Why Building a Custom Deck Is the Perfect Summer Project
Hey there—Chris Duffy here. I’ve been building decks up and down the Jersey Shore for a long time now, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned after building over 300 of them in the last few years, it’s this: summer is the absolute best time to build the deck you’ve been dreaming about.
Whether you’re in Point Pleasant, Bay Head, Spring Lake, or anywhere nearby, a custom deck isn’t just a nice addition to your backyard—it’s the heart of summer living. Cold drinks, good food, barefoot evenings with friends… yeah, that’s what it’s all about. And when it’s built the right way, with the right details, a great deck becomes a space you’ll use every single day.
It’s Not Just a Deck—It’s an Outdoor Room
When I sit down with a homeowner, I never start with lumber and railings—I start with how you live. Do you want a space for grilling? Sunbathing? Hosting big family dinners? Or maybe just a quiet spot with a breeze, a book, and a coffee? A good deck should be custom-fit to your life, not something slapped onto the back of the house like an afterthought.
That’s what we do at Coast Carpentry. Every deck we build—from low-profile platforms to multi-level beauties—is designed around how you want to use it. We think about traffic flow, seating, shade, views, lighting… the details that make it feel just right.
Built to Last—And Built Right
I’m not one for shortcuts. We build everything like it’s going on our own home. That means using the right materials (like PVC or composite if you don’t want to deal with maintenance), proper footings, stainless fasteners, and framing that’s dead solid. Trust me—deck failures are a real thing if someone cuts corners. We just don’t do that here.
You’d be surprised how many decks I’ve had to rebuild because someone else skipped steps or just didn’t know what they were doing. At the Shore, you’ve got sun, salt, wind—all things that wear down cheap builds fast. We take that seriously.
Summer Is Prime Time for Building
You might think it’s too late to start a deck project when summer’s already here—but honestly, this is one of the best times to build. Why?
You can enjoy it right away: No waiting around for next season.
It’s easier to visualize: When you’re living outdoors already, it’s easy to see what works and what doesn’t.
We work efficiently: My crew and I have this process dialed in. We don’t drag jobs out—we show up, we build, we clean up, we’re done.
Plus, if you wait until fall or next spring to start planning, you’ll be way behind the crowd who got theirs done this summer.
From Chill Hangouts to Total Showstoppers
Some of the coolest decks we’ve done lately include:
Sunken hot tubs with custom privacy walls
Wraparound benches built right into the railing
Built-in planters and outdoor kitchens
Covered pavilions with recessed lighting and fans
You don’t have to go big—but if you want to, we’ve got the skills to make it happen.
Want to see some real examples? Visit our portfolio of custom decks across Point Pleasant, including the most recent one done in Bay Head, NJ
Ready to Build Something Awesome?
If you’re thinking about doing something special in your backyard this summer, I’d love to hear about it. We keep our project list tight so we can focus on quality, and I’m always happy to walk through ideas—even if you’re just in the dreaming phase.
At Coast Carpentry, we don’t just build decks. We build the places where you’ll spend your best summer days.
Let’s build something awesome together.
Owner Of Coast Carpentry, A Master Carpenter & A Deck Builder That Stuns.