Behind the Build: Our Story Featured in VoyageLA’s Rising Stars Series

A deck project in the Hollywood Hills that transitions cleanly towards a pool

VoyageLA recently sat down with our founder, Michael Gabso, to discuss the journey that built MG Construction & Decks into one of Los Angeles’s top-rated outdoor living specialists. The conversation covered everything from starting in construction at sixteen to the challenges of completing over 1,000 projects, the partnership that drives our family business, and what … Read more

Outdoor Kitchen Design & Cost Guide for Los Angeles Homes

An outdoor kitchen in Malibu, designed and build by MG Construction & Decks. Grill, sink, cabinetry, and refrigerator, with an outdoor seating area under a canopy cover

Quick Answer: Outdoor kitchens in Los Angeles cost $15,000-$50,000 for full builds, with luxury installations exceeding $100,000. Basic setups with grill and counter start around $5,000. Most projects take 4-8 weeks from permits to completion. Building an outdoor kitchen in Los Angeles transforms how you use your backyard year-round, and January’s cool weather makes it … Read more

Complete Los Angeles Pool Planning Guide: Costs, Permits, and Timeline for 2025

A long pool and deck by the Hollywood Hills. This is a recent construction by MG Construction & Decks.

Quick Answer: Building a pool in Los Angeles costs $45,000-$85,000 for basic installations and takes 3-6 months from permit to completion. Start in January for summer swimming. Permits alone take 4-8 weeks and cost $3,000-$7,000. Hillside lots add $15,000-$40,000 and require additional engineering. Planning a Los Angeles pool starts with understanding that January is actually … Read more

End-of-Year Deck Inspection Checklist for Los Angeles Homeowners

As part of a deck inspection, two hands are grabbing a post to check for stability.

An end-of-year deck inspection catches small problems before they become expensive repairs and ensures your outdoor space stays safe through winter and ready for spring entertaining. Spending 30 minutes checking key structural elements, surface conditions, and safety features now saves you from discovering issues when you’re trying to host that first warm-weather barbecue in March. … Read more

Holiday Entertaining: Maximizing Your Patio Space This Winter

Evening patio party with overhead infrared heaters and string lights, guests gathered around linear fire table

Patio entertaining during the holidays transforms outdoor spaces into warm, inviting extensions of your home where guests naturally gather, conversations flow easier, and your indoor space stays manageable even with a full house. Southern California’s mild winter weather makes outdoor holiday entertaining not just possible but often preferable to cramming everyone inside. The difference between … Read more

Deck Lighting Ideas That Transform Your Outdoor Space

Modern deck with LED lighting at dusk showing recessed step lights, post cap lights, and under-rail illumination on Southern California home

Deck lighting extends your outdoor living hours, improves safety, and creates ambiance through strategic placement of fixtures including step lights, post caps, under-rail systems, and overhead options. The right lighting plan transforms your deck from a daytime-only space into an inviting evening retreat while preventing accidents on stairs and level changes. In Southern California, where … Read more

Planning Your Dream Deck: A Complete Guide for Los Angeles Homeowners

A wooden deck with lawn chairs that extends out to a pool and hot tub. These have a front view of a valley. An example of properly planning a deck

Planning a deck involves defining your budget, understanding your property’s unique features, and making informed decisions about materials, layout, and design before construction begins. The right planning process prevents costly mistakes and ensures your deck functions exactly how you need it to while maximizing your property’s potential. Too many homeowners jump straight to Pinterest boards … Read more

How to Choose the Right Deck Railing for Safety and Style

A hillside terrace in Pasadena with black aluminum railing

Deck railing options must balance safety codes, style preferences, and long-term maintenance costs. The right choice depends on your local requirements, budget, and design goals, but it’s also about finding materials that can handle Southern California’s intense sun and occasional Santa Ana winds while looking great for years to come. Your railing isn’t just a … Read more

Mixing Materials: Wood, Concrete, and Stone in SoCal Outdoor Spaces

A renovated backyard that combines wood with stone and concrete. An example of mixing outdoor materials.

After two decades of designing and building outdoor spaces across Los Angeles and Orange County, I’ve come to appreciate how Southern California’s character is rooted in contrast. The light, the textures, the way architecture opens to the outdoors; all of it invites a layered approach to materials. When I design a backyard or patio, I’m … Read more