ask the expert Archives - DeckTec Outdoor Designs

Preparing for The Winter Season

October 7th, 2016|Blog, Deck Care & Repair, Decks & Backyard Features|

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 as much food as they can to last through winter. Other animals, like bears, eat extra food in order to store the energy as fat and then find or build a warm shelter to hibernate through the winter. Even the birds prepare by migrating as a flock to warmer climates [...]

Fall is Time to Play in the Dirt

September 20th, 2014|Garden & Lawn Care, Gardening|

The first cold of the autumn hit recently, and with it comes the desire to pack everything into the garage and snuggle up under your nearest blanket. But for gardeners everywhere, this change in weather is all part of the rhythm of life. There is still plenty of work to do at this time, and plenty to enjoy about being outside. Right now is a great time to be thinking about next spring. We gardeners can run to our garden shops and catalogs and picture great color for when the last of the snows melt away, even if we haven't experienced the first touch of winter yet. Now is a great time to amend the soil for next year's gardens. Betsy Kelson, staff horticulturalist with Jared's Nursery spent a little time with us to review this past summer's challenges and getting the ground ready for next spring. "The problem this [...]

Made in the Shade with a Custom Roof Cover

June 21st, 2014|Blog, Deck Design Tips & Trends|

When was the last time you spent a lunchtime propping your feet up and listening to the wonder of Colorado breezes around you? Did you hear the soft coos of a mourning dove or see the ripple of aspen leaves as they clap for you? In our hectic world of noise and bustle, it may seem that a quiet afternoon outdoors is beyond reach. But wait. You can and should enjoy the tranquility of being outdoors. And what better way to do this than in the comfort of a roof-covered deck? (More: Custom Roof Covers) "This is a great time for a roof addition," said Steve Sparhawk, president of DeckTec. "It is one of my favorite projects to help homeowners build a better lifestyle in their backyards." Steve had some great reasons for every deck owner to evaluate the potential of adding a solid roof cover and spent time with [...]

Is There a Pergola in Your Future?

May 24th, 2014|Blog, Deck Design Tips & Trends, Decks & Backyard Features|

As summer approaches, our thoughts naturally turn to spending as much time outside as possible, and why not? Colorado has some of the best weather conditions in the country, with warm, bright days and cool, comfortable evenings. We want to make the most of these ideal conditions by turning to our backyards, oases of pleasure in our busy lives. One of the best ways to take advantage of your backyard retreat is to give it focus and purpose with a pergola. Recently, Eric Veronesi of the DeckTec team gave us a few minutes to talk about the ageless beauty and function of owning a pergola. "I have a pergola on the back of my house," said Eric. "It's south-facing and cuts down on the sun with pretty tightly spaced beams, and in the middle of the summer the space is definitely cooler." He said that this shade, while not as [...]

What should you do with the snow on your deck?

November 9th, 2011|Blog, Life On Deck|

Roof cover and paver patio addition in Littleton, CO Q: Is it better to clear the snow from my deck, or should I let it melt on its own? A: Generally speaking, our decks are designed to be enjoyed year round. We encourage clients to clear the snow from their decks - even though it's a pain. Reasons to clear the snow: If you need to gain access to the area. If it is posing a dangerous situation. Reasons NOT to clear the snow: The shovel can scrape the finish off the existing wood. Surfaces that are deeply checked could also be damaged in the act of shoveling. Would you prefer to keep the snow off your deck? Talk to us about adding a roof cover to your outdoor space! Click here to schedule a free consultation.