What Makes a Deck Actually Custom? Here’s Why Orlando Homeowners Keep Calling Summertime Deck & Dock

July 31, 2025
Photo of a custom deck and dock by Summertime Deck & Dock, a deck builder in Central Florida.
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Orlando folks get it. Coffee just tastes better when you’re barefoot on a shady deck, barbecue smoke curling lazily into the evening air, and the sound of cicadas setting the soundtrack. A deck isn’t just lumber and lag bolts; it’s your stage for summer memories, quiet mornings, and impromptu dance parties.

But here’s the kicker: what turns a deck from “nice enough” to next-level custom? And how do you find a crew that can deliver more than a boxy platform that screams cookie-cutter?

Decks Designed to Survive (and Thrive) in Orlando

What Makes a Deck Actually Custom? Here’s Why Orlando Homeowners Keep Calling Summertime Deck & Dock - Summertime Deck and Dock

Building in Central Florida isn’t for the faint of heart. Sun that could roast marshmallows, humidity thick enough to swim in, and rainstorms that arrive with all the subtlety of a marching band.

Smart deck design here means orienting boards to maximize breeze flow, crafting ventilation that keeps damp spots at bay, and choosing materials that withstand the effects of UV rays and mildew.

Tropical hardwoods? Gorgeous, but a little high-maintenance. Composites like Trex and Deckorators? They resist fading, warping, and mold, so you can spend more time chilling, less time sanding.

The Summertime Deck & Dock crew doesn’t just know their planks; they know Florida’s challenging permitting maze and hurricane codes like the back of their hands. Translation: Your deck will stand tall when the weather doesn’t play nice.

Anatomy of a Truly Custom Deck (It’s More Than Fancy Lumber)

Photo of a custom deck with a compass rose deck tattoo.

  • Tailored Design: No two backyards or families are alike. Summertime designs decks that fit your lot, frame your views, and blend seamlessly with your landscaping.
  • Materials That Mean Business: From pressure-treated classics to composite boards and next-gen mineral-based planks that shrug off rot and wear.
  • Strength You Can Trust: Hurricane-rated framing, rock-solid footings, and hidden drainage to keep the underbelly bone-dry.
  • Lifestyle Add-Ons: Built-in benches for gathering, pergolas for shade, outdoor kitchens for margarita-fueled feasts, even under-deck systems that turn forgotten space into storage, deck tattoos for an artistic touch, or bonus hangout zones.

Why Orlando Homeowners Go Custom (And Never Look Back)

What Makes a Deck Actually Custom? Here’s Why Orlando Homeowners Keep Calling Summertime Deck & Dock - Summertime Deck and Dock

  • A Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Slide open those doors and step into an outdoor oasis made for dining, lounging, and everything in between.
  • More Hours Outside: Shade structures, smart lighting, and weather-tough materials make it easy to linger, even during Florida’s sauna season.
  • Boosted Home Value: Distinctive custom decks grab buyers’ attention and up your resale game.
  • Maintenance? Barely a Blip: Modern composites mean no sanding, staining, or Saturday afternoons spent cursing with a paintbrush in your hand.

Why Summertime Deck & Dock Is Orlando’s Go-To Team

This isn’t our first deck rodeo. With decades of experience and a reputation built plank by plank, Summertime handles it all: Design, permits, engineering, and flawless construction. Clients rave about our eye for detail, creative solutions, and stress-free process.

Why Locals Trust Summertime Deck & Dock

Here is what one homeowner said:

My husband and I can’t say enough good things about Robin, Alex, Michelle and crew at Summertime Deck and Dock. From the free estimate to completion of the job the whole experience was exceptional. We hired Summertime Deck and Dock to repair a second story balcony on our home. Their workmanship, professionalism, communication skills and swift but thorough completion of the job was better than we could have hoped for. All for a fair price. The fact that they are well insured was another plus in our decision to hire them.

We would not hesitate to hire them again, or refer them to friends and family.

– Carole P.

5 Questions to Ask Before You Hire Any Deck Builder

  • Are you licensed and insured in Florida?
  • Can I peek at recent projects?
  • Which materials do you swear by for Florida’s climate?
  • Who handles permitting and inspections (so I don’t have to)?
  • What kind of warranty backs up your work?

Because peace of mind should come standard with every plank.

Your Backyard, But Better

A Summertime Deck isn’t just a deck. It’s your outdoor living room, your weekend HQ, your private escape. Orlando homeowners trust them for one reason: they build with heart, brains, and craftsmanship that lasts.

Robin Lopez is the owner and operator of Summertime Deck and Dock, a company he co-founded in 2008 with his wife, Michelle. With a background as an aerospace engineer, Robin brings a creative, engineering-driven approach to custom deck and dock designs, emphasizing unique solutions and innovative technology​.

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