Container Tomatoes
Imagine picking a ripe, juicy tomato right on your deck! All you need are some starts, and pots of various sizes. You can extend the season by covering plants, or taking them in overnight, as the weather cools. Pick a spot with good sun, but don’t overdo – tomatoes can wilt or burn under the hot Colorado sun. Test out and adjust locations as needed. Grouping pots together provides some shade and wind protection. Tomatoes need plenty of water and good drainage. Soil should be evenly damp to the touch, not dry, hard, or soggy. Transplant tomatoes in a timely manner as they outgrow containers. “Patio” tomatoes intended for pots may not taste quite as good. You can grow regular tomatoes and even some heirlooms in containers. Talk with your local gardening expert. Stake potted plants for support and monitor for disease – just like tomatoes planted in the ground. Time your harvests - some types of tomatoes grow much faster than others. Protecting Your Wood Deck Make sure that your containers and saucers – whether[...]
Beer Myths
Thousands of years of brewing science still has not put some classic beer myths to rest. Let’s debunk them once and for all! Myth #1: All Dark Beer is Heavy Don’t be afraid of the dark! While a beer’s color can offer clues about flavor, color has little to do with “mouthfeel” – the way a beer’s weight and texture feel, literally, in the mouth. To understand mouthfeel, consider how skim milk feels and weighs on your palate compared to whole milk. While it’s commonly believed that dark beers feel thick, more like whole milk, this is a myth. Why not give a Schwarzbier or Dunkelweizen a try, both dark, German-style brews that are perfect for your deck. Myth #2: Beer is Best Ice Cold The truth is that extremely cold temperatures inhibit the flavor and aroma of beer. As well, pouring beer into a frozen mug often results in excessive foaming. Nobody wants to miss anything that these Colorado craft beers have to offer. If you’re serious about enjoying your beer, consider fishing those mugs[...]
Responding to Hail Damage
According to DeckTec repair and restoration specialist Vince Stover, it’s only when you file a claim that you find out how good your insurance company actually is – this is when the rubber hits the road. Contact your agent with questions about your coverage before the next storm hits, and be sure to patch any policy holes. What you want as a DeckTec homeowner is to have your investment fully restored to its pre-storm condition. DeckTec does not use subcontractors. We create high-quality, unique custom decks, and our craftsmen are the only ones qualified to repair them. It’s your right as a policy holder to decide who performs your deck restoration. Be aware that a substandard restoration can VOID your DeckTec warranty – and no one wants to see this happen, least of all us. You may get resistance or conflicting information from your insurance company or roofer, but rest assured that you always have the right to deal directly with DeckTec. Managing storm damage and insurance claims is stressful for anyone. We hope to make[...]
Deck Worthy Beer Pairings
Sunset Classic Barbecued Ribs with a Quadrupel Beer Pairing: Quadrupel No fat, no flavor. Properly seasoned and grilled pork ribs satisfy some of our most primal urges, and nothing less than a bold beer pairing is called for. Wine lovers would likely reach for a brawny Zin or Barbera. The beer pairing you need for ribs is a quadrupel, the Belgian abbey brew that marries huge layers of rich, stonefruit flavor with peppery yeast strains without the astringent tannins of big red wines. Look for Apis IV from Elevation Beer Co in Poncha Springs, CO; Elevationbeerco.com. Grilled Seafood and Chorizo Paella with Saison Beer Pairing: Saison Whatever else paella brings to the party, from shellfish to piquant sausage, saffron rules them all, and it’s both too delicately delicious and dear to overpower. Enter saison, traditionally brewed in Flemish farmhouses for seasonal workers. The most traditional versions are a touch sour, which, Albariño-like, cuts through paella’s richness. It’s a super versatile beer style: think delicate spiciness, cracker-like malt backbone, and tongue-scrubbing carbonation. Our pick: Surette, Crooked Stave[...]
Deck or Patio? What’s best for you?
One of the most often asked questions over the years has been: “What’s better, a deck or a patio?” The truth is, a lot of that is determined by the site and the elevation that the house is set at. After that’s first considered, for the homes that are relatively close to the ground, where both are viable options, my answer is simple. Better than a deck or a patio, is a deck AND a patio. You can have too much of anything. Just as you can have too much grass, rock, or concrete, you can also have too much wood, or too much stone. Ultimately for the greatest appeal, you’ll want balance. The wood and the stone are the perfect compliments to each other. Artfully Combining Decks & Patios is Best Patios are going to be at or near the ground, and decks are going to be in elevated areas. Decks are ideal for expanding the living area; however, they’re not meant to be in contact with the earth. Patios on the other hand are[...]
Why Design Matters
It’s officially spring now, and the demand for custom decks and outdoor living additions has never been higher! The combination of the booming housing market and Colorado’s incredible climate is leading to tremendous interest in custom outdoor living spaces. I’m sure you understand the importance of Design. Design motivates just about every major purchasing decision anyone makes! However, it often seems that when we bring up the subject of design, it scares people. Design shouldn’t be a scary word though. For some reason, most people think design adds to the cost. Actually, an experienced deck designer will help save you money by optimizing material use and finding construction efficiencies. Design reflects your lifestyle and how you’ll use your deck. The better the design, the better the function. And the more use you’ll get out of your deck. A well-designed deck provides one of the best investment returns of any home improvement. Professional design and craftsmanship add value to your home. A poorly-designed, poorly built deck can be a liability. In the end our main focus is[...]
How Sweet It Is!
I mean, is this weather crazy good or what? My brother sent me a screenshot of a weather news story recently showing Denver’s recent record 80° day in February. They were comparing it to other destinations that most people think of for warmth like Honolulu, where it was 76°, and Miami, where it was 74°. In some ways, it seems that spring is starting early this year in the Denver area with many days in the 60s and 70s. We could attribute this to global warming; however, the mountains have been getting pounded with incredible amounts of snow, and California’s drought has been entirely reversed. There’s nothing quite like the warm Colorado sun and the fresh crisp air with the majestic mountains in the backdrop. The 58th Annual Colorado Garden & Home Show was the best one yet! This was our 26th consecutive year showcasing our unique custom decks and outdoor living additions, and it’s really amazing to see how much the industry is growing every year. It seems the show has taken on a higher[...]
Spring Cleaning Tips to Get it Done in Record Time!
It’s that time of year again! Time to break out the cleaning supplies and trash bags. Our favorite yearly spring ritual is upon us. You hate to think of the time it’s going to take you… You wonder if wasting a whole Saturday or even the whole weekend is even worth it. We tend to want everything done instantly, that’s just the fast-paced world we are living in today. We’ve got some spring cleaning tips and advice from the pros that will help you get it done in record time. Professional home cleaners come prepared and they’re not going to waste any time. If you can afford it, just hire them! Of course, some aspects of spring cleaning, like sorting through old things, is best left to handle personally. How To Do Spring Cleaning The Right Way Motivation is key to getting things done and getting them done fast. Motivate yourself and the family with a special outing when the project is complete. The pros don’t take TV or email breaks and you shouldn’t either. The[...]
Wood Deck Maintenance: Is Your Deck In Need of Some Love?
It’s time to start thinking about deck maintenance so you’re ready for a full season of outdoor living enjoyment. Colorado’s climate is very extreme with the high altitude, dryness, tons of sun, and moisture. Every time it rains, snows, and the wind blows your deck gets covered with dust, grit, and dirt. It’s that dust and grit that ultimately breaks down the finish when walked on and ground in. Signs of a deck in despair (or need of repair) DeckTec Refinishing teams are experts at bringing dirty, dingy, and dry decks back to looking like new. If you have concerns about your deck or notice any of the below issues. Give us a call, we can assess and prescribe a solution for your deck. Visible dust, dirt, pollen, or other build up Moisture absorbs into the wood, rather than beading up Visible raw spots in high traffic areas Dark stains from residual moisture or spills Raised screws Wobbly stairs The good news is that decks can be refinished and brought back to exceptional condition, even if[...]
Steak au Poivre Recipe
This month's featured recipe is Steak au Poivre. This delicious and straightforward recipe will leave the whole family wanting more! Ingredients 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper 4 beef tenderloin steaks 2 tablespoons butter or margarine 1/4 cup brandy or beef broth 1/4 cup beef broth 1/2 cup whipping cream 2 teaspoons Dion-style mustard Directions Use your fingers to press the pepper onto both sides of the steaks. If using top loin steaks, cut each steak in half crosswise. In a large skillet cook steaks in hot butter over medium heat to desired doneness, turning once. For tenderloin steaks, allow 10 to 13 minutes for medium rare (145 degrees F) to medium (160 degrees F). For top loin steaks, allow 12 to 15 minutes for medium rare to medium. Transfer steaks to a serving platter, reserving the drippings in the skillet. Keep warm. Remove skillet from burner and allow to stand 1 minute. For sauce, combine brandy and beef broth (or all beef broth); carefully stir into drippings in skillet, scraping up crusty browned bits. Stir in whipping[...]
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