Normal Wear and Tear vs. Warranty Issues: Understanding Your Deck’s Natural Aging
Outdoor wood decks are constantly exposed to the elements, foot traffic, and natural wood characteristics. Many homeowners wonder what’s “normal” aging and what might be a concern. Without the right expectations, natural changes in the wood can sometimes be mistaken for defects. Expert Advice: At Deck Tec, we want you to enjoy the beauty and longevity of your deck without unnecessary worry. That’s why we’re here to help you understand what’s normal wear and tear versus what might require attention. Here’s The Plan: Stain Color: Natural Variations Are Expected Decks often combine different wood types—Mahogany, Cedar, and Redwood—each absorbing stain differently. Initially, stained wood may appear slightly orangish or pinkish, but this fades to natural browns and tans within 30-40 days. We recommend light brown tints to avoid permanent orange or pink hues common in red-tinted stains. Feathering: A Natural Process Redwood top caps may develop “feathering” (sometimes mistaken for splintering) in the first year or two due to milling. Our crew will sand feathered areas at your next scheduled service at no additional cost. Feathering[...]
Protect Your Deck’s Beauty from Day One
The Problem: Hardwood and Softwood Decks Need Proper Finishing You’ve invested in a beautiful new deck—now it needs the right care to stay that way. Without proper finishing, hardwoods like Mahogany and Ipe can cup and crack, while softwoods like Cedar and Redwood need time to acclimate before staining. The right approach at the right time ensures long-term durability and beauty. The Guide: Deck Tec’s Proven Finishing Process At Deck Tec, we specialize in protecting and preserving wood decks. Our finishing process enhances durability while maintaining the natural beauty of your deck. Whether you have hardwood or softwood, we follow best practices to ensure a lasting finish. How We Do It For Hardwood Decks (Mahogany, Ipe, etc.) We apply the initial finish within 10-14 days of construction to minimize cupping and cracking, especially in summer. We highly recommend a second coat for hardwood decks. In colder months, this timeframe can be extended since cold weather helps preserve the wood. For Softwood Decks (Redwood, Cedar, etc.) The deck needs 30-90 days to weather before finishing. If conditions[...]
Transforming a West-Facing Deck into a Year-Round Oasis in Parker, CO
The Problem: An Underutilized Outdoor Space An empty-nester couple in Parker, CO, loved spending time on their wood deck but faced a major challenge: their west-facing deck had no roof cover, making it uncomfortable in harsh sun, rain, or snow. They envisioned an inviting, functional outdoor space they could enjoy in all kinds of weather but struggled to find a deck building company that could engineer the right solution. DeckTec’s Expertise in Deck Design & Engineering After reaching out to multiple companies, only DeckTec had the expertise to design and execute their vision. Our team specializes in custom deck plans and outdoor living solutions that go beyond conventional builds. We source our materials from specialty suppliers, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal. In this project, we fabricated a custom 21-foot post—custom fabricated elements set us apart in the outdoor living market. The Plan: A Custom Semi-Attached Roof to Enhance Comfort To transform their wood deck into a year-round retreat, we designed a semi-attached roof using premium materials: Cedar posts, headers, hips, ridge, and rafters for natural beauty[...]
Keep Your Deck Looking Beautiful with Simple, Routine Maintenance
The Problem: Over time, exposure to the elements can wear down your deck’s finish, leading to fading, weathering, and potential damage. Without proper maintenance, even the best stain won’t last as long as it should. DeckTec Protects Your Investment At Deck Tec, we understand how important it is to protect your investment. That’s why we’ve designed a routine maintenance plan to keep your deck looking its best for years to come. The Plan: First-Year Protection 8-12 Months After Initial Finish: We recommend a Maintenance Clean (MC)—a simple clean and stain of your deck’s floors, step treads, top caps, and horizontal surfaces of built-in benches or drink bars. For Decks with Intense Sun Exposure: If your deck faces south, west, or southwest, we recommend a Maintenance Clean Upgrade (MCU), which includes cleaning and staining of vertical rail surfaces that receive direct sunlight. This upgrade can be done at the same time as a recommended second coat or at the 8-12 month service. Long-Term Protection Years 3-5: We recommend an annual Maintenance Clean to refresh your deck’s stain[...]
Your Guide to Protecting & Maintaining Your New DeckTec Wood Deck (Years 1-5)
Enjoy Your Deck for Decades to Come Congratulations on your new DeckTec real wood deck! You’ve invested in a beautiful outdoor space, and with the right care, it can last 30-40 years—aging gracefully and retaining its character for decades. But just like a car, your deck needs regular maintenance to stay in peak condition. We know deck maintenance can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—that’s why we’re here. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to protect and preserve your deck, so you can enjoy it for years to come. And if you ever have questions, our Deck Service Team is always ready to help. Just give us a call, and we’ll personally walk you through what’s best for your deck. What You Need to Know About Deck Maintenance Weather & Timing: When Can Maintenance Happen? DeckTec’s expert service crews can clean and stain decks year-round in most conditions: As low as 40-45°F in colder months As high as 90-95°F in warmer months However, deck exposure matters: Northern exposure decks take longer to dry in[...]
Choosing the Right Hardwood for Your Deck
How the Janka Scale Helps You Make the Best Choice Are You Worried About Your Deck’s Durability? You’re investing in an outdoor living space to enhance your home, entertain guests, and create lasting memories. But there’s one major concern—how do you know if the wood you choose will stand the test of time? The last thing you want is to see your deck scratched, dented, or worn down just a few years after installation. Understanding the Janka Hardness Scale At DeckTec, we understand how overwhelming it can be to choose the right hardwood for your deck. That’s why we use the Janka Hardness Scale, an industry-standard test that measures how resistant a wood species is to wear and tear. Simply put, it tells you how hard a particular wood is—helping you choose a decking material that will last for decades. Choosing the Best Wood for Your Needs Harder woods generally last longer and resist damage, but they can also be more challenging to work with. Softer woods are easier to install but may require more maintenance.[...]
Crafting Connections Through Custom Deck Building: A Mead, Colorado Story
Every Deck Has a Story—This One Started with a Party It started with a summer evening gathering—laughter, music, and the warm glow of sunset reflecting off a stunning new deck. As the homeowners welcomed their guests, they shared more than food and conversation; they shared their journey. From the first spark of a dream—expanding their outdoor living space—to the moment they stepped onto their finished deck, DeckTec had been their trusted guide. With in-house expertise and a passion for craftsmanship, DeckTec managed every detail, from design concepts to permits to the final seal of protection. The homeowners spoke of their excitement, how easy it felt to collaborate with a team that truly listened and brought their vision to life. Among the guests, one listener felt a spark of their own. Inspired by the story and impressed by the transformation before their eyes, they made a decision. That Monday morning, they called DeckTec. Their own deck story was about to begin. A Showcase of Design, Materials, and Craftsmanship This Mead, CO project is a masterclass in deck[...]
Arvada, CO Deck Transformation: Crafting Outdoor Luxury with DeckTec
A Dream Realized: The Homeowner's Story In Arvada, CO, a local family sought to expand their living space with a beautiful outdoor retreat. The family had always dreamed of a space where they could go that felt like an escape from time. So, when they came to us with their vision, we saw more than a project—we saw a story waiting to unfold. We began by crafting the heart of their backyard: a ground-level wood deck, warm and inviting, blending seamlessly with the landscape. Rising above, a semi-attached hip roof offered just the right balance—open to the sky’s soft glow yet shaded from the summer sun. The layout was more than design; it was intention—an elegant, functional space where neighbors would gather for evening drinks, and the family could share everything from morning coffee to starlit conversations. It was a stage for life’s moments, both lively and serene. As we laid the final board and stepped back, we saw more than a deck. We saw the countless stories it would hold—each one beginning with, "Remember when...?"[...]
Transforming Outdoor Living in Lakewood, CO: A DeckTec Success Story
A Dream for Outdoor Living Nestled in the heart of Lakewood, CO, a retired military pilot and a former schoolteacher set out to remodel their home with a dream in mind—to seamlessly extend their living space into the great outdoors. Their vision was clear: a welcoming front entry deck and a stunning backyard retreat that would elevate their home’s appeal and functionality. The Challenge: Designing the Perfect Outdoor Space The couple knew they needed experts in deck building to bring their dream to life. They wanted a deck plan that would not only complement their home’s architecture but also stand the test of time. Their ideal deck design included an elevated deck for entertaining, an elegant staircase with a landing for accessibility, and a beautiful wood deck that blended seamlessly with nature. The Solution: DeckTec’s Expertise in Deck Construction Enter DeckTec, the premier deck construction specialists. With years of experience in designing and engineering breathtaking outdoor spaces, the DeckTec team was up for the challenge. They meticulously crafted a plan that balanced aesthetics, durability, and functionality,[...]
Times Change – Needs Change
Expand and Upgrade Your Deck and Patio! Is It Time to Expand Your Outdoor Living Space? Do you feel like your deck isn’t keeping up with your outdoor lifestyle? Maybe you’ve added a BBQ, fire pit, or outdoor entertainment system, and your deck feels cramped or outdated. If your deck is over 15 years old, it likely wasn’t designed to handle today’s outdoor living needs. On top of that, styles and preferences evolve. Just like your indoor spaces, your outdoor space should reflect who you are today—inviting, functional, and beautiful. Your outdoor space deserves to feel just as fresh and modern as the inside of your home. Just like kitchen cabinets and countertops are the focal point of your indoor spaces, railings are the first thing people notice on your deck. Updating your deck railings is a simple way to transform the style and functionality of your outdoor living area, giving it a modern look and a fresh new vibe. But when your deck falls short, where do you start? You Add a Paver Patio. A[...]
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