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Before & After: A Three-Gable Pavilion Story

Before

Stone walls and siding framed a backyard that remained nothing more than a gravel pad. It held potential, but it didn’t yet have purpose. A space like this calls for structure. For definition. For design that ties the home and landscape together.

Backyard before installation showing gravel foundation area marked for pavilion footings, next to stone retaining wall and home exterior.
The gravel pad was marked for pavilion footings, waiting to be transformed into a finished outdoor living space.

After

The design has turned the space into something entirely new. An elevated deck extends outward with clean white Trex railing, perfect for grilling and open-air dining. Below, a 3-gable timber frame pavilion anchors the patio, pulling firelight, seating, and conversation into focus.

It’s no longer just a yard. It’s a destination—one that feels complete in every season.

Completed backyard transformation with 3-gable timber frame pavilion, white Trex deck railing, and outdoor fire lounge.
The backyard is fully transformed with a 3-gable pavilion, elevated Trex-railed deck, and a fire-centered seating area.

Before

Backyard before deck installation showing unfinished concrete and stone retaining wall area prepared for new elevated deck.
Before: The patio edge and retaining wall stood unfinished, waiting for an elevated deck and railing to complete the outdoor living design.

After

Elevated backyard deck under construction with white Trex railing installed over stone retaining wall.
In progress: The new deck takes shape with white Trex railings installed, adding definition and safety above the stone retaining wall.
Completed elevated deck with brown Trex composite decking and white Trex railing system.
After: The elevated deck is finished with Trex composite boards and white railings, creating a clean, durable outdoor living space.

Project Overview

  • Structure: 3-gable mass timber frame pavilion
  • Roofing: Driftwood shingles with white drip edge
  • Finish: Custom upgrade to white stain
  • Decking: Elevated deck with handrail system
  • Foundation: Engineered pavilion footings with soil haul-off
  • Joinery: The Dovetail Difference® system for timeless strength and precision fit
  • Power: TimberVolt® outdoor power system integrated into posts for lighting, charging, and fire feature support
  • Details: Concealed fasteners, finish-grade brackets, and clean metal edging
  • Setting: Outdoor lounge centered on a fire feature, paired with upper-level deck space

The Dovetail Difference®

What makes this pavilion unique goes beyond looks—it’s the strength of its construction. The Dovetail Difference®, a patented wood-to-wood interlocking system, locks timbers in place without relying on surface plates or brackets. The joinery grows stronger under pressure, ensuring the beams remain aligned and true for decades.

It’s the same principle we use across both residential backyards and large-scale commercial timber frame projects: strength that lasts, beauty that endures.

TimberVolt®: Power Posts

In a handcrafted timber frame, every detail matters — which is why visible cords and patchwork solutions don’t belong. That’s why the TimberVolt® outdoor power system runs power through the pavilion posts themselves. Lighting, charging, and fire feature support all flow from inside the structure—integrated, invisible, and reliable.

For homeowners, it means convenience. For restaurants, resorts, and campuses, it means commercial exposed timbers can provide both architectural impact and modern utility.

Close-up of a TimberVolt® power post with multiple outdoor outlets and switches on a timber pavilion.

Matching Front Entrance Railing

To complete the project, the homeowners asked for a matching hand railing at the front porch. The same white railing used on the deck now frames the entry steps, creating a cohesive look that ties the curb appeal to the backyard design.


White Trex hand railing installed on front porch steps to match elevated deck railing.
The project included a matching white hand railing at the home’s front entrance for a cohesive finish.

Project Wrap-Up

We turned gravel and bare concrete into a complete outdoor living space. The deck provides an elevated dining space, the pavilion anchors the patio with warmth and strength, and the front entry railing ties the entire property together with consistency and charm.

The pavilion and deck do more than add space — they reshape daily life at home. Every detail, from The Dovetail Difference® joinery to TimberVolt® outdoor power integration, reflects a commitment to craftsmanship that lasts.

👉 Read the full customer review here »

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Let’s make your outdoor space unforgettable.

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