Steve Sparhawk, Author at DeckTec Outdoor Designs

Spring Is in Bloom – Get Your Garden in Shape

April 14th, 2016|Garden & Lawn Care, Gardening|

Here at DeckTec, we work hard to design, create, and maintain beautiful custom outdoor living environments for you to enjoy with friends and family. Once your deck has been built, stained, and sealed, it’s up to you to turn it in to your ideal space. One of the most beautiful and environmentally friendly ways to perk up your outdoor room is to decorate with various flowers and plants. You’ll be surrounded by colorful blossoms and luscious greenery just in time for spring! Whether you’re interested in starting out with your first potted plant or have been tending a garden for years, use these tips and tricks to keep your deck as comfortable as possible and your plants looking great. One of the few downsides to springtime in Colorado is that once the weather inches above 70 degrees, mosquitoes come out to wreak havoc on anyone who forgets to light their [...]

Meet the Team: Josh Wriedt

April 7th, 2016|DeckTec News & Updates|

All the way back in 2004, Josh started at DeckTec as a project support assistant and has climbed the ranks up to project lead, a role in which he manages construction crews and does carpentry for custom DeckTec designs. Nowadays, Josh is known around the Denver Metro Area for his top-notch craftsmanship, which is apparent in every job he completes. “DeckTec was my first construction job, and I love working outside,” Josh says. “Working with my hands and using tools — it’s fun to get to create something.” Josh has, indeed, created many outdoor living spaces over the years. As creative custom designs and attention to detail are cornerstones of DeckTec jobs, Josh has again and again proven his ability to construct beautiful spaces with the utmost precision. “I treat every deck as if it’s my own. I want each deck to be the best possible deck it can be,” [...]

Inside Out: Defining The Outdoor Living Room

April 1st, 2016|Deck Design Tips & Trends, Decks & Backyard Features|

Here’s a little bit of a trick question for you: What’s the difference between an indoor and an outdoor living room? Answer: The walls! This may seem like an obvious answer, but there really is no big difference in what people do in their living spaces, whether they’re inside or out. They like to eat (barbecue), relax with their favorite beverages — possibly in front of or around a fireplace — and they like to entertain with friends and family. But instead of being surrounded by walls covered in tapestries or pictures, you’re looking at beautiful landscapes and extended views. Things just feel healthier and more relaxing when you’re outside enjoying the open air. Of course you can enjoy outdoor living on a nice deck or patio. However, to create a true outdoor living room you need to incorporate a deck or patio roof addition. Only then will you be [...]

Freshen Up Your Spring Cleaning

March 28th, 2016|Life On Deck|

Two Tips for an Even Cleaner Home It’s that time of year again — time for some spring cleaning! We have a couple of tips to ease your cleaning burdens, particularly for those things that often get forgotten in the rush. Here’s what you can do to have the freshest … Garbage Disposal This tends to be one of those appliances that gets forgotten until that smell starts to invade the kitchen. While specialized cleaning capsules are available, they aren’t something you typically keep around. What you probably do have is citrus: oranges, lemons, and limes. Toss citrus waste into the garbage disposal with a few ice cubes. Turn on the appliance for 20 to 30 seconds. Once the disposal sounds clear, run hot water for another 30 seconds to rinse. Done! Not only will your garbage disposal be nearly as clean as the day it was installed, your kitchen [...]

Deck-Worthy Delicacies Irish Soda Bread

March 21st, 2016|Life On Deck, Outdoor Recipes|

Ingredients 3 ½ Cups of Flour 1 Cup Sugar 1 Teaspoon Salt 2 Tablespoons Baking Powder 2 Eggs 1/3 Cup Butter 1 Cup Milk ¾ Cups Raisins Directions Soak raisins for a few minutes to plump them, drain, and then dredge with ¼ cup flour in the recipe Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cream shortening and sugar; add eggs and mix Add dry ingredients alternately with milk Mix in raisins. Bake at 350 degrees in a greased pan for about 45 min to an hour depending on the pan you use. Use cake pans (8”-9” in diameter) or tube pans.

steve.sparhawk

About Steve Sparhawk

Spring Is in Bloom – Get Your Garden in Shape

Meet the Team: Josh Wriedt

Inside Out: Defining The Outdoor Living Room

Freshen Up Your Spring Cleaning

Deck-Worthy Delicacies Irish Soda Bread