A Smart & Stylish Outdoor Kitchen & Deck Retreat

  • Updated Deck Structure for Safety
  • Outdoor Kitchen with Pergola X

Project Brief

Custom Pergola X & Outdoor Kitchen Quick Stats

A Hudson Valley mountaintop home was transformed into a high-performance outdoor living space with a smart Pergola X system, custom deck staircase, and restructured support system—all completed in just six weeks. Here’s the story:

Location: Mountain-top home in Wappinger Falls, NY
⏳ Timeline: 6 weeks
Budget: ~$120,000
Scope: Pergola X installation, deck restructuring, new staircase, corrected railing system

From Static to Smart: A Next-Level Outdoor Kitchen

The homeowners had a clear goal: create an outdoor kitchen space that was comfortable, high-performing, and built for entertaining. Instead of the typical fixed-roof pavilion, they wanted a sleek, modern solution that could adapt to the weather and the sun’s path throughout the day.

Enter: Pergola X, the automated louvered system that allows for open skies or full shade at the touch of a button.

  • Adjustable Louvers: Offer flexible coverage over the grill and bar area, blocking intense midday sun while letting in twilight skies.

  • Sunshade Screen: A custom motorized screen was added to the pergola’s backside to block harsh, low-angle sun from guests’ eyes in the evening.

  • Integrated Comfort: Two ceiling fans and four overhead lights transform the space into a fully functional outdoor living room, day or night.

The contrast of the white structure with gray louvers perfectly complements the home’s modern color scheme and the surrounding hardscape, while decorative pergola corbels add a touch of traditional charm.

Outdoor Kitchen with Pergola X

Expanding the Space: Deck Restructuring + Access

The original deck lacked a staircase, limiting access to the beautifully finished backyard below. As part of the project:

  • A brand-new staircase was constructed to connect the upper deck to the “off duty,” “tuned out,” “it’s me (family) time,” paradise below.

  • The existing railings (installed improperly by a previous contractor) were completely removed, structurally corrected, and reinstalled using the same railing material (saving the homeowners a significant cost).

  • The deck’s support structure was re-engineered and rebuilt, reducing the number of posts to create a cleaner, more open feel beneath the deck and improving long-term durability.

 

Updated Deck Structure for Safety

Precision Engineering Meets Challenging Conditions

This wasn’t just a plug-and-play pergola install. The site posed several unique engineering and installation challenges:

✔️ Precision Footing Placement: The pergola’s support footings had to be installed with extreme accuracy – no wiggle room, no margin for error. These structures are custom fabricated off-site, so all measurements had to be exact.

✔️ High Wind Conditions: The home sits at the top of a mountain and regularly experiences 40–50 mph wind gusts. This meant the pergola needed to be firmly anchored with reinforced footings to prevent lift or sway (unlike store-bought systems that can act like kites in heavy wind).

✔️ Integrated Drainage: The Pergola X louvers act as troughs, channeling water through internal gutters and into hidden drainage pipes, two of which run through the pergola’s support columns to divert water safely away from the space.

✔️ Hidden Electrical: A third column was used to route electrical conduit for fans, lighting, and motorized controls – all tucked away invisibly within the structure.

Despite all the complexities, the engineering and build came together smoothly within a one-week window.

The End Result: Elevated Outdoor Living

What started as a dirt and gravel pad is now a high-performance outdoor kitchen space that seamlessly integrates smart technology, clean design, and rock-solid craftsmanship. The homeowners now enjoy a flexible, stylish space that’s perfect for grilling, entertaining, or just enjoying the view—no matter the time of day or weather.

“We were fortunate enough to be there during 40–50 mile an hour gusts, and loved the fact that this unit was not moving at all—that’s the kind of confidence we want our clients to have in their space.” – Chris, Project Lead, Orange County Deck Co.

Thinking About Your Outdoor Space?

You know summer is great, but the sun gets dang hot!  We’d love to help you enjoy some shade at your house. Whether on your deck, attached to the house or freestanding way out in the backyard, it’s your space… Enjoy it! Check out our outdoor living services here, and let’s get started discussing your design.

☎️ Contact us today to start planning your dream outdoor space!