The Man Behind The Masterpiece: Meet Colorado Deck Designer Garth Hystad

Founder. Owner. CEO. Design specialist. Chief cook and bottle washer. All of these titles belong to one remarkable individual — the man behind Masterpiece Outdoor Living: Colorado deck designer Garth Hystad.

More than just the founder of Masterpiece Outdoorliving, Garth pours his heart and vision into every outdoor living space he designs and builds. In his words, "I don't see the 'before' picture in my mind. All I see is the 'after.'" It's this unwavering focus on transformation that drives him forward, and it's what sets Masterpiece apart from other custom outdoor decks Colorado companies.

A Story of Resilience and Passion for Outdoor Living

Like many artists and craftsmen, Garth's passion for design was forged through adversity. Raised in foster care until high school graduation, Garth often spent days alone, gazing out his window at the great outdoors — imagining a life where he could roam free, surrounded by nature's beauty. He filled those quiet hours reading about cowboys and the Wild West, determined that one day he'd create a life outside those walls.

At 16, Garth faced a pivotal moment. Holding a rock in his hand, staring at the window of the home where he endured years of hardship, he made a life-defining choice. "I dropped the rock," he recalls. "There are moments in life when we want to strike back — and maybe even feel justified. But we have a choice in who we become. That day, I chose to move forward."

It was the first step on a journey toward becoming one of Colorado's premier outdoor living designers. 

From Dreamer to Outdoor Living Visionary

Today, Garth is living the life he once dreamed of — as a real-life cowboy, a Horse Reining Champion, and a celebrated outdoor designer. Over the past 40 years, he has dedicated his career to creating custom decks and outdoor living spaces in Colorado that seamlessly blend the indoors and outdoors.

Known for his innovative designs featured on the hit TV show "Mega Decks", Garth's specialty lies in designing outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed 365 days a year. Whether it's battling sudden snowstorms or enjoying a sunny afternoon in Denver, his creations offer both beauty and shelter against Colorado's fickle weather.

At Masterpiece Outdoorliving, the goal is simple: to design outdoor environments where families gather, memories are made, and indoor comfort meets boundless outdoor freedom.

A Legacy of Purpose-Driven Design

Garth Hystad's story is more than a tale of personal triumph — it's the foundation upon which Masterpiece Outdoorliving was built. His life experiences have shaped his ability to see beyond obstacles and imagine outdoor spaces filled with warmth, connection, and possibility. This philosophy is why Masterpiece has become a leader in custom outdoor decks Colorado homeowners trust.

If you're dreaming of a space that blurs the line between indoors and outdoors — one you can enjoy through every season — Masterpiece Outdoorliving can bring that vision to life.

Learn More About Garth's Journey 

Want to hear more about the inspiring life of Colorado deck designer Garth Hystad? Read his full story here.