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Building More Than a Deck: A Veteran's DIY Project with BLIKA

Building More Than a Deck: A Veteran's DIY Project with BLIKA

When Army veteran Jay M. renovated his New Jersey home, he wanted a modern deck with wide-open yard views. He chose BLIKA Cable Railing for its rapid customer support, free custom 3D design, and easy-to-install T316 stainless steel hardware. Jay completed the entire project himself using BLIKA's complete DIY toolkits and clear instructions.

A Project Built on Service and Pride

When New Jersey resident and U.S. Army veteran Jay M. decided to renovate his outdoor space, safety and quality for his family were his top priorities. During his initial consultation with BLIKA, Jay inquired if we offered a discount for veterans. Moved by his service, our team went above and beyond standard promotions to offer Jay a major military discount, along with dedicated design and technical support for his deck project. At BLIKA, we believe true corporate responsibility means honoring those who serve. Helping Jay build a safer, more beautiful home was our honor.

Why Remodel the Deck

Jay’s old deck felt closed off and outdated. His traditional wooden railings had built-in bench seating that took up too much space, blocked the natural sunlight, and cut off his view of the lush backyard lawn. Instead of spending time and money constantly repairing the old wood, Jay wanted to modernize his patio. He decided to rebuild the space into a bright, open area where his family and friends could gather and relax. 

old outdated wood railing

Why Cable Railing? 

Jay compared several materials and picked stainless steel cable railing for two big reasons:

  • Clear Views: Thin cables almost disappear. Unlike thick wooden posts, cable railing lets you see your entire lawn and garden.

  • Easy Upkeep: Made of stainless steel, cable railing resists weather and rust, so you never have to sand, paint, or clean it frequently.

modern cable railing with clear views

Why Choose BLIKA? 

Tearing down an existing wooden railing and retrofitting a deck with a completely new system can be intimidating for a DIYer. Finding a responsive, trustworthy partner was essential. As Jay shared:

"I chose BLIKA because they were the most responsive company I contacted. Within hours of submitting my inquiry, the BLIKA team provided me with a rendering and quote for my deck cable railing project. The products shipped extremely quickly, and the materials appear to be excellent quality and built to last."

Overcoming Real DIY Hurdles

Real home renovation projects always run into unexpected hurdles. Bad weather delayed Jay's progress with days of heavy rain. When he tore down the old wooden staircase railings, he found old wooden support posts sticking out underneath.

Jay also ran into hardware challenges during assembly. He realized he needed an extra 5 feet of handrail, more anchor screws, and replacement bracket bolts after a few threads stripped during tightening.

Instead of leaving Jay to figure it out alone, our project consultant, Yillian, stayed in close contact throughout the installation.

How the BLIKA Design Team Helped

To eliminate the guesswork, the BLIKA Design Team provided dedicated 1-on-1 support from the outset:

  • Fast 3D Renderings: Jay received high-resolution 3D visual drafts detailing every post location and cable run within hours of submitting his deck dimensions.

  • Tailored Material Planning: Our technical team customized the exact hardware count and structural post alignment to match Jay’s specific layout.

  • All-in-One Tooling Support: Beyond hardware, BLIKA supplied the essential installation tools and clear step-by-step instructions directly with the shipment, making the technical assembly seamless.

  • Proactive Follow-Ups: Yillian checked in regularly during the build to offer technical advice when Jay faced awkward wooden post cutouts.

  • Express Replacement Parts: As soon as Jay requested additional handrails, BL101 fittings, and mounting hardware, Yillian arranged express replacement shipments to keep his project moving forward without long delays.

The Final Result: A Remarkable Before & After Transformation

Replacing the dark, heavy wooden bench railing with BLIKA's slim black post cable system completely refreshed the entire outdoor space. The final look opens up the patio area, seamlessly integrated with the pergola structure, white gravel borders, and lush backyard lawn.

  • Before: Heavy wooden railing with built-in seating created a closed-off, wall-like barrier around the deck.

  • After: Sleek, modern BLIKA black cable railing providing full structural safety while revealing uninterrupted views of the yard.

In the Customer’s Own Words

For our team, nothing is more rewarding than hearing back from customers after their project is completed:

"The installation instructions were very clear and easy to follow. BLIKA also provided all the necessary tools to complete the project, which made the entire installation process a breeze. We are extremely happy with the results of our deck and grateful to the entire BLIKA team for providing such amazing products and outstanding customer service. I would highly recommend BLIKA to anyone considering cable railing for their deck! Thanks again Yillian!!" — Jay M., U.S. Army Veteran

Build Your Dream Deck with BLIKA

At BLIKA, we believe that every home project deserves dedicated support, premium craftsmanship, and genuine care. Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or working on your first outdoor upgrade, our design team is here to help turn your layout ideas into reality.

👉 Ready to start your deck project? Contact our team today and request a free custom 3D rendering and quote!

FAQ

Does BLIKA offer discounts for veterans?

BLIKA offers meaningful support to members of the veteran community as part of our ongoing commitment to giving back. Reach out to our team to learn more.

How long does cable railing installation typically take?

Most DIY cable railing installations, like Jay's, can be completed in just a few days, thanks to clear instructions and a complete tool kit that comes with every order.

Is BLIKA cable railing suitable for DIY installation?

Yes. BLIKA cable railing systems are built for straightforward DIY installation, with detailed instructions, all the necessary tools included, and design team support available throughout the project.

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