Custom Deck Design & Construction in Shoreham, NY
Built for Suffolk County cold snaps, nor’easter season, and those calm summer nights when you finally get to slow down outside.
Picture a quiet Shoreham morning: coffee in hand, bare feet on clean boards that don’t need constant sanding, and enough space for a table where breakfast turns into an easy weekend. That’s what a well-planned deck does for North Shore homes-it makes the outdoors feel like a real part of your day, not an afterthought. At Decks Unique, we design decks that look sharp from the curb, hold up to Long Island weather, and stay simple to maintain year after year. If your project falls into a category where a permit is needed, in some cases permits may be required, and we help guide the process-paperwork, drawings, and inspections-so you don’t have to chase answers. Homeowners also like knowing they’re hiring a team with ratings like 5.0 on Google and 94% on Facebook, backed by real experience and clean, organized job sites.
- Licensed & insured in Suffolk County (H-16414)
- Over 39 years of deck-building experience
- Fast permitting help and clear next steps with the local building department .
- Certified Trex Platinum & TimberTech Pro Installers
Transforming Outdoor Living for Shoreham Homeowners
Homes in Shoreham have a special way of feeling tucked in and peaceful-close to the Sound, close to nature, and still connected to the rest of Suffolk County. A custom deck lets you lean into that lifestyle. It’s where you set out a grill and actually use it, where kids spread out with snacks after the beach, and where friends linger under warm lighting while the night air cools off. Instead of squeezing around a small stoop or staring at a patchy lawn, you get an outdoor room that works for real life.
We design around how you live. Want a dining zone that fits a full table without blocking the door? We’ll map it out. Need stairs that land exactly where the yard flows best? We’ll place them the right way. Thinking about privacy from neighboring sightlines? We can build it into the layout with rail choices and screens. And because we plan the build carefully-materials staged, crews scheduled, details pre-checked-most decks are completed in just 1-2 days.
Shoreham staycations are better when your backyard feels finished. Morning coffee becomes a routine, not a once-in-a-while treat. And at the end of the day, you’ll have a place that looks great, feels solid, and doesn’t demand constant upkeep just to stay presentable.
Natural Wood Decking Choices
Wood decks still have a look you can’t fake-warm, classic, and full of character. For Shoreham homeowners who love that natural feel, we build with smart wood choices that match your style and budget. Cedar is a favorite for its lighter weight and pleasant look, and it’s comfortable underfoot. Mahogany is richer and more dramatic, often chosen when curb appeal matters and you want that “high-end coastal home” vibe. Pressure-treated lumber is the practical workhorse-strong, cost-friendly, and a great fit when you want a larger footprint without stretching the budget.
Here’s the honest part: Suffolk County humidity, shade, and salty air can be tough on wood if it’s ignored. Most wood needs periodic cleaning and re-staining to keep it looking fresh and to help prevent cracking and fading. If you’re the type who likes a weekend project now and then-or you simply love the way wood ages-wood can be the perfect choice. If you’d rather rinse it off and enjoy it, we’ll walk you through composite and PVC options that deliver the look without the maintenance schedule.
Trex, TimberTech & PVC Decking Options
Composite and PVC decking are popular across Suffolk County because they take the stress out of ownership. Instead of sanding splinters or repainting every few seasons, you get boards designed to handle sun, rain, and daily foot traffic with simple cleaning. Many homeowners also like the more consistent color-no surprise blotches after staining-and the stable feel underfoot as seasons change.
Trex is a go-to for Shoreham families who want dependable performance with a wide range of looks. Trex Enhance is often chosen when you want a clean composite deck at a more approachable price. Trex Select steps up the style and color options. Trex Transcend and Signature are premium choices when you want the most refined look and top-tier long-term protection. TimberTech is also a strong option, especially for homeowners focused on deeper wood-like textures and a broad palette of tones that pair beautifully with North Shore architecture. PVC decking is different-it’s built for homeowners who want maximum resistance to moisture and the easiest clean-up, which can be appealing for shaded yards, pool areas, or homes that see a lot of wet feet and sandy traffic.
Warranty coverage varies by brand and product line, but many fade-and-stain warranties commonly fall in a range of about 25 to 50 years depending on the specific board you select. We’ll show you the real samples, explain what you’re getting in plain English, and match it to how you actually use your yard. And if you still love the natural look of wood, we’ll compare it side-by-side so you can choose confidently.
Why We Use KDAT Lumber for the Substructure
KDAT lumber is a big upgrade where it matters most: the framing underneath your deck. KDAT means the wood is kiln-dried and pre-stained brown before it’s built into place. That drying process helps reduce twisting and shrinking, so your deck stays straighter and cleaner as seasons change. The brown finish is a huge win for second-story decks where the framing is visible-when you look up from the yard, you see a finished, uniform look instead of raw, blotchy lumber.
It’s also a true differentiator: Decks Unique is the only decking company on Long Island offering this. On top of the performance benefits, KDAT lumber includes a limited lifetime transferable warranty, which is great peace of mind if you ever sell your home.
Choosing the Right Decking Materials
We help you choose materials based on lifestyle first, then budget. Trex Signature and Transcend are premium picks when you want a richer look and long-term confidence. Trex Select is a strong middle option, and Trex Enhance is popular for families who want composite comfort with solid value. TimberTech offers multiple lines with a wide range of wood-like patterns and colors, which can be a perfect match for Shoreham homes that lean coastal-traditional or modern.
Just as important as the surface boards is what’s underneath. KDAT framing outperforms standard framing in appearance and stability, especially when the underside is easy to see. We’ll lay out the pros and cons, show you real samples, and guide you toward a deck that fits your home and how you plan to use it.
Custom Features for Comfort, Style & Safety
A great deck isn’t only about the boards-it’s how it feels when you’re out there at 8 p.m. with the lights on and everyone still comfortable. We build features that make your deck safer, more inviting, and easier to enjoy every day. For railings, some homeowners like a sleek cocktail rail so drinks and plates have a natural resting spot. Others prefer cable railings when they want a clean, open view, or vinyl railings for a crisp look with easy upkeep.
Lighting changes everything. LED stair risers help people see each step clearly, and post-cap lights create soft, ambient glow that feels relaxed instead of harsh. It’s the difference between “we should go inside, it’s dark” and “let’s stay out a little longer.” For shade, we can design pergolas and covered areas that fit Shoreham’s sunny afternoons and breezier evenings, so the deck stays usable even when the weather shifts. Every add-on is planned as part of the whole-so it looks intentional, not tacked on.
Visit Our Commack Showroom
If you’re deciding between Trex, TimberTech, PVC, or wood, seeing it online only gets you so far. In our Commack showroom, you can walk full-size deck displays, compare railing systems side-by-side, and view lighting demos that show how warm and subtle it can look at night. We also keep material samples on hand so you can feel the textures, see the color in real light, and understand what “low maintenance” really looks like.
Many Shoreham homeowners make the trip because it’s a straightforward drive along major North Shore routes, and it saves weeks of second-guessing. You can sit down with a designer, review layout ideas, talk through stairs and elevations, and leave with a clear plan. It’s hands-on, practical guidance from people who build decks every day-not guesswork.
Awards & Professional Recognition
Awards matter in decking because they don’t come from promises-they come from results. When an industry group recognizes a builder, it’s usually based on craftsmanship, project management, safety, and consistent customer experience. At Decks Unique, we’ve earned recognition through years of tight construction details, thoughtful design, and jobs that pass the sniff test up close. For homeowners in Shoreham, these credentials make it easier to choose confidently, because you’re not taking a gamble on a “weekend contractor.” Our professional recognition includes NARI, NADRA, Remodeler 500, Trex Platinum, TimberTech Pro, and BBB accreditation-each one pointing to quality, accountability, and reliability.
NARIRecognition from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry highlights companies that follow strong standards for craftsmanship and ethics. For you, it means you’re hiring a team that treats your home like a real project-not a quick job.
NADRANADRA focuses specifically on decks and outdoor living. This matters because it reflects specialty knowledge-layout, structure, rail safety, and the details that help a deck look great and feel solid for years.
Remodeler 500This recognition points to proven performance and consistency as a remodeling company. Homeowners benefit because it signals a stable, organized builder with processes that keep projects on track.
Trex PlatinumTrex Platinum status is reserved for top-level Trex installers who meet strict requirements. It’s important to homeowners because it supports product-backed labor coverage eligibility on qualifying lines and shows real installation expertise.
TimberTech ProTimberTech Pro recognition highlights trained installers who understand proper fastening, spacing, and clean finishing details. For you, that means fewer headaches and a deck that looks “finished” from every angle.
BBB AccreditationBBB accreditation reflects a commitment to transparent business practices and responsiveness. Homeowners like it because it adds another layer of accountability when you’re making a big investment at your home.
Our Workmanship & Product Guarantees
We stand behind what we build. Decks Unique includes a lifetime workmanship guarantee, so you’re covered by the people who actually built your deck. For qualifying Trex projects, Trex offers a 10-year labor warranty on Signature and Transcend when installed by Trex Platinum builders. Trex fade-and-stain coverage varies by line: Signature/Transcend typically offer 50-year coverage, Select typically offers 35-year, and Enhance Naturals/Basic typically offers 25-year coverage. TimberTech fade-and-stain warranties commonly range from about 25 to 50 years depending on the product selected.
If you choose wood, we provide a lifetime decay guarantee. And because we build many frames with KDAT lumber, you also get the benefit of its limited lifetime transferable warranty. We’ll review your exact product documents with you, so you know what applies to your project before we build.
Built for Shoreham: Local Engineering Considerations
Building on the North Shore isn’t the same as building inland. In Shoreham, we pay close attention to footing depth, drainage patterns, and the kind of wind that can roll in off the Long Island Sound. Our goal is simple: a deck that feels rock-solid, drains the way it should, and stays tight and quiet as seasons change. We also keep the process calm and predictable-clear plans, clean work areas, and help navigating the local steps when approvals are needed.
Soil & Footings
Shoreham properties can vary from firmer soil to sandier pockets, especially closer to coastal areas, and that changes how footings should be planned. We size and place footings to reach below the local frost line (commonly around 42 inches) so the deck is less likely to shift as the ground freezes and thaws in winter.
Wind & Uplift Protection
North Shore gusts can push and pull on a deck more than homeowners expect, especially on raised platforms and second-story builds. We use reinforced connections and hurricane-rated hardware where appropriate to help the structure resist uplift and keep everything tied together during strong storms.
Permits & Inspections
Every property is different, and in some cases permits may be required based on height, location, and scope. Decks Unique helps guide the process with Suffolk County requirements and local inspection steps, including the documentation needed to keep your project moving without last-minute surprises.
Composite vs Wood Comparison Table
| Feature | Composite / PVC Decking | Natural Wood Decking |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | Typically wash and go; no regular sanding or staining required. | Usually needs periodic cleaning and re-staining/sealing in Suffolk County conditions. |
| Look & Feel | Consistent color and clean finish; many realistic wood-style options. | Warm, natural character with grain and variation that many homeowners love. |
| Comfort | Smooth boards, fewer splinters; good for bare feet and family use. | Comfortable when maintained; can splinter as it weathers. |
| Weather Resistance | Built to handle moisture and sun with strong color retention depending on product. | Can weather faster without upkeep; responds more to humidity and sun. |
| Budget Range | Often higher upfront, typically lower upkeep costs over time. | Often lower upfront depending on species; upkeep adds cost over the years. |
| Best For | Homeowners who want low maintenance and long-term consistency. | Homeowners who value traditional style or want a classic wood deck aesthetic. |
How We Build Decks Designed to Perform for Years
Long-term performance comes down to the details you don’t always notice on day one. We use joist tape to help protect the tops of the framing from trapped moisture, which can be a real issue in humid, shaded parts of Suffolk County. At the house connection, we install proper ledger flashing so water is directed away instead of sneaking behind the deck. That helps protect your home and keeps the structure doing its job.
For finishing touches, picture framing gives the perimeter a clean, intentional look-like trim around a room-so the deck feels custom, not cookie-cutter. We also select fasteners that make sense for coastal conditions, including stainless or ceramic-coated options when appropriate, to help reduce rust staining and keep connections secure. The result is a deck that looks better up close, feels tighter underfoot, and stays easier to own as the years roll on.
Deck Pricing in Shoreham
Deck pricing isn’t only about square footage. The real cost is shaped by the materials you choose, the style of railing, number of stairs and landings, and whether the deck needs to step down with the yard or sit higher off grade. Lighting, built-in benches, and privacy features can also change the scope-often in a good way, because they make the deck more usable every day. We’ll walk your property, talk through how you plan to use the space, and give you a clear, written quote with options. Financing is available for qualified homeowners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Shoreham decks need extra protection from wind off the Sound?
Often, yes-especially for higher decks or open yards where wind can hit hard. We design with stronger tie-ins and hardware where appropriate so the deck feels steady and secure during the stormy parts of the year.
How fast can you build a new deck at my Shoreham home?
With good planning, most projects are completed in 1-2 days. Larger layouts, complex stairs, or special features like pergolas and extensive lighting can extend the schedule, but we’ll set expectations clearly before we start.
Are permits required for a deck in Shoreham?
In some cases permits may be required depending on the deck’s height, size, and where it sits on the property. We help guide the process, including the drawings and coordination needed for reviews and inspections so you’re not stuck figuring it out alone.
What’s better for a shaded yard-Trex, TimberTech, or PVC?
All three can be great, but the best choice depends on how much shade you get, how close you are to moisture, and the look you want. PVC is often chosen when homeowners want the easiest clean-up, while Trex and TimberTech offer a wide range of composite styles; we’ll compare real samples and match the board to your needs.
Why do you recommend KDAT framing for second-story decks?
KDAT is kiln-dried and pre-stained brown, so it looks cleaner and more finished when the underside is visible from the yard. It also tends to stay straighter than standard framing, and it comes with a limited lifetime transferable warranty.
Your Local Deck Builder Serving Shoreham
Decks Unique builds decks across Suffolk County with a focus on smart design, strong structure, and a smooth homeowner experience. From first measure to final walkthrough, we keep it organized and predictable-especially when your project involves approvals or inspections. Homeowners choose us for proven craftsmanship and trustworthy feedback, including ratings like 5.0 (Google) and 94% (Facebook). If you’re ready to improve how you use your backyard, we’re ready to help.
Contact Us for a Free Quote
Call Us for a Free Quote
Service Areas
We proudly design and build custom decks in Shoreham and throughout Suffolk County, with planning and materials suited to North Shore conditions. Nearby ZIP codes we serve include: 11786.
