Here in Colorado, winter is a wonder to behold. After a sunny day on the slopes, you can cozy up under a starry night by the fire. But as beautiful as winter is on the Front Range, that doesn’t mean we don’t dream of summer afternoons when we look outside, wishing for a warm evening to barbeque and enjoy drinks with our friends on the deck. […]
With decks such an important space in today’s homes, it makes sense for quality-conscious homeowners to seek out premium materials to enhance the appeal and durability of their outdoor living additions. Clients are rediscovering the unique qualities and value of certain tropical hardwoods like red balau mahogany and ipe (pronounced “ee-pay”). In addition to the rich, natural beauty, longevity and scratch resistance of these hardwoods, Colorado’s increasing frequency and severity of hail storms make ipe and mahogany great choices. There can be a lot of confusion about the names of these materials. Like cedar, pine and other types of wood, there are many different varieties of mahogany, and many different common names, in addition to the scientific botanical names. For example, ipe is also referred to as Brazilian walnut, Brazilian redwood, and ironwood. (Start Planning: DeckTec's Buyer's Guide) While there are many other types of hardwood available, DeckTec focuses on [...]
From ornate Victorian San Francisco homes to modern outdoor decks, Redwood has been the gold standard for exterior wood construction in the western United States since settlers headed west during the California Gold Rush. The wood has also been cherished in other parts of the country where it’s been less available and very costly. It’s no wonder heart redwood is so beloved! These majestic trees are insect and disease resistant, richly-colored and beautiful from naturally-occurring tannins, which are also found in red wine, rhubarb, cranberries, oak, tea, and other plants. But Redwood isn’t just known for its good looks! These iconic trees “tower” over other types of wood with their hardiness and durability. Redwood is naturally weather, insect and rot-resistant, and doesn’t warp or grow brittle over time. Despite efforts to preserve diminishing Redwood stands, beginning in 1910, resulting in establishing preserves at California’s Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and [...]
There’s no contest – Mother Nature holds the trademark on the best backyard cooling system ever invented –a mature shade tree. But many of us on the Front Range, especially in new developments and out on the plains, may not have a backyard so well-endowed. So, what are some ways to keep friends and family cool during the dog days of summer? The good news is that you’ve got options, from the simplest to the most elaborate, for enjoying your DeckTec deck on even the sunniest, hottest days. Umbrellas These ubiquitous summer fixtures are either over-the-table or cantilevered –typically 8 to 11 feet in diameter with weighted bases. They can be positioned where you need them, and with bases weighing hundreds of pounds, moving them can be cumbersome but they can be easily retracted, rotated, and tilted. Trellises or Pergolas These freestanding, latticed arches covered in climbing or trailing plants [...]
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 [...]