Inside Out: Defining The Outdoor Living Room
Here’s a little bit of a trick question for you: What’s the difference between an indoor and an outdoor living room? Answer: The walls! This may seem like an obvious answer, but there really is no big difference in what people do in their living spaces, whether they’re inside or out. They like to eat (barbecue), relax with their favorite beverages — possibly in front of or around a fireplace — and they like to entertain with friends and family. But instead of being surrounded by walls covered in tapestries or pictures, you’re looking at beautiful landscapes and extended views.[...]
7 Dazzling Decks Under $20,000
These days, $20,000 will not get you even the most modest of new cars. However, you can create a custom deck with all the bells and whistles starting well below the $20,000 benchmark. As it grows in sophistication, outdoor living has become even more important to homeowners’ leisure lifestyle. Imagine creating a beautiful space to enjoy with friends and family while adding value to your home. Browse these beautiful custom DeckTec designs for inspiration for your own decking project! This beautiful curved mahogany deck has custom redwood and cedar railing with metal pickets. Its large landing and partial shade coverage[...]
Freshen Up Your Spring Cleaning
Two Tips for an Even Cleaner Home It’s that time of year again — time for some spring cleaning! We have a couple of tips to ease your cleaning burdens, particularly for those things that often get forgotten in the rush. Here’s what you can do to have the freshest … Garbage Disposal This tends to be one of those appliances that gets forgotten until that smell starts to invade the kitchen. While specialized cleaning capsules are available, they aren’t something you typically keep around. What you probably do have is citrus: oranges, lemons, and limes. Toss citrus waste into[...]
Deck-Worthy Delicacies Irish Soda Bread
Ingredients 3 ½ Cups of Flour 1 Cup Sugar 1 Teaspoon Salt 2 Tablespoons Baking Powder 2 Eggs 1/3 Cup Butter 1 Cup Milk ¾ Cups Raisins Directions Soak raisins for a few minutes to plump them, drain, and then dredge with ¼ cup flour in the recipe Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cream shortening and sugar; add eggs and mix Add dry ingredients alternately with milk Mix in raisins. Bake at 350 degrees in a greased pan for about 45 min to an hour depending on the pan you use. Use cake pans (8”-9” in diameter)[...]
Considering the Critters: Your Deck and Wildlife
At DeckTec, we care deeply about the environment, which is why we continue to be the leading crafter of natural wood outdoor projects. We know that you enjoy spending time on your deck or patio, but we also know that other creatures might, too! It’s spring time, and besides a blossoming business season for deck construction and service, that can mean baby animals. Most common visitors are birds and squirrels, who after having spent a long, hard winter collecting nest materials, are just about to give birth to a batch of (soon to be) bushy tailed babies or feathery fledglings.[...]
