Garapa Deck with Cumaru Border and Custom Outdoor Shower in Harwich Port

This Harwich Port build had a clear goal from the start - create an outdoor space that looks as good as it functions. The homeowner wanted a deck that tied into the cedar shingle exterior without competing with it, plus a custom outdoor shower that actually felt like part of the design rather than an afterthought. That's the kind of work we enjoy.

We started with the bones. A gravel base, pressure-treated framing, and steel hardware set everything up for long-term performance. The substructure had to be solid before a single deck board went down - and you can see just how clean and level that framing came together before the Garapa went on top.

Garapa is a Brazilian hardwood that holds up exceptionally well in coastal environments. It's dense, naturally resistant to moisture and insects, and it has a warm golden tone that deepens beautifully over time. We ran a Cumaru border around the perimeter to frame the field boards and give the deck a finished, intentional look. The two species complement each other well - both in color and in durability. Hidden fasteners keep the surface clean with no exposed screws breaking up the grain.

The outdoor shower structure came together using the same Cumaru posts and cedar-toned panel boards, so the whole thing reads as one cohesive unit against the house. Privacy walls were framed and paneled on-site, giving the shower real enclosure without feeling boxed in. It's a practical addition for a coastal property - and it's one of those details that adds real value when done right.

The finished result fits the house like it was always there. That's what good exterior renovation work is supposed to do. From the framing stage all the way through the final trim details, every step of this build was about getting it right - not just getting it done.