A Room with a View: Relaxing on Deck with Jim & Susan Judge
When it comes to Jim and Susan Judge’s deck, third time’s the charm. The Judge’s first deck, which came with their Highlands Ranch home, was a poorly constructed “builder deck.” On their next deck, they tried the “Trek type stuff,” as they put it. “We saw the commercials on TV,” Jim said. “We figured it was low maintenance ha-ha.” While the composite deck didn’t splinter like the first deck, that second deck didn’t work out so well either. “The floorboards warped and there were screws popping up. I was afraid to have our grandkids running around out there, I was[...]
Deck-Worthy Cocktails Watermelon-Tequila Cocktails
Ingredients 1/4 c. water 1/4 c. granulated sugar 8 c. diced seedless watermelon (1 lb.) 1/4 c. fresh lime juice 1 3/4 c. blueberries 3/4 c. lightly packed fresh mint leaves 8 mint sprigs for garnish 1 1/4 c. silver tequila ice Directions In small saucepan, bring water and sugar to simmer. Stir over moderate heat until sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute. Let sugar syrup cool. In a blender, puree watermelon until smooth. Set a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and strain watermelon juice, pressing gently on the solids to extract maximum juice. Discard pulp. In a large pitcher,[...]
Passionate about Outdoor Living
Ever since I can remember, every holiday, birthday and family event were held outside on the deck and patio if the weather allowed. Beginning with landscaping as a summer job in high school, my career evolved through landscaping, sunrooms and cedar homes before I came to specialize in decks and outdoor living. Not everyone sees a deck and patio the same way. Builders and architects usually see these additions as a necessary extension of the house (if they give any thought to it at all). Typically in the past its main function was as a way to get out of[...]
Deck-Worthy Meals Cheddar BLT Burgers w/ Russian Tarragon Dressing
Ingredients 1/2 c. mayonnaise 1/3 c. ketchup 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar 1 tbsp. grated onion 1 tbsp. chopped parsley 1 tbsp. chopped tarragon 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 12 oz. thickly sliced bacon 1 1/3 lbs. ground beef chuck 1 1/3 lbs. ground beef sirloin 1 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 3 oz. sharp cheddar, cut into 6 slices 6 hamburger buns lettuce, tomato and red onion slices Directions In medium bowl, whisk mayo with ketchup, vinegar, onion, parsley, tarragon and Worcestershire. Cover and refrigerate. In large skillet, cook bacon over moderately[...]
When a Deck Becomes a Room
Whether it’s wood floors, wood furniture or, of course, wood decks and roofs, I’ve always had tremendous appreciation not only for the durability of wood but for the warm, welcoming atmosphere that wood contributes to our living spaces. As I see it, there’s no substitute for the way that wood enhances our sense of home. Wood offers a solid, authentic and earthy feel, with subtle warm tones and natural markings that make each piece as unique as each of our customers. Nothing manufactured or mass-produced can possibly compare with what nature has provided, and that’s why DeckTec relies exclusively on[...]
