John Real Design and Build creates custom decks, outdoor kitchens, and covered living spaces for mountain and lakefront homes across the Flathead Valley — engineered for heavy snow, built for long summer evenings.
A deck in the Flathead Valley has to do more than look good on a summer afternoon. It has to shed six feet of snow load, hold up to freeze-thaw cycles, and still feel like the natural extension of the house it's attached to — whether that's a modern timber-frame above Whitefish Lake or a ridge-top home looking out at Big Mountain.
We design and build every project in-house, from the first sketch to the final board — pairing local materials like reclaimed timber, natural stone, and blackened steel with the kind of engineering that holds up to a real Montana winter.
Every structure is designed to Montana's real winter conditions, not just code minimums.
Reclaimed timber, native stone, and blackened steel sourced from the region where possible.
The people who design your deck are the same people who build it — no handoffs, no surprises.
A look at the style, materials, and craftsmanship every John Real Design and Build project delivers — from mountain-view decks to fully outfitted outdoor kitchens and covered living spaces.
Portfolio images shown are representative of the style, materials, and quality we build to. Project-specific photography is added as each build is completed.
From the framing up, we design and build every part of the outdoor space — so materials, sightlines, and structure all work together.
Multi-level decks engineered for slope, snow load, and sweeping mountain or lake views.
Built-in grills, pizza ovens, and bar seating designed for entertaining through every season.
Fully integrated spa decks with privacy screening, lighting, and built-in seating.
Timber-frame pergolas and covered pavilions that extend the season on both ends.
Built-in fire pits and fireplaces designed as the anchor of the outdoor space.
Cable, steel, and glass railing paired with low-voltage lighting that keeps the view open.
We walk the property, talk through how you'll use the space, and take in the sightlines.
Layout, materials, and finishes are developed together — sized to the views and the architecture.
Structural drawings and local permitting are handled in-house before a single post goes in.
Our crew builds the project start to finish, with regular updates as work progresses.
A final walkthrough to check every detail before the space is officially yours.
Based in Whitefish, we take on a limited number of projects each year across the valley's mountain and lakefront communities.
Projects are booked several months out, especially for builds that need to close in before the snow flies. Reach out early to lock in a spot on the schedule.
Tell us a bit about your property and what you have in mind. We'll follow up to schedule a site walk.
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