#deckmoodboard

“Not sure what flipped the switch, but suddenly I need an outdoor living room…”

Maybe it was the way the sun hit the backyard last Saturday. Or maybe it’s just the sheer number of s’mores photos on my feed lately. Either way — I’ve been thinking about decks again. Not just a platform with furniture, but a real outdoor hangout. Something with soul. A little structure, a little sparkle, a little intention.

Our house in Shawnee has a great location — close to parks, trees for days, and a yard that’s finally stopped being a mud pit. But we’ve never done much with it. A few fold-out chairs, a half-dead fire pit, and that old grill that wheezes to life once every couple months. And now? I’m craving more.

While poking around for ideas, I found a guide from The Decksperts — Custom Deck Builder in Lenexa, KS. I almost skipped it thinking, “Eh, not my zip code,” but I’m so glad I clicked.

Their whole approach just made sense. First off — Lenexa folks clearly know how to live outside. The Decksperts talk about outdoor living like it’s part of your lifestyle, not just a backyard bonus. Their builds aren’t cookie-cutter rectangles; they’re personal. Grilling zones. Reading corners. Loungey layouts with built-in lighting and railings that are actually safe for kids and pets (bless).

The phrase that got me? “A space for grilling, outdoor seating, or just a quiet morning coffee.” That’s what I want. Not something massive or expensive. Just a place that feels like ours. Somewhere I can plop down with a throw blanket and my mug and pretend I’m on a weekend retreat, even if I’m still in pajamas.

They also mentioned how they build around Kansas climate realities — from hot summers to cool evenings. And that clicked too. I don’t want something that needs babysitting every spring. Composite decking suddenly seems like a smart move, especially since I am not someone who enjoys yearly upkeep. (Let’s be honest, I barely remember to water the front porch ferns.)

What really got me thinking, though, was the idea of built-in lighting. I hadn’t even considered that. But imagine finishing up dinner and heading outside, flicking on subtle deck lights, and sitting under the stars without fumbling with extension cords or tiki torches. It feels cozy. Thoughtful. A whole vibe.

It’s like the more I read, the more I realized a deck isn’t just an add-on. It’s an invitation — to gather, to slow down, to actually use the space you already have.

I’m not ready to break ground just yet (still wrestling with budget spreadsheets and wishlists), but I can definitely say this page helped me imagine something real: 👉 https://www.thedeckspertskc.com/areas-we-serve/lenexa-ks

There’s a version of my backyard that feels alive. Like a second living room. I can almost see it now.