Littleton Patio Enclosure and Trex Deck That Added Light, Living Space and Value

Interview with Shawn Vernon, Owner | Home Renonvations Colorado

A great patio project should never look like an add-on. It should look like it was always meant to be there. In this throwback project in Littleton, Shawn Vernon created a fully enclosed patio living space with lots of glass, a seamless transition to a Trex deck, and rooflines that matched the home so well it looked original to the build. It is also a solid reminder that when you have decades of experience, you know how to make a patio or deck feel right from every angle.

Where was this patio project, and what was the homeowner looking for?

This project was in the Littleton area, and the homeowner wanted us to create an actual enclosure, a living space inside with lots of windows. She also wanted big doors so the transition was smooth from the tile floor inside to the Trex deck outside. There was no step down and no awkward break. It was just an even flow from the room we built straight out to the deck surface.

What materials and features were used in this patio and deck project?

This project had a Trex deck, steel framing, and vinyl railing in white because that was the look the homeowner wanted. The roof was a gable roof, so it had that peaked shape with two runs on each side. We also added trapezoid windows up top to bring in more light. If you look at the inside view, those windows really helped open up the room and make it feel bright.

Why did this patio enclosure look so natural with the existing home?

That was the goal from the beginning. If you look at the existing home, you can see the similar roof lines, and that is what makes it feel integrated instead of stuck on later. We really focus on that because it matters. When you look at a home and see an addition that does not match, whether it is a pergola, a roof structure, or some other extension, it does not look professional and it does not add the kind of value people want. In some cases, it can actually hurt the look and value of the home.

This project looked like the builder had done it from day one. That is what made it successful. It gave the homeowner an enclosed living space with a lot of glass and then connected that space to an outdoor deck where they could sit in the sun or dine outside.

Did this patio enclosure add square footage and value to the home?

Yes. It literally added square footage to the home. That is one of the biggest benefits of a project like this when it is designed the right way. You are not just adding a deck or patio. You are adding usable living space that feels like a true extension of the house.

How old is this throwback patio project?

This one goes back to the late 1990s, maybe even the early 2000s. That is one of the reasons we like featuring these throwback projects. They show that Shawn has been doing this for more than 30 years and has built thousands of decks over that time. This was not his first patio and not his first deck, and that experience shows in the finished result.

Why do these older deck and patio projects still matter today?

Because they still hold up. Some of these older projects still look like we just built them. That speaks not only to the craftsmanship, but also to the quality of the materials. When you combine the right products with the right construction methods, the project lasts.

What is the lifespan of a Trex deck in Colorado?

Back then, Trex had a 25-year warranty, and now some of their newer products have a 50-year warranty. But what is really critical is not just the deck board. It is the framing underneath. If you pair a Trex deck surface with steel framing, you have a system that can last a very long time because you are not dealing with the same rot issues underneath that you get with wood framing.

That is especially important here in Colorado. The sun is intense, the climate is dry, and outdoor structures take a beating. A good deck surface is important, but what is underneath it matters just as much.

Was lighting included in this patio and deck project?

Yes. It is a little challenging to see in the photos, but we did include outside lighting with sconces to light up the deck area at night. That added both function and atmosphere to the space.

This Littleton throwback project is a great example of what happens when a patio enclosure and deck are designed to truly fit the home. The result is more light, more usable living space, better flow, and a finished look that adds real value. If you are thinking about building a custom deck, patio enclosure, or outdoor living space that looks like it belongs with your home, book a free in-person estimate with Shawn from Home Renovations Colorado. He will come out, look at your space, and help you figure out the right solution for your home.