Composite Decking in the Blue Mountains: Two-Level Deck Transformation

When these homeowners first contacted Simcoe Decks, their vision was simple: a small platform for a hot tub and a safer way to step outside. They had two beautiful patio doors at the back of the house, but nowhere to actually go. What started as a modest access solution quickly evolved into a flagship example of composite decking in the Blue Mountains, showing just how far a thoughtfully designed deck can transform the way a home is lived in.

From that first conversation to the final walkthrough, the project grew in both size and ambition. As ideas developed and possibilities opened up, the scope expanded into a two-level composite deck with an enclosed room, frameless glass railings, integrated lighting, and heating. Today, this backyard isn’t just more usable - it functions as a four-season retreat, and as a benchmark for what homeowners can achieve.

Project Overview

Set in the West Ridge neighbourhood, this property had all the ingredients for great outdoor living, but none of the infrastructure to support it. The clients are very social, love entertaining friends and family, and knew their backyard could be so much more. Their initial request was straightforward: design a deck that could support a hot tub and finally connect the house to the yard.

As we explored layouts and options, their vision naturally expanded. If we were already framing for a hot tub, could we also create dedicated seating? If we were solving the access issue, could we turn the rear elevation into a focal point instead of a flat back wall? Step by step, the concept evolved into a two-level structure that would serve as the heart of the home’s outdoor life and a showcase of composite decking in the Blue Mountains.

At a glance, the finished project included:

• A two-level composite deck on helical piles with Fortress Evolution steel framing

• Deckorators Voyage Costa decking with Dark Slate vertical accents

• Frameless glass railings

• An enclosed upper room with motorized guillotine windows

• In-lite lighting and integrated heating

The Problem: Two Patio Doors, Zero Usable Space

Before work began, the main challenge was surprisingly basic: there was no functional way to step outside. The homeowners had two patio doors at the back of the home, but no deck, no landing, and no stairs. The threshold from inside to outside was a hard stop. For people who love to host, that meant every gathering was confined to the interior, and the yard was more of a view than a lived-in space.

They dreamed of a place where they could sink into a hot tub after a long day, gather friends around a table, and move easily between the kitchen and the outdoors. But the existing layout simply didn’t allow for it. The first design we proposed addressed those basics: a practical deck with enough room for the hot tub and a comfortable transition into the yard. Once they saw that first concept, however, they started to imagine what would happen if they took things a little further - a pattern we see often with our services.

The more we refined the design, the clearer it became that a modest platform would only partially solve the problem. To truly match the way this family lived, the deck needed to be more than functional; it needed to be a destination.

Challenges: Zoning, Structure, and a Heavy Winter

As the project footprint expanded, it pushed beyond standard zoning setbacks. To deliver the layout the homeowners now envisioned, a minor variance was required. That meant detailed drawings, coordination with the municipality, and a bit of patience while approvals were reviewed. Rather than scaling the design back, the clients chose to pursue the variance so they could build the space they actually wanted - something we frequently help with on projects featuring composite decking in the Blue Mountains.

Beyond the paperwork, the site itself posed practical and structural challenges. The Blue Mountains climate brings significant snow loads, freeze–thaw cycles, and changing ground conditions. The deck would need to support not only regular use, but also the weight of an enclosed room, frameless glass railings, a hot tub, and integrated heating. Drainage, load transfer, and long-term stability all demanded careful engineering.

Timing added a final layer of complexity. As a large-scale build that started late in the season, the project ran straight through the winter of 2025 - one of the heaviest snowfall years in recent memory. Working through that winter meant constant snow clearing, protecting materials from ice and moisture, and adapting to shorter, colder workdays. It was a demanding schedule, but a necessary one to deliver a finished outdoor space ready for spring - the kind of commitment often required for premium composite decking in the Blue Mountains.

Our Solution: A Two-Level Deck Built for Four Seasons

To address the structural demands of the site, we began at the ground level with helical piles. These deep foundation elements provide reliable support, resist frost heave, and are exceptionally well-suited to larger decks and sloped or variable soils. On top of the piles, we used Fortress Evolution steel framing, chosen for its strength, durability, and long-term performance. 

For the walking surface, the homeowners selected Deckorators Voyage decking in the colour Costa, a warm, coastal-inspired colour that pairs beautifully with the home’s exterior and natural surroundings. Vertical accents in Dark Slate were included to add contrast, which helped to define lines and edges without overwhelming the design. The result is a modern, high-end look that still feels welcoming - a style that fits perfectly with what many homeowners seek when they look into high-end composite decking in the Blue Mountains.

One of the standout features of this project is the enclosed lower-level room. To make it flexible across seasons, we installed motorized guillotine windows that can be fully opened, partially lowered, or completely closed with the touch of a button. In warmer months, the room opens to the breeze; in cooler weather, it closes up to retain heat and shield against wind. Paired with an integrated heater, this space becomes usable in nearly every month of the year, turning the deck into a true four-season extension of the home and demonstrating the full potential of composite decking in the Blue Mountains.

Safety and sightlines were equally important. Frameless glass railings were chosen to provide required guarding while preserving unobstructed views from the enclosed room and open deck areas. The glass allows the eye to travel across the deck and out into the yard, making the entire space feel larger and more connected.

Lighting and comfort features complete the design. In-lite fixtures are integrated into key areas to softly illuminate stairs, transitions, and gathering zones after dark. The guillotine windows offer flexible sun and wind control, allowing the homeowners to fine-tune their comfort throughout the day. Together, these elements elevate the deck from a simple structure to a fully realized outdoor living environment - exactly the kind of outcome people hope for when they invest in premium composite decking in the Blue Mountains.

The Results: An Outdoor Space Reimagined

The finished deck has completely transformed how these West Ridge homeowners use their property. Where there was once a hard stop at two patio doors, there is now a seamless flow from interior to exterior. The two-level configuration creates natural zones for different activities: the hot tub and lower deck form a relaxed retreat at yard level, while the enclosed upper room and adjacent open areas serve as the main entertaining hub.

Functionally, the deck solves every one of the original frustrations. The family now has a safe, intuitive way to step outside, host gatherings, and enjoy their yard in all seasons. The enclosed room has become a favourite spot for morning coffee in the shoulder seasons and cozy evenings in winter, while the open deck shines during summer barbecues and long weekend get-togethers. For anyone considering composite decking in the Blue Mountains, this project offers a clear picture of how thoughtful design can turn an underused yard into the most loved “room” of the house. If you’re starting to plan a similar project, our Buyer’s Guide is a great place to begin, helping you understand materials, budget ranges, and key decisions before you dive into design.

Visually, the impact is just as strong. The Costa decking and Dark Slate accents complement the architecture of the home, while the frameless glass and clean steel framing lines give the structure a refined, contemporary profile. At night, the in-lite system adds depth and warmth, highlighting textures and edges without overwhelming the space. It’s the kind of finished look that feels intentional from every angle, and it sets a high bar.

From an investment perspective, the approximate $400K+ budget reflects more than just square footage. It includes high-performance materials, steel framing, engineered foundations, a complex multi-level layout, glazing, motorization, heating, lighting, and the planning required to secure a minor variance. It’s a comprehensive outdoor living environment built to serve the homeowners for decades, with far less maintenance than a traditional wood structure would require in the same setting.

The clients’ enthusiasm at the final walkthrough said it all. What started as a simple idea for a hot tub deck has become their favourite place to spend time, whether they are unwinding quietly or filling the space with guests. If you’re thinking about your own project and wondering what might be possible on your property, we would be happy to explore your options with you. Whether your vision starts small or you’re already dreaming big, this West Ridge transformation proves that with the right design, materials, and team, custom composite decking in the Blue Mountains can deliver far more than just a place to step outside.