Decks by Schmillen LLC

08/26/2026

🎥 1-Minute Build Tip: Contrasting Accents

A little contrast can make a deck look incredible.
A lot of contrast? That can make it look busy.

When we’re designing a deck, one of the details we talk through with homeowners is how to use accent colors the right way. A contrasting picture-frame border, drink rail, stair tread, divider board, or fascia detail can add a custom, high-end look to the finished space.

But the best designs usually don’t try to use every accent option at once. The goal is balance.

✅ A border can frame the deck beautifully
✅ A drink rail can tie the railing into the decking
✅ Stair accents can make the steps look more finished
✅ Fascia can create a clean view from the yard

But when every detail is a different color, the design can start to feel too busy.

A well-chosen accent should feel intentional. It should complement the home, highlight the deck layout, and create a polished finish — not compete for attention.

If you’re planning a new deck, don’t just choose colors from small samples. Think about the whole space: the house color, railing style, furniture, landscaping, and how the deck will look from the yard.
Want help picking a clean combo that feels custom without feeling chaotic?

Decks by Schmillen

📞 Call/text 719-440-6966

Serving El Paso County, Colorado

08/16/2026

08/15/2026

From an outdated deck to a true outdoor living space—this project is officially underway!

These homeowners came to Decks by Schmillen through a referral from past clients, and they were ready to completely transform their backyard. Instead of simply replacing the existing deck, they wanted to create a space designed for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle throughout more of the year.
Working together through the design process, we created plans for an impressive 520 SF composite deck featuring:

🔨 A 16' x 20' shed-roof-style deck cover
🔥 A gas fireplace for warmth and ambiance
♨️ Bromic Tungsten overhead patio heater
🏡 Plenty of room for comfortable outdoor living and entertaining

Our crew kicked off construction this week by removing the existing deck and installing helical piers that will provide a strong foundation for the new deck and roof structure.

There’s a lot more to come on this one, and we can’t wait to show you how all of these elements come together in the finished space!
Stay tuned for progress photos—and, of course, the final reveal.

Thinking about turning your deck into a complete outdoor living space?

Call Decks by Schmillen at 719-440-6966 to start planning your project.

08/13/2026

Sometimes the best introduction to our work is simply seeing one of our finished decks in person!

Last year, this homeowner watched as we built a new deck for one of her neighbors. After seeing the finished project, she remembered Decks by Schmillen when it was time to replace her own deck and front porch.

During the design process, we also discussed ways to make her new outdoor spaces more wildfire-conscious. Although her home is not located in a designated WUI zone, she wanted to choose materials that were less likely to ignite and that would provide long-term durability.

🔥 Fortress Evolutions powder-coated steel framing was an excellent choice. Unlike traditional wood framing, steel is noncombustible—and it also provides exceptional strength, stability, and longevity.

For the deck, she selected:

✔️ Deckorators Voyage Tundra decking
✔️ 3-sided picture-frame border in contrasting Voyage Khaya
✔️ Fortress Fe26 powder-coated steel railing
✔️ Flush-mounted Khaya drink cap

We also rebuilt the front porch using Deckorators Voyage Khaya decking and the same Fortress Fe26 steel railing, creating a cohesive look from the front of the home to the backyard.

The result is a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor space designed with durability, fire-conscious material choices, and long-term enjoyment in mind.

Now our client can enjoy the rest of the Colorado summer relaxing on her new deck!

Thinking about replacing your deck or creating a new outdoor living space?

📞 Call Decks by Schmillen at 719-440-6966.

08/07/2026

Looking for backyard privacy without sacrificing style? This custom-designed pergola was built around our clients' vision and features integrated privacy walls and a full privacy screen to create a secluded outdoor retreat. Every project we build is designed specifically for the homeowner, resulting in an outdoor living space that's both functional and beautiful.

If you're planning a custom pergola or outdoor living project in Colorado Springs, contact Decks by Schmillen to start designing your dream backyard.

📞 719-440-6966

07/25/2026

Ten years ago, we built two beautiful wood decks for these homeowners in the prestigious Broadmoor Resort area of Colorado Springs. The upper-level deck even featured a metal under-deck drainage system, creating a comfortable covered area on the deck below where they could relax and take in the incredible mountain views.

Over the years, the decks served them well—but like all wood decks, they required ongoing maintenance. Rather than continue spending time and money staining, sealing, and maintaining their outdoor living space, the homeowners decided it was time for a long-term, low-maintenance solution.

We replaced the wood decking with 672 square feet of Deckorators Voyage Costa composite decking, giving them the beauty of natural wood without the constant upkeep. Because this home is located in both Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) and Hillside Overlay zones, material selection wasn't just about appearance—it also had to meet Colorado Springs Fire Department approval. Deckorators Voyage Costa, at that time, was an approved choice, allowing the project to move smoothly through the permitting process.

The new decking was installed at a clean 90-degree layout and finished with a double-board picture-frame border, giving the decks a polished, custom appearance that complements this beautiful Broadmoor home.

Now our clients can spend more time enjoying their spectacular views and less time worrying about maintenance.

If your wood deck is becoming more work than enjoyment, we'd love to help you explore today's low-maintenance composite decking options.

Decks by Schmillen
719-440-6966

📍 Serving Colorado Springs, Broadmoor, and surrounding communities.

07/23/2026

🎥 1-Minute Build Tip: Picture-Frame Borders
One of the details that can take a deck from “nice” to “custom” is a picture-frame border.

Instead of running deck boards straight to the edge, a picture-frame border wraps the deck body with a clean perimeter board. It works almost like trim around a window or a frame around a photo — it gives the space a more finished, intentional look.

This is one of those design details homeowners may not know to ask for, but they absolutely notice when they see it.

Why we love picture-frame borders:

✅ Cleaner finished edges
The border helps hide exposed board ends and gives the deck a more polished perimeter.

✅ More custom appearance
It makes the deck look designed — not just like boards were laid across the frame.

✅ Great for color accents
You can match the main decking for a subtle look or choose a contrasting color for a bold, high-end frame.

✅ Helps define the space
A border visually outlines the deck, which can make the entire outdoor living area feel more structured and complete.

Like many premium deck details, picture framing works best when it’s planned from the beginning. Board layout, stairs, posts, seams, and fasteners all affect the final look.

If you’re planning a new deck or replacing an older one, ask about adding a picture-frame border. It’s a small design choice that can make a big difference in the finished result.

📞 Call/text 719-440-6966
Serving El Paso County, Colorado

07/15/2026

When several neighbors choose the same deck builder, it says a lot about the quality of the work.

These two side-by-side townhome owners had aging wood decks that were reaching the end of their lifespan. After seeing the composite decks we had recently completed elsewhere in their community, they contacted Decks by Schmillen to create matching replacements for their homes.

To maintain the look of the neighborhood while dramatically reducing future maintenance, we rebuilt each deck using the original footprint. The new decks feature Deckorators Voyage Khaya composite decking with single end boards for a clean, finished appearance. We paired the decking with a Fortress Fe26 powder-coated steel railing system featuring pressed dome post caps for a timeless, durable finish. To complete the design, the homeowners selected Fiberon Concordia Burnt Umber fascia, creating a beautiful contrast that frames each deck perfectly.

The result? Four matching composite decks that enhance the appearance of the townhomes while providing years of low-maintenance outdoor living. Instead of spending weekends sanding, staining, and repairing aging wood, these homeowners can simply enjoy their outdoor spaces.

Thinking about replacing an aging wood deck? We'd be happy to help you design a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor space built to last.

Decks by Schmillen - 719-440-6966

📍 Proudly serving Colorado Springs and the surrounding communities.

07/04/2026

🎆🎆Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🎆🎆

From all of us at Decks by Schmillen, we wish everyone a safe and happy Independence Day weekend. Here's to 250 years of freedom, opportunity, and the American spirit.

Enjoy the holiday, celebrate responsibly, and make lasting memories with family and friends!

07/01/2026

🎥 1-Minute Build Tip: Deck Skirting for Animal Control + Storage

Deck skirting is one of those details that can make a deck look more finished while also solving a very real backyard problem: animals moving in underneath.

That open space under a deck can look harmless, but it can quickly become shelter for rabbits, skunks, raccoons, neighborhood cats, and other critters. Once animals start nesting under a deck, they can create odors, mess, damage, and stress for homeowners.

A well-planned skirting system helps close off that space while keeping the deck looking clean, intentional, and custom — not like an afterthought.

Another bonus? Skirting can also make the space under your deck more useful. With the right access gate, it can become a convenient place to store outdoor cushions, garden tools, hoses, kids’ toys, or seasonal décor.

The key is designing it correctly from the beginning:

✅ A clean look that matches the deck
✅ A properly placed access gate
✅ Ventilation so the space can breathe
✅ Durable materials that hold up outdoors
✅ A layout that works with your yard and deck height

Skirting isn’t just decorative. It can help improve function, reduce unwanted animal access, and give your deck a more polished finished appearance.

Want to stop animals from moving in under your deck?

📞 Call/text 719-440-6966
Serving El Paso County, Colorado