How to Design the Perfect Outdoor Deck and Patio for Colorado Living

Designing an outdoor deck and patio in Colorado is one of the best ways to expand your living space, increase your home's value, and create a place where you can relax, entertain, and enjoy incredible views year-round. Whether you're dreaming of a cozy covered patio, a multi-level deck, or a fully enclosed four-season space, the right design makes all the difference.

At Masterpiece Outdoorliving, we specialize in building luxury outdoor decks and patios designed to handle Colorado's unique climate while creating extraordinary places to live, gather, and connect. Here's what every homeowner should know before getting started. 

Colorado homeowners love spending time outdoors—but wind, snow, and changing temperatures make a typical deck or patio usable only part of the year. A well-designed outdoor deck and patio solves this by blending comfort, durability, and beauty while extending your home's footprint.

The right design allows you to enjoy:

• Mountain views without freezing winds
• Shade during hot summer afternoons
• Warm, comfortable evenings in every season
• Space for outdoor kitchens, dining, and lounging

A custom outdoor deck and patio transforms your home into a true outdoor living retreat. 

Both decks and patios have advantages—many homeowners choose to build both.

Best for:

• Elevated homes or sloped yards
• Expanding second-story living areas
• Creating dramatic outdoor rooms with views
• Adding covered or enclosed four-season spaces

Decks allow for creative, multi-level design and seamless indoor–outdoor transitions.

Best for:

• Ground-level entertainment areas
• Outdoor kitchens and fireplaces
• Adding pergolas, roofs, or screened-in spaces
• Integrating hardscaping and landscaping

Patios offer exceptional stability, durability, and design flexibility.

Many of our top outdoor living projects include:

• Upper-level covered decks
• Lower-level patios with fireplaces
• Enclosed four-season areas
• Outdoor kitchens and entertainment zones

This creates multiple ways to enjoy the outdoors, regardless of weather. 

Choosing the right materials is essential. Colorado's climate demands durability.

• Composite decking (low-maintenance, long-lasting)
• Steel framing (won't warp or rot like wood)
• Glass or metal railings for unobstructed views
• Insulated roofing for covered or enclosed spaces

• Stamped or colored concrete
• Pavers for a high-end, timeless look
• Flagstone or natural stone
• Outdoor-rated cabinetry for kitchens

At Masterpiece Outdoorliving, we choose materials that withstand freeze–thaw cycles, high altitude sun, and heavy snow loads. 

This is one of the industry's best-kept secrets:
The best time to start your outdoor deck and patio project is fall or winter.

Here's why:

• Faster permitting times
• Shorter waitlists for engineering and design
• Our build team works year-round—even in winter
• Your project can be ready to enjoy by summer

Most homeowners wait until spring, creating long backlogs. Starting now puts you ahead of everyone else. 

Since 1985, we've specialized in high-end, luxury outdoor living spaces that combine:

• Elevated architectural design
• High-performance materials
• Year-round comfort
• Seamless indoor–outdoor transitions
• A streamlined experience from concept to completion

Our projects have been featured on television and across the country, but our heart remains in creating unforgettable outdoor spaces right here in Colorado.

Whether you're dreaming of a simple outdoor deck and patio or a full four-season retreat, our team can bring your vision to life. 

Fall and winter are the ideal seasons to begin planning. Our design team is booking now for 2025.

👉 Schedule your complimentary consultation and let's create an outdoor space you'll love in every season. 

Garth Hystad has become the premier outdoor living designer of his time. With over 40 years of experience, his innovative and unique designs display his creativity from coast to coast. Many of his greatest designs have been featured on the popular hit tv show, Mega Decks, which premiered on the DIY Network.

His love and vision for making the outdoors become an accessible and beloved part of everyday living for Coloradans has led to two incredibly successful businesses. His proudest moment has been mentoring and getting to work alongside his son, Brandon Hystad, at Masterpiece Outdoorliving.