Dark Sky Deck Lighting: The Secret to Supreme Summer Outdoor Comfort
The dishes are done, the kids are in bed, and now it's time to slip into your comfy deck chair to relax and enjoy a beverage by the fire pit. There's just one problem. That darn light! Your neighbor's flood light keeps going on every time the slightest movement occurs, blasting you with a beam of bright light. How unpleasant! There are few things we love more in Colorado than sitting outdoors at night. This is particularly true in the summer when nighttime provides a bit of respite from the intense Colorado heat. The problem is that even away from the glow of city lights, light pollution affects how we experience outdoor living at night. Light pollution affects many facets of life, not just our hard-earned deck time. In addition to disrupting our circadian rhythm, light at night disrupts animal migration patterns. For example, you may know that in coastal areas where sea turtles mate, cities have limited lighting to encourage nesting and discourage hatchlings from becoming disoriented. You may not know that certain types of [...]
Tackling Spring Stains on Your Deck
A well-kept deck is the heart of your outdoor living space, providing a place for relaxation, entertainment, and enjoying nature. However, it's not uncommon for natural wood and composite decks to accumulate stains over time, detracting from their appearance and causing damage if left unaddressed. Spring is the perfect time to spruce up your outdoor living environment and tackle tough stains. The key to any stain is to attack it quickly. Left to penetrate the deck surfaces will only complicate the solution. 1. Grill Drips Grilling and BBQs are time-honored deck pastimes but can lead to grease and food drips on your deck. To remove grill drips: Clean up spills promptly: Scrub the affected area with mild dish soap and warm water. For stubborn stains, consider using a specialized deck cleaner or a degreaser. Employing a pressure washer can be effective. However, be cautious when setting pressure to avoid damaging the wood. 2. Potted Plant Marks Placing potted plants on your deck can add a touch of greenery but also leave behind marks and stains. Here's [...]
Deck Decluttering and Buy Nothing For Maximum Outdoor Comfort
What does a set of golf clubs, some old batteries, and a freshly picked smoked turkey carcass have to do with spring cleaning? They're the spoils of one of the biggest trends in spring cleaning since the KonMari Method. This spring, two emerging trends are gaining traction among those seeking a minimalist lifestyle and sustainable consumption habits: Buy Nothing Groups on Facebook and the Buy Nothing Year challenge. As you clean off your porches and prepare for an epic deck season, let's examine the two trends and see how organizing can improve outdoor comfort and build community. Buy Nothing Groups: Sharing Resources, Building Communities It's no secret that housing is expensive these days. Let alone furnishing a home your young family recently purchased. After buying a new home in Morrison, Liz Finney turned to her local "Buy Nothing" group on Facebook to add a few bar chairs to her kitchen island. When she spotted three "like new" options on the forum, she jumped on them. Her cost? Zilch. Buy Nothing Groups are virtual communities within Facebook [...]
The Grown-ups Guide To: Do I Really Need to Stain My Deck?
Nobody likes to be told to do something they don't want, especially when that something is like putting stain on a deck. We're adults, mind you. If I want to stay up late, eat ice cream out of the carton, and leave the toilet seat up—welp, you're darn tootin'—that's what I'm going to do. [Note: Reminder to not let my wife read that part about the toilet seat. I've already been warned.] And if I'm not inclined to stain my deck, what's the worst that could happen? How long will a deck last without stain? It may surprise you that a custom wood deck from DeckTec has a lifespan of at least 25 years. Many of our original decks, which we call timeless decks, are still kicking and looking better every year. Even more surprising, those numbers are on par with those of the leading PVC composite manufacturers. Have we seen plenty of examples of decks that don't look like they'd last a cup of coffee, let alone a quarter century? Sure. But that's more a [...]
Paver Innovation: Transforming Outdoor Spaces with Style and Functionality
In recent years, the innovation of pavers has revolutionized the outdoor design world. These versatile and durable paving stones have become a popular choice for DeckTec and our clients alike, thanks to their ability to transform ordinary outdoor spaces into stunning works of art. One of the most significant advancements in paver technology is the development of new materials and manufacturing techniques that enhance both the aesthetic appeal and performance of these versatile paving stones. From classic cobblestones to sleek modern designs, pavers are available in a wide range of colors, shapes, and textures, allowing for endless customization options to suit any style preference. But it’s not just the appearance of pavers that has evolved –their functionality has also been greatly improved. Today’s pavers are engineered to withstand the harshest weather conditions, including freeze-thaw cycles, heavy foot traffic, and UV exposure, making them an ideal choice for outdoor spaces that require durability and longevity. In addition to their resilience, pavers also offer practical benefits such as easy installation, low maintenance, and eco-friendliness. Pavers are particularly useful [...]
Meet the DeckTec Team: Chelcie Thorson
Chelcie Thorson, Carpenter Helper, Start Date: 6/13/2022 Where were you born? I was born and raised in Casper, Wyoming What do you like to do on your days off? I love to be outside, and I find no greater peace than when I’m on a mountain trail hiking with my wife and 4 dogs. It’s wonderful having so many places to explore here in CO! What is a past trend that needs to come back? Needs to go away? I think that we spend far too much time being “connected” to everyone and everything and not enough time connecting to ourselves. Living more in the moment and less on a cell phone should come back. The trend that needs to go away forever is thinking that women aren’t as capable as men at anything. Break all the glass ceilings, ladies! What is your favorite part of working at DeckTec? I have to say my favorite part of working for DeckTec is the simple fact that I work here! DeckTec gave me, some chick from WY, a [...]
Why Painting Your Deck Floor Boards Is Not a Good Idea
When it comes to maintaining your outdoor living space, many homeowners may consider painting the floorboards of their deck to enhance its appearance and prolong its lifespan. However, while a fresh coat of paint may seem like a quick and easy solution, it can actually do more harm than good in the long run. Here are several reasons why painting your deck floorboards is not a good idea: Increased Maintenance: While paint may initially provide a smooth and uniform finish, it is susceptible to chipping, peeling, and fading over time, especially in high-traffic areas. Safety Concerns: Painted deck floor boards can become slippery when wet, posing a safety hazard for you, your family, and your guests. This is especially true in areas prone to rain or snow, where moisture accumulates and creates slick surfaces. Compromised Longevity: Unlike stain or sealant, which penetrates the wood to protect it from moisture and UV damage, paint creates a barrier that can trap moisture and promote rot and decay. As a result, painted deck floorboards can compromise the structural integrity [...]
Enhance Your Outdoor Living Space with Paver Patios
Are you looking to elevate your outdoor living experience but lack the (literal) elevation? Look no further than an exquisite paver patio. Whether hosting a summer BBQ with friends or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, stone patio designs will add beauty and functionality to your already stunning outdoor space. Don’t let the name fool you; pavers have been a specialty of ours for as long as we’ve been crafting our unique brand of adult tree houses. In fact, DeckTec offers a variety of outdoor living structures to help you realize the simple joys of outdoor comfort. DeckTec has been doing pavers for about as long as DeckTec has been designing and building decks. Believe it or not, a lot has changed since those early days of multi-colored brick pavers. With modern patterns and endless design possibilities, our expert team will collaborate with you to create a custom patio that perfectly harmonizes with your existing deck, ensuring a cohesive and stunning outdoor living space. Paver patio options are endless but are particularly suited to ground-level [...]
Enhance Your Outdoor Living Space with Paver Patios
Are you looking to elevate your outdoor living experience but lack the (literal) elevation? Look no further than an exquisite paver patio. Whether hosting a summer BBQ with friends or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, stone patio designs will add beauty and functionality to your already stunning outdoor space. Don’t let the name fool you; pavers have been a specialty of ours for as long as we’ve been crafting our unique brand of adult tree houses. In fact, DeckTec offers a variety of outdoor living structures to help you realize the simple joys of outdoor comfort. DeckTec has been doing pavers for about as long as DeckTec has been designing and building decks. Believe it or not, a lot has changed since those early days of multi-colored brick pavers. With modern patterns and endless design possibilities, our expert team will collaborate with you to create a custom patio that perfectly harmonizes with your existing deck, ensuring a cohesive and stunning outdoor living space. Paver patio options are endless but are particularly suited to ground-level [...]
Top 6 Products for Peak Outdoor Comfort:
1. Luxe Lounge Pillows Ditch the stiff patio cushions and upgrade to pillowy perfection. Oversized floor pillows are all the rage, inviting you to sink in and sprawl out with a good book. Look for weather-resistant fabrics and playful patterns to add a pop of personality. Our pick: Degrees of Comfort Memory Foam Meditation Floor Pillow Set of 2 2. Shade Sanctuary Beat the heat with a stylish shade solution. Whether it’s a retractable awning, a custom roof cover, or a strategically placed umbrella, having a shady spot to retreat to is essential for midday lounging. Bonus points for hammocks or hanging chairs for ultimate siesta vibes! Our pick: Sophia & William 15ft Patio Umbrella with Lights 3. Warmth on a Cool Night Extend your evenings with a fire pit or outdoor fireplace. The crackle of flames and gentle heat create an ambiance that’s both cozy and inviting. Plus, roasting marshmallows is always a crowd-pleaser! Our Pick: COSIEST Outdoor Propane Fire Pit Coffee Table w Dark Bronze 40.5-inch Round Base Patio Heater, 50,000 BTU Stainless Steel [...]