Decks, Pergolas & Water Features

Do I need a permit for a deck or pergola in Colorado?

Yes, in virtually all Northern Colorado municipalities. Decks attached to the structure require a permit in Erie, Longmont, Boulder, and surrounding cities. Freestanding decks and pergolas over a certain size also typically require permits. We handle permit research and application as part of every deck and pergola project.

Composite or wood decking — which is better for Colorado?

Both work, and both have trade-offs in Colorado's climate. Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech, etc.) requires far less maintenance — no staining, no sealing, and it holds up better to Colorado's UV and freeze-thaw cycles. Wood decking is less expensive upfront but requires staining or sealing every 2–3 years to prevent UV degradation and moisture damage. For most homeowners who want low maintenance, composite is the right long-term choice. We'll walk you through both options with current pricing during the quote process.

How do you account for Colorado's freeze-thaw in deck construction?

Post footings are set below frost depth (36+ inches in most of Northern Colorado). We use post base hardware rather than burying wood posts directly in concrete — this keeps the wood above grade and prevents the rot that comes from wood-to-concrete contact. Fasteners are stainless or galvanized. Ledger connections use flashed hardware to prevent water infiltration at the house connection.

What is a pondless waterfall and is it better than a traditional pond?

A pondless waterfall captures all the visual and sound benefits of a water feature without an exposed surface pond. Water flows over a waterfall and disappears into a gravel-filled underground reservoir, where a pump recirculates it. The benefits: no open water safety concerns, minimal algae management, less evaporation, and it can be turned off and on easily. For most residential properties, a pondless system is lower maintenance and safer than a traditional pond. If you want koi or an ecosystem, a full pond is the right choice.

Can water features survive Colorado winters?

Yes, with proper winterization. For pondless systems, winterization involves removing and storing the pump, clearing the vault, and allowing the system to drain down. For koi ponds, winterization is more involved — the pond needs to be deep enough to prevent complete freeze-through, aeration is essential, and the pump management requires specific steps. We provide a full winterization walkthrough with every water feature installation and offer annual winterization service.

How much does a custom water feature cost?

A simple pondless waterfall with a small waterfall run starts around $3,500–$6,000 installed. A larger stream feature or naturalistic pond with boulders and planting runs $8,000–$20,000+. Decorative fountains vary widely by unit and site prep. All pricing is provided in a written proposal after a site visit — there are too many site-specific variables (excavation requirements, plumbing access, material selections) to quote accurately without seeing the property.

Updated on: 29/04/2026