IDEA BOOK
Patio Dreams
I
T STARTED WITH A PATIO: underused, uninspiring, and a shadow of the backyard’s potential. The homeowners in Glen Ellyn, IL., had long dreamed of a space where they could comfortably host family and friends for gatherings. With that vision in mind, Chicagoland builder Erdmann Outdoor Living designed and built a spacious deck complete with a kitchen and large bar height dining table with lots of seating. Plus, a custom bench seating area around the firepit area. This transformed their backyard into an inviting and versatile outdoor living area, perfect for entering and relaxing. “The project began as an underutilized patio that didn’t make the best use of the homeowners’ backyard space,” explains design manager Becca Erdmann. The 715 sq. ft. of TimberTech Landmark Collection decking and tread in Boardwalk is paired with fascia and riser accents in American Walnut. Surrounding the deck is TimberTech Classic Composite Rails with a drink rail top and cable infill. The in-lite lighting highlighted architectural details. The outdoor kitchen is a centerpiece, fitted with Naturekast kitchen cabinets, Dekton countertops, and Hestan appliances, including a grill, wine fridge, and standard refrigerator. The space features a bar-height dining table custom-built to match the kitchen, providing plenty of seating for family gatherings and summer barbecues. Adapting the StruXure pergola into the home’s architecture presented a huge hurdle for Erdmann’s three-man crew. The original gable design had to be readjusted and flattened out to seamlessly tie the pergola into the roof and exterior wall, requiring precise craftsmanship. One standout feature of the project is the custom firepit nook built entirely from TimberTech deck boards. The area is encircled by bench seating, complete with plush cushions for added comfort. Erdmann shares that a key takeaway they learned from the build would be to incorporate an additional access panel under the deck near the firepit’s restart button, ensuring greater functionality and ease of use. Another favorite part of the build is the custom-built bench seating around the fire table, enhanced by the addition of custom cushions for comfort and style, and the thoughtful lighting throughout the project. “These features not only elevated the aesthetics, but also created a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for family gatherings,” Erdmann adds. Navigating Glen Ellyn’s stringent permitting process was no small feat, requiring patience after the process delayed the build. Yet, despite the delay, the project was completed over three months and on budget.
50 | Deck Specialist | Jan/Feb 2025
“I was thrilled with how this project turned out—it came together exactly as we had envisioned and planned in the design phase,” Erdmann says. “Seeing the homeowners’ excitement and satisfaction with their new space was incredibly rewarding.” DS Submit photos of your latest and greatest project to sgraves@ 526mediagroup.com