Blog

deck

Modern West Coast Deck Styles: Clean Lines, Warm Woods, and Natural Textures

Modern West Coast deck design is all about balance. Homeowners across the Tri-Cities, Pitt Meadows, and Maple Ridge are drawn to spaces that feel clean and intentional, but still warm and welcoming. The goal isn’t to build something that looks trendy for a year or two. It’s about creating an outdoor space that feels timeless, fits the home, and connects...


Outdoor living

2026 Outdoor Living Trends BC Homeowners Will Love

Outdoor living continues to be a big focus for homeowners across the Tri-Cities, Pitt Meadows, and Maple Ridge, and 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for decks and backyard spaces. More people are looking at their outdoor areas as true extensions of their homes, not just something nice to look at from inside. The biggest trend I’m...


Deck

How to Turn a Basic Deck Into a Multi-Zone Outdoor Living Space

When I sit down with homeowners to talk about their deck plans, one of the first things I ask is how they actually want to use their outdoor space. Most people start by saying they want “a nice deck,” but once we get talking, it becomes clear they want more than just a platform off the back of the house....


project

What I Wish Every Homeowner Knew Before Starting a Deck Project

Before I ever pick up a saw or sketch out a design, I like to have an honest conversation with homeowners about what really goes into a deck project. After years of building decks across Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and the surrounding communities, I’ve learned that the most successful projects all start the same way: with clear expectations. A...


Deck Railings

How to Create a Private Outdoor Oasis with Deck Railings and Privacy Screens

Designing Your Space for Comfort and Privacy When I think back to the first deck I ever helped build with my dad, I remember how much pride homeowners took in their outdoor spaces. These weren’t just backyards; they were extensions of their homes—places to unwind, share meals, and make memories. Today, that same value holds true for families across Maple...


Deck Shade

How to Add Shade and Style to Your Deck with Awnings and Pergolas

Why Shade Makes Your Deck More Enjoyable When I first started building decks decades ago, the focus was often on the size and shape of the structure. These days, homeowners are thinking more about how their outdoor spaces actually function—how they can enjoy them in every season and every kind of weather. In Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, where the sun...


Trex Decking for West Coast Decks

Why Made by Mike Construction Recommends Trex Decking for West Coast Decks

The West Coast of British Columbia is one of the most beautiful places in the world to live. But let’s be honest, building a deck here comes with some real challenges. We deal with a lot of rain, significant temperature swings, and persistent moisture. These factors can make quick work of a standard wooden deck. Homeowners across Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, and Pitt Meadows want...


Building a Deck

Building a Deck That Lasts: It Starts with the Basics

Building a great deck starts long before the first board is installed. I always tell my team that the secret to a deck that really lasts is what happens down at the foundation. Here at Made by Mike Construction, every deck project, whether in Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge or any other part of the Vancouver Lower Mainland, begins with making...


Contracting Deck Services

Tips to Keep Your Composite Deck Looking New All Winter Long

Homeowners in Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and the Tri-Cities know that living on the West Coast of BC means beautiful scenery but also plenty of rain and damp weather, especially in the winter. While a traditional wood deck can be a lot of work to maintain through the seasons, many people are choosing durable composite decks that are designed...


Backyard Oasis

A Backyard Oasis in Coquitlam Framed in Timeless West Coast Materials

As a dedicated deck builder in Coquitlam, there’s nothing more satisfying than transforming a backyard into a truly exceptional living space. I love seeing how the right blend of thoughtful design, quality materials, and skilled craftsmanship can create an area that clients will cherish for years. Recently, my team and I completed a covered deck project right here in...