Custom Deck Design & Construction in North Merrick, NY
Made for breezy coastal summers and tough Nassau County winters-so your backyard stays easy, comfortable, and ready for company.
Picture a quiet North Merrick morning: coffee in hand, bare feet on clean boards, and the sun hitting the yard just right. A well-planned deck turns that moment into your new normal-whether you live in a Cape with a cozy backyard, a Colonial that deserves a wide entertaining space, or a High Ranch where you want a raised deck that feels like an outdoor great room. We build decks that look sharp, hold up, and don’t demand your weekends. Homeowners across North Merrick, Merrick, and Bellmore call us when they want the job done right the first time, with clear communication and clean workmanship. 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 Town of Hempstead Department of Buildings. And yes-people check reviews before they hire, and we’re proud to earn ratings like 5.0 on Google and 94% on Facebook.
- Licensed & insured for deck construction in Nassau County
- Over 39 years of hands-on deck-building experience
- Fast, organized permit support through the Town of Hempstead Department of Buildings at 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, NY 11550
- Certified Trex Platinum & TimberTech Pro Installers
Transforming Outdoor Living for North Merrick Homeowners
A great deck doesn’t just add square footage-it changes how you use your home. Breakfast tastes better outside. Homework gets done with fresh air. And when friends stop by, you finally have a natural place to gather that isn’t crowded around the kitchen island. We design decks that feel like they belong with North Merrick’s Capes, Colonials, and High Ranches, so the lines look right and the space works with your doors, steps, and yard.
We think through the details that homeowners feel every day: where the grill should sit so smoke isn’t blowing into the house, where lighting belongs so the steps are safe, and how wide the stairs should be so guests aren’t bottlenecked. And we keep the build process simple on your end-clear schedule, organized deliveries, and a crew that respects your property. Most projects are completed in 1-2 days.
North Merrick is built for “staycation” living if your backyard is set up right. You’re minutes from Merrick Road and the Meadowbrook State Parkway, so life moves fast-but your deck should slow things down. Think soft evening lighting, a comfortable railing to lean on, and a layout that makes it easy to go from a quiet night in to a family party without rearranging everything.
Natural Wood Decking Choices
Natural wood has a warmth you can’t fake. For many North Merrick homes, wood just looks “right”-especially when you want a traditional feel that matches older trim details, classic landscaping, or an original-style backyard.
We commonly build with cedar for its lighter weight and natural beauty, mahogany for its rich color and high-end look, and pressure-treated lumber when budget and strength are top priorities. Wood is also a great option when you want custom shapes, a unique stain color, or a more natural look underfoot.
That said, we’re always straight with homeowners about upkeep. Nassau County humidity, summer sun, and winter freeze-thaw cycles can be tough on real wood. Depending on the product you choose and how much direct sun you get, you should plan for periodic cleaning and re-staining or sealing to keep it looking fresh and to help prevent surface checking over time. If you love the character of wood and don’t mind a little maintenance, it’s a beautiful choice that ages with your home.
Trex, TimberTech & PVC Decking Options
If you want the “hose it off and enjoy it” lifestyle, composite and PVC decking are hard to beat. These boards are designed to resist the everyday stuff that wears decks out-spills, muddy paws, pool water splashes, and the baking summer sun. For busy families in North Merrick, that usually means fewer weekend chores and a deck that keeps its color longer without constant re-staining.
Trex is one of the most popular options we install because it balances comfort, traction, and a clean finished look. Their lines give you different levels of color variety and surface texture, so you can choose something simple and classic or something that looks closer to natural grain. TimberTech is another standout when homeowners want a more “designer” look with rich tones and refined patterns. Both brands offer strong fade-and-stain warranty coverage depending on the collection, often ranging from 25 years up to 50 years (product-specific).
PVC decking is a great fit when you want maximum resistance to moisture and the easiest cleanup-especially for shaded yards, heavy entertaining, or homes where leaves and tree debris are a constant battle. PVC can feel lighter and stays very consistent in color, which some homeowners prefer for modern railings and crisp, coastal-style designs.
We’ll walk you through what you gain with low-maintenance decking, and we’ll also tell you when natural wood still makes the most sense for your style or budget-so you’re choosing what you’ll be happy looking at every day.
Why We Use KDAT Lumber for the Substructure
The frame under your deck matters just as much as the boards on top. That’s why we offer KDAT lumber for the substructure. KDAT is kiln-dried and pre-stained brown, which means it’s more stable and starts out drier than typical framing lumber. The payoff is fewer twists and less movement as the deck seasons.
Homeowners love KDAT for second-story decks, where the framing is visible from below. Instead of looking like raw construction lumber, the underside looks clean, finished, and intentional-like it was always meant to be part of the design. It’s also a big reason our projects look sharp from every angle.
Decks Unique is the only decking company on Long Island offering this. KDAT also comes with a limited lifetime transferable warranty, which adds extra peace of mind for the long haul.
Choosing the Right Decking Materials
Picking decking is part style, part performance, and part budget. Trex Signature and Transcend are popular when you want a more premium look and long-term confidence, while Trex Select and Enhance are great when you want the benefits of composite at a more approachable price point. TimberTech also offers multiple collections, with options that lean modern and options that feel more traditional-so we can match your house style instead of forcing a “one look fits all” deck.
Under the surface, framing choices matter too. KDAT framing typically stays straighter than standard lumber, and the brown finish makes the structure look better on elevated decks. We’ll help you compare samples, talk through how you actually use the space, and land on a combination that feels right for your home and how you live.
Custom Features for Comfort, Style & Safety
The right upgrades can make your deck feel like an outdoor room instead of a platform. For railings, we build and install cocktail railings that double as a place to set a drink, sleek cable railings that keep views open, and vinyl railings that stay bright and easy to clean. Each option changes the “feel” of the deck-cozy, modern, or classic-and we’ll guide you toward the one that fits your home and your comfort level.
Lighting is another game-changer. LED stair risers and post-cap lights make nighttime safer and more relaxed, and they create that soft glow that makes you want to stay outside longer. Add a few well-placed lights and suddenly your deck becomes the spot for late-night conversations, not just daytime use.
Because North Merrick is Flat Coastal, shade planning matters. We can build structures that help block harsh sun and make the space usable even on the hottest days-without making the deck feel closed in. The goal is simple: comfort, safe steps, strong railings, and a finished look that feels like an extension of your home.
Visit Our Commack Showroom
If you’re the type of homeowner who wants to see and touch materials before deciding, you’ll love our Commack showroom. You can walk on full-size deck displays, compare railing systems side-by-side, and see lighting demos that show the difference between “bright” and “just right.” We also have material samples on hand for Trex and TimberTech options, plus natural wood selections, so you can match colors to your siding, brick, or pavers with confidence.
Homeowners from North Merrick often stop in because it’s a convenient drive and it saves time later. Instead of guessing from tiny samples or online photos, you can compare real products in real lighting and make decisions faster. It’s also a chance to sit down with a designer, review layout ideas, and leave with a plan that feels clear-not overwhelming.
Awards & Professional Recognition
Awards matter in decking because a deck isn’t a “quick cosmetic” project-it’s structure, safety, and long-term durability all in one. Recognition from respected industry groups helps homeowners separate real craftsmanship from flashy promises. Over 39 years, Decks Unique has earned these honors by building consistently, training our teams, following best practices, and standing behind our work. When you see names like NARI, NADRA, Trex Platinum, and BBB, you’re looking at signals that the company you’re hiring is serious about quality, accountability, and doing things the right way.
NARI
NARI recognition highlights remodeling excellence and professional standards. For homeowners, it’s reassurance that your deck is being built with careful planning, skilled execution, and a commitment to customer experience.
NADRA
NADRA honors quality and leadership in the deck industry. This matters because it points to builders who stay current on safe construction methods and deliver consistent craftsmanship.
Remodeler 500
Being recognized among top remodeling companies reflects stability and proven operations. Homeowners benefit because it usually means better scheduling, stronger project management, and a smoother overall experience.
Trex Platinum
Trex Platinum status is earned through experience and consistent installation quality. For you, it means your Trex deck is built by a contractor trusted at the highest level by the manufacturer.
TimberTech Pro
TimberTech Pro recognition reflects product knowledge and installation skill. Homeowners get better detailing, cleaner finishes, and guidance on choosing the right collection for the look you want.
BBB
BBB accreditation signals a commitment to honest business practices and responsive customer care. It’s a layer of confidence that the company you hire will communicate clearly and handle concerns professionally.
Our Workmanship & Product Guarantees
We back our builds with a Decks Unique lifetime workmanship guarantee, because the way a deck is put together matters just as much as the brand you choose. For composite, Trex offers a 10-year labor warranty on Signature & Transcend when installed by Trex Platinum builders. Trex fade & stain coverage varies by line: Signature/Transcend can include 50-year coverage, Select can include 35-year coverage, and Enhance Naturals/Basic can include 25-year coverage (see product terms for details). TimberTech offers fade & stain warranties that typically range from 25 to 50 years depending on the collection.
If you prefer natural wood, we also offer a wood deck lifetime decay guarantee. And for the structure, KDAT lumber includes a limited lifetime transferable warranty. We’ll walk you through what applies to your exact products so you know what you’re getting-before we build.
Built for North Merrick: Local Engineering Considerations
North Merrick decks need more than good looks-they need smart planning for local ground conditions, coastal weather patterns, and safe structural connections. We build with real-world Nassau County experience, so your deck feels solid underfoot and stays that way through hot summers, storms, and freezing winters.
Soil & Footings
In North Merrick, we commonly see Sandy Loam, Silt Loam, and Loam (a dense mix of Sand, Silt, & Clay). That mix can hold well, but it still needs properly sized footings placed to the right depth. We account for the local frost line at 42 inches so the posts stay stable and the deck doesn’t shift as the ground freezes and thaws.
Wind & Uplift Protection
We build with wind in mind, designing connections that can handle conditions up to 120 mph. That means reinforced ties, strong fastening patterns, and hurricane-rated hardware where appropriate, so the deck is anchored and supported instead of relying on “good enough” attachment points.
Permits & Inspections
In some cases, permits may be required, depending on your deck’s size, height, and scope. We help guide the process with the Town of Hempstead Department of Buildings, including paperwork support and scheduling so inspections don’t become a headache.
Composite vs Wood Comparison Table
| Category | Composite / PVC Decking | Natural Wood Decking |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday maintenance | Typically wash and enjoy; no regular staining required | Periodic cleaning plus staining/sealing to keep the look and help protect the surface |
| Look & feel | Consistent color options; modern and clean finishes | Classic warmth, natural grain, and a traditional Long Island look |
| Moisture resistance | Very strong resistance to spills, splashes, and damp conditions | Can perform well, but needs routine care to stay in great shape |
| Best for | Busy households, heavy entertaining, low-upkeep priorities | Homeowners who love natural character, custom stain colors, or a traditional design |
| Budget flexibility | Wide range based on collection and railing choices | Often a strong value depending on species and finish choices |
How We Build Decks Designed to Perform for Years
Longevity comes from details you don’t always notice on day one-but you’ll appreciate them years later. We often use joist tape to help protect the tops of the framing where water can sit, and we install ledger flashing to help move water away from the connection between the deck and the home. Those steps help reduce the chances of moisture-related problems over time.
For a cleaner finish, many homeowners choose picture framing, which gives the deck a crisp border and a more built-in look-especially when paired with matching stairs. We also select fasteners that make sense for Nassau County conditions, including stainless or ceramic-coated options in locations where extra corrosion resistance is smart. None of this is about overcomplicating the build; it’s about putting the deck together in a way that stays tight, feels solid, and looks polished season after season.
Deck Pricing in North Merrick
Deck pricing isn’t just about square footage. Two decks the same size can be very different in cost depending on the material you choose, the type of railing, the number and width of stairs, and whether the deck is raised (which can require additional framing and safety features). Design details also matter-things like picture framing, lighting, built-in benches, or a more complex shape.
We’ll help you make smart choices based on how you’ll actually use the space, not just what looks good in a photo. Financing is available for qualified homeowners, which can make it easier to build the deck you really want without cutting corners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you handle the Town of Hempstead paperwork for North Merrick deck projects?
Yes. If your project falls into a scope where approvals are needed, we help guide the process with the Town of Hempstead Department of Buildings-applications, supporting documents, and inspection coordination-so you’re not stuck figuring it out alone.
In North Merrick, do decks always need a permit?
Not always. In some cases, permits may be required based on factors like deck height, size, and structural scope. We’ll review your plan, explain what typically triggers approvals, and guide you through the next steps if filings are needed.
How fast can you build my deck?
Most projects are completed in 1-2 days. Larger or more complex builds-like taller High Ranch decks with multiple stair runs, lighting, or specialty railings-can take longer, but we’ll give you a clear timeline before we start.
What’s the biggest difference between Trex, TimberTech, and natural wood?
Trex and TimberTech are popular when you want low upkeep and consistent color over time, while wood is often chosen for traditional warmth and natural character. We’ll show you samples, explain how each option feels underfoot, and help you choose based on your budget and how you use the space.
Why do you recommend KDAT framing for certain North Merrick homes?
KDAT is kiln-dried and pre-stained brown, so it starts out more stable and looks cleaner-especially on second-story decks where you can see the framing from below. It’s one of those upgrades that makes the entire project feel more finished.
Your Local Deck Builder Serving North Merrick
If you’re in North Merrick, Merrick, or Bellmore and want a deck that feels like it was designed for your home-not copied from a template-we’re ready to help. From material selection to clean finishing details, we focus on builds that look great, feel solid, and stay easy to live with. Homeowners regularly find us through word of mouth and 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 North Merrick and nearby communities, including Merrick and Bellmore. Nearby ZIP codes 11566.
