How much does a custom deck cost in Orange County?

Custom deck pricing varies with size, materials and elevation. A flush composite deck with integrated planting beds typically starts in the mid-five-figure range. We provide an exact investment figure after your free discovery call and 3D concept.

Is composite decking better than wood for coastal homes?

Composite decking resists salt air, moisture and UV far better than natural wood, and it never needs sanding or sealing. For Newport Beach and coastal Orange County homes, composite is the lower-maintenance, longer-lasting choice.

Do I need a permit to add a deck in Newport Beach?

Most decks attached to the home or elevated above 30 inches require a city permit. Bespoke Exterior Living handles permitting as part of our design + build service, ensuring your deck meets all local codes.

Adding a Deck Unlocks a Whole New Outdoor Room in Coastal California

The Clients

Sam Weston, a communications executive, and his wife Christine, an HR leader, moved to coastal California with their young family. After house-hunting for over a year, they finally bought and remodeled a 1960s split-level home. But by the time they were ready to tackle the backyard makeover, they had spent a big chunk of their budget and were out of creative juice—yet they desperately needed a functional outdoor room.

"For 12 months, I spent all of my time just thinking about next steps. We had this huge outdoor footprint for the first time, with space for the kids and dog, but no real plan for how to build it out."

The Weston family enjoying their newly finished composite deck and dining area.

The Goal

Sam came to Bespoke Exterior Living with the goal of adding a multi-level deck featuring dedicated zones for eating, lounging, grilling, and entertaining. He wanted an effortless indoor-outdoor flow—extending his main living room directly into the garden—while preserving plenty of lush lawn space for the kids.

BEFORE: An uneven, underutilized lawn slab with zero shade or sitting structures.

The Bespoke Design Strategy

To achieve effortless coastal indoor-outdoor living, our design team created a flush composite deck in warm Tigerwood tones. The deck extends two-thirds of the way across the back of the residence, accessed via a wide sliding glass door. Low single-step elevations ensure open sightlines across the entire property without needing bulky railings.

Clean lines and integrated timber planking create distinct dining and lounging zones.

Landscaped Planting Beds & Natural Texture

To nestle the structure softly into the surrounding landscape, custom mulched beds planted with dwarf fountain grasses, olive saplings, and white hydrangeas encircle the deck. Integrated planter cutouts bring climbing mandevilla right up against the bedroom windows.

Textural contrast between warm timber and dark basalt pea gravel paths.

The Result

The Westons now use their deck for daily dining, outdoor work sessions, evening lounge sessions with friends, and weekend relaxation. By investing smartly in high-impact hardscaping and low-maintenance native planting, they unlocked an entirely new wing of their home.

Key Takeaway

It was a significant investment for us, but it has been worth every single penny. It unlocked a whole new area of our house in a fluid, natural, seamless way.