REAL TRANSFORMATIONS
Before & After Deck Projects in Pittsburgh’s South Hills
Real Deck Transformations by Lorenzi Deck Company
An older deck doesn’t always need to be replaced from the ground up. Sometimes the existing structure can be resurfaced with updated decking and railings. Other times, rebuilding is the better option.
At Lorenzi Deck Company, we’ve spent nearly 50 years helping homeowners throughout Pittsburgh’s South Hills build, replace, and update their outdoor decks. Owner Vince Lorenzi personally oversees projects, helping homeowners evaluate their existing decks, choose materials, and plan improvements that make sense for their homes.
Below are real deck projects completed in McMurray, Venetia, Oakdale, and Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Each one features a different combination of decking materials, colors, borders, and railings.
- Nearly 50 Years in Business
- Owner-Led Projects
- TimberTech · AZEK
THE PROCESS
See What a Deck Transformation Can Look Like
When homeowners contact us about an older deck, one of the first questions is whether the existing structure can be reused. That decision isn’t based on the appearance of the deck boards alone.
Before recommending resurfacing or replacement, we look at the condition of the:
- Framing
- Joists
- Posts
- Footings
- Connections
- Other Structural Components
If the structure is suitable for continued use, resurfacing may allow homeowners to update the appearance of their deck without rebuilding everything. If there are structural problems, a more extensive replacement may be necessary. Our before-and-after projects show how much the appearance and usability of an outdoor space can change with the right materials and design.
Tip: drag the slider on any photo below to compare the before and after.
McMurray, PA · Second-Level Deck
TimberTech Reserve Second-Level Deck — McMurray, PA
Project Details
- Decking: TimberTech Reserve Collection
- Deck Color: Antique Leather
- Border Color: Dark Roast
- Railing: Black aluminum with stainless steel vertical spindles
This second-level deck project in McMurray features TimberTech Reserve decking in Antique Leather, paired with a contrasting Dark Roast border.
The darker perimeter creates a defined edge around the deck, while the black aluminum railing and stainless steel spindles give the finished space a clean, updated appearance.
The combination of warm decking tones and contrasting details provides a wood-inspired look with the maintenance advantages of composite decking.
McMurray, PA · Second-Level Deck Remodel
TimberTech Legacy Second-Level Deck Remodel — McMurray, PA
Project Details
- Decking: TimberTech Legacy Collection
- Deck Color: Pecan
- Border Color: Mocha
- Railing: Black aluminum with stainless steel vertical spindles
This second-level deck remodel in McMurray shows how updated materials and carefully selected colors can change the appearance of an existing outdoor space. For this project, we used TimberTech Legacy decking in Pecan with a Mocha border.
The Pecan decking provides a warm, wood-inspired appearance, while the darker border frames the deck. Black aluminum railing with stainless steel vertical spindles completes the finished design.
For homeowners considering a similar remodel, this project is a useful example of how decking, borders, and railings work together.
Venetia, PA · Second-Level Deck
AZEK Vintage Second-Level Deck — Venetia, PA
Project Details
- Decking: AZEK Vintage Series
- Deck Color: Weathered Teak
- Border Color: Mahogany
- Railing: Black aluminum with stainless steel vertical spindles
This second-level deck transformation in Venetia features AZEK Vintage Series decking in Weathered Teak with a Mahogany border. The combination of the two colors creates contrast without overwhelming the overall design.
The black aluminum railing and stainless steel vertical spindles provide a modern finish that complements the decking.
AZEK’s Vintage Series is part of the premium PVC decking category, offering homeowners a low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood decking.
Oakdale, PA · Deck
TimberTech Reserve Deck — Oakdale, PA
Project Details
- Decking: TimberTech Reserve Collection
- Deck Color: Dark Roast
- Border Color: Antique Leather
- Railing: Black aluminum with stainless steel vertical spindles
For this deck project in Oakdale, we used TimberTech Reserve decking in Dark Roast with an Antique Leather border. Unlike the McMurray Reserve project, which uses Antique Leather as the main decking color, this deck reverses the color combination.
The darker deck surface creates a different overall appearance, while the contrasting border helps define the perimeter. Black aluminum railing with stainless steel vertical spindles completes the design.
This project is a good example of how the same decking collection can produce a noticeably different result simply by changing the color arrangement.
Mt. Lebanon, PA · Second-Level Deck
TimberTech Legacy Second-Level Deck — Mt. Lebanon, PA
Project Details
- Decking: TimberTech Legacy Collection
- Deck Color: Pecan
- Border Color: Mocha
- Railing: Black aluminum with stainless steel vertical spindles
This renovated second-level deck in Mt. Lebanon features TimberTech Legacy decking in Pecan with a Mocha border. The finished deck combines warm composite decking with a darker perimeter and black aluminum railing.
Second-level decks require attention to more than their appearance. Their elevated design makes the condition of the supporting structure, stairs, railings, and connections particularly important.
When evaluating an existing elevated deck for remodeling, we consider whether the structure is suitable for the proposed improvements.
McMurray, PA · Ground-Level Deck
TimberTech Legacy Ground-Level Deck — McMurray, PA
Project Details
- Decking: TimberTech Legacy Collection
- Deck Color: Pecan
- Border Color: Mocha
- Railing: Black aluminum with stainless steel vertical spindles
Not every outdoor space needs an elevated deck. This ground-level deck project in McMurray features TimberTech Legacy decking in Pecan with a Mocha border and black aluminum railing.
Ground-level decks can provide a practical connection between the home and the surrounding yard, depending on the property’s layout. For these projects, site conditions, drainage, ventilation, and the relationship between the deck and nearby surfaces are important considerations.
The finished project demonstrates how composite decking and contrasting details can create a defined outdoor living area at a lower elevation.
YOUR OPTIONS
Deck Resurfacing or Complete Replacement?
If your existing deck has faded boards, deteriorating railings, or an outdated appearance, you may be wondering whether it needs to be completely rebuilt. The answer depends on the condition of the underlying structure.
When Deck Resurfacing May Make Sense
Resurfacing may be an option when the existing framing and supporting components are in suitable condition and can accommodate the proposed decking and railing system.
Depending on the project, resurfacing may involve replacing deck boards, updating railings, changing stairs, or making other improvements.
When Deck Replacement May Be Necessary
A complete replacement may be the better choice when structural components are deteriorated, the existing layout no longer meets the homeowner’s needs, or the structure cannot adequately support the proposed improvements.
Vince can review the existing deck and discuss the options before a homeowner commits to a particular approach.
MATERIALS
Choosing Materials for Your Deck Transformation
Many of the projects shown on this page feature TimberTech composite decking or AZEK PVC decking. Both offer alternatives to traditional wood, but they differ in composition, available collections, appearance, and product characteristics. We help homeowners compare the options based on the deck’s design, how the space will be used, maintenance expectations, and budget.
TimberTech Composite
Composite decking collections such as Reserve and Legacy — featured in five of the projects above.
AZEK PVC Decking
Premium PVC decking such as the Vintage Series — featured in our Venetia project above.
Borders & Railings
The same decking collection can look quite different depending on the selected colors and railing design — compare the two TimberTech Reserve projects above.
LOCAL EXPERIENCE
Deck Projects Designed for Pittsburgh’s South Hills
Building and remodeling decks throughout the South Hills often means working with sloped properties, elevated entrances, walkout basements, and yards with significant changes in elevation. These conditions can affect deck layout, stair placement, access, and construction planning.
Lorenzi Deck Company works with homeowners in:
- McMurray
- Peters Township
- Upper St. Clair
- Mt. Lebanon
- Bethel Park
- South Fayette
- Venetia
- Oakdale
- & Surrounding Communities
With decades of experience in deck design, construction, and resurfacing, Vince Lorenzi helps homeowners evaluate their options and choose a practical direction for their outdoor space.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an old wood deck be resurfaced with composite decking?
Sometimes. The existing structure must first be evaluated to determine whether it is suitable for continued use and compatible with the proposed decking system. Resurfacing is not appropriate for every older deck.
Is it better to resurface or completely replace a deck?
That depends on the condition of the structure, the changes you want to make, and the overall scope of work. An on-site evaluation can help determine which option makes more sense.
Can I change my deck railing when replacing the boards?
Often, yes. Railing replacement can be part of a deck remodeling project, subject to the structural conditions, product requirements, and applicable codes.
Does composite decking require maintenance?
Yes, but generally less routine maintenance than traditional wood. Composite decking still requires cleaning and care according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Does Lorenzi Deck Company build second-story decks?
Yes. Our completed projects include second-level decks in McMurray, Venetia, and Mt. Lebanon, as well as ground-level deck construction.
Can I choose different decking and border colors?
Yes. Several projects shown here use contrasting decking and border colors, including TimberTech Reserve and Legacy collections and AZEK Vintage Series decking.
Ready to Update Your Existing Deck?
If your current deck is showing its age, or you’re considering replacing it with a new composite deck, Lorenzi Deck Company can help you explore the options.
Whether your project involves resurfacing, complete deck replacement, new construction, or updated railings and stairs, we’ll start by discussing your goals and evaluating the existing space.
Lorenzi Deck Company
Custom Deck Construction & Resurfacing in Pittsburgh’s South Hills
Call: 724-949-DECK (724-949-3325) · Text Vince: 724-769-7795
Contact us to schedule a deck consultation and discuss your project, or browse all of our deck projects.
Request for Quote
Call 724.949.DECK or complete our form to schedule a consultation with Vince Lorenzi.
