#deckmoodboard

[thedeckspertskc]

Mission Hills Mood

“This weekend I finally got around to sketching out the backyard…”

Okay, when I say “sketching,” I mean wildly scribbling on the back of a grocery receipt while sipping iced coffee on the deck-that’s-not-a-deck. It’s just concrete, uneven, cracked, and hot as Kansas sun. But I’ve been staring at that little stretch of space for years and wondering: what if?

What if we had real seating? What if I didn’t have to drag the umbrella around chasing shade? What if there was a space that felt pulled together and intentional?

That’s what led me down the rabbit hole and onto a page from The Decksperts — Custom Deck Building Services in Mission Hills, KS. I’ve never lived in Mission Hills, but it’s close enough to Shawnee that I trust the weather and layout similarities. And let me just say — that page felt like someone had taken the half-baked ideas from my brain and turned them into a plan.

They talk about decks being more than just platforms. (Preach.) It’s not just a place to plop a grill. It’s a full-blown outdoor living space. It’s your quiet morning nook, your Friday night wine zone, your weekend s’mores station. And the way they write about designing with climate in mind? Huge. Because Kansas doesn’t play around. One minute it’s sunny and the next it’s blowing sideways rain.

Their take on weather-resistant materials and custom designs got me thinking about how a deck can actually reflect your family’s rhythm. Like — do you want a covered deck because you’re outside all the time, rain or shine? Or do you want a multi-level space because your yard is a little hilly (ours is — one end drops off toward the neighbor’s fence like it’s trying to escape)?

They also brought up something I hadn’t thought of: stairs and transitions. Their projects in Mission Hills often include smart solutions for sloped yards, and it honestly made me see my weirdly uneven backyard as an opportunity, not a flaw. Like maybe this is our chance to do something cool and custom.

And don’t get me started on pergolas. I’ve never been a huge “structure” person (I tend to like open space), but now I keep picturing this breezy wood frame filtering the afternoon light, maybe with climbing plants… or twinkle lights… or both?

My husband keeps teasing me that I’m on a “deck Pinterest vision board spiral,” but honestly, this page gave me more clarity than scrolling endlessly through aesthetic photos. Because it’s local. It’s real. It’s not some Malibu mansion. It’s someone who gets Kansas. Someone who gets my yard.

If you’re anywhere near where I am — stuck between wanting to overhaul your yard but unsure where to start — I’d recommend giving this a read: https://www.thedeckspertskc.com/areas-we-serve/mission-hills-ks. It sparked more ideas than any mood board ever has.

Next step for me? Maybe ditch the receipt sketches and actually call someone.

#missionhillsks #deckinspo #shawneelife #backyardgoals #pergoladreams #midwestliving #deckideas #kansasweatherproofing #designwithpurpose #deckmoodboard

[thedeckspertskc]

Lenexa Dreams

“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.

#lenexaks #deckmoodboard #outdoorlivinggoals #backyardupgrade #decklightingdreams #compositedeckinglife #shawneeviews #kansashomeowners #deckplans #thedecksperts