When Los Angeles-based interior designer Orlando Soria set out to renovate his parents’ northern California home, he didn’t know exactly how long the project would take but he did know that he was resolute in his plan to give his parents the kitchen and entertaining area they had always dreamed of having.

Zeke Ruelas

The Soria’s house was built in 1977 and flipped in 2011. It is a blend of the original semi-contemporary style and a more current traditional suburban home. Soria identified two main concerns with the layout and design of the house. The first was that the kitchen was much too small and wasn’t functional. The second concern was that the ugly metal overhang that met the house’s roof at an awkward angle and created an outdoor space that wasn’t cohesive with the exterior.

The solution was to expand the kitchen to double its size; to do so, the existing deck had to be removed and replaced with a new one. The family chose redwood to construct their new deck, and outfitted it with a redwood shade structure, stairs, and railings.

Redwood is one of the strongest natural building materials. It has a shear strength of up to five times greater than plastic composite decks and has the durability to last for decades. Furthermore, Humboldt Redwood is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC C005200) certified and grown and harvested sustainably in California, which suited the family’s wish to use natural materials.

The new redwood deck is just off the remodeled kitchen. Featuring a new grill and beautifully appointed furniture, the family utilizes the space daily.
Zeke Ruelas The new redwood deck is just off the remodeled kitchen. Featuring a new grill and beautifully appointed furniture, the family utilizes the space daily.

“I’ve always loved the vibe of redwood for decking, so when I learned we were getting to remodel the deck, I was thrilled to get to use redwood,” Soria says. “It’s really pretty and has the added benefit of not getting as warm as other materials which can potentially burn your feet on hot days.”

The project warranted working with a structural engineer to make sure the family’s bold design for the space would translate into a safe and cohesive space. Soria enlisted the help of Berkeley-based architect Betty Li to help with the structural plans.

The new undercover dining area is a huge hit with the family and recently played host to the Soria’s granddaughter’s birthday celebration.
Zeke Ruelas The new undercover dining area is a huge hit with the family and recently played host to the Soria’s granddaughter’s birthday celebration.

Soria chose large, 8” x 8” redwood timbers for the structure, raising the shade structure higher than the previous metal overhang. By taking the shade structure higher, it gave the deck a spacious feel while allowing more light to filter into the adjacent kitchen.

The new deck offers a comfortable place for Soria’s parents to grill and eat surrounded by the numerous redwood trees around their backyard. A new living space created underneath the deck offers ambiance and warmth that only natural wood can provide.

Mature redwood trees surround the Soria’s backyard, buffering traffic noise and blocking views into the neighbor’s backyard. The new deck and undercover dining area further enhance the backyard with more usable – and attractive – spaces.
Zeke Ruelas Mature redwood trees surround the Soria’s backyard, buffering traffic noise and blocking views into the neighbor’s backyard. The new deck and undercover dining area further enhance the backyard with more usable – and attractive – spaces.

“It’s fun to see how enjoyable hosting can be when you have the right space for it,” Soria says. “My parents have hosted countless family functions over the years. When they lived in Yosemite National Park, people always wanted to come because it was Yosemite. This new house might not have a gigantic waterfall outside, but the redwood deck has created an incredible outdoor space for entertaining.”