Decks by Kiefer was brought in to replace a failing deck surrounding an existing pool for a homeowner in Montclair, NJ, who refused to give up the property’s most important feature: an unobstructed view of the New York City skyline. The client needed a custom Ipe deck that would perform at the highest level while visually disappearing at the perimeter, so nothing would stand between the deck and the horizon.
The solution required precise thinking about elevation and railing design. Decks by Kiefer lowered the front level of the deck to reduce the sightline of the railing, then specified Feeney cable rail throughout to maintain transparency from every angle. The curved Ipe bench wraps around a central fire pit, creating a natural gathering space that draws the eye inward without competing with the view beyond. Curved staircase construction, integrated planters, and built-in deck lighting complete the project across a sweeping, multi-zone layout that also incorporates the pool surround.
The finished deck gives this Montclair, NJ, property a legitimate outdoor destination, one that performs as well at midnight around the fire as it does on a summer afternoon by the pool. The Ipe hardwood will hold its color, resist the elements, and remain structurally sound for decades, making this a long-term investment that adds serious value to an already exceptional home.