Award-Winning Deck and Open Porch Design in Northeast Ohio

Location:

Northeast Ohio

Price Range:

$75,000-$150,000

Materials Used:

  • Aluminum railing components
  • CAMO Fastener System
  • Composite fascia
  • Exposed timber framing
  • FastenMaster products
  • Lighting components from Tru-Scapes Deck Lighting
  • Metal railing with decorative privacy panel
  • Metal roof system
  • Powder-coated steel panels
  • Stone-wrapped structural columns
  • TimberTech composite decking
  • TimberTech decking inlay boards
Photo of award-winning deck and open porch design by Hen-House Decks.

Project Description

Hen-House Decks delivered a single project that earned five separate awards from the North American Deck and Railing Association, a rare accomplishment that reflects advanced design coordination and structural problem-solving. For this award-winning deck and open porch design, the client wanted an elevated outdoor living area with a porch and deck, and defined transitions between multiple activity zones. The design needed to address a roof-clearance issue and unify a complex layout without sacrificing aesthetics or usability.

The project combined a multi-level deck, an open porch, custom deck inlay systems, and an intricate railing layout. The centerpiece was a set of custom powder-coated steel panels featuring tropical-pattern cutouts that served both a decorative and structural purpose. Each panel was fabricated to match exact field measurements to maintain alignment across the deck’s bays and steps. The project also included a lowered center section to ensure proper roof clearance, which influenced the construction of elevations, stair runs, and inlay transitions.

The result is a highly functional and visually coherent outdoor environment. The railings provide both rhythm and safety while letting light pass through their patterns without disruption. The covered zones offer proportionate shade and airflow. This project shows what is possible when design, engineering, and material detailing work together to support a complete homeowner experience.

Open Porch

Photo of composite decking with detailed inlay patterns leading toward the open porch structure supported by stone-wrapped columns. This project is by Hen-House Decks, a deck and porch builder in Northeast Ohio.
Photo of composite decking with detailed inlay patterns leading toward the open porch structure.
Photo of award-winning open porch design.
Photo of an open porch with exposed timber framing, stone-wrapped columns, and composite decking with inlay patterns beneath a vaulted roof.
Photo of the open porch seating area beneath the timber roof, with composite decking, railing panel, and views toward surrounding trees.
Photo of the open porch seating area beneath the timber roof, with composite decking, railing panel, and views toward surrounding trees.
Photo of an elevated open porch attached to a home, showing the metal roof structure, stone columns, and surrounding landscape.

Deck

Photo of the covered seating area with the inlay pattern continuing toward the railing. Project is by Hen-House Decks, a deck-builder in Northeast Ohio.
Photo of a step detail showing precise inlay alignment at a stair transition.
Photo of a covered deck/open porch.
Photo of the finished deck at dusk with inlay patterns, railing panels, and a covered roof structure.
Photo of the deck overlooking the backyard with the roof structure and surrounding landscape.
Photo of the elevated deck from above showing the inlay pattern and connection to the house.
Photo of the deck during construction showing decking layout, stone columns, and stair framing.

Railings

Award-Winning Deck and Open Porch Design in Northeast Ohio - Railings 3
Award-Winning Deck and Open Porch Design in Northeast Ohio - Railings 1
Award-Winning Deck and Open Porch Design in Northeast Ohio - Railings 2

Deck Inlays

Photo of the inlay pattern viewed from an angle that shows its alignment across the steps and deck surface.
Photo of a covered deck with deck inlay intersections. Project by Hen-House Decks, an award-winning deck builder in Northeast Ohio.
Photo of the deck surface where multiple inlay intersections meet near the seating area. Project by Hen-House Decks, a deck builder in Northeast Ohio.
Photo of an elevated deck with a continuous inlay pattern and a covered seating area viewed from above.
Photo of steps with integrated inlay and lighting at the risers near stone columns.
Photo of steps with integrated inlay and lighting at the risers near stone columns.
Photo of the inlay pattern extending into a covered seating area with visible railing and support posts.