July 13, 2026
We are excited to announce that Modernize It LLC has officially entered the 2026 North American Deck and Railing Association Awards in the Decks Under $35,000 category with one of our most stunning projects to date. The Candia Showcase Deck.
This project represents months of planning, creativity, and craftsmanship. Our goal was not simply to build another beautiful deck. We wanted to create something completely original that homeowners, builders, and fellow contractors had not seen before.
Although the deck was completed in just 11 days, the design process took considerably longer. Every pattern, color combination, and architectural detail was carefully planned before construction began. To meet the competition’s budget requirements, we also accepted a significantly smaller profit margin so we could bring our vision to life while remaining within the $35,000 limit.
From the beginning, we wanted this project to stand apart from anything we had built before.
One of the deck’s most distinctive features is the custom staircase, which includes more than 68 heat-folded composite pieces arranged in a flowing two-tone pattern. Each piece was individually heated, shaped, and installed before the staircase was finished with a picture-frame inlay that carries the design throughout the stairs.
The homeowners preferred a modern style, which inspired the bold white and black design used throughout the structure. By combining white PVC with Deckorators Dark Slate accents, we created contrast across the fascia, stair stringer sides, risers, and custom 8×8 columns.
The concept began with the fascia surrounding the deck. Once we saw how striking the white and black combination looked, we decided to extend the same design across the entire deck wrapping. The finished result creates depth, dimension, and a look that we have not seen anywhere else in the market.
The upper deck features four custom inlay squares designed exclusively for this project. The overall layout and geometric pattern were created from scratch to give the deck a truly original appearance.
We used Deckorators Khaya as the primary decking color, with Deckorators Dark Slate for the borders and accents. The warm tone of Khaya paired with the darker detailing creates a bold contrast that works perfectly with the style and color of the home.
To complement the modern design, we installed Deckorators Contemporary Black Aluminum Railings.
The clean profile of the railing system helps define the perimeter of the deck without taking attention away from the custom decking patterns, contrasting trim, and detailed staircase.
Lighting played a major role in completing the overall vision for this deck. We incorporated a variety of TruScapes lighting fixtures throughout the structure, including:
Together, these lighting elements highlight the deck’s custom patterns, contrasting colors, staircase details, and architectural features after sunset. The lighting provides the right amount of visibility while helping define the overall design.
Projects like this are only possible when homeowners trust us to bring ambitious ideas to life. We are incredibly proud of what our team accomplished with this build and are honored to represent Modernize It LLC in the 2026 NADRA Awards.
No matter the outcome of the competition, we believe the Candia Showcase Deck demonstrates what can be achieved through creative planning, skilled craftsmanship, and a willingness to push beyond traditional deck design.
We look forward to seeing how the project performs in the competition and are excited to share it with everyone who has supported Modernize It LLC.
