Deck Features Contractor and Installation in Duluth, MN

Railing, lighting, and dry space designed as part of your new deck, not added on later.

Photo of curved deck with built-in bench, one of the deck features offered by Hill and Harbor Construction in Duluth.

WE’RE TRUSTED BY:

Trex decking logo.
TimberTech decking logo.
RDI Railings logo.
Westbury aluminum railings logo.
Photo of an elevated wood-look composite deck surrounded by black aluminum railings, leading down steps toward a lush green forest.

Aluminum Railing

Aluminum railing gives your deck a clean, modern line without the upkeep of painted wood, and it holds up well through Duluth winters. We plan aluminum railing installation into every new deck project rather than treating it as a separate add-on.

  • Westbury aluminum railing, our most installed system
  • Powder-coated finishes that resist chipping and rust
  • No painting or staining required after installation
  • Color options to match your decking and trim
  • Height and baluster spacing built to current code
  • Panels sized to fit stairs and landings
  • A style that pairs with composite or PVC decking
Photo of a wooden deck featuring a dark brown cable railing system with green trees in the background.

Cable Railing

Cable railing keeps sightlines open, which matters on properties with a yard, garden, or lake view worth seeing from the deck. Duluth-area homeowners frequently choose cable deck railing for this reason, and we build it into the design of your new deck from the start.

  • Thin stainless cable for an open view
  • Strong fit for properties with a view
  • Popular choice among Lake Superior area homeowners
  • Aluminum or wood-look posts to match your railing
  • Cable tension checked and set during installation
  • Pairs well with modern or minimal deck designs
  • Built into the deck design, not retrofitted later
Photo of a lighted custom deck with a wooden pergola, patio dining set under an umbrella, and glowing step lights.

Deck Lighting

Deck lighting extends how late you can use your deck and adds a layer of safety on stairs and landings after dark. We plan deck lighting installation during the design phase of your new deck, so wiring is routed through the framing before decking goes down.

  • Trex deck lighting for posts, rails, and stairs
  • TimberTech integrated lighting for posts and stairs
  • eFuse lighting for a low-voltage, flexible system
  • Stair and step lighting for nighttime safety
  • Post cap lighting for a finished look
  • Lighting placement planned alongside your railing choice
  • Wiring built into the framing, not surface mounted
Photo of a covered wooden deck featuring an underdeck dryspace ceiling with recessed lighting overlooking a green grassy lawn.

Underdeck Dry Space, Built-In Benches, and Built-In Storage

An underdeck system turns wasted space beneath an elevated deck into a dry, usable area, while built-in benches and storage add seating and organization. We offer Trex RainEscape as an upgrade for new elevated deck builds, with benches and storage designed to match your decking. These custom deck features in Duluth can also be planned with a pergola or season room as part of a complete outdoor living space.

  • Trex RainEscape underdeck drainage system for elevated decks
  • Creates a dry, usable space below an elevated deck
  • Works with the drainage slope built into your deck
  • Built-in benches provide permanent seating that matches your decking
  • Built-in storage keeps cushions, tools, and outdoor gear out of sight
  • All three features are planned during design
  • Offered as upgrades to your deck project, not separate services

A Local Deck Specialist You Can Reach

Seth Olson founded Hill and Harbor in 2025, after years in reconstruction, to replace unsafe, rotting decks with custom-built decks designed to last. You work with him directly, start to finish, and he holds a Minnesota Contractor License, NADRA membership, and TrexPro status.

Photo of a smiling family of four sitting together outdoors among autumn trees.

See Recent Deck and Outdoor Living Projects

Browse past projects, including our Lake Superior deck, to picture what a custom deck installation could look like at your home.
Aerial photo of a green-sided home with a wide light gray composite deck and a green lawn.
Photo of a green-sided home with a large light gray deck and big windows. Schedule a custom deck consultation with Hill and Harbor Construction.

Serving Homeowners Throughout the Duluth Region

Hill and Harbor Construction builds custom decks for homeowners throughout the greater Duluth area, including:

Read What Duluth Families Say About Us

Read what past clients say, then picture that same experience happening at your own home.

Deck Features FAQs

Should I choose aluminum railing or cable railing?
Aluminum railing is a durable, low-maintenance choice that holds up well through Duluth winters. Cable railing keeps sightlines open, which matters most on decks with a view. Both are planned as part of your deck railing installation, not added after the fact.
Yes, deck lighting installation is planned during the design phase of every new deck we build. Wiring is routed through the framing before decking goes down, which keeps the finished look clean. Placement is coordinated with your railing choice so the two work together.
An underdeck drainage system captures water running off the deck boards above and channels it away. This creates a drier, usable space below an elevated deck instead of an open, muddy area. We offer Trex RainEscape as this option on new elevated deck builds.
Yes, cable railing is a common choice for Lake Superior area homes because it keeps the view open. The thin cable lines are far less visually blocking than solid balusters or panels. It also holds up well against wind and moisture near the water.