Custom Deck Design & Construction in East Hills, NY
Built to take on Nassau County winters and still feel like a getaway when summer finally shows up.
Picture a quiet morning with coffee out back, the light hitting the yard just right, and enough room for a table, a grill, and a couple of deep chairs you actually want to sit in. In East Hills, we build decks that match the way people really live in Post-war Colonials, Split-Levels, and expanded Ranches-spaces that feel like a natural extension of the kitchen and family room, not an afterthought. Whether you’re in Country Estates, Fairfield Park, or Nob Hill, a well-designed deck adds beauty without adding work, especially when you choose low-maintenance boards and railings that stay clean and steady through sticky summers and cold snaps. And if your project falls into a category where approvals are needed, in some cases permits may be required, and we help guide the process with the Village of East Hills Building Department so you’re not chasing paperwork. Homeowners also like knowing they’re hiring a team with ratings like 5.0 on Google and 5.0 on Houzz-because the little details matter.
- Licensed & insured in Nassau County
- Over 39 years of deck-building experience
- Fast permitting support through the Village of East Hills Building Department at 209 Harbor Hill Road, East Hills, NY 11576
- Certified Trex Platinum & TimberTech Pro Installers
Transforming Outdoor Living for East Hills Homeowners
A great deck changes how your whole home feels. Suddenly, dinner doesn’t have to stay inside. Kids have a place to spread out. Friends can gather without everyone getting jammed into the kitchen. We design decks for real routines-morning coffee in the sun, afternoon shade when it gets hot, and soft lighting at night so you can sit outside a little longer and actually unwind.
East Hills homes come in a lot of classic shapes-Post-war Colonials with defined back doors, Split-Levels where the yard sits a few steps down, and expanded Ranches that deserve a wider, more open layout. We build to fit the house, the yard, and how you move through the space, so the deck feels like it was always meant to be there. If you’re close to Glen Cove Road or you’re hopping on the Northern State Parkway all week, a deck becomes your “staycation” zone-the place you go to reset without packing the car.
Our process is built to reduce stress. We help you choose materials, plan the layout, and make smart calls on stairs, railings, and lighting. And when it’s time to build, we work efficiently and neatly. Most decks are completed in just 1-2 days, so you’re not living through a drawn-out construction project.
Natural Wood Decking Choices
Some homeowners in East Hills still want the real look and feel of wood under bare feet. We get it. Wood has warmth, grain, and character that’s hard to copy. Cedar is a favorite for its classic look and lighter feel. Mahogany brings a richer tone and a high-end finish that looks amazing with the right railing and lighting. Pressure-treated lumber remains a practical option when budget matters and you want a strong, traditional deck.
Here’s the honest part: Nassau County humidity and changing seasons mean wood needs care. You’ll want to keep up with cleaning and plan on periodic staining or sealing if you want it to keep that “new deck” look. If you let it go, wood can fade, check, and feel rougher over time. That doesn’t mean wood is a bad choice-it just means it’s the right choice for homeowners who like the natural look and don’t mind a little maintenance to keep it beautiful.
We’ll walk you through which wood fits your style, your sun exposure, and how much upkeep you’re comfortable with, so there are no surprises after the build.
Trex, TimberTech & PVC Decking Options
If you love the idea of a deck but you don’t want your weekends spent sanding and staining, composite and PVC decking are usually the best fit. These boards are made to handle weather, spills, and everyday life without constant maintenance. For many East Hills families, that means more time grilling, hosting, and relaxing-and less time working on the deck.
Trex and TimberTech are two of the most trusted names we install. They offer a range of looks, from clean and modern to more natural, wood-like tones. Homeowners often choose Trex when they want reliable performance and a smooth, comfortable feel. Trex has multiple lines with different looks and warranty levels, so you can match the product to your budget and how long you plan to stay in the home. TimberTech is another strong choice with a wide range of colors and textures and excellent long-term coverage depending on the collection you choose.
PVC decking is a great option when you want maximum resistance to moisture and the easiest cleanup-especially if your deck sees a lot of entertaining, sunscreen, and food spills. It’s also a smart pick for areas that stay damp or shaded for long stretches.
Warranty coverage varies by product line, but many composite and PVC options fall into fade-and-stain warranty ranges of about 25 to 50 years, and TimberTech commonly offers coverage in the 25-50-year range as well. And if you’re leaning toward the traditional charm of wood, we can build a gorgeous wood deck too-you just want to be clear about the upkeep from day one.
Why We Use KDAT Lumber for the Substructure
The boards you walk on matter, but the framing underneath matters even more. That’s why we often build with KDAT lumber for the substructure. KDAT is kiln-dried and pre-stained brown, which helps it stay straighter and cleaner-looking over time. This is a huge benefit on second-story decks where the framing is visible from below-because nobody wants to look up at blotchy, twisted wood under a beautiful new deck.
KDAT framing is also more stable than standard framing, which can mean fewer issues like shifting, warping, and uneven lines as the seasons change. It’s one of those upgrades you don’t always notice right away, but you appreciate it years later. Decks Unique is the only decking company on Long Island offering this, and it comes with a limited lifetime transferable warranty.
Choosing the Right Decking Materials
Choosing decking is really about matching the product to your lifestyle. Trex Signature and Transcend are popular when homeowners want a more premium look and long-term confidence. Trex Select is a solid mid-level choice, and Trex Enhance is often chosen when you want the composite benefits at a more approachable price point. TimberTech also offers several collections with different color ranges and surface textures, and we’ll help you compare them based on sun exposure, foot traffic, and the look you want against your siding and trim.
Just as important: what’s underneath. KDAT framing outperforms standard framing in stability and appearance, especially when the deck is elevated. We’ll guide you through samples, explain the real-world differences, and help you pick a combination that looks right today and still performs years from now.
Custom Features for Comfort, Style & Safety
The best decks aren’t just platforms-they’re outdoor rooms. Railings are a big part of that. Cocktail railings create a wide top edge that’s perfect for a drink, a small plate, or even a row of herb planters. Cable railings are sleek and open, great when you want to keep the view feeling wide. Vinyl railings are clean and bright with easy upkeep, and they pair nicely with both composite and wood decks.
Lighting is another upgrade that changes everything. LED stair risers help prevent missteps, and post-cap lights add a soft glow that feels calm, not harsh. It’s the difference between heading inside at sunset and enjoying the deck well into the evening.
For shade, we can plan structures and layouts that work with East Hills’ gently rolling suburban terrain with some modest hills. That might mean placing steps where the grade feels natural, building a comfortable landing, or planning a shaded zone that makes the space usable even on hot afternoons. The goal is simple: a deck that looks sharp, feels safe, and makes you want to be outside more often.
Visit Our Commack Showroom
If you’re the type of homeowner who wants to see things before making a decision, our Commack showroom is the perfect next step. You can walk on full-size deck displays, compare railing styles side-by-side, and see lighting demos in person-because a photo online never tells you how a board really feels or how a color reads in natural light. We also have material samples from Trex and TimberTech, plus wood options, so you can touch everything and make a confident choice.
East Hills homeowners visit all the time because it’s a convenient drive along major North Shore routes, and it saves a ton of back-and-forth. You’ll be able to sit down with a designer, review layout ideas, and talk through real-life details like stairs, privacy, and furniture spacing. It’s relaxed, it’s hands-on, and it makes the planning process a whole lot easier.
Awards & Professional Recognition
Awards aren’t just “nice to have” in decking-they’re proof that a company builds consistently well, follows best practices, and takes the craft seriously. In an industry where details like structure, fastening, and water protection make or break a project, recognition from top organizations helps homeowners choose with less worry. Decks Unique has earned these honors by building at a high level year after year, training our crews, and staying current with the materials we install. For East Hills homeowners, these awards mean you’re hiring a builder who is respected by the industry, not just good at marketing. You’ll see names like NARI, NADRA, Remodeler 500, Trex Platinum, TimberTech Pro, and BBB-signals that craftsmanship and accountability are baked into the way we work.
NARI recognition highlights quality remodeling and strong ethics. For homeowners, it’s a sign you’re working with a contractor who respects standards, details, and the customer experience.
NADRA is a top deck-focused association, and its awards recognize standout design and craftsmanship. It matters because it reflects real deck-building expertise, not general contracting.
The Remodeler 500 list recognizes established companies with proven systems and consistent performance. For you, that often means smoother scheduling, better communication, and a more reliable build process.
Trex Platinum status is earned by builders who install Trex at a high level and meet strict requirements. Homeowners benefit from experienced installation and access to strong product support and qualifying labor coverage.
TimberTech Pro recognition shows a contractor is trained and active with TimberTech products. That matters when you want clean finishing details and a deck that looks right from every angle.
BBB accreditation is about trust and accountability over time. It gives homeowners peace of mind that the company stands behind its work and handles concerns professionally.
Our Workmanship & Product Guarantees
We build decks to last, and we back that up in writing. Decks Unique includes a lifetime workmanship guarantee, because the quality of the install matters just as much as the brand of the boards. For Trex projects, Trex offers a 10-year labor warranty on Signature and Transcend when installed by Trex Platinum builders (which we are). Trex also offers fade-and-stain warranty coverage that varies by line: 50 years for Signature/Transcend, 35 years for Select, and 25 years for Enhance Naturals/Basic. TimberTech warranty coverage commonly ranges from 25 to 50 years depending on the collection.
If you choose natural wood, we offer a lifetime decay guarantee on wood decks. And for framing, KDAT lumber includes a limited lifetime transferable warranty. We’ll go over the exact warranty language for the products you choose so you know what’s covered and what to expect over time.
Built for East Hills: Local Engineering Considerations
East Hills decks need more than good looks-they need smart planning under the surface. Between the gently rolling terrain, local soil blends, and coastal weather patterns that can bring strong winds, our team designs with structure and long-term performance in mind. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes work that keeps your deck feeling solid, season after season.
Soil & Footings
East Hills yards often include Sandy Loam, Silt Loam, and Clay (a dense mix of Sand, Silt, & Clay). We plan footings that are sized and placed to stay stable, and we set them below the 42 inches frost line so winter freeze-and-thaw cycles don’t push the structure up and out of level.
Wind & Uplift Protection
For safety and long-term strength, we account for wind conditions up to 120 mph. That means using reinforced connections and hurricane-rated hardware in key areas, so the deck resists lifting forces and movement during major storms.
Permits & Inspections
In some cases permits may be required depending on deck size, height, and location on the property. We help guide the process with the Village of East Hills Building Department, including coordination, documentation, and inspection readiness so you’re not left guessing.
Composite vs Wood Comparison Table
| Category | Composite / PVC Decking | Natural Wood Decking |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday upkeep | Usually soap-and-water cleaning; no routine staining for most homeowners. | Needs periodic sealing or staining if you want it to keep its color and smoother feel. |
| Look & feel | Consistent color options; modern and clean, with wood-like styles available. | Real grain and warmth; a classic look that many people love. |
| Moisture resistance | Excellent; PVC is often chosen for maximum moisture resistance. | Good when maintained, but more sensitive to water if neglected. |
| Comfort & splinters | Smooth underfoot and generally splinter-free. | Can splinter or feel rougher as it ages, especially without maintenance. |
| Best for | Busy households, frequent entertaining, and homeowners who want low maintenance. | Homeowners who want a traditional look, specific wood character, or a budget-first build. |
How We Build Decks Designed to Perform for Years
A deck can look perfect on day one and still fail early if the “hidden” details are ignored. That’s why we focus on the parts you don’t always see. We often use joist tape to help protect the tops of framing from trapped moisture. We install proper ledger flashing so water is directed away from the connection where the deck meets the house. For finishing, picture framing can give the perimeter a clean, intentional border that makes the whole deck feel more custom.
Fasteners matter too. In Nassau County conditions, we commonly choose stainless or ceramic-coated fasteners where appropriate to reduce the risk of corrosion and staining. We also plan spacing, drainage, and airflow so the deck dries out properly after rain. None of this is about buzzwords-it’s about building a deck that stays straight, feels solid, and looks sharp long after the first barbecue.
Deck Pricing in East Hills
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 landings, and how the deck sits off the ground all play a big role. In East Hills, we also see projects where yard shape and modest grade changes affect framing and step layout, which can change labor and engineering needs.
We’ll give you clear options, explain what drives cost, and help you choose the best value for your home-not just the cheapest number. Financing is available for qualified homeowners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work with the Village of East Hills Building Department if my project needs approvals?
Yes. In some cases permits may be required, and we help guide the process with the Village of East Hills Building Department-from the plan set to inspection readiness-so you’re not trying to decode requirements on your own.
My backyard has a slight slope-can you still build a comfortable deck layout?
Absolutely. East Hills has gently rolling suburban terrain with some modest hills, so we often design steps, landings, and transitions that feel natural, not steep or awkward. The goal is a deck that’s easy to use every day, not just “technically possible.”
How fast can you build a deck once we finalize the design?
After design choices and scheduling are set, the build itself moves quickly. Most projects are completed in 1-2 days, and we keep the jobsite tidy so your home doesn’t feel like a construction zone all week.
What’s the best low-maintenance decking for a busy household-Trex, TimberTech, or PVC?
It depends on how you use the space and the look you want. Trex and TimberTech are great for low upkeep and long-term color stability, while PVC is often picked when homeowners want the easiest cleanup and strong moisture resistance. We’ll compare options with you in plain terms and help match the product to your routine.
Why do you recommend KDAT framing for certain decks?
KDAT is kiln-dried and pre-stained brown, so it tends to stay straighter and looks cleaner-especially on second-story decks where you can see the framing from below. It’s also a unique upgrade: Decks Unique is the only decking company on Long Island offering this option, and it includes a limited lifetime transferable warranty.
Your Local Deck Builder Serving East Hills
From backyard upgrades in Country Estates to outdoor entertaining spaces in Fairfield Park and Nob Hill, we build decks that fit the neighborhood and the way families live. Homeowners choose Decks Unique for straightforward guidance, clean construction, and results that hold up-backed by ratings like 5.0 on Google and 94% on Facebook.
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 East Hills and surrounding communities. Service includes nearby ZIP codes 11576, 11577.




