Central Union Church Exceptional Tree Wedding Platform

Photos Taken By: Adam Taylor Photography

A Historic Transformation: From 100-Year-Old Concrete to a Stunning Trex Deck

 

We are thrilled to share one of our most meaningful projects—a collaboration with Central Union Church in Honolulu to transform a 100-year-old concrete wedding platform into a beautiful new Trex deck, designed to host weddings and community events. While the deck itself showcases our craftsmanship, the true star of the project is the remarkable 200+ year-old exceptional tree that stands as a living piece of history.

 

The Tree: A Living Legacy

The tree, recognized as an Exceptional Tree by the City of Honolulu, is not only a visual marvel but a protected treasure. Its towering presence and deep roots have witnessed generations of gatherings, making it the heart of this space. Preserving this tree was our top priority throughout the entire project.

 

To ensure the safety of the tree, we worked closely with the church, an arborist, and other key partners under a carefully developed Tree Protection Plan (TPP). Every phase of the project—from planning to execution—centered on the tree’s health and preservation. All demolition had to be done by hand to avoid even the slightest damage to its roots, canopy, or surrounding soil. It was a delicate balance, but one we were honored to undertake.

 

Blog: Trex vs. Wood - Considerations when selecting material for your next deck project

 

The Process: Thoughtful Execution, Step by Step

This project was a true collaboration and required exceptional care at every stage:

 

1. Careful Demo of 100-Year-Old Concrete

The original platform was a century-old concrete structure. Because of the tree’s proximity, heavy machinery was not an option. Every piece of concrete had to be removed by hand, requiring precision and patience. The meticulous work ensured the tree remained unharmed throughout.

 

2. Coordinating with the Church and Preschool

Central Union Church’s Board played an integral role in planning and overseeing the project. Additionally, the Central Union Church Preschool, located next to the platform, became an important consideration. To keep the keiki safe from dust and debris, we coordinated closely with the preschool team. During the demolition phase, work was carefully scheduled around the children’s activities to ensure a clean and safe environment every day.

 

3. The Build: Bringing the New Vision to Life

With the concrete removed, we built a beautiful new Trex deck that now serves as a stunning event space. Trex decking was chosen for its durability, low maintenance, and ability to complement the natural surroundings. The craftsmanship highlights our expertise in carpentry and finish work, providing a timeless space for weddings, celebrations, and community events.

 

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through our Outdoor Spaces Services.

 

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Project Details: Design and Materials

 

The new deck was crafted to blend beautifully with the space while showcasing exceptional design and detail:

 

Deck Design

Straight deck boards with a decorative breaker board down the center (two boards) for a seamless and elegant finish.

 

Deck Materials: Trex Transcend® Composite Decking

Deck Boards: Tiki Torch

Picture Frame Border, Stairs, and Fascia: Lava Rock

 

Railing Materials: Trex Signature® Railing in Black

Aluminum posts and square aluminum balusters provide safety and elegance while maintaining the deck’s open and natural feel.

 

Custom Gate

A custom-made gate matching the railing system was installed to create a seamless division between the wedding platform and the exceptional Monkeypod tree.

 

CLIENT'S REVIEW 

"We had to replace an aging concrete deck in our outdoor garden event venue within a specific time frame. Chad and his crew were professionals from start to finish. From planning, demolition, and installation of the new deck…the project was completed on time and the results far exceeded our expectations. Highly recommended."