Client Interviews: The Skibinski Family
Friends and family say that Mike and Korrie’s DeckTec deck has turned the already-beautiful Skibinski home into a luxury resort. But it’s not just about impressing others. The split-level Mahogany deck, which was completed in July, works for the Skibinski family on so many levels (no pun intended). Architecturally, the deck connects the house to the pool, creating a sense of flow that the Westminster property lacked. Korrie, who works in education, now has a place to relax after work and as she put it, “just listen to the rain.” For the Skibinskis’ 13-year-old daughter, the deck is a peaceful, quiet spot outdoors where she can concentrate better on her homework. And the deck brings people together. The family eats dinner together out there regularly and hosts large parties without it feeling crowded. In fact, the deck offers something for everyone – including the youngest Skibinski. “It’s not like the old deck. If the dog is on the deck, I can lay down and cuddle with her and it’s not all splintery and stuff. I can[...]
Off the Beaten Path
If you’ve been following this column with any regularity for the last two-and-a-half years, you probably know that I love nothing more than relaxing in the comfort of my own outdoor retreat. I am anything but a global traveler. In fact, I’ve previously made it known that despite traveling extensively around the United States, I’ve never been outside its borders. Last month, however, I did something I didn’t think I’d ever do again and took some road trips around Colorado. There’s a backstory here. I was an avid skier and camper in my younger days but couldn’t stand “sightseeing.” The reason for this aversion dates back to when my family moved to Colorado many decades ago and my father thought we should and could see everything there was to see in our first summer. Picture this – a family of six – two adults, four boys and a collie traveling hot, windy mountain roads in a station wagon, stopping at what seemed like every attraction, using rest stops and gas stations every time the dog or[...]
Still Time for the 3rd Annual Picture This! Contest
DeckTec's annual Picture This Contest is about to wrap up! Don't miss the September 30 deadline!! Don’t miss out! You’ve got ‘til September 30th to submit photos for our 3rd annual Picture This! contest. Great deck pics are coming into our office everyday – the only thing missing are photos from YOU! It takes just a minute to submit your pics via email to mail@decktec.com. What have you got to lose? With your help we can make this year’s contest the best ever. Here’s your chance to inspire others with your unique deck décor, furnishings and personal touches. Just do it! Take some shots of your colorful flowering plants, birdbath and birdfeeder, outdoor art and more. We love to see your greenery and artistry as well as those dinner party “glamour shots” of you and your loved ones out there “On Deck” enjoying yourselves. There’s great prizes for this year’s top submissions: Barbecue catering for 20 for the 1st prizewinner, an Ace Hardware gift certificate for the 2nd prizewinner, and choice of an outdoor[...]
Lions and Tigers and Bears in Colorado? Oh My!
You’re probably familiar with Colorado wildlife, from mountain lions and black bears to deer, elk, bighorn sheep, coyotes, moose, mountain goats and other furry creatures that share our beautiful state. But tigers? Yes, tigers. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path this summer, check out The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg at 2999 County Road 53, a wildlife refuge and educational facility 30 miles from Denver on the eastern plains. Believe it or not, this low-profile, Keenesburg nonprofit, home to more than 450 large animals, is the nation’s largest and oldest carnivore sanctuary, and the site of the longest elevated (1.5 mile) footbridge in the world. It’s one of the few places where visitors can witness prides of African lions and other large carnivores living out their lives freely in sprawling open space. In addition to “lions, tigers and bears,” the sanctuary is home to jaguars, wolves, leopards, coati-mundi alpacas, porcupines, ostriches, emus, a camel, and many other animals. While we Denverites are fortunate to have this unique resource so close to home, it’s[...]
Deck Worthy Recipes: Grilled Jerk Chicken
Nothing says dinner "On Deck" like grilled jerk chicken! Try this deck worthy recipe this weekend. Grilled Jerk Chicken Serves 8 JERK MARINADE 3 scallions, chopped 4 large garlic cloves, chopped 1 small onion, chopped 4-5 fresh habanero chilies, stemmed & seeded ¼ c. fresh lime juice 2 tbsp. soy sauce 3 tbsp. olive oil 1½ tbsp. salt 1 tbsp. packed brown sugar 1 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves 2 tsp. ground allspice 2 tsp. black pepper ¾ tsp. freshly grated nutmeg ½ tsp. cinnamon CHICKEN 4 chicken breast halves with skin and bones, halved crosswise 2½-3 lbs. chicken thighs and drumsticks PAPAYA SALSA 1 papaya 1/4 medium red onion, finely minced a handful of fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped juice of 1 large lime 1 hot green pepper thinly sliced, seeds and all salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS Blend marinade ingredients in blender or food processor until smooth. Divide chicken pieces and marinade between 2 sealable plastic bags. Press out excess air, seal bags, then turn over to distribute marinade. Chill for a day, turn[...]
Birding on Deck: Bird Feeding
Welcome to our third in a series of articles about backyard birding “On Deck!” The first thing to know when it comes to feeding your backyard birds is that there are different types of feed and feeders for different types of birds. It can, unfortunately, be a bit overwhelming for the beginner, as there’s a seemingly endless array of options and effects. There are “loose” feeders such tray, tube and house (or “hopper”) styles, suet or seed cylinders, bark butter pellets and tubs, and specialized feeders and food for birds such as hummingbirds, orioles and goldfinches. There are various placements as well. Feeders can be hung “on deck” or from trees, on the top or side of deck railings, with or without extension arms, or mounted on poles. Some feeders are squirrel proof, and all tube feeders can be made squirrel and large-bird proof with an added cage. Yup, there sure is a lot to know. Fortunately, DeckTec spoke with birding expert Scott Menough, co-owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Lakewood and host of BirdTalk radio[...]
We Want Your Best Photos: Picture This! Contest
Are you proud of your deck? Well, we’ve got some good news for you: It’s that time again – time to start sending in your best photos for our annual Picture This! contest. This is your chance to show off your deck décor, furnishings and personal touches. Got some colorful hanging plants or a lush growing garden, a beautiful sundial or other outdoor art? We’d love to see all that greenery and artistry as well as those dinner party “glamour shots” of you and your loved ones out there “On Deck” enjoying yourselves to the hilt. Show us how good it gets out there! And we’ve got some great prizes for the top submissions: Barbecue catering for 20 goes to the first prize winner, an Ace Hardware gift certificate is second prize, and third prize is your choice of an outdoor thermometer or a barbecue grill set. Winning entries may be showcased in future editions of our newsletter. We’ll stage it, shoot it and take some drone shots. What have you got to lose? Share your[...]
29 Years and Still Going Strong
This month, July, DeckTec officially entered its 29th year of business. It’s not a milestone anniversary like a 25th or 30th, but another year to celebrate nonetheless. Over the years DeckTec has managed to survive and grow through more than a few boom and bust cycles. However, nothing compares to the crazy demand we have been experiencing this year. In fact, after the economy tanked in 2008, my father grew concerned and asked me what I planned to do if no one wanted a non-essential home addition like a custom deck anymore. Honestly, I didn’t have an answer for him. I just couldn’t imagine doing anything other than continuing to create premium unique outdoor living environments. It turned out custom outdoor living additions are more important and essential than I could’ve ever imagined. While so many people endure jobs that they don’t really care for, I enjoy my work every single day. I love creating decks, outdoor rooms, and outdoor living environments. It’s been a privilege to meet so many wonderful people and work in an unimaginable number[...]
Little Brother John’s Jalapeno BBQ Sauce
Nothing says summer like a barbecue, and nothing says barbecue like BBQ Sauce! Try this BBQ sauce as your next backyard event, courtesy of John Sparhawk! Ingredients 2-4 Jalapeno peppers, minced 1½ c. ketchup 1½ c. jalapeno ketchup 1 c. yellow mustard ¼ c. Worcestershire sauce ¼ c. apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp. garlic powder 1 tbsp. onion powder 1 tbsp. ground black pepper 1 tbsp. salt ½ tbsp. dried thyme 1 tsp. chili powder 1 tsp. cayenne pepper ½ tsp. liquid smoke ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg ¼ tsp. ground cumin ½ c. honey 1 c. brown sugar Directions Combine all ingredients except honey and brown sugar in a sauce pan and very slowly bring the mixture to a simmer. Remove from heat and add honey and brown sugar. Mix well and continue to stir occasionally as sauce cools. Store in a covered glass container in the refrigerator.
Birding on Deck Part 2: Woodpeckers, Birdhouses and Nesting Structures
Welcome to our second in a series of articles about backyard birding “on deck!” You can find the first article here You may be thinking, “I want to attract birds such as robins, wrens and hummingbirds to my yard, but I don’t want woodpeckers poking holes in my house!” Well, of course you don’t! No one wants holes in their house, but according to Scott Menough, co-owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Lakewood and host of BirdTalk radio on KNUS and KDMT, there’s nothing to worry about. “We don’t look at woodpeckers as pest birds, although we may be concerned about some of their activities. We may want to modify behaviors so people can enjoy these birds. The little downy woodpecker is one that people often enjoy watching,” Menough said. “If woodpeckers start making holes in the side of your house, put up a [northern] flicker-specific nest box and these birds will guard your house – flickers are territorial and they’ll keep other birds from pecking on your house. You would mount the flicker nest box right[...]
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