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Wednesday, May 1, 2013 by
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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...
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Monday, April 1, 2013 by
Spring is coming and the hibernation is ending! It's time to
head outdoors to soak in the warmer temps and get reacquainted with
outdoor living spaces-and neighbors. But you don't need the sun to
enjoy that beautiful deck you've designed and built-all you need is
LED lighting. Energy efficient LED lighting will allow you
to enjoy and show off your deck, and eliminate the dangerous "black
holes" created as stairs and railings disappear into the darkness
of the newly warm nights. And homeowners have many lighting options
to set the mood with as little or as much light as they please:
Here...
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Saturday, January 19, 2013 by
New Deckorators low-voltage accent lighting for outdoor
living spaces to be introduced at IBS Lighted balusters,
recessed lighting, post cap lights add beauty, drama to decks,
patios, stairs Deckorators will unveil exciting new products
including accent lighting, solar baluster lights, balusters, and
new post cap designs, at next week’s International Builders Show in
Las Vegas. Included in the new product offering to debut at IBS,
Jan. 22-24, 2013, are: Low-voltage lighting. This new line of
low-voltage accent lighting offers all you’ll need to light an
outdoor living area with flair. •...
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Friday, October 26, 2012 by
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...
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Thursday, May 3, 2012 by
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
Friday, April 27, 2012 by
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...
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Tuesday, September 20, 2011 by
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....
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Wednesday, June 29, 2011 by
When a friend was looking to spruce up the posts of his treated
lumber deck, he was looking for an easy, high-impact option that
was both functional and eye-catching. So, I recommended the
Deckorators brand of metal post caps. Deckorators has some unique
solar deck lighting options to choose from and the convertible
solar post cap was the perfect choice. For this particular deck
lighting need, we went with a round copper post cap that sits atop
the deck’s 4x4 railing posts. The post cap is referred to as a
convertible post cap because it provides a deck with ambient
lighting at night, using...
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Wednesday, June 22, 2011 by
Typically, you’re going to build your treated lumber deck, tropical
hardwood deck or composite lumber deck wherever your pool is. But
how will you connect that pool deck to the house? Your objective is
to provide swimmers with easy access to the pool, without losing
the appropriate scale for your backyard space. Choose a pool that
works for your area. The size and style of your pool and pool deck
will help shape your pool entertainment area. Adding a combination
of functional add-ons like Deckorators low voltage deck lights and
solar-lit post caps, privacy lattice, stepping stones...
read more
Wednesday, June 22, 2011 by
Pool Deck Safety: Build smart. Keep safe. Most municipalities have
safety regulations governing what you use around your pool, such as
privacy fencing and deck railing, to restrict open access. Before
you begin construction on your pool deck, be sure to check your
local building codes. Pool deck lighting requirements should also
be considered (solar post caps and low-voltage deck lighting from
Deckorators can help address these) as well as gate latch/lock
requirements.
read more
Thursday, June 2, 2011 by
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...
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Friday, May 13, 2011 by
Yes. The 2000 IRC introduced a requirement for illumination of
all deck stairways. Exterior stairways shall be provided with an
artificial light source located in the immediate vicinity of the
top landing of the stairway, including the landings and treads. The
deck lighting requirement is a bit vague, but lighting is required
nonetheless. As always, check your local building codes and consult
your building inspector prior to installation. Two common deck
lighting options: Low-voltage step and stair lighting is used for
both ambiance and safety. Solar post cap lights are an...
read more
Thursday, April 7, 2011 by
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...
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Monday, March 21, 2011 by
Nothing lends a splash of the new and different like remodeling or
updating a deck. Real estate agents know how popular decks are with
prospective buyers, and few home renovations will get a higher
return on investment. A remodeled deck breathes new life into a
home's surroundings for those who choose to stay put rather than
buy a new house.Consider replacing old wood balusters with scenic
glass balusters from Deckorators. They’re great for opening up the
view and will make the deck seem larger, without adding a single
square foot.Deck lighting can make a dramatic difference when dusk
arrives....
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Thursday, March 10, 2011 by
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...
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Wednesday, March 9, 2011 by
Deckorators solar post caps add a great finishing touch to any deck
or fence. At night, they enhance your outdoor living area with a
soft, welcoming glow. With a top-mounted solar lens, rechargeable
double-A batteries and long-lasting LED bulbs, these eco friendly
products require no wiring and mount easily to wood deck posts,
composite deck post or vinyl posts.You’ll find they’re very easy to
install and maintain. To begin installation, remove the protective
clear plastic film from the top of the cap. Pull off the top by
gripping the sides firmly, and lifting it off. Then pull the red
tab (if...
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Tuesday, March 8, 2011 by
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...
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Friday, March 4, 2011 by
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
Wednesday, February 9, 2011 by
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...
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Friday, October 8, 2010 by
The results are in for the 2010 Latitudes Best Deck Contest, and
the winners have been chosen. There were several impressive entries
in the Latitudes Best Deck contest, but Gina Leggett’s custom deck,
built for some good-ole entertaining in Indiana, incorporates many
great features that one would look for in a low maintenance
composite lumber deck, including a raised portable fire pit area,
featuring Latitudes deck stones, and built in bench seating around
an octagon space. For this, Gina takes home the grand prize.Project
Name: My Backyard EscapeSubmitted by: Gina Leggett, Roanoke,
INJudges...
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