Monthly Archives: September 2020

Backyard Ponds Offer Multi-Seasonal Enjoyment

Children Love Ponds

Children Love Ponds

It’s pretty well accepted that a child fortunate enough to grow up exploring nature will never lose his/her love for the outdoors.

Even when the weather is chilly, kids and adults alike enjoy studying what’s happening in a pond. And when winter comes, and the koi hibernate, a backyard pond can be great to skate on or stroll alongside on a winter walk.

“Not everyone lives near a large park with streams, or a pond, abundant with flora and fauna, however” says our own Dave Stockwell. “And not every parent is comfortable with letting children stray too far away from home in order to experience this.”

For many Deck and Patio clients (over 300 and counting) the answer has been adding a wildlife refuge (small wildlife that is) on one’s own property.

Ponds in Summer

Ponds in Summer

When a backyard pond with waterfalls is well done, its features can attract lots of interesting and friendly creatures that children love: birds, frogs, salamanders, butterflies.

And, of course, by adding koi and lovely aquatic plants, children and adults can be entertained as well as educated for hours at a time.

Snorkeling at Home in Summer

COVID has kept so many from traveling. Some of those stuck at home miss such vacation delights as snorkeling and seeing the colorful fish of the the Caribbean and elsewhere. But did you know, with your own pond, if it’s built deep enough, you can enjoy that right in your own yard, too. So it’s definitely not just the kids who find endless ways to enjoy the pond in summer.

To give you an idea of the pond experience, here’s a video showing a Cold Spring Harbor, NY, pond that Deck and Patio designed/built. The video captures what’s going on both at ground level and under the pond water.

 

 

Ice Skating at Home in Winter

Multi-Seasonal Construction

Multi-Seasonal Construction

While most water features, particularly ponds, are enjoyed extensively in warm weather, a water feature is actually appreciated during all seasons. And they can even be built during winter’s blasts.

But why not wait for spring to build a pond? 

“You’d be surprised what can be built outdoors during the cold months,” adds Dave. Click here for a Deck and Patio water feature built primarily during winter.

Pond Skating

Pond Skating

Once the pond it built, it takes some prep work and lots of caution and care to make a rink, but according to nationally-recognized “The Pond Guy,” you can turn your pond into a rink for skating.

The Pond Guy has several blogs on this topic covering how to create good ice, what red flags to look for, how to check the ice, and how to create a glassy smooth surface. For two of his blogs, click here and here. 

“Or you can just give us a call and we’ll help you through this process,” says Dave.

 

How About Autumn and Spring?

We’ll be posting on the joys of ponds in spring and autumn soon.

Watch this space. 

 

Fall Is a Great Time to Install a Patio or Driveway

It’s not just deck building that’s great come autumn. Fall is also the perfect time to add, repair, or expand your patio, driveway or pool surround. 

 

Fall Weather

Fall Weather

 

When it comes to patios, driveways and pool surrounds, digging up your property in fall is less of a hassle after the outdoor season is mostly over and you’re not outside as much.

Also, just like with building a deck, there’s less damage to the landscape when plants are dormant. 

Not to mention you’ll find that design/build firms like Deck and Patio have more time open on their schedules in autumn so they can provide quicker service as opposed to our busiest months.

 

Types of Materials

Choosing the right hardscape materials is important in the northeast’s freeze/thaw climate. The wrong products trap heat in the summer which can be tough on bare feet. And who wants to wear shoes or sandals around a pool or hot tub? 

That said, it’s equally important that the paving material you choose can stand up to the freezing weather that occurs in our cold seasons. 

“Helping our clients choose the right product is part of our service,” says Dave. “And whether the choice ends up being brick, natural stone, pavers or other landscaping materials, at Deck and Patio we know how to install them correctly. We have earned many HNA awards from the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute which signify the superior design ability and competence of installation by our construction experts.”

 

Examples of Deck and Patio Hardscape Projects

 

Patio: Permeable Pavers

Deck and Patio Project/Brooklyn, NY

Deck and Patio Project/Brooklyn, NY

Because these Brooklyn clients wanted to collect rainwater for irrigation of their garden and backyard landscapes, they opted for permeable pavers. Voids between the pavers are filled with crushed stone; when rain passes through the pavers’ joint spaces, it flows down into an underneath layer of bluestone gravel and about an inch of crushed stone which filters the water as it’s being collected for recirculation.

 

Patio Techo-Bloc Pavers

Outdoor Kitchen on Lower Patio:

Outdoor Kitchen on Lower Patio:

Techo-Bloc pavers, which are engineered in Canada, are a good example of a product that can stand up extremely well to the freeze/thaw that occurs in our area.

Here, we built for our clients a two-level patio in Tech-Bloc’s Borealis’ modular slabs. On the lower of two new Deck and Patio patios, we added an outdoor kitchen with built-in stainless steel grill, expansive work area, sink, refrigerator and eating/drinking bar with stools. 

The upper level is a lovely dining area with custom fire pit and nearby is a hot tub with stream and waterfalls.

 

Driveway Tumbled Pavers

Paving Stone Driveway:

Paving Stone Driveway:

Deck and Patio’s design team was brought in during the early stages of planning and construction of this home and its many hardscapes. 

Working with the architect and homeowners, in front, our design team created a driveway in earth-tone concrete tumbled pavers that appear as an extension of the geometric patters and hues of the home’s Glen Gary brick.

 

Pool Surrounds

Cambridge Pool Surround:

Cambridge Pool Surround:

Handsome Cambridge Ledgestone XL “Toffee Onyx Light” pavers (Sherwood Collection) were chosen as a patio/pool surround for this yard. The pavers come in 3-piece design kits for a beautiful random design. 

The color of the pavers nicely pick up both the pool water while simultaneously suggesting beach sand for a beautiful natural appearance.

 

Deck and Patio Travertine Patio/Pool Surround:

Deck and Patio Travertine Patio/Pool Surround:

Here is a lovely example of natural stone. Travertine is a gorgeous natural stone that can make a beautiful patio. Here the Travertine surrounds a 50-foot-long pool, 800-square-foot pool house, an outdoor kitchen with natural stone facade, and an outdoor shower. 

Note: Although Travertine has traditionally been used indoors in colder climates, more and more it is being used outdoors. Be careful, however, from where the stone is quarried. You want Travertine from Italy, Mexico or Turkey, not China, which doesn’t hold up in the freeze/thaw conditions of the Northeast.

 

To learn more about different materials and design/build opportunities, contact Deck and Patio during regular business hours at 613-549-8100.

 

By |2020-09-17T12:39:52-05:00September 17th, 2020|Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Driveways, Outdoor Living, outdoor maintenance, Patios & Decks, paving stones, Pool Surrounds, Seasonal Landscapes|Comments Off on Fall Is a Great Time to Install a Patio or Driveway

“Fall Is a Great Time to Build a New Deck,” Say Design/Build Experts

Updated 11-9-23

You don’t have to take Deck and Patio’s word for it. When searching online, you’ll see deck builders, deck product manufacturers, lumber companies, all saying that fall is not just a great time, but perhaps the best time, to build a deck.

Hot Tub Deck

Hot Tub Deck

 

 

Whether you need to replace your old one, or you are staring from scratch, as fall chills the air, think deck design/build.

Here’s a recent D&P “hot tub deck.” Tip: When your hot tub is installed close to your door (like this one), you’ll use it all the more – all year round.

Whether you need to replace your old one, or you are starting from scratch, as fall chills the air, think deck design/build.

 

 

 

Fall Weather Is Great for Construction Work

Fall Weather Is Great for Construction Work

“For one thing,” says our own Dave Stockwell, “the ground in fall is usually drier than in spring. Not to mention, plants and grass take better to being disturbed at this time of year.”

Another popular reason for building in fall is design and build firms like Deck and Patio have a bit more available time in their hectic schedules. Fall weather is also usually very good, which allows for outdoor construction jobs to get done quickly.

Plus, with the addition of a few special amenities like a custom fire pit, patio cover, and, perhaps space heaters, the outdoor season can be stretched far beyond early fall.

 

 

Safety Is Extremely Important

All of our decks are built to code, including concrete footings 36″ deep and 12″ diameter. Our decks are designed to be safe and unique. For those clients not wishing to go with the traditional rectangular deck, an angular (octagonal), rounded, or curved deck and rails can be designed to suit their outdoor needs.

 

Deck Basics

Determining Height of Deck

Determining Height of Deck

 

The structure of a deck is most often attached to the house. It’s usually elevated, that is, designed to suit the “lay of the land.” The land’s topography also helps determine how high and how many levels it should be.

In addition to choosing the right design/build experts, the most important thing is choosing the deck material you want to use, i.e., natural wood, capped composite and pressure-treated wood.

 

 

 

Here’s some of the most commonly used deck materials:

— cedar

— mahogany,

— Ipe

— TimberTech

— Trex

— Fiberon

 

Of course, there are advantages and limitations to each of these.

 

Make It Multi-Seasonal and Comfortable

There’s lots of custom options for your deck, including special railings, deck design inlays, custom seating, built-in fire pits,

Here’s just a sampling of some Deck and Patio projects:

 

Deck and Patio “Cedar” Deck

Deck and Patio “Cedar” Deck

 

 

Deck and Patio “Mahogany” Deck

Deck and Patio “Mahogany” Deck

 

 

Deck and Patio “Ipe” Deck

Deck and Patio “Ipe” Deck

 

 

Deck and Patio “TimberTech” Deck

Deck and Patio “TimberTech” Deck

 

 

Deck and Patio “Trex” Deck/Rail

Deck and Patio “Trex” Deck/Rail

 

 

Deck and Patio “Fiberon” Deck

Deck and Patio “Fiberon” Deck

 

 

 

 

 

By |2023-11-09T14:47:38-05:00September 10th, 2020|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Composite Decking, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Landscape Planning, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Seasonal Landscapes, Trex Decking, Wood Decks|Comments Off on “Fall Is a Great Time to Build a New Deck,” Say Design/Build Experts

Custom Fireplaces Say ‘Welcome’ to Fall

As the final long weekend of the outdoor season, Labor Day represents more than the end of summer. It heralds what for many is the best time to enjoy outdoor living — autumn. 

During fall, New York says good-bye to insufferable humidity, and we breathe deeply sea breezes that seem to reach every corner of our Island.

Of course, those refreshing autumn breezes can bring a bit of a chill. That’s when you want to be able to turn up some form of heat, such as an outdoor custom fireplace.

Manhasset Project 

The first such Deck and Patio fireplace we’re highlighting today (2 photos immediately below) was part of a full backyard oasis project that included a pool, spa, sunken fire pit with circular seating, and an outdoor pavilion.

 

 

Custom Fireplace Design by Deck and Patio:

Custom Fireplace Design by Deck and Patio:

“This fireplace design includes different ledges capped to match the pillar bases,” says our own Dave Stockwell. “These are not just architecturally interesting; they allow the family to add pots and lovely plants come spring.”

 

 

Custom Pavilion with Outdoor Fireplace:

Custom Pavilion with Outdoor Fireplace:

For colder weather, the large custom fireplace with a mounted television on the mantel was constructed outside of a new pavilion, but flush to it. This allows for the maximum of space. 

“In designing the large 16’ x 32’ pavilion, we also dealt with the fact that our clients wouldn’t be able to screen out bugs by including large ceiling fans. Fans like these are effective in deterring irritating bugs while providing a nice breeze in warm weather,” says Dave.

 

Stand-Alone Fireplaces

 

Stand-alone fireplace at the edge of a patio:

Stand-alone fireplace at the edge of a patio:

 Fireplaces can also stand on their own and still make a dramatic statement. This custom fireplace by Deck and Patio was added next to a relaxing water feature — a pondless waterfall — at the edge of a new patio.

Again, a shelf/mantel is the perfect spot for plants to add color and soften the stonework.

 

 

Budget-Friendly Fireplaces:

Budget-Friendly Fireplaces:

A stand-alone fireplace doesn’t have to be custom. We added a waterfall-focal point near the edge of an existing patio surrounded by a lush landscape. For a more budget-friendly way to warm up during the cooler months, the clients opted for this handsome wood-burning stove which nicely suits the space. 

 

Feature Photo:

 

Feature Photo:

Feature Photo:

Our feature photo at the top of this blog is of a beautiful capped-composite deck with fireplace. It was shared with us by Fiberon Decking and Railing. It’s a beauty, isn’t it? Nice spot to enjoy the beginning of football season — which hopefully will continue.

 

And … a four-legged client heard from:

 

New Patio, Pergola and Fireplace.

New Patio, Pergola and Fireplace.

It’s not only humans who appreciate a bit of warmth when the temperatures begin to drop. This Deck and Patio project’s new shade pergola and fireplace offer privacy in a Long Island compact beach community; the new patio is made from Cambridge Renaissance 6 x 9 Ruby Onyx pavers.

 

There are fireplace designs and sizes to fit all needs. A great way to welcome fall, don’t you think?

 

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