Can DeckTec Build in the Snow?
Photo by Damian McCoig on Unsplash I recently received some feedback from a client. He shared his experience of our team assigned to build a back patio deck for him this past spring. The build was slated to begin on March 16, the day after the blizzard of 2020. As the snow piled up around his house, the client expected to hear from our lead that they would need to postpone. To his surprise, he found that DeckTec had anticipated the storm and made arrangements to clear a path through the feet of snow so that the job could start on schedule. By the time the snow had melted from the shaded areas of his yard, the deck was well underway, and the client was able to take full advantage of Deck Season. This story highlights our response to a common question we receive: Does DeckTec build in the snow? Yes! Our crews work year-round We create Colorado’s most beautiful custom natural wood decks, along with any of the other outdoor living environments you enjoy throughout[...]
Timeless Decks
DeckTec is proud of our all-natural wood decks. Each one has a story and has crafted your stories for over 30 years. That’s right! A quarter-century! They hardly look it. With consistent care, your deck can look like these timeless classics. Denny Harthun April, 1991 Bill & Dot Mechtenberg February, 1996 Vern Ritzman April, 2002
We Demand S’more!
Warm, gooey, crunchy s’mores are staples of camping trips and backyard BBQs stretching decades. Early recipes of the campfire treat first appeared in Boy and Girl Scout publications in the 1920s. Over time the unique blend of flavors has been incorporated into everything from pop tarts, ice cream, craft beer, even English muffins! Today, classic s’mores are having a bit of a pop-culture moment, spurred on by a renewed interest in getting outdoors. The combination of toasted marshmallow and chocolate smooshed between graham crackers is cherished not only for its simplicity but as a national comfort food designed to get scarfed down with friends around a glowing open flame. Despite an almost universal recognition as the ultimate campfire snack, I am always left wondering, is there anything s’more to s’mores? I mean, is chocolate, graham cracker, and toasted marshmallow the best we can do? I say, “No!” We’ve seriously underestimated how much s’more a s’more can be. (okay, I’ll stop.) Though easy and portable, I’m not a fan of the mess. The last thing you want[...]
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,[...]
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