Decks by Schmillen LLC

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.

🎆🎆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!

🎥 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

Is your deck over 20 years old? It may be time for more than just another coat of stain.

After more than 20 years of regular staining, sealing, and upkeep, these homeowners were ready to leave deck maintenance behind. They contacted Decks by Schmillen expecting to make a few repairs—but after a thorough inspection, Doug and Keith discovered the aging redwood deck had reached the point where replacement was the safer investment.

The new deck features beautiful Sanctuary® Moringa decking installed at a 90° angle for a timeless appearance, finished with matching end boards for a clean, custom look. The Fe26 steel railing provides lasting strength while a side-mounted drink rail creates the perfect place to relax with family and friends.

During the design process, the homeowners also upgraded to pressure-treated LVL stair stringers from PWT, creating a stronger, more durable staircase designed to stand the test of time. Finished with matching Moringa treads and risers, every detail was built with longevity in mind.

At Decks by Schmillen, we don't just replace old decks—we build outdoor living spaces that are safer, stronger, and designed to be enjoyed for decades with minimal maintenance.

If your deck is showing its age, let us perform a professional inspection before small issues become major safety concerns.

📍 Serving Colorado Springs and surrounding communities.

Decks by Schmillen 719-440-6966

Sometimes the biggest challenge in a deck project isn't the design—it's finding a contractor who will actually follow through. After a frustrating experience with a previous builder, this out-of-state property owner turned to Decks by Schmillen to complete the project correctly. With limited ability to visit the property in person, he needed a team he could trust to deliver quality workmanship and keep him informed every step of the way.

After reviewing the property and HOA requirements, we designed and built a new 256-square-foot composite deck using Deckorators Voyage Costa decking installed in a clean 90-degree pattern. One of the most important parts of the project was recreating the custom deck railing style approved by the HOA, ensuring the finished deck blended seamlessly with the community while giving our client the appearance he wanted.

For out-of-state property owners, communication, reliability, and quality workmanship are critical. Our team kept the project moving from design through completion, providing peace of mind throughout the process.

The result is a beautiful, low-maintenance deck that enhances the property's value and gives the homeowner confidence that the job was finally completed the right way.

If you've been left dealing with an unfinished deck project or need a contractor you can trust to get the job done, we're here to help.

📞 719-440-6966

🌐 DecksBySchmillen.com

At Decks by Schmillen, we believe the difference between a good deck and a great deck is found in the details.

When homeowners look at a finished deck, they usually notice the beautiful decking, stylish railing, and overall design. What they may not notice are the dozens of small decisions that make the space ore functional, durable, and enjoyable for years to come.

One example? Water spigot access.

Many homes have exterior water spigots located beneath an elevated deck. Less experienced builders may simply cover them up, making future access difficult if not almost impossible. We take a different approach.

When designing and building a deck, we look ahead and identify important items that homeowners will still need access to after construction is complete. If a water spigot is located beneath the deck, we'll often incorporate a custom-built hatch directly into the decking. The hatch blends seamlessly into the deck surface while providing convenient access whenever it's needed.

It's a small detail - but it's also the kind of detail that demonstrates thoughtful planning and quality craftsmanship.

Whether it's access panels, lighting placement, divider boards, framing layouts, or finishing touches, our team pays attention to the things most people never see. Because those details matter!

That's the Decks by Schmillen difference: building outdoor living spaces that aren't just beautiful on day one, but practical and functional for years to come.

Sometimes the best craftsmanship is found in the details you don't notice until you need them.

Decks by Schmillen - Where Details Make the Difference
719-440-6966

Earlier this year, we built a custom composite deck for one of our clients that included a unique gate in the railing system to accommodate a doggie ramp for her four-legged family members. 🐾
A few months later, she reached out again—this time looking for protection from the Colorado sun and weather with a new deck cover.

After working through several design options, we determined that a shed-roof style cover would provide the best blend of functionality, aesthetics, and compliance with local WUI requirements. To meet fire-resistance standards, we selected WUI-approved materials for the ceiling and carefully designed the structure to look like it had always been part of the home.

The finished project features a 7'-6" x 16' custom deck cover with a beautifully finished TruWood ceiling stained to match the home's existing trim and colors.

The result? A seamless addition that provides shade, comfort, and year-round enjoyment while enhancing the home's appearance.
Most importantly, our client absolutely loves it!

Thinking about adding a deck cover to your outdoor living space? We'd love to help design a solution that looks original to your home.
Decks by Schmillen 719-440-6966

🎥 1-Minute Build Tip: Deck Color & Heat

Here’s something most homeowners don’t realize until summer hits: darker deck boards can get noticeably hotter in direct sun.

That doesn’t mean “don’t choose dark.” It means choose smart. Heat depends on more than color—shade, sun orientation, and airflow can make a huge difference. A deck in full afternoon sun (south/west exposure) will feel very different than the same color under a cover or with good breeze.

Quick planning checklist:

• How much direct sun does your deck get at 2–5pm?
• Is the space shaded by trees, rooflines, or a cover?
• Is it breezy, or boxed in with little airflow?
• Barefoot traffic (kids/pets) vs shoes most of the time?

If you want help picking a color that looks great and matches how you’ll use your deck, we’re happy to talk it through.

📞 719-440-6966 (El Paso County, Colorado)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I can’t rate this company highly enough.”

There’s nothing better than hearing that a homeowner loves both the finished deck AND the experience working with our crew. We believe a beautiful outdoor living space should be backed by outstanding craftsmanship, professionalism, and communication every step of the way.

If you’re dreaming about a custom deck built the right way, Decks by Schmillen is here to help.

📞 719-440-6966

One of our long-time clients recently contacted us about replacing their older redwood deck with something more modern and low-maintenance. The original 13’ x 13’ redwood deck was built in 2003, and in 2011 we added a custom cedar pergola that we’ve continued to maintain over the years.

After years of regular upkeep, the homeowner decided it was time for an upgrade that would provide lasting beauty without the ongoing maintenance requirements of natural wood.
Because the home is located in both a WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) and Hillside Overlay zone, it was important to select materials approved for fire-prone areas while still delivering the clean, modern look the homeowner wanted.

After reviewing several options, he chose Voyage Costa composite decking paired with a Fe26 powder-coated steel railing system.

The finished result is a beautiful new 13’ x 14’ outdoor living space that is larger, more modern, and designed for minimal maintenance for years to come.

Decks by Schmillen 719-440-6966