lakefront view - deck install - Uniondale

Lewis Lake Trex Deck Replacement & Underdeck Drainage System

Location: Union Dale, PA

Year Completed: Spring 2021

Project Value: $72,500

Deck Size: Approximately 600 Square Feet

Features: Trex Composite Decking, Cable Rail System, Trex RainEscape Underdeck Drainage, Mid-Level Landing, L-Shaped Staircase

Union Dale Trex Deck Replacement at a Glance

Nestled along the shoreline of Lewis Lake, this aging wood deck had reached the end of its service life and no longer provided the functionality or low-maintenance performance the homeowners desired. The existing structure was removed entirely and replaced with a modern Trex composite deck system designed to maximize lake views while creating additional usable outdoor living space beneath the deck.

So the NEPA Builders team took it all the way down and started over. The existing structure was removed entirely and replaced with a modern Trex composite deck system built to maximize the lake views — and, just as importantly, to open up brand-new usable outdoor living space underneath.

The finished project features roughly 600 square feet of composite decking, a custom mid-level landing with an L-shaped staircase leading toward the water, premium aluminum cable railings, and a complete Trex RainEscape drainage system that turns the area below the deck into a dry, functional space the family can actually use.

Old deck in Uniondale before replacement

Why This Union Dale Wood Deck Needed a Full Replacement

The homeowners loved their lakefront property but were frustrated by the ongoing maintenance demands of the existing wood deck. Years of exposure to moisture, snow, and seasonal temperature changes had taken a toll on the structure, making replacement the most practical long-term solution.

In addition to replacing the deck itself, the homeowners wanted to better utilize the space beneath the elevated structure. During rainstorms, water passed directly through the deck boards, leaving the area below wet and unusable. They envisioned a system that would not only provide the beauty and durability of composite decking but also create a dry patio area underneath.

The Solution

After evaluating the existing structure, our team put together a plan to completely remove the old deck and rebuild it with modern materials engineered to hold up in a demanding lakefront environment for decades.

Structural Reconstruction

Stair and deck installation in Union Dale

A long-lasting deck starts with what’s underneath it. Once the old deck and staircase were demolished and the site was cleared, we built a new pressure-treated framing system designed for real strength and stability.

2×10 pressure-treated deck joists
6×6 pressure-treated support posts
Engineered Parallam beam system
New mid-level landing and L-shaped staircase layout

The rebuilt framing kept the functionality of the original deck while giving the whole structure the backbone it needed for decades of dependable use.

Premium Composite Decking

To take wood-deck maintenance off the table for good, the homeowners chose Trex Select® Pebble Grey composite decking across the entire project. Composite holds its color and finish through the seasons without the sanding, sealing, and staining a wood deck constantly asks for.

Main deck surface
Stair treads
Stair risers
Rim joists and trim details

Every fastener was concealed with the Trex Cortex hidden fastening system, leaving a clean, finished surface with no visible screw heads anywhere on the new deck.

Modern Cable Rail System

Cable railing installation in Union Dale.

On a lakefront property, the view is the whole point — so the railing can’t fight it. We installed a Fairway A210 Textured Black Aluminum Cable Rail System on both the deck and staircase. The slim cable design keeps everyone safe while nearly disappearing against the landscape, letting the water and the surrounding scenery stay the focal point.

Trex RainEscape Underdeck System

The single most impactful upgrade was the complete Trex RainEscape® Underdeck Drainage System — the piece that solved the family’s biggest frustration.

The system captures water beneath the decking surface and channels it into gutters and downspouts, stopping it from dripping through the structure below. That one move did two things at once: it transformed the space under the elevated deck into a dry, usable outdoor area, and it protected the framing from the prolonged moisture that shortens a deck’s life in the first place.

The Results

The completed project delivered a dramatic improvement in both looks and function.

The new Trex deck gives the family a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor living space that fits the lakefront setting while erasing the ongoing upkeep that came with the old wood deck. The cable railing keeps the views of Lewis Lake wide open, and the custom staircase and landing create a welcoming path from the home down to the shoreline. And thanks to the RainEscape system, the family gained an entire second level of usable space beneath the deck that simply didn’t exist before.

Approximately 600 square feet of new composite decking
A fully rebuilt, structurally sound framing system
Low-maintenance Trex Select® Pebble Grey surfaces
Unobstructed lake views through the cable rail system
A new dry, usable patio area beneath the deck
Framing protected from long-term moisture
A custom mid-level landing and L-shaped staircase

The result is a durable, modern lakefront deck built to be enjoyed for years — maximum use, minimal upkeep.

Thinking About Replacing Your Deck?

At NEPA Builders, an outdoor living space is more than just a deck; it’s where families gather, relax, and take in the view. As an experienced deck contractor, our team handles everything from a full deck replacement to deck resurfacing and brand-new decks, with the same focus every time: exceptional craftsmanship, lasting value, and an outdoor space built to last. It’s all part of Building a Better Northeast.

Whether you need a deck replacement contractor to replace an aging deck, a decking contractor to upgrade to low-maintenance composite materials, or help creating a more functional outdoor living area, we’d love to bring your vision to life.

Contact NEPA Builders today to schedule your consultation.