design/build decks – The Deck and Patio Company

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Fall Is a Great Time to Build a Deck

The leaves are only just changing, but there’s been a real nip in the air in the Northeast lately — telling us fall has definitely arrived. And you know what? Autumn is one of the best seasons for deck building.

“There’s a misconception about adding new decks late October and into November,” says Deck and Patio’s Dave Stockwell. “And while the weather does get chilly here, the cooler weather is great for such a project. For one thing, a deck built in fall will be ready and waiting for you come spring.”

Also, November frequently offers several good opportunities for enjoying the outdoors, adds Dave. With the addition of a fire pit, it’s possible to hold several backyard get-togethers before winter completely overtakes the outdoor season.

“Most importantly, with the availability of so many high-quality capped composite and PVC deck materials such as Trex Decking, TimberTech, Fiberon, etc., you don’t have to worry how winter will affect the deck. It’s only when using natural wood that you might feel it is best to wait until spring.”

Also, depending on the complexity of the design, its location, and especially how high off the ground it will be, a deck may not require a permit.

“So it’s possible that a deck, which easily expands a home’s entertaining area, can be built within one to three weeks,” says Dave. “Indeed, we build quite a few decks and patios this time of year. And because it’s not peak season, it’s easier for new clients to get us working for them quickly.”

Leaf Tannins Stain Decks

Speaking of foliage. Natural wood is susceptible to stains from leaf tannin and pine needles etc. If you’re choosing a capped composite deck, such as Trex Decking, you don’t need to worry about staining as much as with natural wood.

However, the experts at Trex, for example, encourage the removal of dirt and debris using a hose or broom to avoid stains. To remove any that have accumulated, once the deck is dry, apply a “brightener” as directed by the manufacturer. Brighteners contain “oxalic acid”, which will remove tannins.

Note: The feature photo today at the top of our blog is courtesy of Trex Company.

Fiberon Capped Composite Decking (Long Island/NY):

Planters are a budget-friendly way to add bursts of color around the deck anytime of year, including wonderful colorful options even in November.

TimberTech Deck and Railing (Long Island/NY):

The black “Radiance Rail” used for this deck railing offered a variety of sophisticated posts and balusters and rail caps to choose from; for more nighttime safety, the rail caps were fitted with TimberTech’s recessed DeckLite deck lighting — which is especially appreciated in late fall when it gets dark so early.

Trex Decking and Custom Bench (Long Island/NY):

These clients wanted to keep a beloved tree and enjoy its natural shade in summer, so Deck and Patio designed/built a Trex seating bench around it in the middle of the new large Trex deck. The bench offers a great spot for enjoying the property’s waterside views anytime of year.

Trex Deck with Fire Table (Long Island/NY):

This lovely Deck and Patio composite Trex deck and railing with custom seating area can be enjoyed in the cooler months just by adding a fire table.

By June Sullivan|2018-10-18T13:31:23-05:00October 18th, 2018|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Composite Decking, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Outdoor Living, outdoor maintenance, Patios & Decks, Trex Decking, Wood Decks|0 Comments

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Deck Designers/Builders, Long Island, NY: New Deck Surround for Swimming Pool

A few months back, we showcased a deck project we were constructing in Oyster Bay, NY. Working with True Blue Swimming Pools, who did the pool upgrades, we have since completed the pool’s durable Fiberon deck surround, replaced the old lawn with new sod, and brightened it all up with colorful landscaping.

Old Deck

The clients’ old pressure treated deck had buckled and nails kept popping up.

“Over the years, these clients got tired of hammering them back in,” says Deck and Patio owner, Dave Stockwell. “Not to mention that these older decks weren’t framed correctly for today’s codes. You could see the old boards actually sagging.”

When a pool, patio or deck needs refurbishing, it offers a great time to add a dramatic statement or two, says Dave. “In this case, our design included dramatic coping along the far side of the pool that we installed flush with the lawn.”

Updated Pool Surround Oyster Bay, NY:

When a pool, patio or deck needs refurbishing, it is a great time to add a special statement or two, says Dave. “In this case, our design included dramatic coping along the far side of the pool that we installed flush with the lawn.”

Fiberon Decking:

Deck and Patio frequently builds decks with “capped composite” materials from a variety of manufacturers — all of whom we highly recommend. And like all these companies, Fiberon offers not only low-maintenance care being stain, mold, insect and splinter resistant, but the materials also keep their beautiful look with little effort on the part of the homeowners. Fiberon, however, also has grooves along the side which allow deck builders to install the boards using hidden fasteners, so there are no nails to worry about. Ever.

“In addition, Fiberon provides something special that others do not,” says Dave Stockwell. They boast a special warranty; not only does the manufacturer give the usual 25-year warranty on its materials, the company offers a five-year warranty on labor as well. This means there is no coast at all to the homeowner should it not live up to its claims during the first five years, and of course, it continues to provide 20 years additional warranty on the materials.”

Fiberon Swimming Pool Deck Surround:

Once bare feet season is back, these Oyster Bay, NY, clients will enjoy an expansive deck surround that contains no nails. It’s also a comfort that they have a fantastic warranty with their Fiberon low-mainteance decking.

Bluestone Stepping Stones:

Using irregular bluestone, we installed a group of stepping stones for a hammock just above and to the right of the pool’s edge, where the clients can put their stand-alone hammock during the outdoor season.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:28-05:00January 19th, 2017|Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Composite Decking, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Landscaping, Pool Surrounds, Pool Upgrades|0 Comments

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Choosing the Perfect Deck Railing

Other than the specifications required in local building codes, there are few rules or requirements in choosing a railing. So even the humble deck railing can help showcase one’s personality and taste.

First, a deck railing by no means has to match the deck. It just needs to coordinate with it. With all the different options available: baluster and post sizes, shapes, materials, and colors — and the freedom to mix and match — a railing is an easy way to express oneself.

Homeowners might then ask themselves: Are we people who cherish privacy? Or, are we nature enthusiasts who want the maximum views possible? Perhaps, we are traditional in our tastes. Then, again, maybe, we prefer a bit of whimsy and like to let loose a little.

CableRail by Feeney

In this case, lovely outdoor views were of primary concern to clients who are avid outdoor enthusiasts. Acting first as deck builders, Deck and Patio installed a two- story raised deck. And, as is often the case when building a deck, the homeowners also requested a spa. Deck and Patio helped the clients choose the ideal encasement for a new Bullfrog Spa that coordinated nicely with the deck planks and also integrated the spa harmoniously into the deck.

When it came to the deck railing, after all that had been accomplished, it was important that, when the clients sat on their new deck deck or relaxed in the hot tub, the railing infill would not spoil the exquisite views. To accomplish this, infills by “CableRail by Feeney” were chosen because these infills are almost unnoticeable.

TimberTech’s “Radiance Rail”

The Deck and Patio Company helped these clients add sophisticated drama by framing their new deck with TimberTech’s “Radiance Rail” railing.

Radiance Rail provides the ability to mix and match posts and balusters, and also offers a range of post caps. The ideal choice for these clients was a cap fitted with TimberTech’s recessed DeckLites. This extra outdoor deck lighting not only offered more nighttime safety but provided it in an understated style — perfect for these homeowners.

Trex Railing (1 of 2)

Trex Railing 2 of 2

Trex Railing with black metal balusters was chosen by Deck and Patio for this installation because they hold up so well to the elements.

The clients live at a river’s edge, their extraordinary view was so expansive, there was little concern that a railing would obstruct the view. However, these clients, who can step from their deck onto a private dock, functionality and durability were key.

The choice here was handsome Trex Composite Railing with black metal balusters that offered more than waterside security. These railings offer protection from UV rays and will stand against damage from insects, water, or sun.

Note: because the top rail (cap) of a railing is usually selected separately from the infill and posts, the cap presents special opportunity to be creative. You can go wild with color choices, materials and styles, Here’s a tip: Pick a wide top rail if you are a passionate gardener or you love to entertain. With a wider cap, you can easily rest small planters or drinks.

Trex Railing

Here’s another handsome Trex railing and deck. The railing also once again offers contrast through black balusters. Adding a custom seating area isn’t just great in the warmer months; they also enjoy their deck when it gets colder just by having added a fire table.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:29-05:00December 8th, 2016|Backyard Upgrades, Composite Decking, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Portable Hot Tubs, Railings, Trex Decking, Uncategorized|2 Comments

Designing and Building Decks in Late Fall
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Designing and Building Decks in Late Fall

“One common misconception about new decks is that there’s no sense in building one in late fall,” says Bill Renter, Deck and Patio outdoor living expert.

“Here in the Northeast, for example, the weather does indeed get chilly in mid-November, but cooler weather is actually good for this kind of project. For one thing, if built now, a deck will be ready and waiting when the first buds bloom in spring.”

November frequently offers several good opportunities for enjoying the outdoors, adds Bill. With the addition of a fire pit, it’s possible to hold several backyard get togethers before winter completely overtakes the outdoor season.

“Most important, with the availability of so many high-quality capped composite and PVC deck materials such as TimberTech, Trex Decking, Fiberon, etc., you don’t have to worry how winter will affect the deck. It’s only when using natural wood that you might feel it is best to wait until spring.”

Also, depending on the complexity of the design, its location, and especially how high off the ground it will be, a deck may not require a permit.

“So it’s possible that a deck, which easily expands a home’s entertaining area, can be built within one to three weeks,” says Bill. “In fact, we build quite a few decks and patios this time of year.”

Fiberon Protect Advantage Cedar Capped Composite Decking:

Planters are a budget-friendly way to add bursts of color around the deck anytime of year, including wonderful colorful options even in November.

TimberTech Deck and Railing:

The black “Radiance Rail” used for this deck railing offered a variety of sophisticated posts and balusters and rail caps to choose from; for more nighttime safety, the rail caps were fitted with TimberTech’s recessed DeckLite deck lighting — which is especially appreciated in late fall when it gets dark so early.

Trex Decking and Custom Bench:

These clients wanted to keep a beloved tree and enjoy its natural shade in summer, so Deck and Patio designed/built a Trex seating bench around it in the middle of the new large Trex deck. The bench offers a great spot for enjoying the property’s waterside views anytime of year.

Trex Deck with Fire Table:

This lovely Deck and Patio composite Trex deck and railing with custom seating area can be enjoyed in the cooler months just by adding a fire table.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:36-05:00November 12th, 2015|Composite Decking, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Fire Pits, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Railings, Trex Decking|0 Comments

Design/Build Decks: Getting Creative in Your Deck Design
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Design/Build Decks: Getting Creative in Your Deck Design

We have to thank Trex for a recent Facebook post about how to be creative in designing your deck. In checking out the post’s link to their photo gallery, we were inspired to look over some of our own decking projects where we used decking materials in a creative way.

It’s not surprising that a good many of our favorite deck projects were built with Trex boards. Trex is, after all, one of the decking manufacturers Deck and Patio most highly recommends. Stain, mold, insect and splinter resistant, their composite materials keep their beauty with little effort. Plus, because of the wide range of colors available, it is easy to be creative with accent borders and other designs.

Deck and Patio, of course, builds decks using a wide range of natural woods, as well as other composite deck boards. However, since the inspiration came from Trex, it’s only right that three of our five examples are constructed from their products.

Trex Deck with Hot Tub:

Here (above) we used Trex’s Rope Swing boards for the deck and designed its multi-levels around the clients’ new hot tub. Because it’s a good idea to take breaks from long stays in a hot tub, we added a bench and private screened seating area, also made from Trex boards, with the fence area topped in an attractive lattice design.

Custom Trex Deck with Bench:

Again, using Trex (Spiced Rum), we designed and built an attractive bench against the railing for these clients and faced some of the outdoor kitchen with matching boards.

TimberTech Deck:

We designed this 2-level TimberTech XLM PVC deck with one level just for the outdoor dining table and the other places for deep seating outdoor furniture like chaise lounges and the barbecue. For strong accent color we chose black railing.

Mahogany Decks:

Here we used mahogany in a creative application of deck materials. Note the beautiful flower box cut into the deck, the matching railing and handsome facing of the outdoor kitchen. Along with a matching bench, together they make an elegant statement.

Trex Pool Surround:

Trex decking was cut to edge a beautiful freeform pool situated on a bay off the Atlantic. The pool surround is part of an elegant multi-level deck, which we designed in tiers In order to bring the outdoor space up to the same level as the home.

More on Deck and Patio’s creative deck design.