outdoors Archives - DeckTec Outdoor Designs

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 [...]

Playing It Safe in the Summer Heat

July 14th, 2017|Blog, Life On Deck, Outdoor Living|

Summer in Colorado offers unparalleled outdoor fun in the sun. Who can resist walking, running or cycling on open space trails, or heading up to the gorgeous high country for a day or a week? But staying safe during the upcoming ‘dog days’ means taking extra care to stay cool – and knowing when to call it quits. Always keep your fitness level and health in mind – a 98-degree day is probably not the time to attempt your first fourteener. Set realistic goals, and be prepared to adjust them as needed. Your body needs time to adjust to the heat. Work up gradually to greater challenges. Staying hydrated is essential! Hydration packs with sip tubes are a convenient way to drink frequently without having to stop and reach for a bottle. Always bring more water than you think you’ll need. Check hydration guidelines for your activity, for instance, strenuous [...]

Container Tomatoes

June 26th, 2017|Blog, Garden & Lawn Care|

Imagine picking a ripe, juicy tomato right on your deck! All you need are some starts, and pots of various sizes. You can extend the season by covering plants, or taking them in overnight, as the weather cools. Pick a spot with good sun, but don’t overdo – tomatoes can wilt or burn under the hot Colorado sun. Test out and adjust locations as needed. Grouping pots together provides some shade and wind protection. Tomatoes need plenty of water and good drainage. Soil should be evenly damp to the touch, not dry, hard, or soggy. Transplant tomatoes in a timely manner as they outgrow containers. “Patio” tomatoes intended for pots may not taste quite as good. You can grow regular tomatoes and even some heirlooms in containers. Talk with your local gardening expert. Stake potted plants for support and monitor for disease – just like tomatoes planted in the ground. [...]

Fall Thoughts: The Best Season for Outdoor Living

September 22nd, 2016|Life On Deck, Outdoor Living|

Change is in the air and after a long, hot, and dry summer; fall is now upon us. People are finishing their vacations, kids are going back to school, and collectively our routines all seem to settle down as summer winds to a close. Hopefully you took advantage of the beautiful weather and participated in some of the many fantastic festivals, fairs, and other events throughout summer. The Best Season for Outdoor Living In my opinion, fall is the best season of the year for outdoor living in Colorado. Is it just me, or does it seem like the seasons have been shifting here for several years? Winter weather often extends throughout half of spring; hot summer weather seems to start yielding to fall in August. Fall appears to be the longest and most predictable season producing pleasant and mild weather that’s ideal for enjoying the outdoors. If you ask me, [...]

4 Ways Roof Additions Can Enhance Your Home and Outdoor Living Lifestyle

July 7th, 2016|Blog, Deck Design Tips & Trends, Decks & Backyard Features|

Porch, deck, and patio roof additions today are nothing like the porch or patio covers you may remember or imagine on your grandparents’ home. In today’s marketplace, deck and patio roof additions are beautifully crafted with design in mind. These sophisticated and luxurious roofs are a beautiful extension of your home, making it look more spacious and upscale. For example, DeckTec’s roofs often feature the rich and substantial look of glulam beams, typically seen in modern churches and office buildings. 1. Control the Elements You built your deck for relaxation and entertainment in mind; however, adding a roof addition will greatly increase the amount of time and enjoyment you will be able to experience. No matter the weather, you will continue to enjoy your space in the heat of the summer or during an afternoon rain shower or thunderstorm. Increasingly popular infrared outdoor heaters can be integrated into the structure to take the chill out of the morning or evening air and [...]