A Six-Figure Outdoor Living Space With a Custom Spiral Staircase in The Pinery

Interview with Shawn Vernon, Owner | Home Renonvations Colorado

This project is one of those outdoor living spaces that still stops people in their tracks years later. Located in The Pinery, just south of Parker, this deck spans the entire back of the home and was designed to be used year-round—views, comfort, and functionality all working together. Even eight to ten years later, it’s still one of the most talked-about projects we’ve ever built.

What made this outdoor living space with custom designs and features special from the start?

This one sits on a hill in The Pinery, just south of Parker, which is why the west-facing views are absolutely incredible. You’re looking straight out at the mountain range. The homeowner wanted a space that came right off the kitchen for dining, entertaining, and relaxing—but he also wanted it to feel like an extension of the home, not an add-on.

From the beginning, this was a high-end outdoor living space with a lot of planning involved. The design phase alone took about two months of back-and-forth with the homeowner and his wife. He knew what he wanted, but he also wanted professional input, which made the process collaborative and really rewarding.

How did you design the covered portion of the deck for year-round use?

Because this is Colorado, the homeowner wanted to stretch the season as much as possible. We fully covered the upper deck and installed ceiling-mounted heaters throughout. That makes a huge difference. When the sun is out, those heaters are incredibly effective, and because they’re mounted in the ceiling, you don’t have bulky heaters taking up deck space like you see at restaurants or big-box stores.

The structure itself is all stained cedar with exposed beams. We matched the roof pitch to the house so it feels original to the home, not like something added later. The exposed wood was a very intentional choice—it adds warmth and character, and because it’s covered, maintenance down the road is minimal.

This spiral staircase is a showstopper. What went into that design?

This is the largest spiral staircase I’ve ever built—eight feet in diameter. It’s a one-piece, custom-fabricated staircase, and it was so heavy we had to bring in a crane. We actually lifted it over the house to set it in place and bolt it down.

What I love about this staircase is that it gives you quick access between levels without taking up a lot of space. Even though it’s massive, it doesn’t overpower the deck because the home itself is so large. It’s functional, sculptural, and fits the scale of the project perfectly.

What did the lower-level outdoor living space include?

The lower level was all about creating a comfortable, enclosed space that still felt open to the views. The homeowner has a large water feature that runs down the property in multiple pools, so we designed this area to take advantage of that scenery.

We installed a fireplace at an angle to create two distinct seating zones. The entire structure is enclosed with half-inch tempered glass panels, and most of those panels slide open. On a nice summer day, you can open huge sections of glass—especially near the outdoor kitchen—and it completely transforms the space.

Tell me more about the glass enclosure on the deck and why it was designed that way.

The glass panels are about six feet tall and extremely heavy. We used an industrial-grade steel bar system to support the weight so the panels could slide smoothly without sagging over time. Durability was key here—this was built to last.

The ability to slide the panels open gives the homeowner flexibility. In colder months, it’s fully enclosed and protected. In warmer months, it opens up and feels like an open-air patio. That flexibility is what really defines great outdoor living spaces.

What features were included in the outdoor kitchen?

This was a fully custom, high-end outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven, grill, refrigerator, sink, and plenty of prep space. The sink required special planning so it could be winterized properly and not freeze during colder months.

When he’s grilling, the homeowner can slide the glass panels open for ventilation. Combined with the lighting we installed, it’s a space that works just as well for casual family dinners as it does for large gatherings.

The concrete floor looks like tile. How was that achieved?

The homeowner already had an existing concrete patio, so instead of removing it, we enhanced it. We cut custom lines into the slab to create a pattern, then stained it using a three-coat process to get variation and depth in the color.

Because it’s stained—not stamped—the surface stays smooth, but visually it has a tile-like appearance. Once sealed, it’s incredibly durable and low-maintenance.

How long does stained concrete like this typically last on a deck?

In a fully enclosed space like this, you could easily go 15 years without needing to touch it. As long as you’re not gouging it with furniture or damaging the surface, the color and finish hold up extremely well. It’s one of the most durable flooring options for outdoor living spaces when done correctly.

What kind of investment was this deck project?

This was a six-figure deck, no question. The glass alone was over $12,000. When you factor in the custom staircase, enclosure, heaters, outdoor kitchen, and structural work, it was a significant investment—but it matched the scale and value of the home.

Projects like this also tend to generate a lot of attention. The homeowner actually allowed other clients to tour the space, and it led to a significant amount of new business for us.

Looking back, what stands out most about this custom deck build?

Even years later, it still makes you stop and say, “Did we really build this?” It was fun, challenging, and incredibly rewarding for the entire team. We talked about this deck for years, and we’re still talking about it now.

That’s the goal with outdoor living spaces—to build something that not only functions beautifully, but becomes a point of pride for the homeowner and a benchmark for what’s possible.