The Joys of Birding “On Deck”
Welcome to the first in our series of articles on backyard “on deck” birding! We were fortunate to speak with metro area birding expert Scott Menough, owner with his wife, Sandy, of Wild Birds Unlimited in Lakewood since 1989. Scott is the host of BirdTalk radio, which airs Saturdays from noon to 1 p.m. on 710 KNUS and 1690 KDMT, and also hosts a podcast at BirdTalkGuys.com. Perhaps you’ve never thought about attracting more birds to your yard? Well, according to Scott, conditions here are excellent for doing exactly that. “In Colorado we’re very lucky to have a variety of[...]
Everyone Loves a Fire Pit
When it comes to “fire on deck” and staying warm, there’s something for every need – from a fire pit to fireplaces and heaters. DeckTec can make it happen. “There’s been a big evolution in all of this since the first outdoor fire options came on board in the late 90s and early 2000s,” Steve Sparhawk, owner of DeckTec said. (Download: The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Custom Outdoor Deck Project) “Fire pits warm the lower body, whereas fire tables, when you sit around them, warm the upper body,” Dave Hall, owner of Colorado Comfort Products, said. “A lot of[...]
Beat the Heat: Time to Get Shady!
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[...]
Preparing for The Winter Season
Prepare Like a Bear I think there is a lot to be learned from nature; as the great Albert Einstein said "Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." Fall is now upon us, with a change in colors, light, and air. In my opinion, this is one of the best times of the year for outdoor living. What do animals do during autumn? If you notice, they’re all busy preparing for winter. Many of them have distinct routines, but the one thing they all have in common is preparation. Squirrels come to mind, gathering and storing[...]
6 Accessory Ideas to Enhance Your Outdoor Living Experience
In order to transform your ordinary back yard into a personal getaway, you are going to need to add some accessories to compliment your beautiful custom deck or outdoor living space. Back in the day, folding tables with plastic chairs or picnic tables with uncomfortable benches were often the standard for outdoor living. Now people want their outdoor living space to be just as nice as their indoor living spaces. It’s all a matter of personal taste, but in the end, the options go as far as your imagination when it comes to designing your outdoor living room. Listed below[...]
