DeckTec Archives - Page 6 of 13 - DeckTec Outdoor Designs

Spring Has Sprung!

April 4th, 2018|Life On Deck|

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to head outside, especially since we have “sprung forward” and the days are steadily getting warmer. With the Rockies home opener this Friday, I know summer is on its way. With summer comes all of the graduations, weddings, BBQs, and outdoor parties that are ideal for celebrating in your outdoor living environment. I can’t remember the start of a Colorado baseball season where the team has had such promise. Even though I’ll have many opportunities to see the Rockies play at Coors Field, I’m sure I’ll have many more wonderful evenings watching from my covered patio. With our amazing climate, there’s no better place for outdoor living than right here in Colorado. Just thinking about it gets me excited for another season. As we begin to spend more time outdoors we’re always looking for ways to enhance our pleasure and enjoyment, from [...]

Gardening On Deck: Dress It Up

March 21st, 2018|Blog, Garden & Lawn Care|

You’re probably familiar with interior design and decorating, but did you know that you can also give your deck a makeover with “exterior” design? Container gardening is so easy. It brings the garden to you and works in whatever space you have available. You can grow anything and everything from fruits and vegetables to flowers and herbs, and there’s no better time to start planning your own “on deck” garden than now! Map It Out Deck space is finite, and you’ll want to use that space in the most effective way possible. Planning is key – step back and take a look at your deck and landscape features. Grab a pencil and paper and start mapping out different designs to get your creative ideas flowing. Potted plants for the deck, flower boxes on the railing, and hanging plants for posts and walls are just a few of the ways you [...]

Corned Beef and Cabbage for St. Patrick’s Day

March 14th, 2018|Blog, Outdoor Recipes|

With St. Patrick's Day this weekend, it's time to get our Irish on! 2 celery stalks, cut into 3-inch pieces 3 carrots, cut into 3-inch pieces 1 small yellow onion, cut into 1-inch wedges (root end left intact) Onions Yellow/ Brown 1/2 pound small potatoes, halved if large 6 sprigs thyme 1 corned beef brisket (about 3 pounds), plus pickling spice packet or 1 tablespoon pickling spice 1/2 head Savoy cabbage, cut into 1 1/2-inch wedges Grainy mustard, for serving In a 5-to-6-quart slow cooker, place celery, carrots, onion, potatoes, and thyme. Place corned beef, fat side up, on top of vegetables and sprinkle with pickling spice; add enough water to almost cover meat (4 to 6 cups). Cover and cook on high until corned beef is tender, 4 1/4 hours (or 8 1/2 hours on low). Arrange cabbage over corned beef, cover, and continue cooking until cabbage is [...]

Get Ready for Outdoor Living

March 7th, 2018|Blog, Life On Deck, Outdoor Living|

You look out over your deck every day from your family room and kitchen. What are you seeing through those back windows and doors? Is your deck neglected, or the outdoor oasis that you originally intended? I certainly hope it’s an oasis. For some folks, decorating and designing seems to come so naturally. I’m awed by the time and care that our clients invest in making their decks truly their own. I love to see the furniture, art pieces, flowers and other greenery that people have so thoughtfully arranged. It’s always an experience for me because each one is so individual, reflecting the homeowners’ personal tastes. There’s nothing that brings me more joy than seeing our carefully-crafted decks enhancing your backyard environment. For others, decorating can seem a bit daunting or overwhelming. Some people just don’t know where to start or how to approach things. Perhaps you’re looking out over [...]

How to Beat Those Winter Blues

February 21st, 2018|Blog, Colorado Life|

If you find yourself feeling down lately, know that you’re not alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of seasonal depression. The most common seasonal winter depression, a serious disorder that affects about five percent of people. Another 10 to 20 percent of people are believed to suffer from “mild” winter depression – that’s one out of every five to ten of us! Winter depression typically starts in late fall and resolves in spring or summer, and symptoms will tend to come and go at the same time each year. It’s worth noting that SAD affects four times as many women as men. So how do you know when it’s time to seek professional help? If you’re seeing some of the following winter depression symptoms in yourself or someone you care about, it’s time to take action: Fatigue Oversleeping Overeating [...]