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[...]
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[...]
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.[...]
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[...]
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[...]
