Big Views, Small Deck
Situated on an elevated property in Erie, Colorado, these homeowners had an incredible setting with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Unfortunately, their existing deck wasn’t making the most of it. The small, segmented layout offered limited space for dining and entertaining, little protection from Colorado’s unpredictable weather, and a design that didn’t fully connect with the home.
The homeowners envisioned something bigger and more functional: an inviting outdoor retreat where they could host friends and family, relax comfortably, and enjoy the beautiful Colorado scenery. Our goal was to transform the underutilized backyard into a seamless extension of their home, with a thoughtful balance of covered and open-air living spaces.
Covered, Open, and Designed Around the View
To bring that vision to life, we created a spacious, connected outdoor living area with distinct spaces for dining, lounging, and entertaining.
A stunning timber-framed gable roof anchors the dining area, adding architectural character while providing welcome shade and protection from the elements. An open pergola extends the living space, creating a comfortable area for relaxing while maintaining an airy, open feel.
We also incorporated the lower patio into the overall design, creating a cohesive backyard where each area flows naturally into the next. The result is a thoughtfully designed outdoor retreat that feels like a true extension of the home.
Materials That Bring the Design to Life
Every material was carefully selected for its combination of beauty, durability, and performance in Colorado’s changing climate.
- Decking: TimberTech AZEK Vintage Collection in Coastline offers a beautiful, natural wood appearance with the low-maintenance benefits of advanced PVC. Engineered to resist fading, staining, and moisture damage, it also features Cool Touch technology that helps it stay cooler underfoot than many competing composite decking products.
- Deck Framing: PWT engineered lumber offers exceptional strength and dimensional stability, providing a solid, dependable foundation designed to support the deck for years to come.
- Pergolas: Douglas fir timbers paired with an engineered glulam beam bring warmth and natural character to the design while providing the structural strength needed for these impressive outdoor features.
- Railing: American Metal Specialties aluminum railing offers lasting durability and a clean, streamlined appearance that complements the design without distracting from the surrounding views.
A Backyard That Lives Up to the View
What was once a small, disconnected deck is now a beautiful, multifunctional outdoor living space designed for the way these homeowners want to live.
The covered dining area provides a welcoming place to gather with family and friends while offering shelter from the elements. Just beyond, the open pergola creates a relaxing retreat where homeowners can enjoy fresh air and Colorado sunshine. Dedicated spaces for dining, lounging, and grilling make the entire backyard more inviting and functional.
By connecting the upper deck with the lower patio, we transformed the backyard into one cohesive outdoor living experience.
Most importantly, the new design finally makes the most of the property’s greatest feature: those incredible Colorado views.
At O’Keefe Built, we believe the best outdoor spaces do more than add square footage. They create new opportunities to gather, unwind, and enjoy the place you call home.
Inspired by the Erie Project?
A timber-framed covered deck, a Douglas fir pergola, or an elevated outdoor living upgrade might be exactly what your own backyard needs. Let’s talk about making it happen.
