Things To Consider When Planning A Deck

      Now that warmer temperatures are taking hold, people are heading to their favorite outdoor spots, like the deck. Once primarily used for sunbathing, decks have grown into outdoor living spaces to work, relax, cook, dine and entertain -- day or night. And deck options have grown with them. Here are a few basics any deck planner should consider: Decking materials Wood, composite or plastic? It’s perhaps the most important - and most difficult -- choice to make because cost, durability and maintenance needs can vary significantly. Wood can be the most affordable or the most expensive... read more

2013's Hottest Decks are Crazy for Color

Use Ultra-Bright Accessories and High-Energy Hues on Your Deck this Spring and Summer to Stimulate your Senses and Boost your Spirits Color is everywhere this year. Gone (…yawn…) are neutrals’ days of design dominance. Just ask Pantone. Widely acknowledged as the leading authority on color trends, Pantone has named Emerald 17-5641 Color of the Year and forecasts Lemon Zest, Poppy Red and Nectarine to be popular as well. Likewise, Sherwin-Williams predicts June Day, Kumquat, Exuberant Pink and Gladiola will make a big splash this spring and summer.   For deck enthusiasts, there’s nowhere more... read more

Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas for Deck-Lovers

  Top photo: Nate Salnick - 2011 Best Deck Contest Entry It may be cold and snowy out there, and parents may be busier thinking about their Elf on the Shelf’s next escapade rather than how to set a pretty dining table for their first barbeque next summer, but true die-hard deck-lovers dream of their outdoor living space all year round. Therefore, why not give the gift of anticipation during the darkest time of the year and bring a little taste of summer’s warmth of into their lives this holiday season? Some of the best gift ideas for the deck-lovers in your life include: Gifts for serving food... read more

Make the Most of Outdoor Living this Thanksgiving

Temperatures in many parts of the country have been quite warm this fall; if this trend continues, your family could be treated to bonus time outdoors together over the long Thanksgiving weekend. So get ready to throw on a sweatshirt or heavy coat if necessary, and be sure to take advantage of the last pleasant days of autumn while you still can. Try a few new ideas for outside fun this holiday. You never know: you could start new family traditions! Let the kids create the Thanksgiving centerpiece – If your area hasn’t yet experienced a hard frost, chances are good your landscaping or... read more

How to renovate a deck with railing and accessory upgrades

Now that warm weather has arrived, you’ll be outside more; your outdoor space should be an area that you truly enjoy and are proud to show off to guests. You may not need a complete deck remodel to achieve that level of perfection. With some smart deck upgrades you can create an upscale look for less. Start by looking at the deck railing itself. More than just a safety feature, the railing is one of the most prominent design elements of any deck, and changing it is a cost-effective way to make an eye-catching statement. Remember, your railing doesn’t have to match your current deck material.... read more

Adding decorative railing accessories to your deck

Deck railing accessories can be the crowning touch on your new railing. Decorative post caps can change the look of any railing, and install quickly and easily. Whether you opt for metal, glass or even planter post caps, adding ornamental post caps to your railing can really create a one-of-a-kind look. Faux stone postcovers are another way to enhance the look and personality of your deck railing. Deckorators cast stone postcovers fit over the standard 4x4 or 6x6 treated wood posts of your deck railing, and provide a realistic appearance of authentic stone without the cost. Top them with a... read more

How design details can make your deck unique

You’ve probably heard the expression “God is in the details.” Well, when it comes to creating a truly unique and beautiful deck design, the right mix of details can create a heavenly result. Every deck is essentially a blank canvas. Adding design details such as ornamental post caps, decorative balusters and deck inlays, can turn your blank canvas into a custom deck that is a work of art. Not sure which details will work best for your tastes and design parameters? Deck design software can help you envision how your deck will look with the addition of certain details. The Deck Visualizer is a... read more

Landscaping on and around your deck: Make your outdoor living area pop!

Enjoying your deck is definitely a high point of summer. But if you really want to ice the cake and put a big cherry on top, you need great landscaping to go with that awesome deck. Landscaping on and around you deck not only adds to the deck’s visual appeal, it can enhance usability. Many landscaping improvements are easy enough to be done in one weekend. Here are some deck design ideas to create the perfect environment on and around your deck: Planter post caps Made of cast stone, Deckorators’ planter post caps add the charm of flowers and greenery to a deck. Available in copper round... read more

Remodel a deck with unique deck railing ideas

If summer’s approach has you thinking it’s time to remodel a deck, you might be looking for a cost-effective, high-impact way to do it. Taking your deck’s railings to the next level could be your solution. Deck railing is more than just a safety feature to keep guests and kids from a nasty fall. It can also make a powerful design statement. Railing kits can make it easy to upgrade your deck with a whole new look. Consider these railing upgrades: Balusters You have more choices and alternatives than ever when it comes to spicing up deck balusters. Aluminum balusters allow you to introduce... read more

Build an outdoor sanctuary with birdbaths, stepping stones and more

When it comes to landscaping, customers want more than wood chips and plastic edging. Products from Outdoor Essentials transform ordinary lawns and gardens into appealing outdoor environments that homeowners love. Show them plenty of options, including Tiffany-style stepping stones and our newest offering—Square Tilestone jade stepping stone.Call in the songbirds with bird baths of serpentine jade. Dress up deck posts with elegant caps, also available in solar-powered versions to provide lighting after dark. Planter post caps provide a place for foliage atop any deck post. Outdoor Essentials... read more

Deckorators Best Deck Contest winner announced

Deckorators Best Deck Contest–Take 2 turned out some great looking decks including this masterpiece from Richard DeVuyst of Overland Park, Kansas. A Winning CombinationA multi-level, composite wood deck with a firepit, outdoor kitchen, fourseason room, outdoor bar rail, and built in planters. Wood railings include Deckorators spindles throughout.This wonderful deck and outdoor living area was clearly well-thought out. Its multilevel design incorporates a dining area, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, bench seating, ceramic tile bar rail, sunken hot tub and unique composite... read more

New deck accessory products perfect for spring projects

New deck and deck railing products this year are more creative than ever. Deckorators recently introduced its spring product lineup, including fully integrated aluminum railing kits, recessed deck lighting and a wide variety of decorative post caps. The new Deckorators Aluminum Railing is designed to work with every Deckorators baluster style and features a lifetime limited warranty. Available in black and white, this exterior aluminum railing offers robust, eye-catching profiles and comes in 36" and 42" rail heights. With the beauty and durability of this rail structure, you'll want to make... read more

Top decking trends bring the inside out

As the economy starts to come back around, many remodelers and deck builders expect to see a significant up-tick in requests from homeowners who want a new deck or want to update an existing deck to an expansive outdoor living area. Architects, landscape designers and building professionals are among those who typically stay up-to-date with the hottest deck trends.Expansive, multi-feature decksmulti-level decks that allow homeowners to add separate areas for entertainingincorporating unique deck patterns, deck insets, benches, built-in planter boxes and grill kick outs to make an outdoor... read more

Throwing the traditional deck a curve

When custom homebuilder Scott Gregory decided it was time to put a deck on his lake cottage, he did what many builders do when they have the chance to work on their own property: He tried some new things. The result is an amazing outdoor living space with multiple levels, designated purpose areas, built-in seating, curves and innovative use of color.His goal with his deck? To create a space his family and their guests could enjoy, while also perfecting innovative building techniques that he can incorporate into the outdoor spaces he builds for his clients.The National Association of... read more

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