Best Austin Handyman & Remodeling built this backyard deck from pressure-treated lumber, painted it to match the home’s trim and privacy fence, and added custom planter boxes along the fence line. The crew also installed a retractable awning and pergola with string lights to round out the outdoor living space.

Newly built pressure-treated lumber deck with wide steps in an Austin backyard, before painting

The crew painted the deck a solid white to match the home’s trim and the privacy fence surrounding the yard. White paint makes a compact backyard feel larger and brighter. Wide wrap-around steps lead down to a concrete patio at ground level.

A retractable black-and-white striped awning mounted on the house covers the main deck. In Austin, a deck without shade gets unusable by mid-June. The awning extends when you need it and tucks flat against the wall when you don’t.

Finished backyard deck painted solid white with retractable striped awning in Austin

Custom Planter Boxes Along the Fence

The team built custom planter boxes running the full length of the privacy fence. They’re painted the same white as the deck and fence, so everything reads as one connected space.

Each planter is filled with dark mulch and evenly spaced topiary-style bushes. The height puts the greenery at eye level from the seating area, which softens the look of a tall privacy fence. You can see how the planters, deck, pergola, and gravel pathways all connect. The pergola has string lights and curtain panels for shade.

White custom planter boxes along a privacy fence with topiary bushes, dark mulch, and pergola with string lights in an Austin backyard

Why Finishing Matters

Pressure-treated lumber resists rot and insects, but it’s not meant to stay bare. The Central Texas sun is hard on exposed wood. Summer surface temperatures on an unfinished deck can reach 150 degrees, which speeds up cracking and splintering. Without paint or stain, the wood grays out within a year.

A solid paint finish blocks UV and sheds moisture. That matters in Austin, where you can get a month of 100-degree days followed by heavy rain. The wet-dry cycle breaks down unfinished wood fastest. Paint seals the surface so moisture doesn’t get in and cook back out in the next afternoon’s heat.

ALSO: Modern Cedar Privacy Fence with Durable Metal Posts

Ready to talk about your deck or outdoor project? Call us at (512) 761-7336 or reach out online for a free estimate. We build custom decks, patios, and outdoor living spaces across Austin and the surrounding area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does a painted deck need maintenance?
Horizontal surfaces take more wear than vertical ones. Plan on touching up high-traffic areas every two to three years and a full repaint every four to five, depending on sun exposure and foot traffic.

What type of paint works best on a deck in Central Texas?
Look for exterior floor and deck paint rated for UV and moisture resistance. Oil-based paints tend to hold up better on horizontal surfaces than latex, but modern acrylic-latex deck paints have closed that gap. Proper surface prep before the first coat matters more than the brand.

Can you build a deck and planter boxes as one project?
Yes, and there’s an advantage to doing it that way. When the same crew handles the deck, planters, and finish work, the materials and paint match from the start. Coordinating separate contractors for each piece usually costs more and takes longer.

Do built-in planter boxes add value?
Planters that match the home’s exterior feel maintained and permanent. They’re a smaller investment than a full landscaping overhaul.

Does a deck need a permit in Austin?
Decks over 30 inches above grade or attached to the house require a building permit in Austin. Freestanding decks under 30 inches are typically exempt, but it’s worth confirming with the city before starting. Best Austin Handyman & Remodeling handles permitting when it’s needed.