| |
|
| |
| I love the holidays! I love baking, shopping, wrapping gifts, finding and decorating the Christmas t ... - Jennifer Carter |
| |
| Blackberries were perceived by the ancient cultures as being a wild plant, and historical accounts f ... - Pat Malcolm |
| |
| In Australia, the back shed is like a haven, somewhere to escape from the world and, well, just do y ... - Colin Croucher |
| |
|
|
| |
| This is a very attractive wreath and a very popular one. You will want to gather a supply of twigs w ... - Dawn Keadic |
| |
| House training is one of the most important things you can do for both you and your puppy. It is imp ... - Samantha Abbott |
| |
|
| |
|
|
Decks have become a staple of the American back yard. In keeping with the trend towards outdoor living spaces that mimic the indoors, decks are dressing up. From decorative railings to drainage systems and a greater variety of building materials, today's decks go way beyond simple wood platforms for a portable grill and some patio furniture.
'Deck product manufacturers are responding to consumer demand with increasingly creative products that make it very easy to achieve a great-looking deck,' says Eric Stalemark, a 15-year experienced deck contractor and founder of Decks.com.
When planning your deck project, consider incorporating these five hot trends in your project:
1. Double the space benefits of your deck. Waterproof flooring like those produced by LockDry or Xccent, or a drainage system such as Underdeck, basically doubles your usable space. 'By keeping that area dry, you open up the possibility to turn that space into anything from a tool shed to a second deck, patio or even a screened porch,' says Stalemark.
2. Be creative with the rails. Railings and balusters around decks perform an important safety function, especially if your deck will be on the second story. But manufacturers like Fortress, Deckorators and Atlantis are turning them into beautiful design statements as well. 'Decorative railings are one of the easiest ways to add drama and visual impact to a deck,' Stalemark says.
3. Less maintenance, more fun. Wood is no longer the exclusive material of choice for deck builders. Alternative materials offer lower maintenance requirements and longevity than wood. Aluminum, composite, polyethylene, vinyl and other alternative materials all have their advantages, and each will help you achieve a different look for your deck. Before you choose, research all the possibilities and visit www.decks.com to link to the DeckRite, CorrectDeck, BearBoard and EverGrain Web sites and learn more about these different products.
4. Hidden fastening systems complement the concept of an outdoor living space. By hiding the screws used to secure flooring, you can create a deck that will feel and look much more like an interior floor, Stalemark says. 'Manufacturers like Eb-Ty and CorrectDeck are producing hidden hardware and fasteners that not only look good, they are easy enough for a do-it-yourselfer to install,' he says.
5. Create excitement with multiple levels, unusual floor plans and luxurious amenities. Decks are no longer simple square or rectangular platforms positioned off the back of the house. Modern deck-building techniques allow for a vast range of shapes and floor plans, from octagon to oval and even multiple curves.
'Enhancing your deck with amenities like in-ground pools, firepits, built-in seating and even boat docks for houses on the water, is increasingly popular,' Stalemark says. 'For example, you can create a multi-level deck, where each level functions as a different 'room' in your outdoor environment. One level could have a seating area with a firepit and built-in benches. Another could house a spa or swimming pool.' |
| Author: Nelson Carter |
| |
Author Bio:
* An Educated Boater is a Safer Boater. Learn more about boating and get additional safety tips at DiscoverBoating.com. - ARA |
| This article can be searched using: Tips to Make the Most of Your Deck, Home Family & Garden, Landscape Gardening, landscaping plants |
|
 |
|
| |
Related Articles |
| |
How to Remove a Tree Stump
|
| |
Metal Detectors For Treasure Hunting?
|
| |
Backyard Landscaping ?C An Important Area To Landscape
|
| |
Exterior Wood Restoration, Breaking Down the Myth: "Anyone Can Do It"
|
| |
Tips For Decorating A Large Kitchen
|
| |
Painting Tips for Your Home Remodeling Plans
|
| |
Three Ways to Put the Joy Back into the Holiday Season
|
| |
Organizing Kid Rooms Made Easy With Teamwork
|
| |
Looking for a Snowblower - Consider a Toro Snow Blower
|
| |
Enjoy The Beauty Of Hardwood With The Endurance Of Laminate Flooring
|
| |
|
|
|
|
