outdoor living Archives - Page 5 of 13 - DeckTec Outdoor Designs

It’s That Time Again

February 14th, 2018|Blog, DeckTec News & Updates, Life On Deck|

Colorado has long been recognized as an outdoor living and sports mecca for good reason. With the breathtaking Rocky Mountains in our backyard, our wild and scenic state can often seem like one big year-round playground for outdoor activities such as skiing, camping, hiking, hunting, and leisurely sightseeing. We are so fortunate to live in a place that offers a variety of outdoor activities that we can enjoy year-round! Well-deserved recognition of Colorado as the nation’s outdoor living and recreation capital surely contributed to Denver being able to land and secure a five-year contract to host Outdoor Retailer, a large and prestigious show. Though this event is not open to the public, its new Denver location is just further proof of the tremendously positive outdoor living reputation that Colorado has these days. Hosting a massive event like the Outdoor Retailer show has shaken up the regular schedule of consumer trade [...]

Beat the Heat: Time to Get Shady!

July 20th, 2017|Blog, Deck Design Tips & Trends, Decks & Backyard Features|

There’s no contest – Mother Nature holds the trademark on the best backyard cooling system ever invented –a mature shade tree. But many of us on the Front Range, especially in new developments and out on the plains, may not have a backyard so well-endowed. So, what are some ways to keep friends and family cool during the dog days of summer? The good news is that you’ve got options, from the simplest to the most elaborate, for enjoying your DeckTec deck on even the sunniest, hottest days. Umbrellas These ubiquitous summer fixtures are either over-the-table or cantilevered –typically 8 to 11 feet in diameter with weighted bases. They can be positioned where you need them, and with bases weighing hundreds of pounds, moving them can be cumbersome but they can be easily retracted, rotated, and tilted. Trellises or Pergolas These freestanding, latticed arches covered in climbing or trailing plants [...]

Cool Summer Fruit Soup

July 5th, 2017|Blog, Life On Deck, Outdoor Recipes|

Serves 4 Ingredients 2 c. Ripe cantaloupe cut into chunks 1 Ripe large peach, peeled and cut into chunks 1 c. Freshly blended peach nectar (or canned) ½ c. White Zinfandel (or ½ c. peach nectar) 2 tbsp. Freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 c. Fresh or frozen raspberries Sugar or other sweetener Fresh mint sprigs Directions Fresh Peach Nectar Start with soft, ripe, fragrant peaches. Submerge peaches in boiling water until skin loosens. Remove peaches from hot water and submerge in ice water. Once peaches cool, peel and remove pits and cut into chunks. Liquefy peaches with water (2:1 ratio) in blender. Fruit Soup In blender or food processor, combine fruit, nectar and wine until smooth. Add sweetener to taste. Chill soup until cold in covered container, at least 1 hour. Pour soup into bowls and top with raspberries. Garnish with mint sprigs. Adapted from Jane Shapton, myrecipes.com

As Good As It Gets

July 4th, 2017|Blog, Life On Deck|

I have something to admit – I’m going to be a Grandfather soon and I have never been outside the United States. Yes, I have a passport, but I’ve never been to Mexico, Canada, or any other foreign country. I’ve been very lucky, though, to have traveled to many parts of this country and to have stayed at some very luxurious hotels and resorts. In addition, in over thirty years within my profession, I’ve been in many incredibly beautiful homes throughout the Denver metro area and Colorado. As spectacular as these places are, what strikes me most are the professionally designed environments that bring the indoors and outdoors together. I know I’m not alone, because everywhere I go I see restaurants expanding their open air seating and lounging areas with beautiful decks and patios. For example, during a recent trip to Austin, Texas, I saw many restaurant and hotel rooftop [...]

Gazpacho Soup with Beer and Jalapeno (Vegan)

July 3rd, 2017|Blog, Outdoor Recipes|

A tangy, chilled summer tomato soup with extra punch from your favorite light craft beer. (Serves 4) Ingredients 4 c. diced red tomatoes 1/2 c. chunk baguette or sourdough bread 1 tbsp. olive oil 2 tsp. salt 1/2 green pepper, seeded and diced (about 1/2 c.) 1/2 English cucumber, diced (about 1 c.) 1/4 c. red onion 1 garlic clove, peeled and chopped 2 tbsp. lime juice (or juice of 1 lime) 1/2- 1 jalapeno, diced, depending on desired heat level 1/2 c. beer freshly ground pepper to taste cilantro leaves, to garnish Directions Place all ingredients, except pepper, cilantro, and beer, in blender. Puree to desired consistency Stir in beer, add pepper to taste Pour into bowls and garnish with cilantro Adapted from: cookingforluv.com