Stamped Concrete Deck Combined with Trex Deck for a Bigger Backyard Lifestyle
- Jan 30
- 4 min read
Interview with Shawn Vernon, Owner | Home Renonvations Colorado
When homeowners want more than a basic patio or a single-use deck, concrete decks open the door to layered outdoor living—especially when paired with composite decking. In this interview, hear what custom deck builder, Shawn Vernon, owner of Home Renovations Colorado, says what he loves about this multi-level outdoor project. He combined stamped and stained concrete with Trex decking to maximize space, usability, and long-term performance in Colorado’s climate.
This project is a great example of how experienced deck builders think beyond square footage and focus on how people actually live, gather, and move through their outdoor space.
What was the overall goal for this concrete deck project?
This was a really fun project because the homeowners had a large yard and wanted to truly occupy it, not just look at it. Instead of building one single surface, we designed a combination layout so different areas could serve different purposes.
The Trex deck creates a raised platform for dining and relaxing right off the house. From there, we stepped the space down into a much larger stamped concrete area. That lower level allowed us to take advantage of the yard’s footprint and create something that felt intentional instead of just open space filled with rock or landscaping.
Because of how much room we had, we were also able to build a large planter right in the middle of the concrete. The homeowner planted a tree there, added shrubs and landscaping around it, and suddenly the space felt grounded and designed, not just poured concrete. The concrete area became the gathering space for a fire pit, while the deck stayed ideal for meals and seating.
Why combine stamped concrete with a Trex deck instead of choosing just one material?
Each material has strengths, and combining them lets homeowners use the yard in more ways. The deck provides a comfortable dining and lounging surface, especially right outside the sliding door. The concrete gives you flexibility—more space, more durability, and more options for features like fire pits and planters.
Instead of building something elevated that didn’t really fit the home’s layout, we kept everything closer to ground level. The deck itself is only about 16 inches off the ground, but it still creates separation and structure. The concrete expands the usable area significantly and makes entertaining easier because people can spread out.
Walk me through the stamped concrete process from start to finish.
The most important part is pouring the concrete correctly. If that’s not done right, nothing else matters. Once the concrete is poured, we add color to it. After that, we let it set up until it reaches the right level of firmness.
At that point, we place rubber stamping mats on top of the concrete. These mats come in different sizes and patterns. We don’t design the patterns ourselves—we let the homeowner choose the look they want, whether that’s brick, flagstone, stone, or something more unique.
As we stamp, we apply weight and carefully align the mats so the patterns flow naturally. We also rotate and mix the pattern placement so you don’t see the same shape repeating over and over. The goal is for it to look like real stone, not something that feels manufactured or stamped in a grid.
How do homeowners decide on patterns and colors for stamped concrete decks?
That starts before we ever show up. During the initial phone call, we ask a lot of questions so we understand how the homeowners want to use the space and what style they’re drawn to.
When we come out for the appointment, we bring samples—different stamping patterns and different color options. Some people prefer warmer tans and browns like you see in this project, others lean toward grays or cooler tones. There are a lot of options, and seeing samples in person helps homeowners make confident decisions.
We guide the process, but the final look is always something the homeowner chooses and feels good about.
What happens after the concrete is stamped?
Once the concrete is stamped, it needs time to set. After a few days, we come back to seal it. Sealing is critical for both protection and appearance.
When we apply the sealer, we also add a fine gritty material—basically a sand-like texture—into the sealer itself. The sealer can add a nice sheen or glow to the concrete, but without that added texture it can be slick. The grit keeps the surface safe to walk on, even when it’s wet.
It’s one of those steps that people don’t always think about, but it makes a big difference in how the space feels and functions day to day.
How do stamped concrete decks perform in Colorado’s climate?
Concrete does very well in Colorado overall. Most homes here are built on expansive soils, so over time—maybe 10 years or more—you could see a small crack develop. That’s normal and usually easy to fix.
From a maintenance standpoint, concrete decks are much lower-maintenance than wood decks. You don’t need to stain them every year. Typically, restaining or resealing every five years is enough, mainly because of UV exposure from the sun. Over time, the sun can pull some of the color out, but it happens gradually.
For many years, the concrete continues to look great with very little upkeep.
What was the timeline like for a custom deck project of this size?
Permitting always depends on the municipality. Sometimes we can walk in and walk out with a permit. Other times it takes longer.
Regardless of how fast permitting goes, we usually spend at least a week working back and forth with the homeowner on design. We want to make sure everything—from layout to materials to finishes—is exactly what they want before construction starts.
This wasn’t a small project. The deck and concrete together create a large footprint, and the deck actually wraps around the home rather than stopping at the front. That extra square footage makes the space much more usable for family gatherings and entertaining.
How long ago was this custom concrete deck built?
This project was completed about eight years ago, and it’s still performing exactly as intended.
Check out our project gallery of all our Custom Decks. Have your colors picked out and design inspo ready? We'd love to hear about your custom deck project and help you bring your outdoor living space to life. Contact us at 720-551-3962 to schedule a deck design review.
