Meeting the Clients’ Expectations
Erick and Bethany came to us hoping for a larger, more comfortable deck and a screened porch they could enjoy even on sweltering days. They wanted a seamless indoor–outdoor connection, space for grilling, and a polished look without sacrificing the character of their home. After walking them through design options, engineering needs, and finish selections, the final result delivered on every request—and more. The couple can now use their porch daily, even in peak summer heat, and the new space feels like a natural extension of their home.
Enhanced Functionality
Year-round usability: The screened porch with a flat roof and Velux skylights provides shade, ventilation, and natural light, transforming an unusable deck into a true outdoor living room.
Better flow: The porch floor now aligns perfectly with the home’s interior, eliminating awkward steps and making entertaining easier.
Smarter grilling setup: We split the stairs into two sections with an open platform for the grill, improving safety and convenience.
Open space below: By engineering a structure without center posts, we preserved a fully usable area under the deck for storage or future use.
Enhanced Style
Premium materials: Trex Transcend decking and railings offer low-maintenance beauty and a contemporary look.
Custom finishes: Spruce tongue-and-groove ceilings in a natural finish, wrapped PVC trim, and Invisaview screens create a polished, high-end aesthetic.
Lighting with personality: Instead of standard recessed fixtures, we installed a cove with a programmable Hue color-gradient light strip—adding a playful, modern touch that’s still elegant.
Thoughtful proportions: Choosing a flat roof preserved the trio of upper-level windows and gave the porch an extra 1.5 feet of ceiling height for a more open, airy feel.
Challenges & Limitations Overcome
Roof design conflict: The clients initially wanted a gabled roof, but the existing windows made that impractical without costly modifications. We adapted with a flat roof that not only maintained their windows but also enhanced the space’s height and openness.
Structural engineering: To avoid center posts under the deck and ensure stability for the tall structure, we worked closely with an engineer. One continuous post from foundation to ceiling on each corner and built-in rigidity replaced bulky angle brackets—delivering strength and a cleaner look.
Precision craftsmanship: Wrapping the porch in PVC trim was a multi-week process that required meticulous fitting and finishing to achieve a seamless appearance.
Superior Craftsmanship Displayed
Every detail reflects Merrick’s standards:
- Exacting installation of PVC trim for a smooth, custom-built finish.
- Perfectly aligned tongue-and-groove ceiling boards for a warm, inviting overhead surface.
- Hidden structural reinforcements that maximize strength without compromising aesthetics.
- Careful integration of skylights and screening for unobstructed views and light.
The Result
The once-scorching, step-down deck is now a breezy, stylish retreat where Erick and Bethany can relax, entertain, and grill comfortably. By addressing engineering challenges, respecting the home’s architecture, and elevating every finish, Merrick Design and Build not only met but exceeded expectations—turning a functional upgrade into a showcase of thoughtful design and superior craftsmanship.
