Outdoor Living Spaces in Ankeny, Iowa

Extend the Comfort of Home Outdoors

Your outdoor spaces should feel like a natural extension of your home. A well-designed deck, pool house, or seasonal room can make evenings more relaxing, weekends more fun, and family gatherings more memorable. Instead of just looking at your yard, you can use it every day.

At Elk River Contracting LLC, we design and build outdoor living areas that are both functional and beautiful. From quiet morning coffee spots to lively entertaining spaces, we create environments that fit your lifestyle. Based in Ankeny, we serve homeowners across Des Moines, Iowa and surrounding communities with outdoor projects that bring comfort, value, and joy to everyday life.

Let's Start a Discussion

Whether you’re planning a full remodel, an addition, or a custom build, our team is here to help. Let’s talk through your goals, explore options, and start shaping a construction or remodeling plan that fits your vision, timeline, and budget.

Outdoor Living Projects We Build

No two kitchens are alike, but nearly every remodel blends design improvements with updated finishes and smarter layouts.

Decks

Whether wood or composite, a deck adds usable square footage and creates a perfect setting for meals, lounging, or entertaining.

Covered Decks/Patios

Covered decks and patios allow you to spend more time outdoors, even during hot sun or light rain.

Pool Houses

A pool house creates a stylish spot to relax, entertain, and store essentials. Perfect for enjoying your backyard oasis with family and friends.

Outdoor Kitchens

For those who love to cook and host, an outdoor kitchen brings everything you need outside, from grills and sinks to storage and countertops.

Screened Rooms

Screened-in porches keep out bugs while letting in fresh air, making them ideal for Iowa summers.

Three-Season and Four-Season Rooms

Extend the use of your backyard with seasonal rooms filled with natural light. They connect indoor comfort with outdoor views year-round.

Custom Features

From built-in seating and fire pits to lighting and heaters, we customize spaces so you can enjoy them in every season.

Our Outdoor Living Process

Remodeling should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Our process is designed to keep things simple and transparent.

1

Initial Phone Consultation

Start by filling out our Contact Form and we’ll reach out by email to ask for photos of your space and any inspiration you’ve gathered. From there, we’ll set up a call with Cole, our owner, to talk through your goals and make sure we’re the right fit for your project.

2

In-Home Walk Through

Cole and Emma, our designer, will come to your home to see everything in person. We’ll walk through your space together, talk through your vision, take detailed measurements, and start outlining the scope of your project so everyone’s on the same page.

3

In-Office Estimate Review

From there, you’ll come into our office to review your detailed estimate with Cole. We’ll go over the proposed scope together, answer your questions, and start exploring materials and selections so you can picture how the finished space will look and feel.

4

Design & Selections

You’ll work closely with Emma, our Design Manager, to finalize every detail. From showroom visits to material selections, we’ll guide you through each decision so your choices feel confident, cohesive, and aligned with your space and your lifestyle.

5

Start Your Project

Once we’ve finalized your plans and selections, our Project Manager will build your construction schedule and begin the construction process for your project. We handle every single detail and keep you updated along the way so everything stays on track.

Why Homeowners Choose Elk River

Homeowners across Des Moines and Central Iowa choose Elk River because we listen to how they want to use their outdoor spaces. We do not just build decks or pool houses. We design environments where families can relax and connect. Cole is personally involved from planning through completion, Lisa and Kate make selections simple, and our trusted crews deliver quality work that lasts.

Humanity

You are more than your project. We take the time to understand your story, goals, and vision—so the end result reflects who you are, not just what you hired us to build.

Consideration

We’re remodeling your home—not your entire life schedule. That means being thoughtful, respectful, and client-centered from demo day to final walkthrough.

Grit

We finish what we start—with excellence. When challenges pop up, we don’t cut corners or call it quits. We push through with integrity, craftsmanship, and pride in the final result.

Recent Outdoor Living Projects

Frequently Asked Questions

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It depends on budget and maintenance preferences. We install both natural wood and low-maintenance composite decks.

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Yes. We can install outlets, lighting, and heaters to make the space more comfortable and usable.

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Yes. Outdoor spaces improve your quality of life and increase resale appeal. Buyers often look for decks, patios, or sunrooms.

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Timelines vary by project type. A deck may take a few weeks, while a seasonal room can take longer. We confirm timelines up front.

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Yes. We design and build custom features to fit your lifestyle and yard.

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Yes. We take care of all permits and inspections required by your city.

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Serving the Heart of Iowa

Elk River Contracting LLC proudly serves homeowners throughout Central Iowa. Our remodeling projects can be found in communities across the Des Moines metro, including:

If you do not see your town listed, reach out. We often take on projects beyond these areas.