Yearly Archives: 2014

How Are You Using Fall’s Harvest For Outdoor Displays?

When it comes to Fall’s bounty, Mother Nature’s harvest — rich with gorgeous plants, fruits, vegetables and even berries — is perfect for decorating yards and front door entries.

For ideas in what makes the best outdoor displays, we spoke with horticulture buyer Alison Caldwell at Hicks Nurseries (Westbury, Long Island).

“Come Fall, it’s all about hardy mums, winter pansies, and ornamental grasses such as Maiden Grass or Fountain Grass,” she says. “Also, switch grasses start to set their seed heads about now and get a great Fall color.”

Caldwell adds that grouping interesting plants together in combo planters present a bigger punch of color and interest: beauties like Montauk daisies, with their white petals and yellow centers, hardy mums (also ideal for mass plantings on their own), and ornamental peppers. Of course, cabbages and kale are great options, which she says can last all through winter, if the weather isn’t too bad.

“Changing out your petunias or other summer annuals with Fall colors offers a great welcome at your front door,” says Caldwell. “Mums are ideal for this. It’s also common for people to decorate their mail posts with corn stalks or add hay bales around.”

Other tips: wheat sheaves can look great on an entry door, pumpkins in different colors can be mounded together in a planter on the veranda, or, if you’re crafty, you can make a wreath of small gourds and autumn berries for your door.

Post (here or on Facebook) your own ideas for using Fall’s harvest to decorate outdoors.

 

 

Outdoor Decorating for Fall:

Outdoor Decorating for Fall:

Believe it or not, the pumpkin is not a vegetable — it’s a fruit, and a berry at that! Along with hardy mums in bright yellow, at Deck and Patio’s design center in Huntington Station, we’ve added lots of these Fall “berries” for pops of bright orange.

 

 

 

Fall Decorating-Mums the Word: (Photo: Hicks Nurseries)

Fall Decorating-Mums the Word: (Photo: Hicks Nurseries)

At Hicks Nurseries, mums are on great display. Because of their hearty color, they catch the eye at a distance as well as close up. Consider grouping them in only one or two colors for the most impact.

 

 

Grouping Fall Plants: For this nice grouping, cabbage, deep red mums, and winter pansies make a bright, bold statement. (Photo: Hicks Nurseries)

Grouping Fall Plants: For this nice grouping, cabbage, deep red mums, and winter pansies make a bright, bold statement. (Photo: Hicks Nurseries)

 

 

Decorating for Fall:

Decorating for Fall:

Outside our design center, we have waterfalls flowing from a stream. Deck and Patio added white, yellow and orange mums along its banks. The full bush of green leaves shown at the top of the yellow mums is a marginal aquatic plant — the clump-forming Iris Versicolor.

 

 

Ornamental Peppers (Photo: Hicks Nurseries)

Ornamental Peppers (Photo: Hicks Nurseries)

Aren’t these ornamental peppers beauties! Grown for their decorative value, although edible, they are rather lacking in flavor, as are the leaves and flowers of the deep red Celosia Cristata (aka cockscomb) behind them.

 

 

 

Cabbage and Kale (Photo: Hicks Nurseries)

Cabbage and Kale (Photo: Hicks Nurseries)

Believed to be one of the world’s healthiest foods, kale and its looser central leaves is really cabbage that doesn’t form a head. Ornamental kale is ideal for your Fall garden; with its sister cabbage, they reach their best color when it gets cold. Note: ornamental kale isn’t quite as tasty as the supermarket kind, so best leave it in the garden.

 

Have a great day!

Have a great day!

Wishing everyone happy gardening from The Deck and Patio Company, Huntington Station, NY!

 

 

 

For Fiery Fall Foliage: Are You Barking Up the Right Trees?

To get the lowdown on the best trees to plant for fiery Fall color, Deck and Patio spoke with Angelo Puleo, Nursery Division, Bissett Nursery (Holtsville, NY).

“One of the most popular and widespread deciduous trees that produces bright reds in autumn is the beautiful Maple tree,” says Puleo. “In particular, we recommend Sugar Maples, and, of course, Oaks for great Fall red color.”

Puleo also recommends the Cleveland Select Pear for robust color. Like the Oak and Maple, it is also hardy and can withstand most winds and storms, including ice storms —a real plus in our neck of the woods.

“In Spring, the Cleveland Select bursts awake in beautiful white flowers, and in the Fall, its leaves offer up a deep orange-y-red blaze of color,” he says. Another option is the Crape Myrtle tree, which, as Puleo admits, is not quite as brilliant as the other trees, but it does offer an attractive reddish-orange color. When the Crape Myrtle finishes flowering in the Fall, it also pods-up with berries, and attracts such delightful visitors as the Yellow-rumped Warbler, a sweet little visitor who feeds on these berries after insects are gone.

In addition, when it comes to smaller trees, Deck and Patio designers often consider Japanese Maples in landscaping plans; red-leafed versions of this beautiful tree offer degrees of red from Spring through Fall. Planting them in early Fall allows for new root growth in time for Spring.

Note: Be sure to ask experts at an established nursery or landscaping firm which variety of maple, etc. will produce red leaves in the Fall, as some varieties offer up a blazing yellow instead. Not that there’s anything wrong with that… that’s just for another blog post.

 

Red Maple in Fall: (Photo With Permission © by Jeff Dean)

Red Maple in Fall: (Photo With Permission © by Jeff Dean)

A beautiful shade tree in summer with brilliant color in autumn, the Red Maple can be planted any time of year, including Fall. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, place it in the ground, and fertilize and water well, says Angelo Puleo of Bisset Nurseries.

 

 

Mighty Oak: (Photo With Permission: SimMaster)

Mighty Oak: (Photo With Permission: SimMaster)

The oak grows rapidly, making it an ideal choice. Like all the trees mentioned in this blog post, leave about 10 feet between each one when planting. Note: For those who keep horses, the oak’s acorn and leaves can be toxic to animals such as as horses.

 

 

Cleveland Select Pear Tree: (Photo With Permission: Ltshears/Photos of Flowers)

Cleveland Select Pear Tree: (Photo With Permission: Ltshears/Photos of Flowers)

This tree offers up three great seasons of leaves, white blossoms in Spring (shown here), lively green leaves in Summer, and bright reds in Fall.

 

 

Bradford Pear Tree: (Photo With Permission: Abrahami)

Bradford Pear Tree: (Photo With Permission: Abrahami)

A close cousin of the Cleveland Select Pear, the Bradford is pictured here as its leaves begin to turn from green to Fall-red.

 

Crape Myrtle Tree: Photo With Permission: Southern Lagniappe)

Crape Myrtle Tree: Photo With Permission: Southern Lagniappe)

The Crape Myrtle tree that thrives on Long Island is a hybrid of other Crape Myrtles that flourish in warmer climates such as the Southern United States. Clusters of pink blossoms appear in late spring (shown here) which are so delicate and crinkly they look like they are made of crape paper. In Fall, it showcases bright red-orange-y leaves.

 

 

Crape Myrtle Berries: (Photo With Permission: Forest & Kim)

Crape Myrtle Berries: (Photo With Permission: Forest & Kim)

In Fall, as they finish flowering, the leaves of the Crape Myrtle pod up into pretty berries.

 

 

Yellow-rumped Warbler: (Photo With Permission: Cornell Lab of Ornithology)

Yellow-rumped Warbler: (Photo With Permission: Cornell Lab of Ornithology)

Escaping the harsher winters up north, the Yellow-rumped Warbler makes a home in our area as Fall sets in. With insects less available, it loves to feast on Crape Myrtle berries. If you plant this tree, this little fellow — and some of his friends — will no doubt visit and stay awhile.

 

 

Japanese Maple:  (Photo With Permission: Wikipedia 松岡明芳)

Japanese Maple:  (Photo With Permission: Wikipedia 松岡明芳)

This beautiful Japanese Maple is native to Japan and other nearby Asian countries such as South Korea. It’s prized for the shape of its leaves and rich red color.

Backyard Slope Problem Solved By 3-Level Decking Design

Beautifully situated on a bay off the Atlantic, the backdoor of this home is set high above ground. In order to bring the outdoor space up to the same level as the home, Deck and Patio’s Outdoor Living Expert, Bill Renter, and his team divided the deck into three levels leading from the door, down to a new freeform vinyl pool and beautiful deck surround. Considering the vistas open to this home, maximizing them was an important factor in every part of our design.

Stepping out onto its first tier, a deep seating/lounge area offers panoramic views of the bay’s inlet. Sophisticated drama was added by framing the deck with attractive vinyl railing that doesn’t obstruct the view. Like the deck’s composite decking, the railing can last for years with little or no repair.

When we build a deck, we emphasize proper space planning in order to allow room for tables, chairs, barbecues, food pep areas and other features that make outdoor living enjoyable.

Bill thought that the particular decking we chose was also a good option to use around their pool because this manufacturer’s product provides a stable, firm, slip-resistant surface.

 

 

Multi-Level Deck:

Multi-Level Deck:

In order to bring the outdoor space up to the same level as the home, our design called for three deck levels leading from the door down to a new freeform vinyl pool. From top tier, family can enjoy views of both the bay and pool.

 

 

Trex Composite Decking:

Trex Composite Decking:

The Trex composite decking we used is a composite fabrication that eliminates cracking, rotting or splitting. Trex requires no sealants because the composite materials are protected from UV rays; it also allows no damage from insects, water, or sun.

 

 

Outdoor Kitchen:

Outdoor Kitchen:

Steps from the seating area, level two of this new deck offers a custom outdoor kitchen/eating area with a new grill, refrigerator, and smoker/cooker all set within curved custom cabinetry with raised bar that mimics the decking.

 

 

Vinyl Pool and Surround

Vinyl Pool and Surround:

The “tier three” pool and decking level was also designed to capture beautiful views of the inlet. The pool is vinyl-lined; our design/build team added a Long Island boulder wall in front of some plantings to increase the natural look of the pool area; we also added a large custom diving rock.

 

 

Closing Down Pools: What It Means to Have You Covered

With temperatures hovering close to 80 during September, summer has lingered here on Long Island. And while most have already closed their pools, a few diehards are squeezing every bit of enjoyment out of them. Most agree, however, that the time has come to close the pool down.

To the uninitiated, closing a pool takes a few steps, says Deck and Patio’s Outdoor Living Expert, Bill Renter. To get a full picture of what’s involved, our team spoke with a pool contractor who works with Bill on a regular basis — Michael Truehart, CSB, owner of True Blue Swimming Pools in Deer Park.

“In climates like the Northeast,” says Michael, “the most important reason for closing a pool is pipes and other pool equipment can freeze in cold months. Part of what we do is administer a chlorine shock, or algaecides, or phosphate remover to the pool water. Then the pool/spa equipment is taken apart and cleaned, drained of water, and underground pipes are blown out so no water can freeze in them.”

Because our changing seasons cause a lot of falling twigs and leaves especially in the Fall, a pool cover is imperative, says Michael. “We don’t recommend a plain tarp cover that sags under the weight of rain collected on it. We suggest a mesh-type cover that allows rain to seep through it. This does require another step: lowering the pool water level to about 12-18 inches below the coping. Then, as rain water seeps through the mesh cover, the pool can accommodate it.”

Our own Bill Renter adds that he finds these mesh covers, such as the Loop Loc brand, are also important to help ensure that no one gains access to the pool when it’s unsupervised. The mesh covers are very taught he explains. “A plain tarp type cover that holds water on it will collapse if a pet or child walks on it. But mesh covers, with strong straps to hold them in place, allow for water to drain through into the pool.”

“These covers are so taught, they act almost like a trampoline,” confirms Michael.

 

Measuring for Pool Covers

Measuring for Pool Covers:

Installing and measuring a mesh pool cover that involves freeform shapes, waterfalls, etc., must be exact. A mesh cover is strong because its straps with tension springs are connected to anchors set in the patio. For this pool’s water feature area, stainless steel eyelets were drilled into rocks where a cable secures it.

 

 

 Pool/Spa Covers:


Pool/Spa Covers:

For this job, because of the number of rocks involved, a separate Loop Loc cover for the spillover spa was required. Also: installing a hose and cord under the cover permits pumping water out later should too much rain fill up the partially drained pool.

 

 

Pool Surrounds:

Pool Surrounds:

A bluestone area (with grass pepping through) forms part of this pool’s surround. In such areas where there is no hardscape to secure the necessary tension, little anchors are set into a pipe which, in turn, is set deep into the ground. To secure the pool around the grotto on the left — where the cover wraps inside it — the only way to install that was from in the pool on an inflatable raft.

 

 

Gravel Pool Surrounds

Gravel Pool Surrounds

Without strong patio masonry to grip, the pool cover straps and anchors for this pool are set in a pipe anchored into the gravel. For all these jobs, the pool contractor used “Image Loc,” a special measuring process where taking photos from several views are input into a computer which does the measuring. This system works much like forensic technology.

 

A Reservoir of Water — Come Rain or Come Shine

Collecting the water at the lower level of this lovely water feature (stream and waterfalls) is a pondless reservoir. The Aquascape RainXchange reservoir was designed by Deck and Patio to seemingly disappear into the gravel instead of being collected.

“Instead of an above ground pond, the stream and waterfall water is totally collected below ground. This rainwater harvesting reservoir acts as a ‘green’ maintenance-free source for the water feature that can run from March through December, 24-7,” says our Outdoor Living Expert, Bill Renter. “City water is not used. The water is harvested totally from rainfall on the roof of the house. Gravity alone collects it into pipes.”

The pondless system is also valued for safety reasons. With no above-ground collecting pond, our clients, who have three young children, preferred this system. The four-foot-high-by-eight-foot-wide waterfall spills into a large landing area, and then travels down a narrow stream, around the side of a lounging patio where it disappears behind evergreens into our pondless reservoir.

This water feature’s harvested rainwater not only supplies the stream and waterfall, but it can provide water for plants during droughts — helping to keep things green (in every sense of the word): Come rain or come shine.

Anyone watching the fabulous new reality series on NatGeo WILD — Pond Stars — will have seen this very Aquascape RainXchange system highlighted in its first episode.

 

 

Eliminating Backyard Noise Problems:

Eliminating Backyard Noise Problems:

Pondless waterfalls cascading over imported moss rock boulders helps eliminates noise. Waterfall’s pristine clear water is collected at end of feature in a pondless reservoir.

 

 

Water Feature Landscaping:

Water Feature Landscaping:

Bright plantings with green ground cover and water plants, along with river stone gravel, contribute to the natural look and serenity of this setting. The feature gets winterized in December and starts up again in March. Every spring we come in to spruce up the plantings, adding perennials, annuals and mulch.

 

 

 Techo-Bloc pavers were used to make this idyllic small patio sitting area next to the water feature. Engineered in Canada, these pavers can well handle the freeze/thaw that occurs in our corner of the Northeast.

Techo-Bloc pavers were used to make this idyllic small patio sitting area next to the water feature. Engineered in Canada, these pavers can well handle the freeze/thaw that occurs in our corner of the Northeast.

Techo-Bloc pavers were used to make this idyllic small patio sitting area next to the water feature. Engineered in Canada, these pavers can well handle the freeze/thaw that occurs in our corner of the Northeast.

 

 

Backyard Wildlife Habitat:

Backyard Wildlife Habitat:

Backyard Wildlife Habitat: Because the water stored in the Aquascape RainXchange™ System is constantly moving and being aerated, it naturally becomes a sanctuary for wildlife.

 

 

Rainwater Harvesting:

Rainwater Harvesting:

This ‘green’ RainExchange process combines a decorative water feature with a completely sub-surface collection system — thereby creating a beautiful backyard oasis that is very eco-friendly.

 

Destination Backyard Retreat Makes a Splash

The owners of a very large property on Long Island’s North Shore asked The Deck and Patio Company to plan a new destination pool large enough for volleyball. Also, because the pool area would be a distance from the house, they wanted the ability to cook by the pool, as well as have a place to relax — bug free.

Deck and Patio’s plan included:

  • 50-foot-long and 26-foot-wide pool (approximate),
  • spillover spa, waterfalls,
  • 800-square-foot pool house with a 20-by-20 screened room and bathroom
  • elegant Travertine patio, and
  • outdoor kitchen with natural stone facade
  • outdoor shower.

However, our comprehensive plan came in way over budget for the clients. They declined our bid and sought estimates elsewhere. We were thrilled when they came back to us, because, in the end, they loved our ideas. Their judgment must have been right, since the completed project won a 2010 International Silver Pool Award from the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) the very next year after winning a 2009 Bronze Pool Award from the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA).

When designing the pool house, our Outdoor Living Expert, Bill Renter, consulted with a good friend and architect, James DeLuca. Their collaborative effort inspired a building that is in keeping with their home’s overall elegance,which inspired the reverse gable.

Bill Renter also worked with Outdoor Lighting Perspectives to create the stunning nighttime scenes.

 

Pool House:

Pool House:

This pool house boasts two 20-by-20-rooms: one great room with sofa, flat screen television, refrigerator, washer/dryer, and storage closet; the other is a 20-by-20 room with screens on two sides where they can enjoy nights by the pool without pesky insects.

 

 

Destination Pool

Destination Pool:

At night, the destination pool area is as romantic as it is serene. It is an idyllic spot for parties that begin in the day and continue long into the night.

 

Pool House

Pool House:

An expanse of cedar planks allows for drama and a clean natural look inside the pool house.

 

Vinyl Pool:

Vinyl Pool:

With concrete wall and a vinyl liner, the approximately 50’-long-and-26’-wide pool offers a spillover spa, tanning shelf, volleyball court, diving rock and moss rock waterfall.

 

Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor Kitchen:

The outdoor kitchen (and indoor bathroom) required a second septic system to support such amenities as a kitchen sink, built-in barbecue, storage, and small refrigerator. A real stone veneer adds natural elegance.

 

What Does Your Outdoor Landscape Say About You?

Design/Build: 1980s’ yard is updated by Deck and Patio into new millennium landscape

 

Foyers and entrance halls make strong first impressions of our homes’ interiors, as well of our tastes. However, the real first impressions are happening outside.

For this project showcase, the couple was modern in their thinking as well as their style, and they approached our Outdoor Living Expert, Bill Renter, seeking an innovative and modern look for their property.

Our finished custom landscape brought their outdated exterior landscaping into the new millennium, and more in keeping with their sense of style and views on life.

 

 

Front Step Style:

Front Step Style:

The newly installed front step and landing were subtly accented by a decorative circle kit giving a charming and aesthetically pleasing finish. Made of interlocking paving stones, the design perfectly suited the architecture of their home.

 

 

Techo-Bloc Driveway

Techo-Bloc Driveway:

Deck and Patio Company replaced the old crumbling asphalt driveway with durable tan Techo-Bloc. The asphalt walkway was also extracted and a series of graceful Techo-Bloc stairs and landings installed.

 

 

Walkway Waterfall:

Walkway Waterfall:

Our new “hardscape” design was tied together with lush, colorful perennials throughout, and at the top of the asphalt walkway a new waterfall creates a luxurious and soothing highlight.

 

 

Pondless Waterfall:

Pondless Waterfall:

The “pondless waterfall we installed collects the falling water in an underground tank with a pump that circulates the water.

 

 

 

Updated Gardening:

Updated Gardening:

If your plantings are over 10 years old, they are probably way overgrown; any original landscape design has long faded when plants have grown practically into trees. Here, fresh new plants, mixed with moss rock and river rock alongside the waterfall, make a beautiful impression.

 

Do You Recognize These Pond Guys?

UPDATE: The ‘Pond Stars’ mentioned in the following blog are now on the web only as the “Aquascape Pond Squad” on YouTube. 

 

 

 

Outdoor living enthusiasts already know them as the ‘top three pond builders in the world.’

For those unaware of their talents, the time has come to meet Greg Wittstock, Ed Beaulieu and Brian Helfrich — Owner, Vice President, and Construction Manager, respectively, of Aquascape Inc. (St. Charles, IL).

Why? Here’s the buzz. The trio’s gifts for creating beautiful water gardens recently came to the notice of a television producer, and the new reality series — “Pond Stars” — was born. Each episode will feature the trio going about their day-to-day activities of designing and building water features for all kinds of people and situations.

Whether one fits into the category of already loving one’s backyard, or just wanting to love it, this series will be filled with the inspiration you hanker for. Having spent time with them at a recent waterscape event, Deck and Patio’s own Bill Renter came home convinced their series will do for backyard retreat lovers what Forensic Files is doing for crime puzzlers, and Dance Moms is doing for, well, pushy Moms.

The premiere episode, “Time for Turtles,” has Greg, Ed and Brian rushing to complete two projects: the first for an environmental center where the pond will be used as an outdoor classroom for an upcoming kids camp.

Will they get in done in time? Will the kids see the center’s rescued turtles happy and secure in a water garden? Of course! The fun is seeing them do it…under pressure…with maximum difficulties, all the while informing us of how a backyard retreat gets created.

Perhaps one way to show how enticing the episodes will be is to feature several Deck and Patio ponds, where we’ve used the stars’ own Aquascape products and expertise. So mark your calendars. “Pond Stars” premieres Tuesday, September 9th, 2014 at 10 p.m. EDT on NatGeo WILD.

 

 

Pond Stars Plus Two

Pond Stars Plus Two

Our first photo shows Bill (center) at Pondemonium 2014 with the Pond Stars and Aquascape’s Chris Hanson who also appears in some Pond Stars episodes.

 

 

Backyard Water Garden

Backyard Water Garden:

This Deck and Patio man-made pond with waterfalls and stream enjoy a healthy ecosystem. Note: it is essential to choose the right stones and gravel for your pond, which provide the correct ph value for the fish and plants and helps to reduce algae.

 

 

Backyard Water Gardens

Backyard Water Gardens

One needs to be there to appreciate the sounds of the water and the falls – plus the birds singing and the frogs croaking — and to watch the koi swimming around.

 

 

 

Water Lilies:

Water Lilies:

Water lilies are ideal plants for a pond. Not only do they produce fragrant flowers that are beautiful to look at, they add shade which helps keep the water temperature down during the heat of summer. This also reduces algae growth and when koi or other fish are present, water lilies provide great shelter for them.

 

 

Bridge On the River Koi:

Bridge On the River Koi:

Okay, it’s not a river, it’s a Deck and Patio man-made pond, complete with rushing water stream, waterfall, stock of vibrant koi, water plants, bridge and viewing deck.

 

 

 

Awe-Inspiring Reflections From Man-Made Ponds

“I have, as it were, my own sun and moon and stars, and a little world all to myself.”
― Henry David ThoreauWalden

At one time, enjoying something as relaxing and restful as reflections in a pond was occasioned by a lake-side holiday or visit to the mountains. However, with the growth in popularity of backyard escapes/oases, homeowners, in increasing numbers, are bringing that experience home.

Indeed, there is something mystical and restive in pausing alongside pristine still water. It is especially restorative to study the reflections of the surroundings that such water throws back — including distant delights like the clouds and the moon.

As a student of nature and avid outdoor enthusiast, Deck and Patio’s Outdoor Living Expert, Bill Renter, believes that water features such as man-made ponds, when correctly designed, positioned, and constructed, can provide a transforming experience in one’s life: a ‘little world all to oneself’ to paraphrase Thoreau.

The following two projects are such examples.

 

Reflecting Pond:

Reflecting Pond:

This vanishing edge pond, like this project’s second smaller pond, is more than a reflecting pond; it’s also a swimming pond — part of a pristine Deck and Patio backyard oasis that includes the two ponds, a stream, and waterfalls. (See also next 3 photos).

 

 

Vanishing Edge Pond:

Vanishing Edge Pond:

Sunset is a magnificent time to mediate on the illusions created by the reflecting pond’s placid water. The water mirrors its surroundings so perfectly, it can be a challenge to tell the real sky, ocean, and landscape from their reflections.

 

 

Reflecting Pond:

Reflecting Pond:

The smaller of the two ponds is just steps outside the homeowners’ back door. Note how beautiful the back of the house is captured in the pond and reflected back.

 

 

Pond Stepping Stones:

Pond Stepping Stones:

During the day, stepping stones across vanishing edge pond bring you up close to the images created in the water. Bend down, gently pass your hand through its stillness, and watch the reflections ripple. If there’s a better pastime, we’ve never come across it.

 

 

Man-Made Ponds:

Man-Made Ponds:

Landscape design is an essential element in bringing about beautiful reflections and peaceful scenes. Deck and Patio’s Bill Renter used Mother Nature’s own creations — plants, moss rocks, and the water itself, to design a true mystical experience for this project.

 

Deck Nation: Why Do We Love Our Decks So Much?

Recent published statistics from the North American Decking and Railing Association (NADR) show that America’s love affair with residential decking is not abating. It is rising (4.8% last year).  As the economy continues to improve, experts predict future demand will be even higher.

One reason for the increase could be that Americans, like most humans, do not want to be hemmed in. We often feel constrained in our professional life, but when we come home, it’s Home, Home on the Range. Our DNA hungers for open space, blue skies and starry nights.

But why decks, in particular? Sometimes, we choose between a deck or patio because of topography alone. One will simply work better than the other. But a key element in favor of decks has to be: as much as we love looking at grass — in decades past, a picnic was considered the pinnacle in outdoor living — today, we want to be off the ground and track as little of it as possible back into the house. Decks allow you to be somewhat above the soil, sitting comfortably on an outdoor extension of our kitchen, den, master suite, etc. And there is no doubt that decking materials, be they wood or wood in appearance, add to that sense of extension.

There might be some financial considerations as well: “Perhaps not on its own, but when a deck helps stage an attractive backyard lifestyle, it will definitely add value to a home,” says Jacquie Lewisy, residential real estate agent at Signature Premier Properties’ (Huntington corporate office).

That’s some of Deck and Patio’s thoughts. Why do you think we love our decks so much?

 

 

Trex Decks:

Trex Decks:

Many homeowners today are choosing composite materials for their new decks, such as this beautiful Trex deck, explains Deck and Patio’s Outdoor Living Expert, Bill Renter. This expansive deck, with recessed hot tub, overlooks a beautiful pastoral scene with pool.

 

 

Trex Decking and Stairs:

Trex Decking and Stairs:

Trex uses recycled materials in the manufacture of its decking. It boasts no cracking, rotting or splitting, protection from UV rays, no need for sealants, a slip-resistant surface and protection from insect, water and sun damage.

 

 

Iron Woods Decking:

Iron Woods Decking:

For this deck, the clients wanted natural wood and we used ‘Iron Woods,’ also called Ipe, which is an incredibly durable hardwood. It is highly rated for strength, hardness and durability.

 

 

Iron Woods “Ipe” Deck:

Iron Woods “Ipe” Deck:

We also installed a beautiful pond in this backyard retreat; note how the pond seems to continue to flow under the deck, even though it doesn’t. The bridge is also Ipe.

 

 

Trex Spa Deck:

Trex Spa Deck:

Another beautiful Trex composite deck, designed to capture views of a pool. Note how the choice of deck color was also used in the railing and as a case for the hot tub.

By |2017-01-21T16:34:45-05:00August 14th, 2014|Ask the Experts, Deck and Patios|0 Comments
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