All Decked Out
The North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) recognizes and promotes excellence in the outdoor living & decking industry. Each year the organization celebrates and honors outstanding successes in the industry. The NADRA deck competition is open to professionals across North America and beyond, offering a platform to showcase innovative designs and craftsmanship. The competition features multiple categories, and winners gain industry recognition, marketing opportunities, and networking benefits.
The 1st place award in NADRA's 2023 Wood Decks Under $25k competition went to Brendan Casey of Casey Fence & Deck for this striking Adamstown, Maryland deck remodel.
Casey's client had an old, dilapidated wooden deck that badly needed a makeover. The homeowner was adamant that her deck be made of tropical hardwood rather than a composite product and, after considering several options, she chose Ipe.
Casey's team designed a herringbone basketweave board pattern cut square at the ends that used shorter board lengths. This made the project more budget-friendly for the client while also showcasing a beautiful design. "By positioning the boards to radiate outward in two directions, it draws the eye away from the center of deck giving the illusion of a larger deck. It's a tried-and-true design strategy," explained Casey.
The curved front of the deck was not part of the original plan but was incorporated to soften the edges and open the view to the cascading garden area beneath the deck. The contoured steel railing contrasts with the dark decking without obstructing the view. Black round aluminum balusters further opened the view and 6×6 rail post sleeves added a nice complement, as did the Ipe cocktail rail.
Because the house was not originally designed with a deck tied into the structure to support a deck, the team constructed a beam underneath using Uc4b treated framing lumber, sourced from Fence and Deck Direct in Baltimore (now Decks & Docks). The Ipe decking, hardware and wax were all supplied by Advantage Lumber.
Frequently asked questions
What wood species was used for the Adamstown, Maryland deck remodel?+
The homeowner chose Ipe, a tropical hardwood, after rejecting composite options for her deck makeover.
What board pattern did Casey Fence & Deck use on the award-winning Ipe deck?+
The team designed a herringbone basketweave board pattern cut square at the ends, using shorter board lengths to keep the project budget-friendly while showcasing a striking design.
How does a herringbone basketweave pattern make a deck look larger?+
By positioning the boards to radiate outward in two directions, the pattern draws the eye away from the center of the deck, creating the illusion of a larger space.
Why was a curved front added to the Casey Fence & Deck project?+
The curved front was not part of the original plan but was incorporated to soften the edges of the deck and open up the view to the cascading garden area beneath it.
Who supplied the Ipe decking and materials for the NADRA award-winning deck?+
The Ipe decking, hardware, and wax were supplied by Advantage Lumber, while the Uc4b treated framing lumber was sourced from Fence and Deck Direct in Baltimore (now Decks & Docks).
What railing design was used to preserve the view on the Ipe deck?+
A contoured steel railing was used to contrast with the dark decking without obstructing the view, along with black round aluminum balusters, 6x6 rail post sleeves, and an Ipe cocktail rail.