outdoor entertaining – The Deck and Patio Company

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Add Some Color to your Labor Day Weekend Bash

Updated 8-29-24

Backyard grill? Check. Pool still open? Check. Shade umbrellas and loungers? Check. Cold drinks for the cooler? Check. Everything’s ready for your end-of-season Labor Day backyard bash.

But, what about some final touches?

It’s not too late for you to add a few containers of flowers or plants to brighten up your deck, patio, or pool area for the long weekend. Even if you’re not hosting a party yourself, fresh plantings allow you to create a special hostess gift, like a bouquet from your very own garden.

Wondering where to add fresh pops of color around your yard? Here’s some ideas.

Multi-level Patios Enhanced With Bright Plantings

These Deck and Patio clients (immediately above) wanted some color as they and guests move from one patio up to another. Note the bright red Anemones on the left and yellow Coneflowers on the right. With lots of additional green ferns, the natural stone steps feel like a true nature walk.

Close Up of Coneflowers

Here’s a nice close up of coneflowers. Also known as aka Echinacea, thee are perfect for summer into fall. Native to our neck of the woods, they thrive in our climate. Not to mention, butterflies love them in case any Monarchs are passing by. They come in pink (like our feature photo above, red, orange, white and yellow.

Wooden Bench Beside Brown Wood Fence

As you can see from this photo, you don’t require a resort to add a few pops of color. Here, it’s just a simple wooden bench that becomes celebrated by hanging a few planters on a complementary brown wood fence.

Anemone Windflower — or “Honorine Jobert

Honorine Jobert offer bright yellow hearts and are a great choice to plant mid-to-late August. The Windflower will bloom through October and it prefers shade-to-partial sun, and moist, well-drained soil.

Chelone, (aka Turtlehead)

Chelone, (aka Turtlehead) boasts purple/red flowerings; it also does well in both shade and sun.

Sedum or Autumn Joy

Sedums like the “upright” like Autumn Joy, as well as Asters, are also great choices. These prefer sun and are available in many different varieties and shades of pink and purple.

Add Pops of Color Poolside

“It’s easy to make a splash this Labor Day weekend with bright plantings around your property,” says Dave Stockwell. “These ideas for adding color and beauty will not only make Labor Day Weekend entertaining colorful, but the impact will last well into the fall.”

By June Sullivan|2024-08-29T13:41:39-05:00September 1st, 2022|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Deck and Patios, Family Fun, Fences, Gardening, Gift Ideas, Landscaping, Outdoor Living, outdoor maintenance, Patios & Decks, Plants, pool decking, Seasonal Landscapes, Updating Landscape|Comments Off

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Avoid Travel Hassles: Vacation On Your Deck Instead

Air Travel Can Be Challenging

Recently, air travel has become one nightmare story after another. And gasoline costs are still very high. However, if you have a deck, or are thinking of having one built or updated, you could go camping — or even glamping – right on your own back step.

Camping on a deck you ask? Well, it meets the first rule of camping to locate your tent on level ground. Your deck certainly provides that.

Plus, you can even go fancy, like the deck tent set up in our feature photo at the top of this page. You can even leave it there through the summer-early-fall months. So it’s ready when you feel the need to get away.

Should you require a deck built or an existing one remodeled, you can visit our design center or call our office to set up an appointment for someone to visit your property.

“When you visit our design center,” says our own Dave Stockwell, “you can see actual samples of materials – various types of natural wood and composite materials in many varieties of textures and colors. We will help you select the right type for your installation, based on the design of the project, the surroundings and landscaping.”

The Joys of Camping!

If camping is a new experience for you, either on your deck or at a campsite, consider what it’ll be like falling asleep to the sound of crickets and waking to a symphony of birds.

Deck Railing Planter

And you don’t need to live in a natural wilderness to experience getting away. It’s easy to “naturalize” your deck with a few containers of plants to add to the adventure.

But, first, you must begin with a tent. Putting up a tent isn’t that hard as you’ll see from the video immediately below. This was put together by an Aussie who shares the types of tents you can choose as well as how to open and close them down.

Deck Camping Tips

folding chairs allow you to leave the tent from time to time.
String a few lights
Set up some citronella candles
Sleeping bags (unless you want to “clamp: it up — see below
Kids favorite blankets and sleep items
No worry about snacks – your kitchen is just steps away!

Glamp It Up!

Glamping takes a bit more work than pitching a tent. For some creative ideas on what goes into have a luxurious camping experience, we found a lot of ideas at the website of glamping holiday resorts.

For example, our feature photo at the top of our blog is from Daylesford Holiday Park (Victoria Australia). And their website offers some great comfort amenities to get you thinking about what you could include in and around your tent.

Hudson Valley Luxury Camping

Closer to home, the Collective Hudson Valley has some very sophisticated ideas for true glamping.

Their retreat at Liberty Farms is inspiring. Their setups may be a bit of work if you plan to only camp out for a night or two. But if you want to have your own summer-long glamp-site, their website is not to be missed for ideas.

However, if you want to upgrade a camping experience from just plain sleeping bags to something a bit more refined, Pinterest has a wealth of ideas for easy glamping. Here’s just one helpful post we found:

“Setting Up Camp
..With so many options available, finding a pop-up weatherproof tent has never been easier. Choose one that best meets your needs in terms of size and portability. This one from Ikea works well because it has a solid structure, movable drapes and is large enough to fit two cots.”

By June Sullivan|2022-07-21T23:06:52-05:00July 21st, 2022|Backyard Escapes, Composite Decking, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Family Fun, Fiberon, Landscape Planning, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, TimberTech, Trex Decking, Unique Ideas, Wood Decks|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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Spruce Up the Yard with Pops of Color this Labor Day

Labor Day Weekend — the last of summer’s three big holiday weekends — is just about two weeks away. And while it’s not the end of the outdoor season, it is one of the final big outdoor weekends for entertaining — even if we have to gather wearing masks etc.

In order to make your outdoor area extra special for Labor Day, how about adding pops of plant color around your deck or patio. Even if you’re not hosting a party yourself, but are attending someone else’s, a refreshed plantings allows you to create a special hostess gift, like a bouquet from your very own garden.

Sandra Vultaggio, Horticulture Consultant

And for some good news: It’s not too late to be adding flowers for Labor Day that will also last well into the fall. Sandra Vultaggio, Horticulture Consultant, has provided us with just the right plants to add this time of year.

“Late in the summer season is actually a great time to add some perennials,” says Vultaggio. “And you can usually get good deals on them this time of year.”\

As for which ones to look out for, she agrees with Deck and Patio that the beautiful Honorine Jobert Anemone (aka Windflower) with its bright yellow heart is a great choice to add mid-to-late August. The Windflower will bloom through October and it prefers shade-to-partial sun, and moist, well-drained soil.

Honorine Jobert Anemone (aka Windflower)

Vultaggio offered several more perennial choices. For example, Chelone, (aka Turtlehead). “This purple/red flowering plant does well in both shade and sun,” she says.

Chelone, (aka Turtlehead)

“Sedums (the “upright” like Autumn Joy), as well as Asters, are also great choices,” she continues. “These prefer sun and are available in many different varieties and shades of pink and purple.”

Sedum — Autumn Joy

For a sunny yellow option, Vultaggio suggests Solidago (aka Goldenrod) which also prefers full sun.

Solidago (aka Goldenrod)

“I suggest getting these perennials in the ground sooner rather than later,” she continues. If it hasn’t rained before planting, soak the root systems thoroughly and keep them very well watered and mulched after planting.”

“It’s easy to make a splash this Labor Day weekend with bright plantings around your property,” adds Dave Stockwell. “Sandra’s ideas for adding color and beauty will not only make Labor Day Weekend entertaining colorful, but the impact will last well into the fall.”

Asters

Note: Our feature photo at the top of our blog page today shows a lovely colorful flower from the Aster family.

By June Sullivan|2021-08-26T10:08:41-05:00August 26th, 2021|Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Gardening, Landscape Planning, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Living, Seasonal Landscapes, Unique Ideas, Updating Landscape|Comments Off

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Outdoor Living: Gathering Round On July 4th

Updated 6-27-24

Cooking Yummy Food on the Grill

As you gather round with family and friends this July 4th, it’s a good time to assess how easy and fun it has been to pull it off. After all, there’s still a lot of outdoor season left. And a big get-together can expose any areas that need upgrading.

Deck and Patio has designed/built many ideal outdoor living spaces that include what is often the center of entertaining –outdoor kitchens, and in a variety of sizes and shapes.

The one we’re highlighting today includes an outdoor kitchen that was part of an overall backyard upgrade. And it’s two main components — patio area and outdoor kitchen/bar area — can help you in your own backyard review.

1. Patio Amenities

Backyard Upgrade with Portable Spa

The project boasts a two-level Techo-Bloc patio, custom fire pit, dining and seating areas, and a water feature with stream and waterfalls that flow alongside a new portable hot tub.

Space, however, was an issue when planning this upgrade. So rather than a fixed pergola, the clients chose moveable outdoor umbrellas — or, ‘flexible shade.’

Upper and Lower Patios (Long Island/NY):

Both patio areas were built with Borealis’ modular slabs from Techo-Bloc. Note how the colorful umbrellas behind the outdoor kitchen can be moved as needed in their yard, and offer such nice pops of color wherever they are positioned.

Their new custom fire pit is overlaid in a facade of natural stone that mimics that of their outdoor kitchen.

2. Outdoor Kitchen Area

The outdoor kitchen’s amenities include a built-in stainless steel grill, expansive work area, sink, refrigerator and eating/drinking bar with stools.

Feature photo

Project’s Feature Photo Above: The outdoor kitchen’s handsome and expansive granite countertop allows for an eating/drinking bar, while leaving plenty of “prep” space for cooking. Ice and cold drinks fit in the fridge immediately below the eating/drinking bar area.

Note also how the outdoor kitchen is only steps from their hot tub and relaxing water feature.

A full-sized activity center is the perfect spot for a break anytime. Whether entertaining or not, it’s the heart of outdoor living.

By June Sullivan|2024-06-27T13:47:27-05:00May 6th, 2021|Uncategorized|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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Custom Fireplaces Say ‘Welcome’ to Fall

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

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

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

Manhasset Project

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

Custom Fireplace Design by Deck and Patio:

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

Custom Pavilion with Outdoor Fireplace:

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

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

Stand-Alone Fireplaces

Stand-alone fireplace at the edge of a patio:

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

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

Budget-Friendly Fireplaces:

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

Feature Photo:

Feature Photo:

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

And … a four-legged client heard from:

New Patio, Pergola and Fireplace.

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

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

By June Sullivan|2020-09-03T14:14:50-05:00September 3rd, 2020|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Upgrades, Composite Decking, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Landscape Planning, Landscaping, Outdoor Fireplaces, Outdoor Living, Pergola, Plantings/Pondscapes, Plants, Pondless Waterfalls, Ponds & Water Features, Seasonal Landscapes, Trellises, Unique Ideas, Updating Landscape|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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Welcome Guests with Pops of Color this Labor Day

Labor Day Weekend — the last of summer’s three big holiday weekends — is just a week away. And while it’s not the end of the outdoor season (see last week’s blog for ideas on how to extend it), it is one of the last big outdoor weekends for entertaining.

So if you are hosting an event, you might want to make it extra special by adding pops of plant color around your deck or patio. Even if you’re not hosting yourself, you might be in need of a hostess gift — like a bouquet from your very own garden.

Sandra Vultaggio, Horticulture Consultan

Now, if you’re wondering if it’s too late to be adding flowers that will not only make Labor Day colorful, but will also last well into the fall, not to worry. We have below some great ideas from Sandra Vultaggio, Horticulture Consultant at Suffolk County’s Cornell Cooperative Extension, who has just the right plants in mind.

“Late in the summer season is actually a great time to add some perennials,” says Vultaggio. “And you can usually get good deals on them this time of year.”

As for which ones to look out for, she agrees with Deck and Patio that the beautiful Honorine Jobert Anemone (aka Windflower) is a great choice to add mid-to-late August. The Windflower will bloom through October and it prefers shade-to-partial sun, and moist, well-drained soil.

Honorine Jobert Anemone (aka Windflower)

Vultaggio offered several more perennial choices. For example, Chelone, (aka Turtlehead). “This purple/red flowering plant does well in both shade and sun,” she says.

Chelone, (aka Turtlehead)

“Sedums (the “upright” like Autumn Joy), as well as Asters, are also great choices,” she continues. “These prefer sun and are available in many different varieties and shades of pink and purple.”

Sedum — Autumn Joy

For a sunny yellow option, Vultaggio suggests Solidago (aka Goldenrod) which also prefers full sun.

Solidago (aka Goldenrod)

“I suggest getting these perennials in the ground sooner rather than later,” she continues. If it hasn’t rained before planting, soak the root systems thoroughly and keep them very well watered and mulched after planting.”

“It’s easy to make a splash this Labor Day weekend with bright plantings around your property,” adds Dave Stockwell. “Sandra’s ideas for adding color and beauty will not only make Labor Day Weekend entertaining colorful, but the impact will last well into the fall.”

Note: Our feature photo at the top of our blog page today shows a lovely colorful flower from the Aster family.

By June Sullivan|2019-08-22T13:33:45-05:00August 22nd, 2019|Ask the Experts, Backyard Refurbishments, Gardening, Landscaping, Outdoor Living, Plants, Seasonal Landscapes, Updating Landscape|Comments Off

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Outdoor Kitchens & Bars: The Heart of Outdoor Living

Update 5-4-23

The online home design and style gurus at Livingetc wrote last month that “outdoor kitchens have become a new essential luxury.”

From our perspective at Deck and Patio, we would have to agree. We are getting more and more requests for such luxuries, including being flexible where some of the outdoor kitchen/bar amenities are housed.

In our earlier blog (below), most of the outdoor kitchens we showcased have the components of a combined kitchen/bar contained within one structure.

Custom Installed Outdoor Bar Equipment, Smithtown, NY

However, we thought our readers would enjoy seeing a recent project we completed in Smithtown, NY, (left/immediately below) where we housed the bar features often associated with an outdoor kitchen (refrigerator, etc) within a new custom pavilion.

As you see from these two photos, set within a partial stone-faced wall are bar elements that are handy and do not require those relaxing there to go to the barbecue for a cool drink, etc.

“There are so many ways to configure the elements of an outdoor kitchen or bar. We love coming up with creative ideas that fit our clients’ lifestyle,” says our own Dave Stockwell.

Deck and Patio Pavilion With Outdoor Bar Components

Enjoy below our earlier blog that showcases a couple of our customers’ combined outdoor kitchens/bars.

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Cooking Yummy Food on the Grill

It’s hard to imagine an outdoor party that doesn’t include yummy food cooked up on a barbecue. Outdoor get-togethers like Communions, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, graduations, and anniversaries, not to mention Memorial Day and July 4th, invariably include a food element.

Deck and Patio clients are no exception. We’re frequently asked for more than a barbecue. Outdoor living is so valued in our neck of the woods, clients frequently want a full-sized activity center, partly for flexibility in cooking, but also to allow the “cook” or “cooks” to be part of conversations and fun.

Backyard Upgrade with Bullfrog Spa

The outdoor kitchen we’re highlighting today was part of an overall backyard upgrade that boasts a two-level Techo-Bloc patio, custom fire pit, dining and seating areas, and a water feature with stream and waterfalls that flow alongside a new portable Bullfrog Spas’ hot tub (right).

Space, however, was an issue when planning this upgrade. Rather than a fixed pergola, the clients chose moveable outdoor umbrellas — or, ‘flexible shade.’

Upper and Lower Patios (Long Island/NY):

Both patio areas were built with Borealis’ modular slabs from Techo-Bloc. Note how the colorful umbrellas behind the outdoor kitchen can be moved as needed in their yard, and offer such nice pops of color wherever they are positioned.

Their new custom fire pit is overlaid in a facade of natural stone that mimics that of their outdoor kitchen. The outdoor kitchen’s amenities include a built-in stainless steel grill, expansive work area, sink, refrigerator and eating/drinking bar with stools.

Feature Photo

Project’s Feature Photo (Also Top of Page): The outdoor kitchen’s handsome and expansive granite countertop allows for an eating/drinking bar, while leaving plenty of “prep” space for cooking. Ice and cold drinks fit in the fridge immediately below the eating/drinkingbar area. Note also how the outdoor kitchen is only steps from their hot tub and relaxing water feature.

A full-sized activity center is the perfect spot for a break anytime. Whether entertaining or not, it’s the heart of outdoor living.

Note: You can see more Deck and Patio outdoor kitchens/bars here.