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[...]
Shake off the Cabin Fever & Get an Early Taste of Spring!
If you’ve been in the Denver media area for any number of years, there’s no doubt you’re aware of the annual Colorado Garden and Home Show, even if you haven’t yet attended. For many that have attended in the past, it’s a great exhibit that they look forward to checking out regularly. The major themed garden is always extravagant and different and the many gardens are beautiful and new. The gardens include flowers, plants, and trees in full spring bloom that make you feel like you’re visiting a warm tropical destination for a day. (Talk about spring fever!) A week indoors in this environment is often more enjoyable than the alternatives. This year marks the 58th year of the annual Garden and Home Show. For 26 consecutive years now, we here at DeckTec have participated! For us, what started as an event to showcase our custom projects and attract new business has morphed into more of a reunion event to reconnect with current and past clients. Of course, we do find some new clients to serve as well. The[...]
Amazingly Good Eggnog
A seasonal favorite treat, sure to please your family! Ingredients 4 cups milk 5 whole cloves 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 12 egg yolks 2 ½ cups light rum 1 ½ cups sugar 4 cups light cream ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg Directions Combine milk, cloves, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Heat over lowest setting for 5 minutes. Slowly bring milk mixture to a boil. In a large bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar. Whisk together until fluffy. Whisk hot milk mixture slowly into the eggs. Pour mixture into saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3 minutes, or until thick. Do not allow mixture to boil. Strain to remove cloves and let cool for about an hour. Stir in rum, cream, 2 teaspoons vanilla, and nutmeg. Refrigerate overnight before serving. Recipe courtesy of AllRecipes.com
So Much To Be Thankful For!
First let me extend a huge THANK YOU from our family to you for being a DeckTec client. Hopefully it’s been a great year for you full of lasting memories with family and friends. There are truly too many things to be thankful for to list them all in the little space this blog allows. We can give thanks for wonderful friends and family, good health, and abundant opportunities. With the great climate and economy in this awesome state, who wouldn’t be thankful? Secondly, let’s all give thanks the election is finally over! This election seems to be far more dramatic than others. However, I’m sure there are more historically knowledgeable folks who could tell me otherwise. Life goes on either way, and even if your favorite candidate didn’t win, we all still need to come together and unite as a nation. The people are what make this country so great, not any one single leader, but our collective people. Additionally, we are thankful for our company’s longevity. Did you know that this February (4th-12th) will mark[...]
Where The Deck Are We?
When I mention our office and shop is located in Golden, many people seem to think it’s far away in the mountains for some reason, but it’s actually very close. Our offices have been based in Golden, at the junction of many major roads since 1995. We love that it’s so easy to get anywhere from our central hub with I-76, C-470, I-70, Hwy. 93, and U.S. Hwy. 6 all surrounding us. The city of Golden is rich in many aspects: its culture, its history, and its natural resources. It’s a beautiful historic town and a fabulous place to visit or spend the day. It’s nestled between the North and South Table Mountains and the majestic foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and got its name by formerly being a busy gold rush town. It was known as Golden City when originally founded in 1859, and it quickly became the capital of the Colorado Territory in 1862. Many locals became outraged when the neighboring city of Denver took the honor in 1876 when Colorado officially became a state.[...]
Delicious Hot Apple Cider
It's hard to beat cup of hot apple cider on a cold fall or winter day. This recipe is great and will warm you from the inside out. Ingredients 6 cups apple cider ¼ cup real maple syrup 2 cinnamon sticks 6 whole cloves 6 whole allspice berries 1 orange peel, cut into strips 1 lemon peel, cut into strips Directions Pour the apple cider and maple syrup into a large stainless steel saucepan. Place the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, orange peel, and lemon peel in the center of a washed square of cheesecloth; fold up the sides of the cheesecloth to enclose the bundle, then tie it up with a length of kitchen string. Drop the spice bundle into the cider mixture. Place the saucepan over moderate heat for 5–10 minutes, or until the cider is very hot but not boiling. Remove the cider from the heat. Discard the spice bundle. Ladle the cider into big cups or mugs, adding a fresh cinnamon stick to each serving if desired. Recipe courtesy of AllRecipes.com
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