Custom Deck Design & Construction in Merrick, NY
Built for Nassau County cold snaps, summer humidity, and the kind of laid-back outdoor living Merrick is known for.
Picture a quiet morning with coffee out back, feet up, and the sunlight rolling across the yard. That’s what a well-planned deck does for a home in Merrick-it turns “outside space” into part of your daily routine. We design decks that match the look and scale of local Capes, Colonials, and High Ranches, so the project feels like it always belonged there. Whether you’re in North Merrick, South Merrick, or tucked into Merrick Woods, we build with materials that stay beautiful, clean easily, and hold up to real Long Island weather. Homeowners find us through word of mouth and ratings like 5.0 on Google and 94% on Facebook, but what keeps people happy is how smooth we make the process. In some cases, permits may be required, and we help guide the process with the Town of Hempstead Department of Buildings-so you’re not stuck guessing, chasing forms, or stressing inspection day.
- Licensed & insured in Nassau County
- Over 39 years of deck-building experience
- Fast permitting guidance through One Washington Street, Hempstead, NY 11550
- Certified Trex Platinum & TimberTech Pro Installers
Transforming Outdoor Living for Merrick Homeowners
A great deck changes how your whole house feels. Suddenly, dinner can happen outside on a warm night. Kids have a safe place to play while you’re close by. Friends actually linger-because the lighting is soft, the railings feel solid, and the layout makes sense. We design that “easy flow” on purpose, especially for Merrick’s Capes, Colonials, and High Ranches where a back door, kitchen, or side entry may sit at a different height than the yard. The goal is simple: step outside and feel like everything is where it should be.
Life in Merrick moves between errands and escape. You might be cruising Merrick Road one minute and hopping onto the Meadowbrook State Parkway the next-so when you’re home, your backyard should feel like a staycation, not another to-do list. That’s why we focus on smart materials, clean details, and low-maintenance surfaces that don’t demand constant work.
And yes-timing matters. Most decks are completed in just 1-2 days. That means less disruption, fewer days with a crew in your driveway, and a faster path to enjoying the space. Most projects are completed in 1-2 days.
Natural Wood Decking Choices
There’s nothing quite like real wood under your feet. It’s warm, it has character, and it fits beautifully with traditional Long Island exteriors. In Merrick, many homeowners choose cedar for its lighter look and comfortable feel, mahogany for a richer, high-end appearance, or pressure-treated lumber when they want a strong deck at a more budget-friendly price.
Wood can be the right choice when you love a classic look, you want the option to stain a custom color, or you’re matching an older home where wood simply looks “right.” It’s also a great solution for certain steps, garden borders, or details where a natural finish feels more authentic.
That said, we’re always straight with you about upkeep. Nassau County humidity, salty air pockets, and everyday life (grills, planters, muddy shoes) mean wood needs regular care. Depending on sun exposure, you may be cleaning and sealing on a schedule to keep it looking its best. If you want the charm of wood and you’re okay with maintenance, we’ll build it right and make sure the structure is designed to last.
Trex, TimberTech & PVC Decking Options
If your goal is to spend more time enjoying the deck and less time maintaining it, composite and PVC decking are hard to beat. These boards are made to resist the everyday issues that beat up traditional lumber-splintering, frequent staining, and color fading from constant sun. For many Merrick homeowners, the biggest win is simple: a quick wash keeps it looking clean, and the surface stays comfortable and consistent season after season.
Trex is a popular choice because it offers several “levels” depending on your style and budget. Trex Enhance is a strong value for homeowners who want a clean look with easy care. Trex Select steps up the color options and overall feel. Trex Transcend and Trex Signature are for people who want a more premium finish and long-term confidence. Trex fade-and-stain coverage varies by line (for example: 50 years on Signature/Transcend, 35 years on Select, and 25 years on Enhance Naturals/Basic), which is helpful when you’re comparing options for a sunny backyard.
TimberTech is another excellent option, known for beautiful color blending and a wide range of design styles. Their fade-and-stain coverage commonly ranges from 25 to 50 years depending on the product line, which gives homeowners added peace of mind when choosing lighter colors or full-sun layouts.
Some homeowners prefer PVC because it’s extremely resistant to moisture and can be a great fit near pools, hot tubs, or shaded areas that stay damp longer. If you still love the tradition of natural wood, we build plenty of those too-we’ll help you compare both paths without pressure.
Why We Use KDAT Lumber for the Substructure
KDAT stands for kiln-dried lumber, and it’s one of those “behind the scenes” upgrades that makes a real difference. Our KDAT framing is kiln-dried and pre-stained brown, which helps it stay more stable and look cleaner than typical framing. That matters on any deck, but it’s a huge advantage on second-story decks where the framing is visible from below-especially when you’re looking out from a patio or walking the yard and you don’t want to see a patchwork of raw, weathered wood.
KDAT lumber is designed to reduce twisting and movement as it dries, so the frame stays straighter over time. And it looks finished from day one. Decks Unique is the only decking company on Long Island offering this, and it comes backed by a limited lifetime transferable warranty.
Choosing the Right Decking Materials
Picking decking is part style, part budget, and part “how do we really live out here?” Trex Enhance, Select, Transcend, and Signature each have their own look and long-term warranty ranges, and TimberTech has multiple lines that can lean modern, traditional, or coastal depending on color and grain style. If you want the lowest upkeep, composite and PVC are usually the simplest answer. If you want true warmth and classic charm, wood may be the better fit-as long as you’re comfortable maintaining it.
We also talk about what you don’t see: framing. Our KDAT substructure outperforms standard framing in stability and appearance, especially on elevated builds. We’ll guide you through samples, layout options, and real-world pros and cons so you can choose confidently.
Custom Features for Comfort, Style & Safety
The right features turn a basic platform into a space you’ll use every day. Want a clean, modern edge? Cable railings keep views open and make the deck feel bigger. Prefer something classic and low-fuss? Vinyl railings stay bright and tidy with simple cleaning. For entertaining, a cocktail-style top rail is a game-changer-set down a drink, serve snacks, and let people gather naturally without crowding the table.
Lighting is another big upgrade in Merrick, especially when you want to enjoy the yard after sunset. LED stair risers help everyone see each step clearly, while post-cap lights and soft ambient accents create that calm “evening glow” for dinners, birthdays, and quiet nights outside.
Because Merrick is Flat Coastal, shade planning matters. A well-placed pergola, partial roof cover, or retractable awning can make the deck usable on hot afternoons and protect furniture from constant sun. We design these details so the deck feels comfortable, safe, and finished-without making the yard feel boxed in.
Visit Our Commack Showroom
If you’re the type who wants to see it before you buy it, our Commack showroom is worth the trip. You can walk full-size deck displays, compare railing systems at real height, and see lighting demos that make it easy to picture how your stairs and posts will look at night. We also have material samples you can touch-Trex and TimberTech options side-by-side, plus wood choices-so you’re not trying to pick a color from a tiny brochure.
Merrick homeowners visit us all the time because it’s a convenient drive along major Long Island routes, and it saves you from making expensive decisions based on guesswork. You’ll be able to sit with a designer, review layout ideas, talk through maintenance levels, and leave with a plan that feels clear. It’s a relaxed, no-rush way to make smart choices with a pro guiding you.
Awards & Professional Recognition
Awards aren’t just plaques on a wall-they’re a signal that a company delivers consistent work, year after year, under real jobsite conditions. In decking, that means clean craftsmanship, proper structure, safe railings, and crews who show up and finish strong. Decks Unique has earned industry recognition because we build with discipline: the right materials, the right hardware, and a process that’s been refined across thousands of Long Island backyards. For Merrick homeowners, these awards make it easier to choose confidently, knowing you’re hiring a team that’s respected by top organizations like NARI, NADRA, Trex, TimberTech, and the BBB.
NARI recognizes remodeling excellence and professional standards. For homeowners, it’s reassurance that your deck is being built with careful planning, clean execution, and pride in the finished result.
NADRA is a leading deck and railing association focused on safety and best practices. This matters because the structure under your feet-and the railings around your family-must be built the right way.
Remodeler 500 highlights top-performing remodelers nationally. It’s a strong sign that you’re working with an established company that can handle design, logistics, and production without chaos.
Trex Platinum status is reserved for experienced builders who meet Trex standards. For you, it means qualified installation methods and access to Trex-backed labor coverage on eligible lines.
TimberTech Pro recognition reflects product knowledge and installation experience. That helps homeowners get better-looking details-like clean borders, tight miters, and well-finished stairs.
BBB Accreditation is about trust and accountability. It’s another layer of comfort that you’re hiring a company that takes service seriously before, during, and after the build.
Our Workmanship & Product Guarantees
We stand behind our builds with a Decks Unique lifetime workmanship guarantee, because the details matter long after the crew leaves. On the product side, coverage depends on what you choose: Trex offers a 10-year labor warranty on Signature & Transcend when installed by Trex Platinum builders, and Trex fade-and-stain coverage ranges by line (50 years for Signature/Transcend, 35 years for Select, and 25 years for Enhance Naturals/Basic). TimberTech fade-and-stain warranties commonly range from 25 to 50 years depending on the collection.
If you go with wood, we include a lifetime decay guarantee on the deck lumber, and our KDAT framing is backed by a limited lifetime transferable warranty. We’ll walk you through the exact warranty language for your chosen products so you understand what’s covered and how to keep everything in great shape.
Built for Merrick: Local Engineering Considerations
Merrick decks have to perform in real coastal conditions-salt air, storms, and ground that can shift if footings aren’t planned correctly. We design with the local environment in mind, so your deck feels solid, drains properly, and stays safe through the seasons.
Soil & Footings
Merrick properties often include Sandy Loam, Silt Loam, and Loam (a dense mix of Sand, Silt, & Clay). We plan footings to match the soil conditions and install them to the local frost line depth of 42 inches, which helps prevent shifting when the ground freezes and thaws.
Wind & Uplift Protection
Coastal storms can push serious force, so we build with wind resistance in mind up to 120 mph design considerations. That means reinforced connections, proper fastening schedules, and hurricane-rated hardware where needed to help keep the deck secure.
Permits & Inspections
In some cases, permits may be required, and inspections may be part of the process. We help guide the process with the Town of Hempstead Department of Buildings, including the drawings and details typically needed so you’re not left figuring it out alone.
Composite vs Wood Comparison Table
| Category | Composite / PVC Decking | Natural Wood Decking |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday Maintenance | Usually wash-and-go with mild soap and water. | Typically needs periodic cleaning and sealing/staining to keep color and protection. |
| Look & Feel | Consistent color and texture; many modern and coastal styles. | Natural grain, warmth, and one-of-a-kind character. |
| Comfort & Splinters | Smooth, barefoot-friendly surface; no splintering like wood can develop. | Comfortable, but can splinter as it weathers without upkeep. |
| Weather Resistance | Built to handle moisture and sun with strong fade/stain warranty options by line. | Can perform well, but needs maintenance attention in humid and coastal conditions. |
| Design Flexibility | Great for clean picture-frame borders, color matching, and modern rails. | Excellent for traditional homes and custom stain colors. |
| Upfront Cost | Often higher material cost, balanced by lower maintenance over time. | Can be lower upfront depending on species, balanced by ongoing upkeep. |
How We Build Decks Designed to Perform for Years
A deck can look great on day one and still fail early if the hidden details aren’t handled correctly. That’s why we focus on the parts most homeowners never see. We often use joist tape to help protect the top of the framing from trapped moisture. We install ledger flashing where required to help keep water from getting behind the deck connection at the house. And for clean looks, we can add picture framing around the perimeter, which gives the deck a crisp, finished border and helps hide cut ends.
Fasteners matter too-especially in Nassau County conditions where moisture and salt air can be tough on metal. Depending on your project, we may recommend stainless or ceramic-coated screws and hardware to reduce staining and help connections stay strong. The end result is a deck that feels solid underfoot, drains the way it should, and stays sharp-looking as seasons change.
Deck Pricing in Merrick
Deck pricing isn’t just about square footage. The material you choose (Trex, TimberTech, PVC, or wood), the railing style, the number of stairs, and the height of the deck all affect the final cost. A ground-level platform with simple steps is very different from an elevated layout with lighting, a wide staircase, and upgraded rails. Even site access can matter-tight spaces, landscaping, and grading change the plan.
We’ll walk you through options that fit your goals, and financing is available for qualified homeowners. If you want a clear, itemized quote with real answers, reach out and we’ll help you plan it the right way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you handle Town of Hempstead paperwork for Merrick deck projects?
Yes. In some cases, permits may be required, and we help guide the process with the Town of Hempstead Department of Buildings by assisting with the typical drawings, project details, and inspection steps so you’re not stuck piecing it together yourself.
How fast can you build a deck in Merrick once we approve the design?
Once materials are ordered and we’re scheduled, most projects are completed in 1-2 days. Larger or more complex builds (multi-level, lots of lighting, or specialty rails) can take longer, and we’ll set expectations clearly before we start.
My High Ranch has a taller back door-can you make the stairs feel comfortable, not steep?
Absolutely. We design step spacing, landings, and handrails to feel natural for everyday use, not just “code compliant.” This is a common layout in Merrick High Ranches, and we plan the deck so moving between kitchen, deck, and yard feels easy.
Should I choose Trex, TimberTech, PVC, or wood for a backyard near the coastal air?
It depends on how much maintenance you want and the look you’re after. Composite and PVC are popular for low upkeep and strong warranty ranges, while wood wins on natural warmth and classic style. We’ll show you samples and talk through sun exposure, usage, and budget so your choice fits real life.
What is KDAT framing, and is it worth it for an elevated deck?
KDAT is kiln-dried framing that’s pre-stained brown, and it’s especially valuable on second-story decks where you can see the framing from below. It looks cleaner, tends to stay straighter than standard framing, and it includes a limited lifetime transferable warranty.
Your Local Deck Builder Serving Merrick
From North Merrick to South Merrick and Merrick Woods, we build decks that feel like a natural extension of the home-strong, comfortable, and easy to live with. If you’ve seen our work or found us through ratings like 5.0 on Google and 94% on Facebook, you already know we take the details seriously. Let’s talk through your space, your goals, and the smartest materials for your yard.
Contact Us for a Free Quote
Call Us for a Free Quote
Service Areas
Decks Unique proudly designs and builds custom outdoor living spaces throughout Merrick and surrounding Nassau County neighborhoods. Nearby ZIP codes 11520, 11566.
