Custom-Designed Outdoor Living Space in Black Forest
A Complete Outdoor Living Transformation
The owners of this beautiful Black Forest property wanted to create the outdoor living space they had always imagined. Their existing wood deck was functional, but age and weather had taken a toll – so they contacted Decks by Schmillen to design a safer, stronger, and more durable solution. Because they live in a forested area, long-term safety and fire resistance were essential factors in the design.
Steel Deck Framing for Strength and Fire Protection
To meet both structural and environmental needs, the homeowners chose a steel deck frame, which is the most durable and resilient framing system available. Steel framing is:
- Exceptionally strong for elevated decks
- Non-combustible and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) friendly
- Class 1A fire-rated
- Resistant to rot, warping, and pests
This makes it an ideal choice for homes in Black Forest and other Colorado areas where wildfire mitigation and long-term performance are key.
Low-Maintenance Fiberon Pro-Tect Decking
For the decking surface, our clients selected Fiberon Pro-Tect in Chestnut, a rich, warm-toned composite material known for its durability and low-maintenance. Choosing composite decking ensures:
- Minimal maintenance
- No sanding or staining
- Fire-resistant
- Long-term beauty in harsh Colorado climates
Laid over the steel deck framing, this deck combines lasting strength with a beautiful natural-wood appearance.
Custom Steel Railing with a Clean Modern Look
To complement the modern design, DBS designed a custom steel deck railing system featuring horizontal steel balusters and a white powder-coated finish. This railing provides clean, modern lines that preserve open views while tying seamlessly into the home’s architectural style.
Gabled Deck Cover with a Vaulted Blue-Stain Pine Ceiling
To extend the amount of time our clients can enjoy their deck, we constructed a gabled deck cover matched to the home’s exterior and roofline. The vaulted ceiling is comprised of tongue-and-groove pine with a transparent Blue Stain Pine finish. Adding recessed lighting results in an inviting outdoor living space perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
Trex RainEscape Under-Deck Drainage System for a Second Outdoor Living Space
To increase usable square footage, we installed a Trex RainEscape under-deck drainage system. This system:
- Creates a dry area below the deck
- Protects outdoor furniture and stored items
- Enhances the space with another Blue Stain Pine ceiling
This transforms the area beneath the deck into a comfortable, protected outdoor living area.
Designed to Match the House – Built to Last
From the stucco columns to the roofing tile, every detail was designed to match the existing home. The final result is a cohesive outdoor retreat that blends beautifully with its surroundings while offering top-tier performance, safety, and elegance.
Click on images below to view larger…
BF-1 – This amazing deck was built using a steel deck frame and gabled deck cover. The homeowner wanted to have an area for entertaining under the deck so we installed a Trex RainEscape system.
BF-2 – The homeowners decided to use Fiberon Pro-Tect decking in Chestnut. For the railing, they had this white, powder-coated steel one custom built with horizontal balusters.
BF-3 – Here you can see how the deck cover ceiling and the one on the dry space match to create a consistent look throughout the project.
BF 4 – The Trex RainEscape was installed under the elevated deck to create another area for entertaining. The ceiling is the also Blue Pine tongue and groove with a transparent stain.
