planning Archives - DeckTec Outdoor Designs

Down Old Durango Way

October 10th, 2018|Blog, Colorado Life|

Why not grab Fido and Spot and your family and friends and get off the Front Range for a change of scenery? Colorado doesn’t stop at Rocky Mountain National Park or even the Vail Valley, y’know! If you time it right, you might even catch some autumn colors along your six-and-a-half-hour Denver to Durango trek. Not too far from the New Mexico border, Durango is a perfect place to start exploring the area. Home to the liberal arts-oriented Fort Lewis College and 18,500 local residents, Durango is an interesting mix of college town and Old West in a setting of stark southwest beauty. The old downtown offers quaint and charming amenities, from brew pubs to coffee shops and galleries. Be sure to leave time for window shopping and wandering. When you’re in town, consider staying at the historic Strater Hotel on Main Street. The red brick hotel dates to 1887 [...]

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 [...]

Deck or Patio? What’s best for you?

April 10th, 2017|Blog, Deck Design Tips & Trends|

One of the most often asked questions over the years has been: “What’s better, a deck or a patio?” The truth is, a lot of that is determined by the site and the elevation that the house is set at. After that’s first considered, for the homes that are relatively close to the ground, where both are viable options, my answer is simple. Better than a deck or a patio, is a deck AND a patio. You can have too much of anything. Just as you can have too much grass, rock, or concrete, you can also have too much wood, or too much stone. Ultimately for the greatest appeal, you’ll want balance. The wood and the stone are the perfect compliments to each other. Artfully Combining Decks & Patios is Best Patios are going to be at or near the ground, and decks are going to be in elevated [...]

Why Design Matters

April 3rd, 2017|Blog, Deck Design Tips & Trends|

It’s officially spring now, and the demand for custom decks and outdoor living additions has never been higher! The combination of the booming housing market and Colorado’s incredible climate is leading to tremendous interest in custom outdoor living spaces. I’m sure you understand the importance of Design. Design motivates just about every major purchasing decision anyone makes! However, it often seems that when we bring up the subject of design, it scares people. Design shouldn’t be a scary word though. For some reason, most people think design adds to the cost. Actually, an experienced deck designer will help save you money by optimizing material use and finding construction efficiencies. Design reflects your lifestyle and how you’ll use your deck. The better the design, the better the function. And the more use you’ll get out of your deck. A well-designed deck provides one of the best investment returns of any home [...]