Outdoor Rooms – The Deck and Patio Company

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What Is the Perfect Outdoor Living Plan for Your Family?

As this outdoor living season begins to wind down after Labor Day, it is often a good time to take stock and plan for next year. And it is the job of professionals like Deck and Patio to help you dig deep into what your family most enjoys in order to create the perfect plan.

Are you avid gardeners, for example? Or will you want plants that survive with little effort? And most of all, how do family members most like to spend their time outdoors?

We also help you consider how best to combine hardscapes (patios, driveways, etc.) with softscapes (trees, plantings and grasses). In addition, we’ll take into consideration how will you use the space, your property’s size — and, of course, budget.

The following special Manhasset, NY, project showcases how getting to know a family helped us bring about the ideal outdoor living spaces for them.

Manhasset Project’s Pool and Patio

After interviewing the Manhasset, Long Island, family, we uncovered and designed a substantial list of amenities that were perfect for them:

— a large 25’ x 52’ free-form Gunite pool;

— a flowing stream alongside it to feed the pool’s 4’ x 6’ moss rock waterfall and second waterfall;

— a custom spill-over spa with a veneer of Bucks County Country Ledgestone;

— a custom pavilion with fireplace and an outdoor kitchen;

— patios made with custom inlays of our own design;

— and a very special amenity: a large sunken fire pit.

The veneer of the fire pit was also used on the fireplace, and on the inside of the sunken fire pit, as well as on the face of the outdoor kitchen and exterior of the custom spa. It’s all Bucks County Country Ledgestone.

“They wanted us to pull out all the stops,” says our own Dave Stockwell “But that wasn’t what made us so happy to do the job. It was that they were repeat clients — clients who loved our previous work for them which to us is the very best testimonial.”

“The patios are made of Cambridge Pavingstones — from their Sherwood Ledgestone XL series. We laid them in a random pattern from our own design, including inlays with custom cut in borders.”

Custom Pavilion with Outdoor Fireplace:

“In designing the large 16’ x 32’ pavilion with fireplace, 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.

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.

Pavilion’s Outdoor Fireplace

Deck and Patio captured some drama with the majestic custom fireplace we set against the large, open-air pavilion.

“The new fireplace design also includes different ledges capped to match the pillar bases. These are not just architecturally interesting; they will allow them to add pots and lovely plants come spring,” says Dave.

The veneer we used on the fireplace, and on the inside of the sunken fire pit, as well as on the face of the outdoor kitchen and exterior of the custom spa is all Bucks County Country Ledgestone.

Enjoy the upcoming Labor Day Weekend. And if there’s anything missing from the family fun — jot it down. And then get in touch. We’re here to help your family create your perfect outdoor living plan.

By June Sullivan|2022-08-25T13:22:22-05:00August 25th, 2022|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Resorts, Backyard Upgrades, Cambridge pavers, Concrete (Gunite) Pools, Creative Design, Custom Spas, Design and Build Experts, Family Fun, Fire Pits, Landscape Planning, Landscaping, Lawns, Outdoor Fireplaces, Outdoor Kitchens, Outdoor Living, Outdoor Rooms, Pavilions, Ponds & Water Features, Streams, Unique Ideas|Comments Off

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Pavilion or Gazebo: Individual Architectural Statement for Your Yard

Here, in Long Island, NY, we are passionate about outdoor living. And for many, there’s no better way to enjoy al fresco living than under the shade of a handsome pavilion or gazebo.

Open to breezes and the scents of blooming flowers, but shut to the sky’s burning rays or drizzling rain, these structures offer both shelter and aesthetic appeal. A large variety of designs permit individual architectural statements in any yard.

Deck and Patio at work in Manhasset, NY

“One pavilion project we built was in a section of Manhasset — Flower Hill — is a dramatic 16’ x 28’ pavilion. Here, we’re showing you our team at work. But when it was finished, it boasted roofing shingles to match those of their new custom home, interior AZEK finishes, stone bases for the pavilion’s columns, and a fireplace to name just some of its amenities.”

In addition, the clients don’t have to rely only on the fireplace for warmth. Because of modern technology, Deck and Patio was able to add built-in heating to the pavilion, that with a flip of a switch, warms up the interior.

The overall backyard project also included a new gunite pool and sumptuous landscaping.

Shingle-roof Pergola/Pavilion/Long Island, NY:

This pergola/pavilion with fireplace project was installed at the edge of a patio that also boasts a hot tub. Note how the handsome lighted columns on stone pillars of the pavilion match those of the fireplace. The lighting on the pillars and inside the roof contribute to a perfect evening ambience.

Also note that Deck and Patio sells portable spas right from our Greenlawn location!

Outdoor Pavilions and Gazebos (Long Island/NY

Some clients’ taste for outdoor space includes a romantic statement such as this lovely gazebo and harmonizing deck. Bright plantings surround the area and a charming stepping stone path adds additional appeal.

Notice how there’s little doubt that these inhabitants like to entertain. One can easily imagine this as the perfect spot at any time — but it’s especially well designed for inviting over friends and family.

Backyard Pavilion with Ceiling Fans (Long Island/NY):

Feature Photo: This dramatic shingle-roof pavilion with interior lighting has two ceiling fans. The columns rest on stone pillars that match the stone on the yard’s new steps. (Note how the roof shingles match those of the clients’ home.)

By June Sullivan|2022-08-11T11:30:31-05:00August 11th, 2022|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Resorts, Backyard Upgrades, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Gazebos, Landscape Planning, Landscaping, Outdoor Fireplaces, Outdoor Living, Outdoor Rooms, Pavilions, Portable Hot Tubs, Unique Ideas|Comments Off

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Outdoor Spaces Perfect for Game Day and More

Updated 2-1-24

After you huddle inside to watch the Super Bowl next Sunday, or get together with your best love on Valentine’s Day, you can begin planning an outdoor space ideal for sports gatherings, family time and even romance.

Indeed, after the Super Bowl, February sports continue. Baseball teams head south to Florida to get in shape — the perfect time for you to plan design/building an outdoor retreat to watch baseball’s early games.

“The heart of any ideal outdoor get-together space is, of course, a large TV,” says Dave Stockwell. “Today’s LED televisions can be properly encased to be theft-free. We are expert at encasing the TV carefully to ensure the proper internal temperature control/circulation needed to protect it.”

An example of a Deck and Patio family-friendly project that can double as a man cave boasts just such a protected TV — and — a hot tub set into a new multi-level deck. An added fire pit means our client can enjoy the space well before and after the summer months.

Of course, there’s no denying the rest of the family enjoys time out there, too.

Family Area Doubles as a Man Cave for Game Nights:

Televisions available for outside use resist rain, dust and other elements. So even in very bad weather, these Deck and Patio clients can turn on their fire pit, relax in their hot tub, and even watch TV.

Outdoor Spaces with Walls and Roof

When building the following pool house, these Deck and Patio clients asked us for “two” separate outdoor rooms. One of the spaces includes a 20-by-20 flat screen TV and refrigerator. It’s also adjacent to a new outdoor kitchen — which pretty much completes an ideal outdoor space with walls and roof.

Pool House with Man Cave Space:

Pool House with Man Cave Space: The property’s pool is located far from the house so they wanted plenty of amenities in the adjacent pool house. Along with a bathroom, washer/dryer and shower, and screened porch, there is a terrific space loaded with amenities for kicking back with friends to watch games.

Four Seasons Room

Another project with walls and roof is the following fully-enclosed Four Seasons Room. With this special space, in addition to this year’s baseball season, you’ll even be able to watch next year’s playoffs and Super Bowl outside.

The completed four seasons room not only harmonizes with their home, but as well as having screens, it boasts fully operating windows, automated Mitsubishi ductless heating and air conditioning, a flat screen television, and enough room for their young child to use his ride-on toys. No matter the season, this outdoor room’s large Anderson windows offer a 360-degree view of their lovely property.

Four Seasons Room Is Ideal Man Cave:

Snow or rain, cold or heat, this outdoor space is always just the right temperature. And most importantly, it has a large screen TV.

So game on, everybody! Enjoy the Super Bowl, and then get planning the perfect space to watch all sports events.

Photo Courtesy of Fiberon Decking

Today’s Feature Photo is courtesy of Fiberon Decking. It shows an expansive deck with covering in one area which houses a fireplace. Note there’s plenty of space for a large TV. Comfortable seating near the grill completes the perfect outdoor space. One that the family will want to spend time there, too.

By June Sullivan|2024-02-01T13:39:43-05:00February 10th, 2022|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Composite Decking, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Family Fun, Fire Pits, Outdoor Bars, Outdoor Fireplaces, Outdoor Furniture, Outdoor Kitchens, Outdoor Living, Outdoor Rooms, Patios & Decks, Pavilions, Portable Hot Tubs, Seasonal Landscapes, Unique Ideas|Comments Off

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Landscaping Ideas: Pulling Out All the Stops

You love to cook and no ordinary outdoor barbecue will do. Gathering with family and friends in the evening around a fire is also your nirvana. And you want your kids to spend time enjoying a good swim.

The question is how do we as a family want to spend time together in 2022?

To formulate the perfect landscaping plan for your family, first, it is the job of professionals like Deck and Patio to understand each client. Are you avid gardeners, for example? Or will you want plants that survive with little effort?

How a plan combines hardscapes (patios, driveways, etc.) with the softscapes (trees, plantings and grasses) is very important. In addition, how homeowners will use the space, the size of the property — and, of course, budget — will greatly affect decisions.

Deck and Patio Project Showcase

Manhasset Project

This Manhasset, Long Island, family had a large list of amenities that we designed and built for them:

— a large 25’ x 52’ free-form Gunite pool;

— a flowing stream alongside it to feed the pool’s 4’ x 6’ moss rock waterfall and second waterfall;

— a custom spill-over spa with a veneer of Bucks County Country Ledgestone;

— a custom pavilion with fireplace and an outdoor kitchen

— patios made with custom inlays of our own design;

— and a very special amenity: a large sunken fire pit.

The veneer of the fire pit was also used on the fireplace, and on the inside of the sunken fire pit, as well as on the face of the outdoor kitchen and exterior of the custom spa. It’s all Bucks County Country Ledgestone.

“They wanted us to pull out all the stops,” says our own Dave Stockwell “But that wasn’t what made us so happy to do the job. It was that they were repeat clients — clients who loved our previous work for them which to us is the very best testimonial.”

“The patios are made of Cambridge Pavingstones — from their Sherwood Ledgestone XL series. We laid them in a random pattern from our own design, including inlays with custom cut in borders.”

Custom Pavilion with Outdoor Fireplace:

“In designing the large 16’ x 32’ pavilion with fireplace, 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.

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.

Pavilion’s Outdoor Fireplace

Deck and Patio captured some drama with the majestic custom fireplace we set against the large, open-air pavilion.

“The new fireplace design also includes different ledges capped to match the pillar bases. These are not just architecturally interesting; they will allow them to add pots and lovely plants come spring,” says Dave.

The veneer we used on the fireplace, and on the inside of the sunken fire pit, as well as on the face of the outdoor kitchen and exterior of the custom spa is all Bucks County Country Ledgestone.

This is a “before” photo of the Manhasset property before we began the upgrade.

This different view of the project is also today’s feature photo (above). It shows the beautiful custom inlays we installed into their Cambridge patio.

By June Sullivan|2022-01-13T12:54:57-05:00January 13th, 2022|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Resorts, Backyard Upgrades, Cambridge pavers, Concrete (Gunite) Pools, Concrete (Gunite) Spas, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Family Fun, Fire Pits, Landscaping, Moss Rock and Stones, Outdoor Bars, Outdoor Fireplaces, Outdoor Living, Outdoor Rooms, Pavilions, Pool Amenities, pool decking, Pool Surrounds, Pool Waterfalls, Pools & Spas, Spillover/Custom Spas, tanning shelves|Comments Off

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Total Backyard Upgrade Along Sloping Property Setting

Not many would disagree that the homeowners who planned this backyard upgrade conceived a wonderful experience for their outdoor living.

One notices the beauty. But a major part of the design also serves another purpose. The added waterfalls, stream, double steps, moss rock and plantings along the change in grade together create a natural looking retaining wall — a great way to cut costs while increasing the aesthetics of a beautiful graded property

Total Backyard Upgrade Seen at Nighttime

Their completed project included:

— a free-form pool and surround renovation

— new custom pool pavilion

— refurbished multi-level Techo-Bloc patio

— new multi-faceted water feature (several sets of waterfalls and stream)

— new koi pond, and

— a new hot tub wedged in-between the upper and lower patios.

“The totality of these amenities create a beautiful paradise,” says Dave Stockwell, owner of Deck and Patio. “But the homeowners didn’t stop there. They asked that their multi-faceted water feature — whose separate installations can be enjoyed from the house, on the upper patio, and poolside — be extremely eco-friendly.

For example, Town water is not used to keep the stream and waterfalls supplied.” To ensure no use of Town water, Deck and Patio installed a ‘pondless’ reservoir system below the upper-level waterfall. The spills from the waterfall pass through river rock and gravel and is collected underground. Inside the reservoir, a pump recirculates the filtered water back up through the system.

Also, by letting gravity pull the flowing water downward, the whole system is turned into a complete ‘green’ maintenance-free water source that can enjoy throughout most of the year.

The Pool Area

“We designed the overall look of the refurbished pool area to appear organic so it blends with the property’s beautiful natural surroundings,” says Dave. “The pool construction included a 24-by-42-foot free-form concrete wall.”

Deck and Patio’s toughest challenge was accurately measuring and cutting the vinyl liners needed for the pool itself and its in-pool stairs. However, having done many vinyl-pools over the years, Deck and Patio’s team knew it would just require patience and steady attention to detail.

“All this was done so as to create bodies of water that would be in harmony with the patio area, with its outdoor kitchen, and with the waterfalls, stream and koi pond. Not only is the end result beautiful to look at, but the sounds of moving and spilling water can be appreciated at every section of the outdoor retreat. For sure, these clients pulled out all the stops.”

The following photos highlight many of the project’s elements.

Backyard Upgrade Showcase Project:

This photo looks up from the custom pool pavilion (not seen) over the newly renovated vinyl pool, Techo-Bloc pool surround, a pair of natural stone steps leading to upper patio that flank the waterfalls, the lower-level waterfalls, and a portable spa set against the upper patio area. Not seen is the upper waterfall that faces the house.

Backyard Water Feature:

Looking down at the pool and new custom pavilion that grace the lower level, the eye is first captivated by an upper waterfall; its spilling water flows downward forming a stream behind that gravity pulls to the lower level. This part of the water feature was installed to face the house so it can be enjoyed from the upper patio as well as inside the home.

Waterfall-Fed Koi Pond:

The complete water feature for this project includes a 10-by-15 foot freeform koi pond, which is regularly aerated by waterfalls from the 35-foot backyard meandering stream. Parts of the property is natural woodland, so care was taken to protect the fish. Predators, that might live nearby, are discouraged from going after the fish by installation of a small cave where the fish can hide unseen — as well as remain dormant during winter months.

Techo-Bloc Patio and Steps:

One reason we love Techo-Bloc products is because they appear natural. They come in kits with varying shapes that allow us to create an attractive design instead of being limited by one-sized bricks etc. The Bullfrog Spa these clients chose fits snugly against the patio which was shaped to embrace it.

Total Backyard Upgrade Seen at Nighttime

This portable spa was positioned against the patio in a way to appear built-in — or custom. This way the clients have the best of both worlds, a handsome looking spa that is fitted with great massage jets.

By June Sullivan|2021-04-29T12:31:46-05:00April 29th, 2021|Aquascape Biofalls, Backyard Upgrades, Creative Design, Koi Ponds, Landscaping, Outdoor Living, Outdoor Rooms, Pondless Waterfalls, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Amenities, Pool Houses, Pool Surrounds, Pool Upgrades, Portable Hot Tubs, Retaining Walls, Sustainable Water Features, Terraces, trees, Trellises, Updating Landscape, Vinyl-lined Pools|Comments Off

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How Can I Add Privacy to my Backyard?

Backyard upgrades can create a wonderful escape — a place to relax and forget about everything. But a lot of homes in our New York Metro and Long Island areas are situated in tightly packed neighborhoods.

So often we hear the question: how can I add some privacy to my backyard?

1. Adding a Wall or Fence

Here’s a great example of living in a cramped neighborhood. The home of these Deck and Patio clients is in the heart of Queens, a borough of New York City. Their property is tightly surrounded by apartment buildings, traffic, and noise.

In such a city atmosphere, even adding the pool and patio they wanted couldn’t offer all the escape they desired. For a real backyard oasis, we had to shut out noise and the oppressive atmosphere.

Backyard Refuge

In addition to a lovely waterfall to help with the noise, we designed/built a 12-foot-high concrete block wall.

“While a wall like that is truly useful for privacy as well as a noise barrier, it can be overwhelming in itself,” says Dave.

So the next challenge was to soften the wall’s appearance. One thing great about interior and exterior walls is they make an ideal canvas.

“First, we planted bamboo around its perimeter,” says Dave. “Bamboo can be invasive so we encased the woody grass with concrete blocks to limit spreading.”

Living Wall

We also designed and supervised the layout of a “living wall” that can hold multiple-sized pots for plants.

When completed, the living wall became living art — changing in color and shape almost daily.

The result: the clients may live in a busy part of New York City, but during outdoor living season every spare moment is spent in blissful leisure right in their own backyard.

Fence Landscaping

For a second example of dressing up a fence or a wall, for these homeowners color and texture were really important.

Although their neighbors had a natural wooded area they got to enjoy, by adding their own bushes, trees and plenty of plantings, birds and their songs came closer to them and easier to watch and hear.

The crepe myrtles Deck and Patio planted, for example, are lovely in summer and contribute to an extended picture-perfect landscape season — they bloom from August through October, providing a haven for a variety of visiting birds and creating charming focal points in front of the fencing.

2. Pavilions

Pavilions

Sometimes, a fence and even bushes aren’t enough when, as you can see from this photo, neighboring homes are multi-storied. This is when a pavilion or a gazebo gives that extra bit of privacy.

Open to breezes and the scents of blooming flowers, but shut to the sky’s burning rays or drizzling rain, pavilions offer both shelter and aesthetic appeal, in addition to privacy.

Even though we added a fireplace, with modern technology, Deck and Patio was able to add built-in heating to the pavilion, that with a flip of a switch, will warm up the interior so they can enjoy a truly extended outdoor season.

Can I get Privacy without a Fence?

Natural Privacy Barriers

Yes, and we have a great example. This property was open on three sides, in full view of four homes. “And the clients wanted a ‘spool’ — or a cross between a small pool and a spa — but the best spot for it was in a very exposed area,” says Dave.

Most clients want privacy when in a spa or pool but not all want structures changing the feeling of a space. For a truly natural appeal, Deck and Patio’s landscaping design team used Skip Laurels, Leyland Cypress, and Cedars to create an attractive natural privacy screen around the spool.

In addition, texture and color were brought in to the buffering divider by incorporating flowering deciduous shrubs.

“We also incorporated creeping evergreen ground covers to cascade and wind over and between the rocks we installed,” says Dave. “Plus a careful selection of plants provides the area with color from April through October. The whole design flows beautifully into the back property.

Privacy through Container Gardening

Another simple way is to just add large bushes or trees in containers and place them close together.

Privacy in possible for most backyards. It sometimes a little creative thinking, but at Deck and Patio we believe it’s almost always doable.

By June Sullivan|2021-03-04T14:57:39-05:00March 4th, 2021|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Concrete (Gunite) Pools, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Fences, Gazebos, Landscape Planning, Noise Barriers, Outdoor Living, Outdoor Rooms, Patios & Decks, Pergola, Plants, Pools & Spas, Serenity Escapes, Spillover/Custom Spas, Unique Ideas, Vinyl-lined Pools, Vinyl-lined Spas, Walls|Comments Off

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Swim-Up Bars: Turning Your Backyard Pool Into a Full-Blown Resort

Many hope that very soon we’ll all be able to have a backyard bash, teaming with friends and family. Because of this eagerness, we can’t resist thinking about what amenities we want to share with them — once we get the “all clear.”

Riviera Maya Caribbean Resort

One popular feature to add to a swimming pool is the swim-up bar.

This upgrade is reminiscent of Caribbean and South Sea resort vacations (left), and once you add a swim-up bar, all you’ll need to complete the resort experience are those drink-umbrellas for your Mojitos and Piña Coladas.

Adults really love swim-up bars because they can stay in the pool while having a drink. But it’s also a great spot for swimmers and backyard strollers to meet up and talk, without the swimmers having to get out of the pool.

“If these are designed well,” says Deck and Patio’s Dave Stockwell, “swim-up bars can be also used as a dry bar — that is they can be enjoyed from its other side.”

Deck and Patio 38-Foot Swim Up Bar

In fact, Deck and Patio specializes in creating bars that do just that — do double duty as a dry bar and swim-up. Take, for example, this stunning bar shown here (top left of photo).

It’s really enjoyable to swim up to this 38-foot “swim-up bar”with submerged barstools.

“The key is each swim-up bar should be unique, designed and custom-made for each project,” says Dave. “Whether it’s the bar’s counter-top, any necessary retaining walls, masonry work, in-pool stools, electrical and plumbing work, it takes skill and experience to ensure it’s perfectly functional, safe, and beautiful.”

And as you can see from this Deck and Patio swim-up, it’s also a dry bar on the other side.

Swim-Up Bars Shade Structures

Shade Structures

While not necessary, a shade structure with the swim-up bar is frequently requested. As a licensed contractor, Deck and Patio is well known across Long Island for award-winning design and custom building.

Some shade structure options are:

— shade pergolas,

— trellises,

— gazebos and

— pavilions.

“A shade structure should blend harmoniously with other elements in your yard and can include everything from an outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, fireplace,” says Dave. “With such additions, your guests can enjoy dining, as well as drinks, from your swim-up bar.”

The main point, of course, is to have sufficient sun protection in that part of your yard and pool.

Lagoon-style Swimming Pool

In addition to a dramatic waterfall area, a stunning Cambridge paver patio and water slide, these clients wanted a swim-up bar with in-pool stools, and Tiki umbrellas.

Landscaping: Throughout this backyard retreat, smaller groups of boulders were fitted with plantings for natural and attractive retaining areas.

The photo below shows the other side of the swim up bar with examples of the landscaped boulders and plants.

True Backyard Retreat

“With True Blue Swimming Pool’s beautiful pool, the clients got what everything they wanted, a full oasis that “wows,” says Dave.

Deck and Patio Swim-Up Bar

Today’s Feature Photo at Top of Page: This is an example of combining many elements — use landscaping, a swim-up bar, pool waterfalls, natural retaining wall, shade structure, etc. — to create a true enticing backyard resort.

By June Sullivan|2021-01-28T14:32:10-05:00January 28th, 2021|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Resorts, Backyard Upgrades, Creative Design, Design and Build Experts, Family Fun, Gazebos, Infinity Pools, Landscape Planning, Landscaping, Moss Rock and Stones, Outdoor Bars, Outdoor Kitchens, Outdoor Living, Outdoor Rooms, Patios & Decks, paving stones, Pergola, Pool Amenities, Pool Houses, Pool Surrounds, Pool Upgrades, Pool Waterfalls, Retaining Walls, Swim Up Bars, Trellises, Unique Ideas|Comments Off

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When It Comes to Hardscapes, ‘Patio’ Is Our Middle Name

Referring to our company’s ‘middle’ name is more than a play on words. We have been successfully enhancing the hardscapes of our clients’ properties for over 25 years.

“Deck and Patio has become known as experts in natural stone, pavers and other landscaping materials,” says Dave Stockwell. “Brickwork and stonework are seeing new trends in recent years, and we like to think the many awards we have received for our projects suggest the superb design talents and installation competence of our team.”

Done properly, Dave adds, outdoor hardscapes are more than serviceable — they can be an essential element in ensuring a residence and surrounding property remain one harmonious whole.

To accomplish this requires choosing a new hardscape’s ideal hue, texture and pattern so that it complements the exterior of your residence and other outdoor spaces.

It also needs to be designed in a way perfectly suited to the amount of property space involved, and the use it will have.

Three Deck and Patio Projects

#1.

Welcoming Entrance

“For a truly welcoming entrance,” says Dave, “driveways constructed in the right paving stones can offer inviting curb appeal and distinction.

“In backyards, the right patio material can also feel like an extension of its surroundings.”

The driveway was done in handsome earth-tone concrete tumbled pavers that appear as an extension of the geometric patterns and hues of the home’s Glen Gary brick.

# 2.

Manhasset Backyard Oasis

Last fall we completed this backyard upgrade for a client’s newly-built home in Manhasset, NY.

The project boasts: a free-form heated Gunite pool with spillover spa and Jandy equipment, stream-fed waterfalls, pavilion, sunken fire pit with circular seating, outdoor kitchen, Cambridge Pavingstone patios/pool surround, and lush landscaping.

Close Up of Pool/Spa Area

Deck and Patio designed a large 25’ x 52’ free-form Gunite pool with a flowing stream alongside it to feed the pool’s 4’ x 6’ moss rock waterfall and second waterfall; also a custom spill-over spa with a veneer of Bucks County Country Ledgestone. We also allowed for a Dolphin waterslide, and partial boulder coping.

“The couple wanted us to pull out all the stops,” says Dave. “But that wasn’t what made us so happy to do the job. You see, they came to us as repeat clients — clients who loved our previous work for them, which to us is the very best testimonial.”

In addition to a custom pavilion with fireplace and an outdoor kitchen, we constructed a large sunken fire pit. The veneer we used on the fireplace, and on the inside of the sunken fire pit, as well as on the face of the outdoor kitchen and exterior of the custom spa is all Bucks County Country Ledgestone.

“The patios are made of Cambridge Pavingstones — from their Sherwood Ledgestone XL series. We laid them in a random pattern from our own design, including inlays with custom cut in borders.”

#3.

Travertine Patio

When it comes to natural stone, Travertine is a popular choice. Warning: it is key to work with reputable suppliers for this product as some Travertine comes from countries that produces a stone that will not hold up in the freeze/thaw climate of the Northeast.

For this glorious expansive Travertine patio, Deck and Patio installed Travertine from Turkey — for its beauty, density and porosity — which we could guarantee would withstand our area’s severe climate changes and maintain its elegance.

If you have trouble deciding on the right hardscape materials, our staff can explain the different benefits of each one — be it bluestone, brick, concrete pavers, permeable pavers, Travertine, etc.

Contact our office manage — Linda LaRose — during regular business hours at: 631-549-8100.

By June Sullivan|2020-10-15T15:07:34-05:00October 15th, 2020|Awards, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Concrete (Gunite) Pools, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Driveways, Landscape Planning, Landscaping, Outdoor Fireplaces, Outdoor Kitchens, Outdoor Rooms, Patios & Decks, paving stones, Pool Surrounds, Pools & Spas, Unique Ideas|Comments Off

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A Repeat Customer Is the Best Testimonial

Deck and Patio Backyard Oasis

Last fall we completed this backyard upgrade for a client’s newly-built home in Manhasset, NY.

The project boasts: a free-form heated Gunite pool with spillover spa and Jandy equipment, stream-fed waterfalls, pavilion, sunken fire pit with circular seating, outdoor kitchen, Cambridge Pavingstone patios/pool surround, and lush landscaping.

“The couple wanted us to pull out all the stops,” says Deck and Patio’s Dave Stockwell. “But that wasn’t what made us so happy to do the job. You see, they came to us as repeat clients — clients who loved our previous work for them, which to us is the very best testimonial.”

Backstory

In 2011, Deck and Patio upgraded this family’s deck area when they lived in Roslyn, NY, (click here to view that complete project). At the time, the couple really wanted a pool, but the Town had denied the request.

“The husband told us after we completed the deck, pavilion etc. that ‘one day, when we get our next house, and I can build a pool, you’ll be the first person I call.’”

And, indeed, in 2018, after their new home in Manhasset was built, they had lots of room for a pool (immediately below).

Manhasset Property before Deck and Patio began upgrade.

Custom Pool and Spa:

Deck and Patio designed a large 25’ x 52’ free-form Gunite pool (above) with a flowing stream alongside it to feed the pool’s 4’ x 6’ moss rock waterfall and second waterfall; also a custom spill-over spa with a veneer of Bucks County Country Ledgestone. We also allowed for a Dolphin waterslide, and partial boulder coping.

Manhasset Project’s Pool and Spa Area:

“After the backyard upgrade designs were approved by our clients and the Town, we immediately brought in True Blue Swimming Pools to construct the pool,” says Dave.

“The magnificent color of the water you see in the photos, for example, is due to True Blue’s choice of a custom Pebble Tec finish for both the pool and spa. Pebble Tec’s finish is also durable, textured and non-slip, as well as stain-resistant.

The pool/spa, of course, is a completely new design, but hints of the old Roslyn project are reflected in some other new backyard oasis’s amenities.

Pavilion with Fireplace

Their previous smaller Roslyn pavilion was fine when they had only one child who was very young — he could scoot around inside it on his tricycle — but now they had two children who would require more space and more activity.”

And although the previous project did boast a fully enclosed climate-controlled four-seasons room, this time, they were happy to sacrifice the ability to control the enclosure’s temperature for a much larger entertaining space.

Custom Pavilion Fireplace

“For the new large 16’ x 32’ pavilion, we dealt with the fact that they wouldn’t be able to screen out bugs by including large ceiling fans. Fans like these do deter irritating bugs while providing a nice breeze in warm weather.

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

Old Roslyn Project

New Manhaset Project

One bit of drama we designed for them back at their old roslyn home was a stone veneer wall behind their deck’s new outdoor kitchen (left above). Note how, in Manhasset (above right), we capture that same drama — and some — with the majestic custom fireplace we set against the large, open-air pavilion.

“The new fireplace design also includes different ledges capped to match the pillar bases. These are not just architecturally interesting; they will allow them to add pots and lovely plants come spring,” says Dave.

The veneer we used on the fireplace, and on the inside of the sunken fire pit, as well as on the face of the outdoor kitchen and exterior of the custom spa is all Bucks County Country Ledgestone.

Deck and Patio Designed/Built Sunken Fire Pit:

Speaking of the sunken fire pit, Deck and Patio designed it as a true gathering place, says Dave. “The homeowners wanted a wood-burning fireplace for the pavilion, but the fire pit he intended to be used a lot by his children and, therefore, wanted it natural gas with an electronic ignition that he can control from the house.”

Indeed, adds Dave, everything is on a smart Jandy system — from music, lights, the fire pit, swimming pool and spa.

“The patios are made of Cambridge Pavingstones — from their Sherwood Ledgestone XL series. We laid them in a random pattern from our own design, including inlays with custom cut in borders.”

The outdoor kitchen is constructed with a concrete block base and veneered to match other amenities. It has a grill, fridge, ice maker, etc. The husband is a wine connoisseur so it also has a wine fridge.

“We love this project for another reason,” says Dave. “It is a truly fun unique area that highlights everything Deck and Patio is known for — lush plantings, lawns, waterfalls, fire pits, patios, and custom spas.

“We finished the job about end-June into early July this year, which made a short outdoor living season for them. But because of the heated pool, the family told us they used it all the way into fall. They didn’t close the pool until end-October.”

By June Sullivan|2020-01-09T14:54:07-05:00January 9th, 2020|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Resorts, Backyard Upgrades, Concrete (Gunite) Pools, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Fire Pits, Landscaping, Moss Rock and Stones, Outdoor Fireplaces, Outdoor Kitchens, Outdoor Living, Outdoor Rooms, Patios & Decks, Plants, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Amenities, Pool Surrounds, Pool Waterfalls, Pools & Spas, Spillover/Custom Spas, Steps, Unique Ideas|Comments Off

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Labor Day Weekend Is Not the End of the Outdoor Season

Labor Day Weekend, 2023

There are lots of special events planned on Long Island for the upcoming Labor Day Weekend — food festivals, Marina beach parties, etc. More importantly, many of us will be hosting a backyard bash for friends and families.

However! As special as this end-of-summer bash is — it doesn’t mark the end of the outdoor season. Not by any means.

So as you plan your this backyard Labor Day Weekend bash, it’s a great time to consider how to ensure you’ll continue to enjoy your yard well beyond summer’s last long weekend hurrah. Below are a variety of ways to extend the outdoor season well into fall.

Pool House

A pool house may sound like a big project — and it can be — but think of its rewards. Not only does it allow you extend 2019’s outdoor season, but it will greatly improve the entirety of next year’s outdoor living season.

For example, with a pool house, no need to call in someone to spray for mosquitos (which you know you hate to do), because you now have a screened in space to enjoy the outdoors. And by going “big” you can opt for such luxury amenities as a pool house with a great room, and say, a sofa, flat screen television, refrigerator, washer/dryer, fireplace, and even storage closet.

Pool House with Travertine Patio:

This pool house was part of a destination pool area that included a 50-foot-long pool, 800-square-foot pool house, elegant Travertine patio, spillover spa with waterfalls, outdoor kitchen with natural stone facade and an outdoor shower. But pool houses can be designed in far more modest shapes and sizes.

2. Outdoor Fireplaces/Pavilions

Stand-alone fireplace at the edge of a patio

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

Custom Pavilion with Fireplace

But fireplaces can also be part of a larger amenity such as a pavilion/gazebo. In the Deck and Patio project pictured immediately below, we included lighted columns on stone pillars to match the stone in the fireplace. Also note how the lighting on the pillars and inside the roof contribute to a perfect evening ambience.

Open to breezes and the scents of blooming flowers, but shut to the sky’s burning rays or drizzling rain, pavilions offer both shelter and aesthetic appeal.

In addition to the fireplace, because of modern technology, Deck and Patio is able to add built-in heating to the pavilion, that with a flip of a switch, will warm up the interior.

3. Fire pits

Fire pits come already assembled, of course. But there is a large range of ways to customize them to fit your style and location.

Customized Gas Campfire:

Like many of our clients, these family members are true outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to a beautiful pool with spillover spa and natural-looking waterfalls, the homeowners had room for an expansive patio with several areas designed for different uses. For their inviting seating area, they wanted a gas fire pit surrounded with natural rock that complemented the natural look of their pool’s waterfalls.

Custom Fire Pits:

Throughout this enticing outdoor living area, Deck and Patio emphasized earth’s natural elements such as wood, stone, fire and water. A backyard stream with waterfalls, surrounded by moss rock boulders, moves past a portable hot tub set against a two-level patio with fire pit.

The patio was made from Techo-Bloc “Borealis” modular slabs that allowed us to give the patio the rich look of wood flooring. The fire pit was faced with stone to complement the other amenities and provide a handsome natural appeal.

Make It a Great One!

Labor Day Fun

Whatever your outdoor plans, we hope you all enjoy the upcoming Labor Day Weekend and the opportunity for outdoor fun with friends and family it presents.

Whether it’s a pool party, or a sing-along inside a gazebo or pavilion, it may be summer’s last hurrah, but the outdoor season is far from over.