new decking – The Deck and Patio Company

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Staycations: Small Backyard Landscaping Ideas

The weather is going to be pretty cold over the next few days. A good time to stay indoors and plan for warm weather staycations

That said, there are many of you with small backyards who find themselves living inside even during the warm outdoor season. You may want to be outside, but like the following clients, you may not enjoy your less-than-special backyard. As for upgrading, you may fear the practicality and costs of to create anything of quality.

Budget-Friendly Decks

Fiberon Protect Advantage Cedar Capped Composite Decking: Lattice not only makes an attractive base, its gaps provide ventilation, thereby inhibiting mold growth underneath the deck.

“Not all decks need be elaborate and expensive,” says our own Dave Stockwell. “For example, this budget-friendly deck we built for clients is modestly sized, yet large enough for a dining table, loungers and barbecue. It was designed to be just two steps above grade so a railing was not required either — another cost saver.”

Quality: The material Deck and Patio used is from Fiberon. We liked this composite decking for its beautiful wood-like multi-chromatic grain pattern, says Dave, which belies how highly functional it is.

As a composite cellular material of durable polymer, it is moisture resistant. Plus, no organic material is involved, so no mold will grow on it. Low maintenance, lovely to look at, sufficiently ample in size, yet it was very budget-friendly.

Small Backyard Landscaping Tip: “When working with tighter places,” adds Dave, “allow enough room for a chaise lounge, dining, barbecue, and sufficient space to walk around. At the same time, do not overbuild the whole available space.”

Fiberon Protect Advantage Cedar Capped Composite Decking:

This is the project described above. Another small backyard landscaping tip: Planters are a budget-friendly way to add bursts of color around the deck. You can even grow vegetables in planters such as a “summer salad” container for tomatoes and cucumbers, says Deck and Patio’s Dave Stockwell. You can be sure these clients use their backyard a good deal now — for sun bathing, dining, and entertaining.

Small Backyards with Hot Tubs

“Before”

“After”

“We’re frequently asked about how to make a pretty setting for a hot tub in a small backyard,” says Dave.

As you will see from the before photo (above left), space for these clients was tight. Even so, this Massapequa couple longed to enjoy their backyard more.

“So in lieu of what would have been a more expensive pool, the couple decided on a hot tub, installed with a custom look, in-ground, which would also made it easier to get in and out of,” says Dave.

However, even though these Deck and Patio clients knew they’d love spending time outdoors in their new hot tub, they wanted something beautiful to look at while in it.

They certainly did not want to be facing their home’s siding, or even just a plain line of healthy evergreens. The idea of a pond, with soothing waterfall, and colorful koi swimming about that they could feed right from the hot tub, was the perfect complement (see right photo)

“After”

Upshot? The pond with waterfalls, custom hot tub installation, and landscaping were still considerably less expensive than a pool. “A small backyard is an ideal place for a hot tub,” adds Dave. Note: Deck and Patio has portable CAL Spas in stock at our design center.

Fountainscapes Are Perfect in Small Spaces

Fountainscapes:

Even a simple fountain will provide the delightful sound of moving water and a picturesque setting. Such sounds upgrade a routine garden into a spot that makes you want to stay home and just relax.

Certainly this Deck and Patio landscaping project included just the right touch to take it from pretty to sublime. There’s nothing quite like the sound of water to make us relax.

Although Deck and Patio installed this “stacked stone urn” fountain for the clients, they are easy DIY projects.

The kits come pretty well fabricated with a catch basin, pump, piping, and in different sizes. The one we used is the smallest (32” tall) — a perfect scale for this garden.

By June Sullivan|2023-02-02T13:48:53-05:00February 2nd, 2023|Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Fiberon, Koi Ponds, Landscape Planning, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Plantings/Pondscapes, Pondless Waterfalls, Ponds & Water Features, Portable Hot Tubs, Portable Spas, Staycations|Comments Off

Backyard Slope Problem Solved By 3-Level Decking Design
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Backyard Slope Problem Solved By 3-Level Decking Design

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

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

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

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

Multi-Level Deck:

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

Trex Composite Decking:

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

Outdoor Kitchen:

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

Vinyl Pool and Surround:

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

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:42-05:00October 9th, 2014|Awards, Composite Decking, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Landscaping, Outdoor Furniture, Outdoor Kitchens, Patios & Decks, Pool Upgrades, Pools & Spas, Railings, Trex Decking, Vinyl-lined Pools|1 Comment

Budget Backyards: Are You Assessing Your Small Backyard Fairly?
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Budget Backyards: Are You Assessing Your Small Backyard Fairly?

Deck and Patio designed and built modestly-sized quality deck with room for the whole family and even guests

Many people with small backyards don’t use them. Even in hot weather, they live indoors. Others want to be outside, but fear the costs of adding or upgrading to anything of quality.

Not all decks need be elaborate and expensive. This budget-friendly deck, for example, is modestly sized, yet large enough for a barbecue, dining table and loungers. Just two steps above grade, a railing was not required either — another cost-saver.

Quality: The material we used for this handsome deck is from Fiberon. We liked this composite decking for its beautiful wood-like multi-chromatic grain pattern which belies how highly functional it is. As a composite cellular material of durable polymer, it is moisture resistant. Plus, no organic material is involved, so no mold will grow on it. Low maintenance, lovely to look at, sufficiently ample in size, yet it was very budget-friendly.

Additional tips from Deck and Patio’s outdoor living expert: When working with tighter places, allow enough room for a chaise lounge, dining, barbecue, and sufficient space to walk around. At the same time, do not overbuild the whole available space.

Fiberon Protect Advantage Composite Decking:Cost-friendly, modestly-sized, deck can be beautiful and functional. There is room enough to barbecue, dine, and sun bathe and is conveniently located to kitchen and back door.

Fiberon Protect Advantage Cedar Capped Composite Decking: Lattice not only makes an attractive base, its gaps provide ventilation, thereby inhibiting mold growth underneath the deck.

Fiberon Protect Advantage Cedar Capped Composite Decking: Planters are a budget-friendly way to add bursts of color around the deck. You can even grow vegetables in planters such as a “summer salad” container for tomatoes and cucumbers.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:48-05:00February 13th, 2014|Backyard Upgrades, Composite Decking, Deck and Patios, Herb/Vegetable Gardens, Landscaping, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Uncategorized|1 Comment

Functional Outdoor Living Spaces Beautifully Defined
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Functional Outdoor Living Spaces Beautifully Defined

Updated 7-13-23

In their “Homes” issue last fall, Forbes listed their top landscaping trends of 2023. One category stood out to us — “defined outdoor spaces.”

“As homeowners spend more time outdoors,” says Forbes, “they have a new need for their outdoor space to feel more functional and complete.”

“While Deck and Patio has many projects that could highlight this landscaping trend,” says our own Dave Stockwell, “considering recent weather, the following upgrade is particularly special to us. It was a waterside property restoration where we were called in after a massive storm.

Long Island has been an outdoor playground since the Revolutionary War. However, space can be at a premium for many of its waterside properties. By creating multi-tiered decking, we were able to define functional as well as beautiful spaces: a large pool deck with dining space, lounge area, water-side fire table for peaceful viewing and conversation, and an upper-level dedicated to a hot tub lounge area. The pool is a stunner, too, if we say so ourselves.

At the end of this blog you’ll see a ‘before photo’ of the property as we found it after the storm.

The Reconstruction

Sometimes property restorations and upgrades are forced on us when purchasing a home; other times, as in this project showcase, outdoor living spaces are ruined by storm or time. In other cases, properties simply look dated and tired. And, occasionally, the motive is simply to replace decks and patios that require constant care with more maintenance-free materials and designs.

In the case of this special waterside project, both time and storm had torn away the vinyl fabric and foundation of an existing pool. The surrounding landscaping also needed restoring, as, indeed, did the expansive backyard decking. Taking advantage of all this new work being done, the homeowners decided to enjoy the “full water experience.” Beyond the wonderful dock/water access they already had on a charming Long Island canal, and the pool they were restoring, they wanted a new hot tub/spa to complete a new backyard oasis.

Upgraded Pool and Surround:

Our design and build team restored damaged pool, deck, and landscaping to create an enviable waterside oasis.

Refurbished Pool

Our design for the pool kept the straight lines of the previous geometric vinyl pool but as an upgrade we chamfered the corners; we replaced the previous liner with a lagoon/grotto style that is so in demand today. Of course, before adding the new liner, the bottom and sides of the pool needed restoration. In fact, our vinyl pools also have steel reinforced concrete walls, which are thicker and stronger than a typical gunite pool. Vinyl liners simply soften the feel of the pool by offering a top layer of comfortable padding.

The only challenge with vinyl is measuring and accurately cutting and welding the liner to fit perfectly over the concrete base. Deck and Patio’s team works with the very best experts who can do even very complex projects such as vinyl pools with a “vanishing” or “infinity” edge.

Geometric Vinyl Pool:

The only challenge with vinyl is measuring and accurately cutting and welding the liner to fit perfectly over the concrete base. This requires expertise and experience.

New Multi-tiered Decking

When designing expansive decking and pool surrounds, it is important that the chaise lounge, dining, and outdoor patio areas are all large enough for furniture and offer enough room to walk around. It is equally important not to over-build or “hardscape” the whole space.

For this project, in consultation with the homeowners, our design team installed three levels of capped composite decking that begins at the back door and leads down to their canal-side dock.

The upper level has room to relax and enjoy the water views; this level is flanked by two different sets of steps. On the left, the stairs lead down to the new hot tub/lounge area. The stairs on the right lead down to the larger pool level. At the water’s edge, we provided a fire pit/sitting area that, along with the hot tub, dramatically extends the outdoor living season.

Waterside Ambiance:

Deck and Patio provided a fire pit/sitting area that, along with the hot tub, dramatically extends the outdoor living season.

Deck and Patio and the homeowners chose strong “capped composite” decking because of the natural beauty of the material and its durability. It offers the look of wood but is warranted against staining and fading. No nail holes or wood knots to contend with, and certainly no staining or painting. Framing the entire area is lovely vinyl railing which also delivers durability as well as beautiful, sturdy and safe surrounds. The “capped” part of this quality composite decking acts like a veneer, or cap, for extra protection of the underneath composite materials.

In sum: the new three-level deck’s clean lines give a more modern and polished look to this lovely waterside outdoor space while also being extremely maintenance-friendly.

Decking design/build:

The new deck’s clean lines offer a modern and polished look while also being very maintenance-friendly.

Hot Tub/Loung Area

Completing the “full water experience,” a new hot tub is just steps down from the backdoor where it has been set into the deck for a pleasing “built-in” appearance. The hot tub’s cover can be left upright to provide additional privacy and also easily dropped down to cover the hot tub when not in use.

Deck and Patio includes a hot tub cover with almost all of its packages. We feel this is important because when the wind blows and dirt and leaves fall, they throw off the balance of the water quality by affecting the sanitary conditions of the water. We have learned from experience that clients will use the cover more regularly if it’s easy to open and close and if it is attractive and suits the hot tub model. Such is the case for this hot tub’s cover which fits the hot tub’s size, design and where they wanted it placed.

Backyard Restorations:

The owners of this Long Island waterside home wanted a pool and deck restoration/upgrade to what time and storm had destroyed.

By June Sullivan|2023-07-13T12:43:43-05:00November 21st, 2013|Ask the Experts, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Bullfrog Spas, Composite Decking, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Pool Surrounds, Pool Upgrades, Pools & Spas, Vinyl-lined Pools|0 Comments

The Deck and Patio Company Replaces Pool and Deck After Hurricane Sandy
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The Deck and Patio Company Replaces Pool and Deck After Hurricane Sandy

Beautiful new 3-tier Trex deck and freeform vinyl pool replaces what was lost in hurricane

The Northeast has just marked the first anniversary of Hurricane Sandy which devastated our shores. And no area was harder hit than Long Island’s South Shore. However, home-by-home, what was lost during that horrific super storm is being restored or replaced and our firm is honored to be part of this on-going resurrection.

The following deck and pool project is an example of we have been using our design/build expertise to bring back the joys of waterside living for families shaken by loss, but who are also strong in their desire to rebuild.

Beautifully situated on a bay off the Atlantic, the backdoor of this home is set high above ground. In order to bring the outdoor space up to the same level as the home, our design called for three deck levels leading from the door down to a new freeform vinyl pool and beautiful deck surround.

As always, when we build a deck, we take into consideration proper space planning to allow room for tables, chairs, barbeques, food pep areas and other features that make outdoor living so enjoyable. In addition, we create a design that takes into consideration the size of the property and the ability to maintain views. Considering the beautiful vistas open to this home, maximizing views was an important factor in every part of our design.

Elegant Multi-Level Deck and Freeform Pool:

In order to bring the outdoor space up to the same level as the home, our design called for three deck levels leading from the door down to a new freeform vinyl pool.

Maximizing Views/New Decking:

Considering the beautiful vistas open to this home, maximizing views was an important factor in every part of our design.

Deck and Patio’s design brought the deck up to the back door. Stepping out onto tits first tier, the homeowners enjoy a deep seating/lounge area that boasts panoramic views of the bay’s inlet. Without obstructing the view, sophisticated drama was added by framing their deck with attractive vinyl railing which like the composite decking could last for years needing little or no repair.

The deck itself is made of composite decking — composite being deck materials manufactured with wood fiber and a mixture of plastic or other materials. Being a composite fabrication, there is no cracking, rotting or splitting. And because it requires no sealants the composite materials are also protected from UV rays, and allows no damage from insects, water, or sun.

The composite decking we used is available in a variety of colors and is durable and low maintenance. The decking can be configured in a variety of patterns to match the individual style of any home. In fact, at Deck and Patio’s new design and display studio our clients can see the various choices available and how it will look on your deck.

Slip-Resistant Pool Decking:

We also feel the particular decking we chose is a good choice to use around pools because this manufacturer’s product provides a stable, firm, slip-resistant surface – wet or dry which meets the American Disability Act’s non-slip standards.

Custom Outdoor Kitchen:

Just steps from the seating area, level two of the new deck offers a custom outdoor kitchen/eating area. Here, a new grill, refrigerator, and smoker/cooker are set within curved custom cabinetry with raised bar that mimics the decking. The white vinyl railing offers dramatic framing to the warm wood tone of the outdoor kitchen and deck.