Port Colborne Lakefront Deck Build: Designed for Views, Built for the Elements

Living on the waterfront in Port Colborne comes with a major perk: uninterrupted views of Lake Erie. For this homeowner, the goal was simple—create a functional outdoor space that fully embraces the home’s lakefront views while standing up to the unique challenges of lakeside living.

A Deck That Doesn’t Compete With the View

This project was built completely from scratch. The property previously had only a few concrete steps. The new deck transforms the sandy backyard into a usable, inviting waterfront retreat.

One of the most important design decisions was keeping the deck low-profile. The client wanted a walkout deck that wouldn’t require railings, ensuring nothing would obstruct their pristine sightline to the water. The result is a clean, open space that feels like a natural extension of the home and landscape.

Why PVC Decking Was the Right Choice

Waterfront environments can be tough on materials. Between moisture, sun exposure, and fluctuating temperatures, durability is critical. For this reason, the homeowners chose Clubhouse PVC decking in “Brookstone” with “Ironwood” trim—a smart, long-lasting solution for lakeside conditions.

Here’s why PVC decking stands out for waterfront properties:

• Moisture resistance: Unlike wood or composite, PVC contains no organic material, so it won’t absorb water.
• No rot or cracking: PVC decking is ideal for environments with constant humidity and exposure to the elements.
• Low maintenance: No staining or sealing required—perfect for homeowners who want to spend more time enjoying the view.
• Cooler underfoot: The deck is south facing on Lake Erie with full sun all day. The lighter “Brookstone” colour, combined with PVC’s properties, helps the deck stay cooler.

Thoughtful Features That Elevate the Space

Several design elements were added to enhance both function and aesthetics:

• Integrated lighting: Provides ambiance in the evening and improves safety when heading down to the beach at night.
• Planter boxes: Bring life and colour to the space with flowers and greenery.
• Built-in benches: These were added during the build to break up the planter layout and create additional seating without overcrowding the deck.

The benches weren’t part of the original plan, but they became an important design adjustment. Without them, the frontage would have been dominated by planter boxes. By incorporating seating, the space feels more balanced, functional, and visually appealing.

Planning for the Future

A key part of the design was thinking ahead. The homeowner has plans for a second-phase build—a mid-level deck further down the property toward the beach within the next 1–2 years. This upper deck was intentionally designed to tie in seamlessly with that future addition, creating a cohesive multi-level outdoor living space over time.

A Waterfront Space Built to Last

This Port Colborne project is a great example of how thoughtful design and the right materials can transform a simple backyard into a standout waterfront living space. It’s open, durable, and ready for both everyday use and future expansion.

Most importantly, it does exactly what the homeowner envisioned; it puts the beauty of Lake Erie front and center.