Our Achievements: Decks

First published: March 18, 2015 | Last updated: January 25, 2026

Cedar Deck and Inground Pool in the Heart of Rosemont – Living in Montreal, particularly in a vibrant neighborhood like Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, offers undeniable charm. The green alleyways, the proximity of services, and the dynamic community life are incomparable. However, this urban lifestyle often comes with a significant compromise: outdoor space. Backyards here are frequently restricted, confined by neighboring properties and limited in square footage.

But at Patios et Clôtures Beaulieu, we firmly believe that a modest footprint should never limit the ambition of your dreams. The project we are presenting today, the “Paquette Patio,” is living proof that with meticulous planning and design expertise, a 30-by-30-foot square can be metamorphosed into a private resort complex worthy of the finest boutique hotels.

The challenge was significant: to transform a small urban yard, accessible only via an alleyway, into a multifunctional space integrating an inground pool, a dining area, an outdoor lounge, and privacy structures, all without creating a sense of overcrowding. Here is the story of this spectacular transformation, where the cedar deck and the inground pool unite to create a true haven of peace.

From Vision to Reality: The Engineering Challenge of an Inground Pool Deck

The success of an outdoor landscaping project in Montreal often relies on logistics before it even relies on aesthetics. For this project, the main constraint lay in accessibility and space management. Integrating a Fibro brand inground pool into such a restricted space required coordination worthy of an orchestra conductor.

The excavation and installation of the pool shell had to be carried out via the alleyway, a delicate maneuver that demanded precision and know-how. Once the basin was in place, our team of expert carpenters stepped onto the stage to tackle a complex structural challenge. Unlike a standard terrace laid on the ground, a wood deck surrounding an inground pool demands absolute stability. It is not just about covering the ground, but perfectly contouring the curves and levels imposed by the pool.

We had to design a load-bearing structure capable of adapting to the different elevations of the terrain while ensuring adequate drainage under the patio. It was an architectural game of “Tetris” where every beam, joist, and anchor point was calculated to maximize usable surface area. The goal was to eliminate the sensation of narrowness by creating fluid vanishing lines that guide the eye and facilitate movement around the water feature. This invisible structural work is the very foundation of the durability of our structures; it is what ensures that your investment will withstand Quebec winters without moving an inch.

The Alliance of Cedar, Ipe, and Hemlock for an Inground Pool

To bring this oasis to life, the choice of materials could not be left to chance. We opted for a trinity of noble woods, each selected for its specific technical properties and unique aesthetic contribution.

At the heart of the project, Western Red Cedar stands out as the dominant material. This wood is legendary for its natural resistance to rot and insects, an indispensable quality for a cedar deck bordering an inground pool. Its rich texture, tight grain, and characteristic aroma bring immediate warmth to the environment, contrasting beautifully with the cool blue of the water. Cedar also offers the advantage of remaining relatively cool underfoot, even during Montreal heatwaves, a crucial detail for the comfort of swimmers.

However, to elevate the design to a higher level, we introduced an Ipe wood border. Ipe, often nicknamed “Brazilian Walnut,” is an exotic wood of exceptional density and hardness. By using it as a perimeter frame around the pool and to delineate the zones of the patio (a technique known as “picture framing”), we not only reinforced high-traffic areas but also created a striking visual contrast. The deep brown hue of the Ipe stands out against the lighter nuances of the cedar, highlighting the floor architecture much like outlining a drawing with a fine-tip marker.

Finally, to add verticality and character, we turned to Eastern Hemlock. Used for the construction of the majestic pergola, the hemlock was left in its raw state. Its massive beams and rustic appearance anchor the project in nature. This pergola is not merely ornamental; it creates a virtual ceiling that secures the space and offers robust support for the play of shadow and light. It is this bold combination—the finesse of the cedar, the elegance of the Ipe, and the robustness of the hemlock—that gives this project its unique soul.

The Paquette Transformation: A Private Paradise with an Inground Pool

Once the technical structure and materials were defined, the magic of urban backyard design in Montreal lies in the finishing details that transform a simple yard into an extension of the home. The Paquette project shines through its functional ingenuity, proving that you don’t need immense land to have it all.

The central element of this deck with an inground pool is undoubtedly the fluid integration between the water and the wood. We designed the main level so that the owners could sit at the edge of the pool, feet in the water, while enjoying the warmth of the wood. This immediate proximity creates a “resort” ambiance, where the boundary between swimming and relaxing on the patio dissolves.

Privacy is the Holy Grail in an urban environment. In a Rosemont yard surrounded by neighbors, feeling at home away from prying eyes is paramount. To answer this need without erecting oppressive walls, we integrated a retractable canvas screen. This elegant solution offers total flexibility: it can be deployed to create an intimate cocoon during swims or dinners, or retracted to let in light and open up the space. It is a soft architectural response to a hard urban problem.

Space optimization also involves integrated furniture. Rather than cluttering the precious floor space with bulky mobile furniture, we custom-built a Red Cedar table as well as a wood counter ingeniously attached to the fence. This bar-counter becomes the ideal gathering point for happy hour, freeing up the circulation zone while offering a practical surface for entertaining. Every square inch has been thought out: the lounge corner, strategically positioned under the hemlock pergola, invites relaxation after a long day of work, offering a breathtaking view of the shimmering water and the carefully landscaped garden.

This project is a dazzling demonstration that luxury lies in custom design. In three weeks of hard work, our artisans transformed a landlocked patch of dirt into a complete urban oasis, where every cedar plank and every screw was placed with the precise intention of improving the occupants’ quality of life.

The Beaulieu Standard: Your Trusted Partner

Realizing a project of such technical and aesthetic complexity is not improvised. At Patios et Clôtures Beaulieu, we are not simple builders; we are creators of living spaces. Our reputation, built on years of excellence in Montreal, rests on a simple philosophy: treat every project as if it were our own home.

Our team is composed of passionate carpenters, true wood artisans who master the art of working with cedar, Ipe, and hemlock. Unlike anonymous subcontractors, our “all-stars” invest themselves personally in the success of your deck. This passion is reflected in our Google My Business ratings, where we proudly maintain a near-perfect score, a testament to the satisfaction of hundreds of Montreal clients.

Choosing Beaulieu means choosing peace of mind. From the design of the plans to obtaining permits, through coordination with other trades (such as the Fibro inground pool installers in this case), we manage the stress so that you only have to manage the anticipation of your first dive. We understand the specific challenges of Montreal—from clay soils to restricted alleyway access—and we have the expertise to overcome them without compromising on quality.

An Unforgettable Summer Starts Here

Your backyard has the potential to become your favorite vacation destination. As for Mr. Paquette and Ms. Lapalme, it only takes a vision and the right team to make this dream a reality. However, quality is in high demand. Our construction slots for spring and summer fill up at lightning speed, often several months in advance.

Do not let another summer pass looking at your yard and imagining “what could be.” Take the lead. As a partner recommended by CAA-Québec with a client satisfaction rate of 97%, we are ready to transform your vision into lasting reality. Send us your dream patio ideas for our review and estimate.

Ready to design your future?

• Get Inspired: Download our free brochure to discover other spectacular transformations.
• Plan: Consult our Online Design Guide to structure your ideas.
• Act: Contact us today for a free estimate.

Summer is short in Montreal. Make sure you enjoy it in the setting you deserve.

Stéphane Principe – Bâtisseur de patios en bois splendides