The Best Time of the Year
Those who lament the lack of four full seasons in Colorado must not have a deck. If they were like you, they’d know that Colorado actually has five seasons: winter, spring, summer, fall, and deck season. Guess what approaches? After a cold, snowy winter, historically wet spring, and brutally hot summer we’re now approaching the best time of the year in Colorado. Sure, fall in Colorado is stunning, but sandwiched between the heat and the first snowfall is a season officially sanctioned for Colorado’s outdoor living enthusiasts. When the air to deck wood ration become irresistible. When all of the effort put into the backyard and garden is in full display, and bounty of the summer harvest is in peak quality. Honestly, it’s tough to describe what makes this time of the year so enjoyable. It may be different for everyone, but after a long, hot summer, perhaps its simply the break in the heat that makes this season such a great time to unwind from an entire season of trying to unwind. If you were[...]
Colorado’s Many Native Bees
While everything might be dry and brown down here on the Front Range, our state’s highest location may just now be reaching peak wildflower time. In Colorado, wildflowers often come in three phases and are dependent on moisture and elevation. August through October represents a final opportunity to revel in Colorful Colorado flowers before the white stuff starts flying once more. For many, it’s important to get up and see them before they’re gone, but chances are a variety of our native bee population will beat you there, busily buzzing through mountain meadows – pollinating the flowers in the process. Behold Our Bees! Did you know Colorado has over 900 native species of bees? And none of them make honey. That distinction goes to the Western Honey bee which ironically is a transplant from Europe and originated in Africa and Asia. Though our native bees don’t produce the sweet nectar of honey, they remain incredibly important to our environment as pollinators. They contribute to the success of our prized agriculture, like Palisade Peaches and Rocky Ford[...]
Lumber— and Everything Else —Prices Soar
It seems like every day there is a news report on soaring prices. Lumber, in particular, has seen astronomical increases, by some estimates up 75% or even 250% in the past year. So, while commodity prices have eased in recent weeks, consumers may still see $89 pieces of plywood at Home Depot for a while. The reason? The pandemic invigorated all kinds of construction, including outdoor living. The demand has been unrelenting while supply chains have struggled to keep up. Are Lumber Prices Affecting DeckTec? Eh, sort of. With all of this talk of skyrocketing wood prices, some might wonder if our business is being affected. Here’s the thing, the vast majority of the wood that is in high demand isn’t the type of wood we craft your decks with. Most of this wood is Canadian white wood going to homebuilding. By comparison, the wood DeckTec specializes in is, well, special. Our business relies heavily on rich, distinctive woods like redwood and cedar from the Western US and tropical hardwoods like mahogany and ipe. Can you[...]
Level up Your Grill Game
With deck season, so too comes the advent of BBQ season. From steaks to vegetables, everything tastes better off a grill. Today, the options available to hit those internal temperatures are seemingly endless. And when your outdoor environment calls for entertaining discerning appetites, a single propane grill just doesn't cut it anymore. So with the 4th of July just around the corner, it's time to level up your grill game with these popular BBQ upgrades. Traeger (Various Models) The Pied Piper of wood pellet grill technologies, Traeger has been making grill for 30 years. Wood pellet-fired grills don't seem cutting edge until you read the features on some of the Traeger grills. Traeger grills use proprietary wood pellets that they say creates the best smoke, and thus, the best tasting meats. But that's not the only technology the Traeger grill promotes; an app can control the grill from your phone. We're huge fans of Traeger'sTraeger's dedication to all-natural hardwoods. Still, they need to plug in a grill–not to mention the price tags–have us choking on our[...]
Summer Deck To-Dos
After a winter with a few banger storms and the wettest spring since the 1940s, we have finally arrived in summer, AKA the start of deck season! We know you’ve got plenty of BBQs and happy hours planned, but don’t forget to use your deck to the fullest. Use this handy deck to-do list to live your best deck life this summer. Gardening Gardening is a great activity to enjoy both on and off your deck. Potted plants add beauty and depth to your outdoor environment and blend your home with nature even more. Container gardening allows for portability and decoration, but you don’t have to only plant flowers; try growing herbs and vegetables that you can harvest throughout the summer. Birding Colorful Colorado has so much to offer, and birding has been having a moment. Grab some binoculars and maybe a field book and see what’s around. Popular summer birds to be on the lookout for are hummingbirds, finches, bald eagles, and the American Kestrel known as the Sparrow Hawk – Hiyo! (though not technically[...]
The Economic Value of Outdoor Living in 2020
We’re not economists. That said, we can all agree that having a backyard escape was in high demand this year. It doesn’t take an economist to see the law of supply and demand; time spent at home increased exponentially, and places to recreate, relax, and recharge became scarce. There is no doubt having a DeckTec outdoor living space was a valuable asset for those who had invested in it. Let’s consider the ways outdoor living has gained value this year. Sound Investing As a homeowner trying to identify the best areas to invest your home improvement budget can be a daunting task. Fortunately, Remodeler Magazine consistently ranks decks as one of the highest returns on investment homeowners can make. “Compared to an addition or attic, building a deck costs a lot less, but provides one of the top ROI’s of all remodel projects,” says remodelingcalculator.org. The overall ROI depends on the design materials used and the level of craftsmanship, “Yet, the average reported return on investment for a new deck is about 70%.” (With wood and[...]
Winter Gardening Too?
Is a harsh winter coming? No, we didn’t need to consult The Farmer’s Almanac. It will be a cold, snowy winter because the uneasy truce enjoyed with the neighborhood squirrels has been torn (likely chewed) up. What’s left of the garden with tiny teeth marks all over. Though winter is coming, this does not mean that gardening is over. You can do much to prepare for next spring and even get some seeds planted if you hurry. Fall and Winter Gardening Most people don’t think about starting a garden in September and October. Still, there are many types of root vegetables and hearty, cool-weather plants that grow well or even thrive in wintery weather. If your goal is not to harvest, you might choose to plant crops like rye, wheat, and buckwheat to maintain your soil and defend against weeds later. Other plants like broccoli, cabbage, beets, carrots, and collards can withstand cold and snow for a while. If you’d like garlic next year, you should be planting it between October and November. Whatever you grow,[...]
How to Protect Your Deck from the Sun
A beautiful custom wood deck is an investment that pays for itself in two ways: through the decades of enjoyment it provides, and through the value it adds to your home. Making your deck last a lifetime starts with high quality, all-natural wood products like we use here at DeckTec. It fairs far better than composite decking, especially here in Colorado, where the elements can be harsh. The sun is a particularly intense in our state, and 300 days of high altitude sunshine a year will do a number on any deck — even if it’s made with the best decking material in the world. At DeckTec Outdoor Designs, our Colorado deck builders don’t just set it and forget. We’re here to help you maintain your deck’s natural beauty for decades to come. In each phase of your deck’s life, from concept and creation to upgrades and maintenance, there are ways you can ensure that your deck is protected from the sun’s harsh rays. Here are our 3 tips to make your deck last a lifetime in[...]
How To Repair Hail Damage On Your Wood Deck
When it comes to protecting your deck, one of the biggest enemies here in Colorado is hail. Colorado ranks number two in the nation for hail damage claims. And if you’ve lived here long, you know Colorado sees its fair share of surprise spring and summer hail storms! In fact, our state gets around 300 hail storms every year, the most destructive which happen around June. Colorado has recorded hailstones the size of grapefruits in the past. You don’t want to get hit by one of those, that’s for sure. And you don’t want your deck getting chipped and damaged by hail, either. While real wood is the best decking material, it can still suffer damage in a serious hailstorm. Hail can leave pockmarks in your wood deck, resulting in chipping and fraying on the surface of your deck. Hail can also break through the stain on your deck, breaking the waterproof seal that the stain provides. If this happens, your deck can become susceptible to further water damage down the road. Fortunately, there are ways[...]
3 Cool Reasons to Add a Roof Cover to Your Deck or Patio
Does the sweltering sun or unpredictable weather limit your ability to enjoy your backyard? Decks are more than a shared space for the table and grill. They are cool outdoor rooms that tie your home to the beauty of the outdoors. Your patio or deck should be a place for friends and family to relax without worrying about Mother Nature. […]
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