At Mitchell Construction, we understand that your outdoor living space is more than just an extension of your home—it’s a sanctuary. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening with family, the design and functionality of your backyard should meet your lifestyle needs. For over 40 years, our family-owned business has been transforming backyards throughout Chicago’s suburbs, specializing in custom decks, outdoor kitchens, patios, pergolas, and more.
In this blog, we’ll share some of our favorite outdoor transformations of the year, showcasing our craftsmanship, choice of materials, and thoughtful details that elevate each project.
Summer Sanctuary: A Serene Outdoor Retreat in Bolingbrook, IL
The Summer Sanctuary project is a prime example of how great design can turn an outdoor space into a year-round retreat. The homeowners wanted a low-maintenance, durable space that allowed them to relax and entertain in style. We chose Trex composite decking, a favorite for homeowners seeking long-lasting performance without the upkeep of traditional wood decks.
Why Trex Composite Decking?
- Low Maintenance: Unlike traditional wood decks, composite decking requires little maintenance. No staining, sealing, or sanding is necessary, which can save you time and money over the years.
- Durability: Composite materials resist moisture, decay, and insects, making them perfect for outdoor environments. They’re engineered to withstand the elements and last longer than wood.
- Eco-Friendly: Trex uses recycled materials in its decking, making it an environmentally conscious choice for homeowners.
To complement the deck, we installed a louvered pergola, allowing homeowners to control how much sunlight or shade they receive throughout the day. The adjustable slats create a pleasant atmosphere and protect from the midday sun while keeping the space open and airy. Custom deck lighting, including post cap lights and recessed fixtures, adds a soft glow at night, creating a welcoming environment for evening gatherings.
Explore the Summer Sanctuary project here.
Multi-Level Pool Oasis: A Resort-Style Transformation in Frankfort, IL
The Multi-Level Pool Oasis project combines luxury with functionality, turning the homeowner’s backyard into a private resort. They wanted a space that offered distinct areas for lounging, dining, and enjoying the pool. To achieve this, we incorporated Deckorators composite decking, known for its strength and sleek design, to create a beautiful, built space to withstand the elements.
Benefits of Multi-Level Decks:
Multi-level decks are an excellent way to maximize outdoor space, especially if you have a large or sloped yard. Here are some benefits:
- Better Use of Space: Multi-level decks allow you to create distinct zones for dining, lounging, and entertaining. This helps organize your space and makes it feel more cohesive.
- Improved Views: Elevated levels offer better sightlines and panoramic views, perfect for scenic properties.
- Enhanced Functionality: Multiple levels allow separate spaces for different activities, reducing the chance of overcrowding in one area.
A pergola was added over the dining area to provide shade and create a stunning focal point. The surrounding landscaping helps connect the levels and soften the transitions. Integrated lighting around the pool area and deck highlights the space’s beauty, making it perfect for after-dark socializing.
See the full details of the Multi-Level Pool Oasis here.
Steel Steals the Show: Industrial Design with Deckorators in Homer Glen, IL
We embraced a modern industrial aesthetic for the Steel Steals the Show project, combining steel railings with Deckorators composite decking. This design was perfect for homeowners looking for a bold, high-end outdoor space with clean lines and strong, durable materials. Steel and composite decking create a sleek, contemporary look, and the contrast between the two materials adds a visual depth that makes the design stand out.
The Advantages of Steel Railings:
- Durability: Steel railings are resistant to the elements and won’t warp splinter, or rust like traditional wood railings.
- Modern Look: Steel provides a clean, minimalist aesthetic that works perfectly with modern outdoor designs.
- Low Maintenance: Like composite decking, steel railings require little upkeep and are built to last.
The deck lighting in this project was crucial for creating the right ambiance. Recessed lighting in the steps and railings added beauty and improved safety for evening use.
Explore the Steel Steals the Show project here.
Modern Country Living: A Perfect Blend of Rustic and Contemporary in Lemont, IL
The Modern Country Living project showcased how rustic, country-inspired designs can be merged with modern, clean elements. This custom deck used a combination of pressure-treated wood and composite decking, ensuring durability without compromising the rustic aesthetic.
Why Choose Pressure-Treated Wood?
- Cost-Effective: Pressure-treated wood is generally less expensive than composite materials, making it an excellent option for homeowners on a budget.
- Versatility: Pressure-treated wood can be stained or painted to match your style, providing a natural, classic look.
- Durability: Treated wood resists moisture and insects, ensuring the deck lasts longer and requires less maintenance than untreated wood.
This design featured an expansive outdoor kitchen for homeowners who love to entertain. An outdoor kitchen in your backyard adds value to your home and makes cooking and dining outside more convenient. We also included a covered structure to protect the space from the elements, allowing the homeowners to use their outdoor kitchen year-round.
Discover the full story of Modern Country Living here.
Additional Features: Your Outdoor Space
Looking to elevate your outdoor space? From a simple deck to an entire outdoor living area, countless features can take your space to the next level. These upgrades will turn your backyard into a stunning and functional extension of your home.
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens are one of the top outdoor living trends for 2024, combining style, functionality, and convenience. These custom-built kitchens allow you to bring the comforts of your indoor kitchen outside, making meal preparation and entertaining a breeze. Not only do they enhance the cooking experience, but they also create a natural gathering spot for friends and family to enjoy.
Benefits and Facts:
- Increased Home Value: According to the National Association of Realtors, outdoor kitchens can increase your home’s value by up to 100% of the installation cost.
- Extended Entertaining: An outdoor kitchen allows you to entertain guests without running back and forth to the indoor kitchen, ensuring a seamless social experience.
- Energy Efficiency: Cooking outdoors during the summer keeps heat out of your home, reducing air conditioning costs. Studies show homeowners can save up to 10-15% annually on cooling costs by cooking outside in the warmer months.
Patio Covers
A patio cover turns your outdoor area into a sanctuary, providing refuge from sun, rain, and wind. By selecting either a retractable awning or a permanent roof structure, you create a seamless connection with nature, inviting every season to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
Benefits and Facts:
- Weather Protection: Patio covers can shield your outdoor furniture from sun and rain, prolonging their lifespan by up to 50%. In fact, a well-maintained patio cover can significantly reduce the wear and tear caused by harsh weather.
- Increased Outdoor Usability: HomeAdvisor’s research shows that 80% of homeowners who add patio covers to their space use their outdoor areas year-round, even in inclement weather.
- UV Protection: A patio cover blocks up to 90% of harmful UV rays, helping protect your skin and furniture from sun damage.
Pergolas
A pergola is a versatile and elegant addition that can bring style and function to your backyard. With options like motorized, adjustable roofs, a pergola provides flexible shade that can be adapted based on the weather, making it an ideal feature for those who want to enjoy their outdoor space in sunlight and shade. Plus, it offers a sophisticated focal point that adds a touch of architectural beauty to your backyard.
Benefits and Facts:
- Increase in Outdoor Enjoyment: Studies from the American Society of Landscape Architects show that 61% of homeowners who add a pergola or similar structure report a significant increase in their time outside.
- Customizable Shade: Motorized pergolas, like our design ones, allow homeowners to adjust the roof to let in as much or as little sunlight as desired. This gives you complete control over how much sun or shade you want at different times of the day.
- Durability: Pergolas can be made from various materials, with aluminum pergolas providing low-maintenance durability and wood pergolas offering a natural, rustic appeal. Aluminum, in particular, is highly resistant to the elements and has a lifespan of up to 50 years.
Deck Lighting
Proper deck lighting is essential for both safety and ambiance in your outdoor space. Whether it’s step lights illuminating your stairs or string lights that add a magical glow, lighting is a must-have feature for enhancing nighttime enjoyment. Proper lighting beautifies your outdoor area, ensures safe navigation, and creates a welcoming environment for evening gatherings.
Benefits and Facts:
- Safety First: According to a study by the National Safety Council, outdoor lighting reduces the risk of accidents by over 50%, especially in high-traffic areas like stairs and walkways.
- Increased Use of Outdoor Spaces: Well-lit decks make outdoor spaces usable year-round, and landscape lighting can extend your outdoor living time by an average of 4-6 hours in the evening, allowing you to enjoy your space well into the night.
- Energy Efficiency: Modern LED deck lighting uses up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice for homeowners.
Why Choose Mitchell Construction?
From the initial consultation to the final touches, we work closely with you to ensure your vision is realized. Our skilled team uses only the best materials—like Trex composite decking, Deckorators composite decking, and steel railings—to deliver outdoor spaces built to last.
Ready to Get Started? Whether you’re interested in a custom deck, outdoor kitchen, pergola, or any other outdoor living feature, Mitchell Construction has the expertise to bring your dream backyard to life. Don’t settle for an ordinary outdoor space when you can have one that’s extraordinary.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let’s start planning your perfect outdoor retreat.
