By Fort Collins Elite Outdoor Kitchens Team • January 8, 2026
Fort Collins Outdoor Living Trends for 2026
What Fort Collins homeowners are building this year — black steel kitchens, motorized pergolas, pizza ovens, and four-season pavilions.
1. Black Steel Kitchens
Powder-coated black steel framing with porcelain countertops is replacing traditional stucco-and-stone builds in Fort Collins's modern neighborhoods.
2. Motorized Louvered Pergolas
Louvered aluminum pergolas with motor control are the breakout product of 2026 — true four-season use in Fort Collins.
3. Pizza Ovens Everywhere
Wood-fired pizza ovens are now requested in roughly 1 of every 3 new Fort Collins outdoor kitchens.
4. Bigger Bars, Bigger Hosting
Outdoor bars seating 6+ with kegerators and ice makers are increasingly standard in Northern Colorado entertainer homes.
5. Four-Season Pavilions
Insulated roofs, infrared heaters, and motorized screens are extending Fort Collins outdoor kitchen use from 6 months to 10 months.
6. Smart Lighting & Audio
Integrated Sonos-style outdoor audio and tunable downlighting are now baseline expectations on new builds.