Creative Design – Page 3 – The Deck and Patio Company

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Give Dad an Outdoor Kitchen Design Session

Give the Gift of a Design Session

If like many Dads yours enjoys barbecuing, have you considered giving him the opportunity to design his own outdoor kitchen?

Remember, while time may be too short to design/build him an outdoor kitchen, you can certainly schedule a design session for him by Father’s Day.

All you need do is give him a card with the scheduled time and date. And if you’d like to wrap something he can open, why not print out some examples of Deck and Patio’s outdoor kitchens.

For that purpose, below is a sampling of our custom projects. But you can choose another design from our files or online, and he can bring that to our design team.

#1

Deck Outdoor Kitchen

This outdoor kitchen is sitting on a Trex deck (Spiced Rum) where we also created a bench against the railing.

Note how we faced some of the outdoor kitchen with matching boards so it all fits nicely together.

#2

Outdoor Bar/Dining Area:

Dad, or the rest of the family, may want a bar and dining area as part of his outdoor kitchen, which can be accommodated depending on the space available and how the yard is laid out.

For this bar/outdoor kitchen, Deck and Patio designed it in a curved shape to fit with the patio design. The kitchen/bar is faced in natural stone. The lounging area’s outdoor umbrella is portable and can be used where needed, including at the outdoor kitchen/bar.

Adding a bar to this outdoor kitchen allows space for guests and family to gather. And we installed this particular one near a Deck and Patio water feature with waterfalls next to a portable spa. (And, yes, we do have portable spas in stock.)

#3

Outdoor Kitchen with Ronda insulated drawers

For some Dads, space will be at a premium. But he won’t have to sacrifice style.

One trend we’re seeing in outdoor kitchens is warming/cooling drawers made by companies like Ronda. These insulated drawers are sealed and work without electricity. Your drinks stay cool or your food stays warm depending on what you put in its lower drawer.

(Note: Deck and Patio frequently locates outdoor kitchens fairly close to the inside of the house — unless the property has a destination pool. In the case where all the outdoor living areas are a distance from the house, this requires different planning.)

#4

Outdoor Kitchen with Ronda insulated drawers

For this project, Deck and Patio constructed a custom activity area on the mid-level of a 3-level deck.

Just steps from the top-level’s large seating area, the custom outdoor kitchen/dining area includes a new grill, refrigerator, a small bar to enjoy the water views, and even a smoker/cooker — all set within curved custom cabinetry with a raised bar that mimics the decking in style and design.

Wherever you locate your kitchen, just remember you don’t want to get burned up from intense sun during cooking or dining. A pergola is one answer. But another is to have moveable — yet sturdy — outdoor umbrellas for flexible shade.

Basic Outdoor Kitchen:

# 5

Sometimes space is really tight and that’s no problem.

However. Providing an upgrade to Dad’s old grill may not require a whole lot — just some careful measuring and choosing the perfect amenities to fit the space.

#6

Small Deck With Outdoor Kitchen

Another example of Where there’s a will, there’s a way! to fit a full outdoor kitchen. All you could hope for tucked in the corner of a small deck.

If you’d like a few more ideas to print out for Dad, click here:

Feature: Outdoor Kitchen

Feature photo at top of page: If you happen to have a pool, Dad may want his outdoor kitchen to be pool-side — where all the fun is happening.

In the case of this project (left), the kitchen is part of a drink/dining bar for fun gatherings. It includes ample work area, barbecue, sink, refrigerator along with the eating bar with bar stools.

By June Sullivan|2022-06-02T13:00:06-05:00June 2nd, 2022|Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Family Fun, Gift Ideas, Landscape Planning, Outdoor Bars, Outdoor Kitchens, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Portable Hot Tubs|Comments Off

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Memorial Weekend: Bringing It Outside!

We Remember.

Fingers crossed the weather will be good as outdoor living kicks off over Memorial Weekend.

Of course, Memorial Day is first of all an important time to honor our fallen soldiers. And we all want to do that.

But it is also a precious long weekend. A time of getting together with family and friends. As the first weekend of the outdoor living season, it’s the perfect time to open pools, heat up the barbecue, spend time gardening — or just revel in being outside.

Where to Locate Your Outdoor Kitchen

Locating Outdoor Kitchen

One important outdoor living amenity is a fully equipped kitchen.

If you don’t already have one, deciding where to locate it is key. There are reasons for positioning it away from the house — should you have a ‘destination’ pool, or if other outdoor living areas are set at a distance from the house.

However, it’s generally a good idea to place an outdoor kitchen as close to the house as possible.

One obvious reason is you want it close to your indoor kitchen. In addition, your home’s extended roof, not to mention house walls, can provide your outdoor kitchen protection from the elements.

It’s also easier to hook up electricity by being so close to the home’s utility lines.

Combo Kitchen/Bar

If your outdoor kitchen is for more than cooking and serving food, when it’s intended to also be a dining and drinking spot, you may want to set it where the activities take place.

When this is the case, your outdoor kitchen should be fully equipped so there’s less back and forth to the house. This requires lots of storage for bowls, cooking utensils, condiments, and definitely it should have a sink.

Wherever you choose to locate it, consider how much sun will be pouring down while dining, cooking, or drinking. A pergola can help or you might prefer moveable — yet sturdy — outdoor umbrellas for flexible shade.

Stand Alone Outdoor Bars

Pergola/Outdoor Bar with Water Feature:

Depending on what amenities you already have, or your particular landscape, it can be wise to have an outdoor bar/dining spot separate from where the cooking is being done.

And don’t limit yourself to what a bar can be. You can even add waterfalls. The elegant sheet falling ones seen in the photo here gave our clients the sleek modern look they wanted. And, of course, they also provide a very pleasant relaxing sound. This helps friends and family de-stress and invites easy conversation.

Adding Pool Amenities

Pools with Waterfalls

Speaking of de-stressing. You might think that being able to cool off, do laps, or play water polo is enough to demand of a swimming pool.

But adding waterfalls can provide a whole new delightful experience.

Not only are these beautiful to look at, but imagine treading water underneath one. Or swimming under it.

Adding such a feature to a pool opens up lots of possibilities like incorporating other fun amenities with it: diving rocks, slides, as well as bright plantings.

Pool Waterfall

Today’s Feature Photo: Happy Memorial Weekend everyone!

By June Sullivan|2022-05-26T12:01:45-05:00May 26th, 2022|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Resorts, Backyard Upgrades, Creative Design, Design and Build Experts, Family Fun, Landscape Planning, Outdoor Bars, Outdoor Kitchens, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Amenities, Pool Waterfalls, Pools & Spas|Comments Off

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Backyard Waterfalls: A White Noise That’s Always Welcome

Yes, a welcome sound can be white noise! If the sound is coming from the frothy rush of bubbly-white falling water. Not only are the sounds of waterfalls relaxing, they can be employed to block out unwanted sounds like nearby traffic.

“Many parts of Long Island are fairly built-up,” says Deck and Patio owner Dave Stockwell. “In Nassau County, the homes can be quite close together. But even in Suffolk, it’s hard to get completely away from traffic.”

The following Roslyn, NY, homeowners had longed for a respite from the noise of a busy four-lane road close by. It was hard to imagine enjoying a pool and spa amid such clamor.

“We were happy to reassure them that they could have an undisturbed backyard oasis,” says Dave.

“The key was including in the landscaping design a substantial rushing waterfall near the pool. It would not only be beautiful to look at, but its relaxing sounds would mask unpleasant street sounds.”

Note: A short video that captures the sounds of their waterfall can be found below after our first two photos.

Natural Moss Rock Backyard Noise Barrier:

Today’s feature photo: Not far from the right edge of the pool, Deck and Patio built a 19-foot natural moss rock barrier with a “pondless” waterfall.

A small upper patio sits between this attractively landscaped barrier and the project’s spillover spa with its own waterfall.

“The waterfall also gives the impression one is vacationing on some south sea isle — away from everyday life,” says Dave.

Backyard Waterfall Blocks Out Traffic Noise:

This is a closeup of the very eco-friendly main waterfall. Water flows down moss rocks in a natural-looking way and seeps through river rock where it is captured in an underground reservoir. The water is filtered and recirculated.

Here’s the promised video that lets you hear the delightful sounds of rushing water at this Roslyn, Long Island, NY, project.

Vinyl Freeform Pool Retreat:

Deck and Patio surrounded the backyard retreat’s new freeform vinyl pool and raised spillover spa with handsome Cambridge Ledgestone patios and bright plantings.

The raised spa has its own separate overhead waterfall as well as a spillover into the pool. All this adds to an undisturbed backyard experience.

A diving rock and landscaping cutouts add to this pool area’s summer charms. In addition, the Cambridge paving stones are tough when it comes to winter’s cold weather. The pavers seem to withstand abuse better than any poured and stenciled concrete.

Backyard Paradise That is Noise Free:

Pleasant sounds are the very opposite of unpleasant noise. And this backyard retreat is blessed with delightful sounds that can be enjoyed: in the pool, while sunbathing on a wide patio, when relaxing in a quiet upper patio, when rocking back and forth in the outdoor swing — not to mention when relaxing in the spillover spa that boasts its own overhead waterfall.

Poolside Landscaping:

Bright plantings with green ground cover, along with river stone gravel and delightful stepping stone path, add to the natural look and serenity of the barrier/pool area.

By June Sullivan|2022-05-19T13:22:01-05:00May 19th, 2022|Aquascape Biofalls, Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Resorts, Backyard Upgrades, Cambridge pavers, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Family Fun, Landscape Planning, Landscaping, Moss Rock and Stones, Noise Barriers, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Pool Amenities, Pool Upgrades, Pool Waterfalls, Pools & Spas, Pools and Spas, Spillover/Custom Spas, Sustainable Water Features, Unique Ideas, Vinyl-lined Pools, Vinyl-lined Spas|Comments Off

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Create Your Ideal Outdoor Space

It is natural that what is considered an ideal space varies from client to client. Sometimes it’s making room for a pet run, or a deck or patio for dining; other times lush landscaping is wanted to entice the family outdoors; or the sounds of falling water is strongly desired; often it’s comfortable spaces for entertaining that is key. And, sometimes, it’s all of the above.

“One feature many of our clients love,” says Dave Stockwell, “is an outdoor room. These come in all shapes and sizes — from an enclosed pool house to pavilions, and even outdoor rooms without walls.”

Pergolas Define Outdoor Space

But as you can see from our feature photo today, sometimes all that needs adding is a handsome pergola, comfortable furniture, and a patio to provide the perfect level of contented breathing room.

The elegance and size of this Travertine patio, for example, gave our clients the perfect floor for a comfortable outdoor living room.

Note how the pergola’s overhead slats create a shadow carpet that helps define the sense of an outdoor living room.

Along with the adjacent dining area, it is only steps from an outdoor kitchen/bar/barbecue, veneered in natural stone.

Lighting for Outdoor Spaces

When it comes to enjoying your ideal outdoor space into the evening hours, you also have to think about lighting.

One way to handle this is with a closed roof. This shingle-roof pergola/pavilion with fireplace project was installed at the edge of a patio.

Note the handsome lighted columns set on stone pillars that match the fireplace. The lighting on the pillars and inside the roof contribute to a perfect evening ambience.

Outdoor Room on Deck:

Of course, your ideal outdoor space doesn’t require a roof, let alone walls. Along with a hot tub set into a new multi-level deck (we sell CAL Spas at our showroom!), all the homeowners needed to carve out their own ideal space was a fire pit and a television.

Note: Today’s LED televisions can be properly encased to be theft-free.

Encasing the television carefully will also ensure the proper internal temperature control/circulation to protect it.

There are also televisions designed for outside use which resist rain, dust and other elements.

Landscaping Can Define Space

And, of course, your ideal space can be designed with no fixed structure at all. Landscaping can beautifully define the perfect outdoor spot.

Along with lush plantings, these Deck and Patio clients opted to shade a self-supporting hammock with a tilt umbrella.

They positioned the two next to their pool’s waterfall — creating a dreamy relaxing spot to enjoy leisurely time outdoors. And when the purple Allium is in bloom, (forefront), the space is all the more enticing.

“You don’t need a pool or waterfalls to create an ideal space,” says Dave. “A simple container garden can be grouped with seasonal flowers and you have the perfect place to relax outdoors.”

By June Sullivan|2022-05-12T11:40:50-05:00May 12th, 2022|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Resorts, Backyard Upgrades, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Family Fun, Fire Pits, Landscape Planning, Landscaping, Outdoor Fireplaces, Outdoor Kitchens, Outdoor Living, paving stones, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Amenities, pool decking, Pool Houses, Pool Surrounds, Pools and Spas, Portable Hot Tubs, Portable Spas, Updating Landscape|Comments Off

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Backyard Upgrades: Two Different Ways To Cope with a Slope

There’s no denying that, even for design/build experts, sloped properties can be a challenge. In the end, as with much of life’s problems — creativity ends up being the key.

“The creative process begins when as we discover who our clients are and what their hopes are for their yard,” says Dave Stockwell, owner of Deck and Patio. “Devoting enough time to the interviewing process is an important first step.”

Today we’re highlighting two very different ways to ‘cope with a slope,’ The first project was for Long Island, NY, clients whose yard had a seven-foot elevation rising up from one end of their yard to the other, says Dave.

Project # 1

“The clients’ hopes for a full outdoor retreat — pool, spa, patio, waterfall, custom fire pit — all on a tight budget and created in a tighter space — added to the challenges of dealing with their yard’s slope.”

Full Outdoor Retreat on Sloped Property

“Our biggest problem to solve was how to make everything appear like it fit in naturally without it all looking like a giant hill.”

Our design/build staff approached the project by taking on the grade in small bites — working out from an existing lower level patio to a new raised patio and then up to a pool.

Note: By surrounding the hot tub with natural stone boulders with colorful plantings, the hot tub has a custom set-in-garden appeal. It was also positioned close to their back door so they can enjoy easy access year-long. (Note: You can ask our team about the portable CAL Spas we sell.)

Pool Moss Rock Waterfalls (Huntington/NY):

Here you see the completed moss rock waterfall with the sweet potato vine we added. Landscaping helps bring a setting to life and softens the hardscape.

For more details about this project, click here.

Project # 2

Our second project earned The Deck and Patio Company a Silver Award from the Northeast Spa and Pool Association (NESPA). These homeowners are nature lovers. And their property had an unused slope near their patio.

Our idea was to design/build a 35-foot-stream, with two stepping stone paths on either side, that gently moves along the grade solely with the help of Mother Nature’s gravity.

We also positioned natural moss rock boulders and plantings, as well as river stones along its banks to make a perfect area for strolling, bird-watching, etc. The water flows down into a lovely free-form pond near the patio.

Nature-Loving Family (Long Island/NY):

This stunning free-form pond is a huge hit with the clients’ entire nature-loving family. Everyone enjoys feeding and watching the vibrant koi as they swim about in it. “We even get to enjoy it all at night,” says the wife. “And we can see it from our home and offices, too.”

Picture-Perfect Waterfalls (Long Island/NY):

It takes expertise and experience to position rocks in such a way as to coax water into waterfalls just like it happens in nature. Members of Deck and Patio’s team enjoy the woods and hillsides of upstate New York — frequently stopping and studying how water flows over rock, how plants crop up alongside of such water trails, etc.

“The whole area attracts so much wildlife — like frogs and birds,” says the homeowner. “This is really one of our favorite things about having a stream and pond.”

The homeowners say they also enjoy the sounds of the waterfalls and the serenity they feel watching the fish swimming in the pond. “It’s something we look forward to at the end of a long day.”

To learn more about this backyard stream and pond, click here.

By June Sullivan|2022-04-27T16:00:21-05:00April 27th, 2022|Awards, Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Resorts, Backyard Upgrades, CAL Spas, Concrete (Gunite) Pools, Concrete (Gunite) Spas, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Family Fun, Fire Pits, Koi Ponds, Landscape Planning, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Moss Rock and Stones, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, paving stones, Plantings/Pondscapes, Plants, Pond Decking, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Amenities, pool decking, Pool Surrounds, Pool Upgrades, Pool Waterfalls, Pools & Spas, Portable Hot Tubs, Serenity Escapes, Stepping Stones, Streams, Unique Ideas, Updating Landscape, Vinyl-lined Pools, Vinyl-lined Spas|Comments Off

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Backyard Shade Ideas: Casting the Right Shadows

Since pre-Revolutionary times, Long Island has been a summer playground. Our beautiful shorelines, rivers and lakes and endless summer sun make it a truly enviable locale.

But even those who are sun worshipers require a little shade now and then. And in our own backyards, the key is casting the shade.

There are many forms of shade structures — pavilions, trellises, gazebos to name a few. But today we’re focusing just on a truly popular shade thrower: Pergolas.

What Exactly Defines a Pergola?

“A pergola is constructed with open rafters at the top and is supported by posts,” says our own Dave Stockwell. “It’s usually of simple, durable construction and is free standing.”

Deck and Patio clients also love the pergola’s open design, adds Dave. “Whether it’s made of vinyl, cedar, or fiberglass, etc., the structure allows for refreshing cross currents of air, yet is elegant enough to frame a picture-perfect outdoor sitting/gathering area. Plus, because of their simple design, you can expand them to fit pretty much any size space.”

Consider the following pergola which is also shown above as our feature photo today. It is a nice example of how creative one can get when designing this shade structure.

Pergola Shade

This Deck and Patio pergola crowns a handsome bar with stone facade with openings for two sheer descent waterfalls. It also defines the space elegantly, and most importantly, it provides lots of shade when positioned well like here. So along with the relaxing sounds of falling water — it’s the perfect shady spot for a summer drink.

Outdoor U-Shaped Bar with Pergola:

With striking white columns this Deck and Patio pergola offers architectural drama as well as sufficient shade amid the day’s bright sunshine.

We designed it to provide shade for a dramatic outdoor bar area we designed/built which also claims a swim-up bar with in-pool bar stools. The U shape bar turns into a patio-bar nestled underneath the handsome pergola.

Pillared Pergola:

This pergola was built long and wide to shade a comfortable outdoor sitting area that includes a fire pit. It was positioned adjacent to a dining area shaded by a large umbrella. At the right time of day, the shade cast by the pergola’s rafters looks almost like a carpet — perfect for an outdoor sitting area.

Custom Pergolas:

Stepping out of the pool house we created, a 25-foot-wide shade pergola was built to shade guests from the hot summer sun. Underneath, there is also a stunning bar area, complete with sink and all components necessary to keep everyone supplied with fresh beverages.

The bar and raised spa are faced with matching cultured stone, which ties the areas together from a design standpoint.

To Sum Up: Pergolas (and trellises) make attractive architectural statements. They require less materials than a gazebo (or 4-season room) to construct, and provide limited shade with just support beams and rafters.

Taking the time to grow vines on a trellis/pergola, however, will eventually increase the amount of shade. In the meantime, one can always add a canopy overhead if needed — a good idea if the space underneath is used frequently when the sun is high.

By June Sullivan|2022-04-21T14:02:19-05:00April 21st, 2022|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Pergola, Trellises|Comments Off

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Pondside: Relaxing and Dining ’Al Fresco’

Even before COVID, dining and relaxing ‘al fresco’ has long been part of the outdoor experience for those with a backyard pond.

With weather warming, and Memorial Weekend not all that far off, now is a great time to plan a backyard upgrade with a view to enjoying delightful pondside dining and relaxation right at home.

As Certified Contractors of Aquascape Inc. — one of the country’s leading manufacturers of pond and water feature products — Deck and Patio continually stays informed and trained on all the latest techniques and technologies for ideal waterscapes.

Each year, our expert teams can be found installing ponds, water gardens and other water features across Long Island and her environs. And because of our breadth of expertise, we can design/build a complete oasis, including decks and patios, pools, custom and portable hot tubs to complement any waterscape.

We also specialize in eco-friendly ponds sustained through rainwater harvesting. “We also specialize in landscaping waterscapes with gorgeous water plants, stocked with healthy pond fish, and aerated with naturally-looking waterfalls,” says our own Dave Stockwell.

The one thing our ponds all have in common, adds Dave, is how much a backyard pond adds to each family’s outdoor experience. Having such a water feature — with the sounds of moving water and natural beauty this provides — makes outdoor living and dining an exceptional experience.

Pond-side Living:

Deck and Patio designed/built a new deck with a viewing platform pondside where the family can dine and relax outdoors. You’ve heard of Xanadu, well how about Zen-adu. Imagine. After dinner they can walk across a set of large stepping stones to view the pond from another vantage point.

Al Fresco Drinks/Dining by a Pond:

This feature photo (see also top of page), was shared with us by Aquascape Inc. Here a group of family and friends — and even someone’s favorite pet —- enjoy a meal beside an exquisite pond stocked with koi. Soothing sounds from the waterfall help everyone relax and be at ease.

Backyard Sanctuary Perfect for Dining Al Fresco:

Deck and Patio created this natural backyard retreat complete with a large deck and pond that comes up to it. Our design formed different settings and focal points; our team planted over 4,000 bulbs, 300 species of deciduous woody plants, evergreens, and perennials, including 150 different varieties of these species.

Imagine having the option of dine on your deck or in a backyard glass conservatory. (Note: Deck and Patio did not build the conservatory but worked with the contractors the family hired to bring this beautiful project together harmoniously.)

“Deck” Pond Perfect for Dining Al Fresco:

Aquascape Inc. also provided us with this photo of a charming dining area set on a deck with pond. Note how the wall mural picks up where the real plants leave off, giving a smallish water garden area the sense of natural expanse. The homeowner also chose blue cushions to go with the mural’s water scenes, which helps to tie it all together.

A big thank you to Aquascape for sharing some of today’s photos with us.

By June Sullivan|2022-04-14T10:48:51-05:00April 14th, 2022|Aquascape Biofalls, Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Resorts, Backyard Upgrades, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Gardening, Koi Ponds, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Moss Rock and Stones, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Pavilions, Plantings/Pondscapes, Pond Decking, Ponds & Water Features, Serenity Escapes, Stepping Stones, Steps, Streams, Updating Landscape|Comments Off

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How Can I Improve My Pool Area?

Long frustrated by a dated backyard pool area, this Dix Hills family was particularly focused on the old wood deck and red brick patios around their pool which were to small for parties and entertaining.

Another issue was an old retaining wall which spoiled the look of the pool area.

Deck and Patio’s creative team inspired these clients with this suggestion: re-grade the slope area and replace it with a “natural” retaining wall with a dramatic waterfall, stream, and woodland garden.

Rather than create a pond to capture the water from the planned seven-foot-high “sheet” waterfall, a pondless waterfall system from Aquascape was recommended.

Old Unattractive Retaining Wall.

New Natural Looking Retaining Wall

“We particularly value Aquascape’s waterfall systems because they focus, like we do, on an ecosystem approach to water features,” says Dave Stockwell, owner of Deck and Patio. “For this project, the pondless system relies on a natural balance of circulation, filtration, plants, rocks and gravel to ensure sustainability.”

Deck and Patio creates natural looking waterfalls

To achieve a natural looking waterfall, the design/build team needs to understand how water flows over and releases from rock in nature in order to re-create the feeling you’re hiking or strolling along some natural pathway.

We avoid a man-made water feature appearance by designing it so the water changes directions in the waterfalls and streams.

Once this project’s stream and waterfall was complete, we pressed boulders into the surrounding slope. After that, we addressed the landscaping. Our crew installed natural woodland plantings to tie in with the tall oaks that exist on the property’s perimeter and added evergreen shrubs to ensure year-round color.

Refurbished Pool and Patio

With the slope stabilized, our team addressed pool renovation. After draining the pool and removing the original liner, a poorly built concrete block wall was uncovered.

We straightened the wall and filled the block in with concrete and steel rebars for strength. New vinyl covered stairs were then added, as well as new pipes, returns, skimmers, pump, filter and new liner was installed.

After this, the pool was carefully backfilled and tamped. We compacted the soil back around the pool in three-inch lifts to allow for the immediate installation of new pavers around the pool.

Note: This compacting process is not done by many contractors. The idea is that using compacted soil the base will not settle, so you don’t have to wait to install a patio around a new pool. Many contractors still install concrete slabs under their patio. In our experience we find this does not work well. Settling still occurs under the slab allowing the patio to crack or settle.

After the base materials were finished, we installed chestnut-hued durable pavers from Cambridge (Sahara). These particular pavers have little or no color fade and the random design pattern adds interest to the patio. The pavers’ protective coating means these clients will have a clean-lined modern look. Even after being subjected to snow plowing, de-icing salts and normal wear, they will keep their color and beautiful appearance.

By June Sullivan|2022-04-07T13:19:08-05:00April 7th, 2022|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Maintenance, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Resorts, Backyard Upgrades, Cambridge pavers, Concrete (Gunite) Pools, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Family Fun, Landscape Planning, Landscaping, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, paving stones, Pondless Waterfalls, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Amenities, pool decking, Pool Surrounds, Pool Upgrades, Pool Waterfalls, Pools & Spas, Retaining Walls, Serenity Escapes, Steps, Streams, Unique Ideas, Updating Landscape, Vinyl-lined Pools|Comments Off

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How Can I Keep My Pond Fish Safe from Predators?

According to retailers, the pond and water garden industry has enjoyed a leap is sales during the pandemic. This jump has appeared in both water feature installations and maintenance services.

“Ponds are a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors without having to leave home. And they can be built in any size,” says Dave Stockwell. “But those who want a pond large enough for koi often worry if they will be able to keep their pond fish safe from predators.”

Pond fish are worth protecting. They are not just lovely to look at; koi help balance the entire ecosystem of a pond.

Safety Begins with Good Pond Design

Herons Don’t Like Deep Water

“If your koi pond was designed and built well, it was designed and built deep,” says Dave.

A water feature with sufficient water depth will dissuade, for example, raccoons and cats from going after your fish, since neither species enjoy swimming to get their dinner.

Plus deeper water at the edges (more than 18” deep) discourages the most challenging predator, the heron, from wading into your pond. Herons enjoy walking around in slightly shallow water.

Deep water really puts them off.

So a pond designed with high rock ledges and no easy wading entrance discourages a heron from hunting your fish.

Pond Water Features:

Another helpful idea is adding a waterfall feature. The continuous movement of bubble rocks, waterfalls, or even water from nearby sprinklers will put off many predators.

Also, unlike still water which offers a glass-like surface, bubbling water from a waterfall etc. disturbs that serene surface, making it harder for predators to see the fish underneath.

“In addition, when we construct a pond, we frequently include underwater koi castles,” says Dave.. “When the koi sense danger, they can hid in there until the creature has given up.”

1. Statues: Some swear by scarecrows like owl statues. Others recommend a decoy-heron. Indeed, being territorial, herons will usually avoid conflict with what they perceive as another heron. Be sure the decoy is large enough to appear as a reasonable threat, however. And it is also important to move the decoy every few days. Herons are clever and will soon figure out a decoy that never moves isn’t a danger.

Motion-Activated Sprinklers

2. Another effective deterrent is installing a motion-activated sprinkler. We found, for example, one gardening expert, the Laidback Gardener, who says that after testing just about every animal repellent conceivable: “…the only simple deterrent that keeps most animals away in the long run is the motion-activated sprinkler.”

The motion-activated sprinkler is just one of several deterrents that should be used, adds Dave. “It can be effective, but works best in combination with some of the other suggestions we’ve given here today.”

3. Pond Netting/Fish Wire: “The most effective guarantee for safeguarding pond fish is pond netting,” says Dave. “But, because they spoil the look of the pond, most people prefer to use netting only during fall foliage. However, another suggestion which you’ll see in the following video seems a better alternative. Fish wire can be strung around pond areas where predators can get close enough to grab your fish.

The following YouTube video is by Foisy Aquatics who has a YouTube channel devoted just to fish.

Final Note: Koi are a healthy part of this Deck and Patio pond’s natural ecosystem. We construct ponds so they have lots of room to hide as well as swim. We also ensure the pond is sufficiently deep, including around the edges. We add plenty of high rock overhangs to discourage predators. A motion-activated sprinkler and a koi castle offer the final bits of security.

By June Sullivan|2022-03-31T12:03:49-05:00March 31st, 2022|Ask the Experts, Backyard Escapes, Backyard Maintenance, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Creative Design, Design and Build Experts, Environment Issues, Family Fun, Koi Ponds, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Moss Rock and Stones, Outdoor Living, outdoor maintenance, Plantings/Pondscapes, Ponds & Water Features|Comments Off

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‘Pool Shell’ Change Is Perfect Time for Other Backyard Upgrades

If you’re planning to change the shell of your pool from, say, vinyl to gunite, or from gunite to vinyl, this is the perfect time to add other wonderful outdoor features.

When an Oyster Bay family wanted to change their existing vinyl-lined pool to gunite, they knew there would be so much tearing up going on anyway in their yard, why not upgrade the area.

In discussions with Deck and Patio, it became clear they also wanted to change the shape/design of their pool to better match the architecture of their home.

“We were able to create a more unified look for them by upgrading their existing pool into a geometric shape,” says our own Dave Stockwell.

This required expanding the size of their pool, which meant extending it very close to their property’s sharp hillside.

“For the pool’s retaining walls, we tracked down the same brick used on their home’s exterior. We also had to shore up the slope with boulders, creating various small retaining walls to hold back the grade,” adds Dave. “The trick was to bring in machinery and put the boulders in place before we dug the pool and area out.”

To give the clients the natural look they wanted, we surrounded the pool with beautiful bluestone. “The shape of these stones also mimic the overall geometric design we were going for.”

Other design elements:

— steps at the base of the retaining wall lead to a peaceful woodland path — at the end of which we hid all the pool equipment,

— sheer descent waterfalls along the inside of the pool add extra contemporary elegance,

—and landscape lighting created a beautiful romantic scene at night.

When the whole transformation was complete, not only was the family ecstatic, but their pet turtles seemed to love the transformation as well. With more room to swim in, they took to the new pool like, well, turtles.

Geometric Gunite Pool (Oyster Bay Cove/NY):

Deck and Patio remodeled an existing vinyl pool into a larger, geometric gunite, with elegant sheet falling waterfalls. The new design handsomely complements the home’s architecture.

Steps to Woodland Path (Oyster Bay Cove/NY):

Steps faced with the same brick as used around the pool’s retaining wall, lead to a peaceful woodland path where the pool equipment has been hidden out of sight.

Bluestone Patio (Oyster Bay Cove/NY):

The pavers of the previous patio/pool surround had not been compacted properly and were separating. The family also wanted a more natural product. Bluestone was chosen and its hues blended nicely with that of the brick-faced retaining walls; in addition, the rectangular shapes of the stones echo the shape of the pool and house windows.

Sheet Falling Water Feature (Oyster Bay Cove/NY):

Beautiful sheet falling waterfalls (often called ‘sheer descents’) perfectly harmonize with the overall more contemporary feel to their upgraded pool area.