From Fort Collins to Highlands Ranch, Colorado homeowners are reimagining their outdoor spaces to serve as functional extensions of their homes. With more time spent at home, these areas transform from simple backyards into multi-functional spaces for relaxation, work, entertaining, and recreation.
In 2025, homeowners in both regions are investing in custom decks, outdoor kitchens, and pergolas, understanding that these upgrades improve livability and add significant value to their homes.
- 82% of homeowners say outdoor spaces improve their overall quality of life, offering more room for activities and fresh air.
- 29% of homeowners plan to invest up to $5,000 in outdoor upgrades, including custom decks, outdoor kitchens, and landscaping features.
Homeowners Rethink the Functionality of Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor areas are evolving into multi-functional spaces that serve more than just relaxation. Homeowners in Fort Collins and Highlands Ranch are prioritizing the following:
- Workspaces: Patios and decks are becoming outdoor offices, equipped with weather-resistant furniture, Wi-Fi, and privacy screens to allow for work without distractions.
- Outdoor Kitchens: These fully functional stations include grills, sinks, and refrigerators, making it easy to cook and entertain outside without entering the home.
- Exercise Zones: Homeowners are creating outdoor gym spaces, with yoga decks, gym equipment, and shaded areas for year-round fitness.
Why Outdoor Renovations Are on the Rise
With economic uncertainty, it’s easy to hesitate, but acting now offers key advantages:
- Material Availability:
Ordering now guarantees you’ll avoid delays caused by seasonal shortages. Popular materials like Trex composite decking can have extended backorders during peak season, so securing them early means a timely project. - Better Pricing:
Materials like Trex decking are often cheaper before the busy summer season. Once demand spikes, prices can rise 10-15%, so booking now can help save hundreds or even thousands. - Increased Property Value:
According to the National Association of Realtors, adding an outdoor kitchen or multi-level deck can increase your home’s value by 80-100% of the investment. In Northern Colorado, this could mean $12,000 to $20,000 in added value.
Outdoor Living Upgrades: Pricing and Material Choices
Here’s a quick guide to the materials, pricing, and maintenance needs for some of the most popular outdoor features in Fort Collins and Highlands Ranch:
| Outdoor Feature | Material Options | Cost Range | Key Benefits |
| Custom Decks | Composite (e.g., Trex, TimberTech), Pressure-treated wood | $15K–$ 30 K+ | Durable, low-maintenance, weather-resistant |
| Pergolas | Aluminum, Wood, Vinyl | $3K–$7K | Adds shade, privacy, and customizable design |
| Outdoor Kitchens | Stainless steel, Concrete, Stone | $10K–$ 30 K+ | Fully functional, great for entertaining |
| Fire Pits | Stone, Stainless Steel | $1K–$5K | Extends outdoor use during colder months |
| Multi-Level Decks | Composite, Pressure-treated wood | $20K–$ 50 K+ | Adds space, ideal for various activities |
| Covered Decks | Polycarbonate Roofing, Metal Panels, Shade Structures | $10K–$25K | Extends outdoor living year-round |
Pro Tip: Prices can fluctuate based on material choices, design complexity, and space size. Consider bundling services (e.g., adding a pergola to an existing deck) to save on overall costs.
Local Spotlight: What’s Happening in Fort Collins
Fort Collins is seeing an uptick in multi-level composite decks, with homeowners opting for Trex and TimberTech decks due to their resistance to fading, moisture, and staining. Composite materials now account for over 40% of decking installations in Northern Colorado.
- Durability: Composite decks last up to 30 years, making them ideal for Colorado’s fluctuating temperatures.
- Low Maintenance: These decks require no sanding, staining, or sealing, reducing long-term maintenance costs.
- Eco-friendly: Composite decks are made from recycled materials, appealing to eco-conscious homeowners.
Pro Tip: Consider adding deck lighting and integrated planters to increase your deck’s usability and aesthetic appeal, whether you enjoy it day or night.
Southern Momentum: What Highlands Ranch Homeowners Are Building
Highlands Ranch homeowners are increasingly investing in outdoor kitchens, evolving from simple grills to full cooking stations with built-in refrigerators and pizza ovens.
Covered Decks: Homes in Highlands Ranch, especially those with mountain views, incorporate partially covered decks to enjoy the view while staying protected from the elements. Adding polycarbonate or metal panel roofing extends outdoor living throughout the year.
Pro Tip: Privacy walls and shade structures are perfect for busy neighborhoods like Highlands Ranch, offering seclusion, sun protection, and comfort during all seasons.
Why Homeowners Are Acting Now, Not Later
With economic uncertainty looming, some homeowners may hesitate. However, acting now brings several benefits:
- Material Availability: Ordering materials early ensures your project gets completed on time. Popular products like Trex composite decking can face delays during peak season, so securing them now helps avoid those setbacks.
- Better Pricing: Materials like Trex decking are usually more affordable before the busy summer. Once demand rises, prices can increase by 10-15%, so booking now helps save money.
- Increased Property Value: According to the 2023 Remodeling Impact Report, adding outdoor kitchens and multi-level decks can increase property value by 100% of the investment. In Northern Colorado, these upgrades can add $12,000 to $20,000 to your home’s value.
- Competitive Market Advantage: The 2024 NAR Quick Real Estate Statistics show strong home demand. Adding outdoor features like custom decks or outdoor kitchens makes your home more attractive to buyers.
From Fort Collins to Highlands Ranch: Join the Movement
The demand for outdoor living spaces is more than a passing trend—it is a home improvement movement sweeping Northern Colorado. Whether designing a multi-level deck in Fort Collins, installing an outdoor kitchen in Highlands Ranch, or adding a pergola, these upgrades reshape the way Coloradans live outdoors.
Want to see what’s possible in your backyard? Let’s connect today and start planning your perfect outdoor space. Plus, ask how you can save $500 on your pergola project when you book this spring!
FAQs
What are the most popular outdoor features in Fort Collins right now?
Multi-level composite decks are in high demand, with Trex and TimberTech leading the charge, accounting for over 40% of installations. Pergolas and built-in seating are also trending, providing functionality with low-maintenance options suited to Colorado’s climate.
Can I add a pergola to an existing patio or deck?
Yes, pergolas can be added to existing patios or decks using metal anchors and post brackets. Aluminum pergolas are highly resistant to wind and moisture, making them perfect for Colorado’s weather.
How much should I budget for a deck or pergola project in 2025?
Depending on materials and design, custom decks cost between $15K and $30K. Pergolas typically start at $5K, and bundling both with a deck project may offer cost savings.
What’s included in your $500 pergola offer?
This offer includes premium materials, full build, and design consultation for any custom pergola project scheduled in Q2.
