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

Small Deck Changes That Make A Major Impact

Updating your deck to enhance its appeal doesn't mean replacing the entire structure. A few easy steps and simple additions to refresh your deck’s appearance can give your outdoor space a new personality. Clean the entire structure When is the last time you cleaned your deck? Even if you don't use your deck frequently, nature's elements leave layers of dust, dirt and grime that detract from the appearance. The easiest way to clean a deck is with soap and water. Once it dries, you'll be amazed at how fresh and clean your outdoor space appears. For deeper cleaning and more detailed information... 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

Top decking and outdoor living trends for 2012

It’s that time of year when homeowners are lured outside by the warm, sunny weather. Is your outdoor space ready to be enjoyed to the fullest? If your deck or patio needs updating, catching up on the top design innovations and trends will help you create an inviting area that will add value to your home investment. This year’s leading trends focus on blending functionality with beauty to construct a stylish and usable space that requires little maintenance. To create the best outdoor space on the block, consider these popular ideas for your home. Decorative post caps A big trend in decking is... read more

Want to sell your home fast? Tips to help your home stand out.

If you have decided to sell your home, that last thing you want is for it to sit on the market for a long time. Taking some home improvement steps before listing can make your house more attractive to potential buyers and put you in a better position to sell quickly. So what do you need to do to ensure that listing your house floods your real estate agent’s office with showing requests? 1. Spiff up the entranceway Every interested buyer will enter through your front door. Have you looked at your entranceway with a critical eye lately? Consider replacing old or sagging screens. If your front... read more

Deckorators VersaCaps provide adaptability, beauty for deck and fence posts

Deckorators, the nation’s leading brand of deck balusters and decorative railing accessories, has introduced another industry first called VersaCaps™ — decorative post caps with nested inserts that allow for a snug fit over the most common size deck and fence posts. With new VersaCaps, post size is no longer a barrier when choosing the right post cap for your project. VersaCaps come with three inserts perfectly nested inside the base, making them adaptable for virtually any post ranging from 3-1/2”x3-1/2” to 4-5/8”x4-5/8”.  The true-fitting nested inserts take the guesswork out of matching up... read more

Selling your home out of season? A great deck makes a difference.

In a perfect world, no one would ever have to face the challenge of trying to sell a house when there’s snow on the ground and the trees are bare. In reality, people have to sell and buy homes throughout the year. While winter may not be the optimum season to showcase your landscaping, there is one improvement you can make that will help you boost your home’s outdoor appeal no matter what the season: a deck. When potential buyers visit your home in winter, they might not be able to envision how green and lovely your backyard will look come spring. But they will be able to see with their own... read more

Features to Consider When Creating a Living Space on a Deck

Adding a built-in bench to your deck seating area evokes the charm and convenience of a window seat while providing additional seating for family gatherings and entertaining. You can enhance the cozy atmosphere of your outdoor family room with the addition of a fire pit. If adding to a deck, define the space for your chiminea or fire pit and protect your deck by using Latitudes Deck Stones. Available in 16-inch square Smoke slate or Riverstone granite tiles, the deck stones interlock, self-drain, require no mortar and can easily be installed on new or existing conventional wood-framed decks.... 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

Tips for accessorizing a deck on a budget

Building a deck from scratch or remodeling an existing deck with new railing? There are plenty of ways to make your wood deck or composite wood deck stand out—and it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.Here's a short list of cool and unique ways to make your deck area pop without breaking the bank:add unique features to railing with decorative post caps or postcoversincorporate metal or glass baluster infills to your deck railbuilt in bench seatingincorporate deck stone transitionsinstall low-voltage or solar deck lightingplace colorful plants on your deck and stairsincorporate colorful... 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

Post caps - the fast and easy way to dress up your deck or fence post

I've touched on decorative post caps in many posts, but these ornamental accents are such a versatile and economical way to dress up a deck or fence post, that they deserve their own moment in the spotlight. Post caps / post tops are easy to install, even for novice do-it-yourselfers. In addition to looking good, they also serve the purpose of protecting your post from the elements. Solar post caps can also add helpful illumination when you enjoy your deck and outdoor living area at night. If you're looking for a quick, weekend project that will give your outdoor area a whole new look, adding... 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

New deck trends include low maintenance, railing accessories, deck lighting

New deck trends include low maintenance decking, unique railing and railing accessories as well as lighting options. And as the trend for enjoying customized decks and outdoor living space grows, personalized outdoor living areas are the latest in home improvement upgrades.Building or updating an existing deck isn't simply a great investment: It provides opportunities to personalize your backyard or porch and customize the look to your taste. And with many families staying home this summer thanks to high gas pricing and a recovering economy, why not build your perfect area for entertaining?By... read more

Raised garden bed kits, unique products fuel America's new favorite pastime – gardening

In 2009 more than 41 million Americans planted vegetable gardens—a number expected to increase as food costs climb, according to a recent Gardening Trends Research Report. When you factor in flowers, herbs and fruits, it’s difficult to find a home where people are not working the soil on a warm sunny day. Aside from the obvious benefits of fresh flowers and produce, gardening provides low-impact, calorie-burning exercise. One hour of gardening burns as many as 375 calories. While love of gardening has not changed, methods continue to evolve. And one of the top trends is raised-bed gardening.... read more

Tips for installing Deckorators code compliant aluminum deck railing

Prior to installing Deckorators aluminum deck rail kit, you may want to contact your local municipality about code requirements for both the height of the upper railing as measured from the deck surface and the open area from the bottom of the lower rail to the deck surface (known as the sweep). I’ll tell you about the standard ranges but keep in mind your local code could be different. Due to the dozens of attractive Deckorators options, the most challenging part of this process is not the installation – it’s picking the type of baluster and the color. Deckorators originated the decorative... read more

Deck Railing Ideas - Install post caps, balusters, lights and more

Great deck railing ideas start with Deckorators! Deck building season is here and style calls for a look that enhances at a glance. Deck railing and deck railing accessories dial up the visual interest, whether designed-in or retrofitted. Deckorators offers decorative and functional metal deck railing systems and accessories to make your deck stand out from the crowd.Put the sizzle on your composite lumber deck or treated wood deck with signature metal balusters in an array of colors and styles. Decorative glass balusters let the view come through. Solar post caps accentuate and illuminate.... read more

Update your deck, add value to your home

With the housing market on the rebound many homeowners remain cautious about overspending on home improvements. And lower-cost targeted improvements are becoming a popular way to add value to a home. Updating your deck is one improvement that nearly always offers a great return on investment. Deckorators, an industry-leading brand which offer aluminum railing kits, decorative balusters, post caps and accessories, has seen demand increase for the past several years. Consumers are investing in their homes by adding decorative elements to their existing deck and outdoor areas and creating... read more

Deck Postcovers are durable with look and feel of real masonry

Deckorators, creator of the Postcover, has launched a new and improved cast stone Postcover deck railing accessory line that boasts the look and feel of real masonry.Deckorators Cast Stone Postcover mimics the look and feel of real stone columns, and is made of glass-fiber reinforced concrete for increased strength and superior protection against the elements. The Deckorators Postcover is designed to coordinate well with wood, composite or vinyl deck railing, wood deck columns and fence posts. Postcovers are hand-painted and come in three unique styles: Gray Cobblestone, Gray Fieldstone and... read more

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