had been on our wishlist for years, and this year it finally became a reality. Since then, we've been using this little extension of our home constantly, from dinners outside to movie nights under the stars.
For the design, we wanted something that felt timeless and elevated, but also practical enough for everyday family life. We love a good DIY project, but this was one of those projects where we knew it was better to let the experts do their thing. We worked through the design and details ourselves, then brought in professionals to make it all happen.
And those little details are what make this deck feel so special and so us.
Why We Chose Batu Wood
Choosing the right decking material was one of the biggest decisions we had to make. We knew we wanted the warmth and character of real wood, but we also wanted something durable enough to last for years without requiring constant maintenance.
We ultimately chose Batu wood, a tropical hardwood known for being incredibly sturdy, durable, and long-lasting. We loved the natural warmth and variation of the wood, and it felt like the right fit for the overall look we wanted for our backyard.
We did consider composite decking, especially because of its low-maintenance qualities, but ultimately decided that the beauty and character of natural wood were more important to us. We wanted the deck to feel warm and organic rather than too manufactured, and Batu gave us that look while still being a practical choice for an outdoor space.
Another big factor was longevity. We wanted to invest in a deck that would hold up to everyday family life, the weather, kids, and a very active dog. Batu is naturally durable and requires relatively low maintenance compared with many other types of wood, making it a great option for us.
And honestly, we just love the way it looks. The natural variation in the boards gives the deck warmth and character, making it feel much more intentional than a basic outdoor platform.
The wood started with a warm reddish-brown tone, but we held off sealing it so the sun could gently bleach and lighten the color over time. After a few months of light and weather doing their work, it settled into a beautiful, even mid-brown -softened, lived-in, and perfectly in tune with the rest of the house. Now that it’s reached that sweet spot, we’ll seal it to lock in the hue and protect the finish while keeping that natural, sun-kissed character.
The deck right after install. String lights
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Designing the Deck Around Our Tree
One of our favorite parts of the backyard is the huge, beautiful tree that was already here. We knew from the beginning that we didn’t want the deck to compete with it, or, even worse, remove it to make room for the new design. So, we designed the deck around the tree.
Rather than creating a curve around it, we went with a more geometric shape. Figuring out all of the angles was a bit of a headache, but it was so worth it in the end.
It might seem like a small detail, but it completely changed the layout. Rather than treating the tree as an obstacle, we made it part of the design, and the result feels much more organic and connected to the rest of the backyard.
We love that the tree now feels like a natural focal point within the deck rather than something simply sitting beside it.
The Picture Frame Deck Design
For the overall layout, we chose a picture frame deck design.
In simple terms, a picture frame border means the decking boards around the perimeter run in a different direction from the boards in the main section of the deck. This creates a defined border around the entire space, almost like a frame around a picture.
It's a subtle detail, but it makes such a difference. Instead of having one large expanse of boards all running in the same direction, the border gives the deck a finished, architectural look. It also helps visually define the edges and makes the entire deck feel more custom.
We also played with the direction of the boards throughout the design. Having some boards change direction adds another layer of visual interest without making the deck feel overly complicated.
The Little Details That Make It Feel Custom
One thing we learned during the design process is that sometimes the smallest details have the biggest impact. For example, we added a small detail to the steps by using one shorter board in the center. It’s subtle enough that you might not notice it right away, but once you see it, it gives the steps a more intentional, finished look. These are the kinds of details that can take a deck from simply feeling built to feeling like it was designed specifically for your home.
We wanted the space to feel considered from every angle. The direction of the boards, the picture frame border, the way the deck wraps around the tree, and even the details on the stairs were all part of making the design feel more personal.
Lastly, our contractor suggested using wood dowels to cover the screw holes throughout the deck. It was such a small detail—and an added expense—but I’m so glad we decided to do it. The finished surface looks so much cleaner and more seamless, and it’s one of those little things that I think made a big difference in the end.
We used wood dowels to cover the screw holes for a seamless look
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A Deck That Changed How We Use Our Backyard
The biggest surprise has been just how much this deck has changed the way we use our backyard.
What was once an area we mostly ignored is now one of our favorite places to spend time. We've had dinners outside, gathered with friends and family, and even had movie nights under the stars.
And while the deck itself is technically just one part of our larger backyard renovation, it already feels like we've added another room to our house.
There are still plenty of details we want to add. Just like the inside of our home, we know this space will take time to come together. We don't want to rush it just for the sake of finishing. The best spaces are usually the ones that evolve over time.
And we're definitely not done yet.
We're currently working on our outdoor kitchen and patio, which will be the next parts of our backyard renovation. We can't wait to share those spaces next!
When we started planning our backyard renovation, we knew we wanted to create an outdoor space that felt like a true extension of our home. The first project on our list was the deck, and it ended up completely changing the way we use this part of the backyard.