At Cascade Fence & Deck, every project has its own personality. Sometimes it’s about maximizing a small space, sometimes it’s about upgrading materials. And sometimes, like with this coastal project, it’s about working with the environment — not against it.
This wasn’t our first deck on the Oregon coast, but it was one of the more unique ones. The homeowner, Michael, had just bought a vacation property with an incredible view, but the deck was in bad shape.
“The nails rusted off. A lot of the fasteners were corroded and gone,” said Leif, who helped lead the design. “The current deck wasn’t even safe anymore.”
A Deck That Could Handle the Elements
Right away, we knew this deck needed more than touchup— it needed a complete rebuild with coastal conditions in mind.
“Everything had to be stainless steel,” explained Josh, the foreman. “Every washer, every nail, every hanger — nothing could be galvanized, or it would just rot out the wood.”
Salt air is tough on materials, and Michael’s old deck had paid the price. We made sure to spec corrosion-resistant components throughout — even if that meant spending more upfront.
“The hangers were like twice as much,” Josh added. “But it’s the only way to do it right.”
Designing for Wind, Rain, and Relaxation
The property had a two-level setup, which opened the door to something special. Instead of just rebuilding what was there, we worked with Michael to reimagine the whole experience.
“At first, he just wanted to redo the lower deck,” Leif said. “But once we started talking, it turned into — ‘what if we made the upper deck a roof too?’ That way, the bottom could be a dry space.”
That idea took shape quickly. The final design included:
An upper deck with a fire pit and bench seating
A fully enclosed lower deck with salvaged glass panels for wind protection
A zip-up waterproof ceiling with built-in lighting
Stainless steel fixtures throughout for long-term durability
“Doing the glass railing was one of the funnest parts,” said Josh. “It’s not something I’ve done much, but it turned out awesome.”
Building at the Beach: Planning Pays Off
This wasn’t exactly around the corner. Located a couple hours from our home base, the site meant we had to plan every detail in advance.
“You’re not just swinging by the shop if you forget something,” Jason, the PM, explained. “We had to plan every week like a mini project — what materials we need, what we’re doing each day, what will fit in the truck.”
Our crew stayed on-site for the build, saving time and preventing long drives back and forth from Portland to the coast. When permitting complications came up — like drainage requirements for the waterproof ceiling system — we worked directly with city inspectors to resolve them without delaying the project.
“They wanted the downspout tied into an approved drainage system,” Jason said. “We had to walk them through the options and ended up getting it signed off. It saved a lot of extra work.”
A Space Worth the Extra Effort
Once complete, the space felt more like an outdoor living room than a typical deck. Between the heaters, lighting, wind protection, and new layout, it became a place the family could enjoy in any season.
“We wanted to create an experience,” Leif said. “A space where they could relax, host guests, or just take in the view without worrying about the weather.”
For Michael and his family, this wasn’t just a construction project. It was about creating a space that would last for years — one they could share with family and friends, rain or shine.
Thinking About a Coastal Deck?
If you’re planning to build on the coast — or even just in a high-wind or damp environment in the Pacific Northwest — here’s what we’ve learned:
Use stainless steel hardware. It’s more expensive, but it lasts.
Think about wind protection and drainage early in the design.
Be ready to plan ahead — materials and inspections can take longer.
Design for real use — not just how it looks, but how it functions all year.
If you’ve got a beach house or a coastal property that needs a fresh start, we’d love to help. Whether it’s a complete rebuild or a smart upgrade, we’ll make sure your deck is ready for whatever the coast throws at it.
