#deckthoughts

“Scrolling Pinterest got me thinking about shade…”

The thing is, I love our backyard. It’s got character. A gentle slope, a few mature trees, and an old hydrangea bush that refuses to die no matter how badly I neglect it. But what it doesn’t have — and what I’ve realized it desperately needs — is structure. And I don’t mean fences or bricks. I mean a space that invites you to sit. Linger. Maybe take your shoes off and stay a while.

Lately I’ve been craving that sort of effortless outdoor zone. A space that isn’t just lawn and lawn furniture. Something that blends with the land but gives you a place to be. Something useful and a little bit beautiful, even if it’s small.

Enter the deck spiral. Again. 😅

This time I stumbled across a page from The Decksperts that really got me thinking: Deck Builder Services Tailored for Merriam Homeowners. And okay, I’m not in Merriam, but it’s close enough that the layout, climate, and neighborhood feel really resonates.

What struck me most is how they describe outdoor living in Merriam as a way of life. Not a seasonal experiment or a “let’s try this and see” vibe. But something built to last, built to use, and built to be loved.

I was especially drawn to their mention of pergola-covered retreats. I hadn’t realized how much I’ve been craving shelter — not just from the sun, but from the busy. Something that defines the space and gives it a little privacy, a little magic. Imagine string lights. Maybe a hammock. Maybe just a chair and a book.

The way The Decksperts talk about building with purpose? That stuck with me. They’re not just laying boards. They’re listening to how families live and building decks that work for that. Like, one line mentioned making room for kids to play — and I immediately looked out back and saw the exact spot where my daughter always dumps her sidewalk chalk and declares it her “stage.” What if we gave her a real platform? Literally?

They also talked about using materials that stand up to Kansas weather — and hallelujah for that. We’ve all watched storms roll in from the west like something out of a nature documentary. I need a structure that can survive hail, humidity, and that weird sideways spring rain.

Another thing I liked: they mentioned working with the local terrain and drainage. Which, look — not glamorous. But our yard holds water like a sponge after every storm, and it’s reassuring to hear from a builder who thinks about that from day one. Not after the mud puddles form.

I don’t think I’d go wild with multiple levels or elaborate railings, but the idea of one clean, solid deck tucked into the slope of our yard? Maybe with a pergola and a few potted plants? That feels doable. It feels like something we’d use year-round — not just when company comes over.

Here’s the page that got the whole vision going: https://www.thedeckspertskc.com/areas-we-serve/merriam-ks

Now I’m just trying to convince myself to close Pinterest and start making actual plans. (Wish me luck.)