Outdoor Kitchens
The Place to Be
The Graves’ transformed deck is the go-to spot during family meals and business events.
BY
Brooke Pearl
PHOTOGRAPHY
Cody Lovetere




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Tired of their 15-year-old rectangular deck, Greg and Deanna Graves decided to build the deck of their dreams — one that would blend into the beauty of their southern Johnson County surroundings.

Designer and builder Dick DeVuyst, owner of Outdoor Environments, Inc., the company that built the new deck, took a wish list from each homeowner and created several 3-D conceptual drawings and renderings to construct just the right plan for Greg and Deanna. “I wanted the deck to be closer to the ground than our other deck was,” Deanna says. The custom-designed deck was made to fit the sloped contour of the backyard, as well as squeeze between two existing trees, also making sure to leave enough room between the deck and the one-of-a-kind wishing well. The result is a cozy outdoor alcove, with more than enough amenities, that can be seen from the breakfast nook inside.

The 1,700-square-foot deck, with Trex tops and flooring (in different colors and angles) and cedar posts, includes three levels, four staircases, an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, benches and a bar rail. It’s adorned with colorful built-in planters to brighten the space, and railings were minimized between deck levels to allow for unobstructed views of the natural surroundings.

Because the Graves enjoy having people over (and still have several more events scheduled before the end of the year), they needed a place for people to eat, sit, drink and congregate. “We entertain a lot, so we needed a space large enough to accommodate 50 people or more,” Greg says. The transitional walkway leads guests out of the home onto the spacious, inviting deck and down to the living area on the second level. The dining table is flanked by a bar top and stools, and an outdoor kitchen “with all the bells and whistles,” Greg says, which has also become the focal point of the new deck. The kitchen includes a grill, searing plates, refrigerator, ice maker, stainless steel beverage trough and a trash receptacle. It’s decorated with tile countertops, while the entire steel stud structure is covered with stucco and a raised brick façade.

The third level of the deck houses Greg’s gas fire pit. It’s a space put together with a simple stone pattern, custom-made limestone top and open seating. “Greg’s first request for the fire pit was, ‘Tom, I want to get onto Google Earth and see my fire pit going from Google’s satellites,’” says Tom Korn, project manager. Greg still watches intently, waiting for that moment.

Adjacent to the new deck and accessible from the home through two new French doors is the four-season room, Deanna’s main request on her original wish list. The four-season room is fully equipped with radiant heat tile flooring, pine and cedar trim, and it’s completely insulated from floor to ceiling. The room is also wired for surround sound and a big screen TV. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow Greg and Deanna to enjoy clear, panoramic views of the deck and their surroundings, which is the reason they moved to the area 16 years ago. “This room has become our sanctuary,” Greg says. “I didn’t think we’d use the room this much, and this is where I live now. We use this room all the time for reading and morning coffee.” “It’s absolutely perfect,” Deanna adds. Off the master bedroom on the other side of the house sits a private deck with a hot tub solely for the homeowners to enjoy.

Because the new outdoor living area has become such a big hit, family and friends no longer use the front door. “When we have parties, the entrance to our home has become the side stone staircase that now leads to the new deck entrance,” Deanna says. “I’ve really enjoyed having people out here and hearing their reactions to the design. It’s everything we could have ever hoped for.”

With the new addition overlooking the existing and upgraded landscape, new putting green and the natural beauty of a southern Johnson County backyard, it certainly is the place to be.