Colorado Outdoor Living Upgrade with a Cedar Pergola
Turning an Underused Patio into a Comfortable Outdoor Retreat
Our clients had a concrete patio that had seen little use over the years, largely because the intense Colorado sun would make it uncomfortably hot. They wanted a space where they could relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors without feeling the full force of the midday heat. After meeting with them to understand their vision, we set out to transform this overlooked area into a functional, inviting outdoor living space.
Custom Cedar Pergola for Shade, Comfort, and Style
The centerpiece of the transformation is a custom-built Cedar pergola designed to provide both shade and architectural interest. Constructed from rough-sawn Cedar for its natural durability and warm character, the pergola features:
- 6″ x 6″ Cedar posts for sturdy support
- 2″ x 10″ Cedar rafters for a striking overhead lattice
- Precision craftsmanship for structural integrity and long-lasting beauty
- PPG Buckskin solid-body stain, chosen to complement the home and protect the wood from Colorado’s sun, wind, and seasonal weather
The result is a shaded, welcoming environment that feels like an extension of the home’s interior. Whether relaxing with a book, hosting meals, or gathering with family and friends, the new pergola-covered patio provides a comfortable retreat throughout the day.
A Functional 10′ x 16′ Composite Deck on the Other Side of the Home
To maximize their outdoor living potential, we also built a compact, but highly practical, 10′ x 16′ composite deck on the other side of the house. This deck was designed with low-maintenance, durability, and everyday use in mind.
Key features include:
- MoistureShield Meridian Citadel decking, known for its textured grain and rich coloring
- Fortress Fe26 Traditional powder-coated deck railing, offering a sleek, modern design with the strength of steel
- A layout that provides open-air enjoyment and room for entertainment
This added deck gives the owners a versatile second zone for gatherings, morning coffee, or enjoying the Colorado views.
Two Distinct Outdoor Spaces Working in Harmony
Together, the Cedar pergola and composite deck give our clients two unique outdoor environments that serve different purposes. The pergola creates a shaded lounge and dining area ideal for midday comfort and the composite deck offers an open, sunlit space perfect for relaxing.
With these additions, their home now provides the perfect balance of comfort, style, and year-round usability – tailored to the Colorado climate and the homeowners’ style.
Click on images below to view larger…
1 – This view is of the area on the concrete patio where we will building a Cedar pergola.
2 – Here is the completed Cedar pergola! It completely transforms the outdoor living area for the homeowners.
3 – The owners have created a cozy seating area under the pergola by adding string lights, seating, and a fire pit table.
4 – With the new pergola providing shade, the owners have created their own private retreat on the previously unused cement patio.
5 – The pergola not only provides shade to the patio, but will also provide shade for the house interior.
6 – We also added a small deck on the other side of the house. It features MoistureShield Citadel decking and a Fortress Fe26 black steel deck railing.
