Skirting a deck A beautifully built deck can be enhanced by a single feature that will add appeal and function by enclosing the underside of a deck with decking material or custom screening. This particular detail is called skirting. While many homeowners prefer...
When southern pine is treated, it undergoes a process in which it is soaked with a liquid solution of copper azole preservative. This “wet” board is then either shipped out to consumers, or it undergoes a drying process called KDAT, or Kiln Dried After Treatment. KDAT...
With so many products being constantly introduced in our market, it’s hard to keep up with everything. I wanted to do a quick rundown of the new products for this spring. At the Great Big Home and Garden Show in February, our cable rail received a ton of attention...
With a mix of warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, wood decking just doesn’t seem to last very long in Northeast Ohio. While many factors can contribute to the lifespan of a deck – shade, moisture, traffic, or even the specific type of treated wood used...
One of the challenges that we often face with higher walk-out decks is placement of the long staircase. When a deck is 7’ to 9’ above grade the staircase can be 16’ or longer, so we must be careful to place it in a location that is most useful without negatively...
As I visit clients’ homes and prepare designs and estimates, I often find that to consumers, the deck building process can be a bit confusing. There are a lot of decisions to make and the amount of choices can seem overwhelming at first. We have created a Deck Design...
Some of the most beautiful scenery can surround your home when backed up to a riverbed or ravine, but it certainly can present a challenge when trying to design an outdoor living space. While certain precautions need to be taken when engineering a project like this, a...
One of the most visible parts of any deck is its fascia. Fascia is the vertical band of material that borders below the deck surface. The main purpose of fascia on a composite deck is to conceal the outer rim joist and serve as a transition piece from...
I recently read an article that 50% or approximately 20 million decks in the United are unsafe and in danger of collapse. Another study put out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission revealed that in a five-year period, over 224,000 people have been injured in deck...
Does composite decking get too hot? We often get asked what is the coolest decking in our low-maintenance options. With the rise in popularity of composite and capped composite decking which offer a low-maintenance lifestyle, this is something to consider when making...
It used to be that when our outdoor activities ended at dusk because any stairs or obstacles became a trip hazard, and bright floodlights would attract unwanted mosquitos. But those days are now in the past with advancements in deck and landscape lighting. You’ll love...
What is a Gazebo? A gazebo is a roofed structure that offers an open view of the surrounding area and provides shade and protection from the elements. It’s one of the earliest forms of outdoor shelter, predating the tent and acting as a garden fixture in many cultures...
Imagine sitting under a pergola on a hot summer day, or enjoying an early cup of joe in a pavilion. When it comes to outdoor living spaces, both pergolas and pavilions can be great additions to a deck or patio. But how do you determine which one is best for your...
TimberTech vs Trex Our customers often ask about the difference between TimberTech vs Trex. Here’s some basic info to help you decide whether a Trex composite deck or TimberTech composite deck is right for your outdoor living space. A Brief History of Trex Trex...
I recently met with a customer who called us to look at a deck project that her husband started months earlier. He had torn out much of the old deck, but that was as far as he got. We were looking at a huge pile of old decking and a bare structure attached to the back...
But it’s difficult to establish a budget when you don’t know all the parameters to consider including labor costs to build a deck. The following information will be helpful in calculating the cost of a new deck so that you can develop a realistic budget and move...
You’ve made the decision to build a new deck or replace an existing deck. Now what? The next decision most people grapple with is “Should I build it myself, or should I find a deck builder?” I’m a big advocate of DIY home improvement. It can save you a lot of money...
We are all aware of today’s challenges & concerns about doing business. We also understand that our homes and yards will play a big role in weathering the conditions we are faced with. To begin to workout how to improve your space, we offer a deck...
“April, dressed in all his trim, Hath put a spirit of youth in everything.” -William Shakespeare Last Saturday morning, my 15-year-old daughter came and asked me, “When are we going to open up the deck for the year? Let’s pressure wash it and pull out all...
Embracing outdoor living begins on your deck. One of the most pleasant times of the day to spend on your deck outside is evening time. After leaving your workplace and coming home, the stresses of the demands you face all day fade away. Dinner is served outside on...
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