Phil Torres' forest retreat
Edmonds, WA | Deck By: Northwest Insurance Contractors
When scientist and conservationist Phil Torres and his family first moved into their home just outside of Seattle, WA, the exterior was in rough shape. Built in 1967, the home was nestled among the trees. “The view was spectacular,” he said. “But the deck itself, there were holes in it, there was literally a little sprouting tree growing out of the wood. The forest was trying to reclaim it.” Knowing they needed a durable, lasting solution that could handle the damp Pacific Northwest climate, Phil and his wife chose TimberTech. To make the deck a true centerpiece of the property, they expanded the footprint to wrap around the home and added cascading steps. Adding that their color choice of Weathered Teak “looks beautiful contrasted against the dark house.”
“The more we learned about TimberTech, the more we knew that it was the right choice for our environment and the natural look we wanted.”
As a biologist and science communicator, Phil is dedicated to connecting people with the natural world. With a specialized background in entomology, he brings a deep understanding of ecosystems, insect behavior, and habitat preservation to his work. Phil travels the world using his voice to advocate for protecting the outdoors.
Get the Look: Inspired by Nature
Vintage Collection
Weathered Teak®
A warm, sun-washed tan that replicates the attractive, golden hue of teak hardwood.
Impression Rail Express®
Black
TimberTech aluminum railing delivers a durable, corrosion-resistant design with classic, wrought-iron-inspired aesthetics.
Riser Light
Architectural Bronze
Heighten visibility by adding gentle, discreet lights to your stairs.
LED Lantern Post Cap Light
Black
Adds a graceful ambiance to your deck with unique light wick and metallic beauty ring.
To maximize their view of the trees, Phil and his wife chose TimberTech Impression Rail Express railing with a vertical cable infill. “We really wanted to be able to see through our railing,” Phil shared. “We wanted to make sure that we're not blocking this beauty that's all around us. The result is very immersive.” The Drink Rail coordinates with their decking and provides the perfect place to set a plate or a drink while looking out at the wildlife.
Because winter days in Washington get dark early, proper lighting was a critical component of the design. The family added TimberTech LED Post Cap Lights to create a warm, inviting perimeter. “The color temperature of the lights is absolutely perfect,” Phil said. “They bring this inviting aura to our home that we're obsessed with. It looks like a postcard. I can’t image our deck without them.”
Phil and his wife think of their TimberTech deck as an investment in their time and future. “We don’t get a lot of time here because we travel so much,” Phil explained. “So, to have a place where we just get to come home and enjoy the outdoors right away is awesome.”
Industry-leading warranties
Rest easy knowing your investment is protected with a 50-Year Fade & Stain Limited Warranty and Limited Lifetime Product Warranty.
Phil knew his family wouldn't use wood again when they set out to renovate their outdoor space. “We get a lot of rain here and we don't get a lot of sun. What gets wet tends to stay wet,” Phil explained. “You combine that long-term moisture with branches, pine needles, and pollen that fall overhead, wood just can’t handle it. I don’t care how many times you try to sand or restore it; wood just clearly was not the right choice.”
Instead of fighting a losing battle with wood, Phil happily chose TimberTech. With industry-leading moisture- and slip- resistance and no splinters, Phil is thrilled with low-maintenance TimberTech. “The longevity and low maintenance was even better than we anticipated,” Phil recounted. All TimberTech Decking needs is a simple rinse and brush once a year—no sanding, staining, or sealing, ever.
Since installing their TimberTech deck, Phil noticed they were hosting more often. “All of a sudden, we're just having people over more. We're trying to live our life more because we have this area where we can grill, and host, we have space. And everybody who comes over, their jaws just drop.”
Turning recycled materials into lasting beauty, one deck at a time.
This deck was built with 800 sq. feet of TimberTech Advanced PVC Decking made using:1
~1,500 lbs of recycled material
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Explore homeowner stories about their experience with TimberTech and learn why they chose us for their outdoor living space. Plus, get inspiration for your own space from their high-style designs.
Disclaimer:
1. Recycled material weight is estimated based upon the recycled waste and scrap material used in the manufacturing of TimberTech Advanced PVC Decking at the time of publication.