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Category: Decks

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Decks

8 Essential Deck Maintenance Tips for Fall and Winter

Anyone with custom decks in the GTA should consider going through a deck maintenance checklist, especially once the leaves start showing off those beautiful fall colours!

When those pretty leaves start to fall on your deck, the cold sets in and the frosty Canadian winter looms, some of those daylight hours should be spent on prepping and preserving your deck. A deck is a fantastic enhancement to your home but it’s also quite the investment. Ensuring that you can enjoy it for years to come means understanding the importance of deck protection. 

Knowing how to prep your deck for fall varies somewhat depending on what material you selected for your outdoor living space, how you plan to use the space, and the design itself. Below you will find 8 essential deck maintenance tips you should know for fall and winter.

Inspect Your Deck in Great Detail

It’s a good idea to go over your deck inch by inch at this point in the year. There may have been damage incurred during the summer months of heavy use. This can be from summer storms or intense sunny days. So look for wind damage, water damage, and even damage from animals to your deck. Maybe a family of raccoons, or other such creatures, has taken up residence without you even realising. 

Another creature to look out for that can create a world of damage to your deck are termites. Termite damage can cost thousands of dollars and is a leading cause of damage to decks. The easiest way to spot them will be signs of little piles of wood pellets. If you see this, it’s time to get a professional on the scene to assess the damage.

Splintering, cracking and other dangerous degrading of the material should also be attended to immediately for both safety concerns as well as deck maintenance and longevity. 

Check for Small Leaks Which Can Lead to Serious Damage to Your Deck

In winter, sometimes water will freeze in pipes and crevices and cracks that it has gotten into. This can lead to damage to your deck.  If your deck is close to an outdoor faucet, there is a pipe system included in the structure or if there’s a gutter that empties by your deck, this is when you need to worry about this potential issue. If the water freezes, the deck can crack creating an extremely costly repair job. Pipes bursting can also be a source of major damage. 

Give Your Deck Some Space and Trim Your Nearby Vegetation

Trim back overhanging branches and cut back the shrubbery that surrounds the area. Although carefully managed landscaping can be beautiful, runaway vegetation can place pressure against structures, roots can grow too close to the foundation, branches can fall and damage decking elements in winter storms, and so on. An extremely shaded area during wet months can also encourage moss and mould which can shorten the life of your deck.

Clean the Leaves Off of Your Deck

If you have a wooden deck such as a cedar deck, you want to ensure you are cleaning up those fallen wet leaves regularly. That’s because when leaves are in the same spot for an extended period, they start to rot. This can lead to mould growth which will affect the strength of your deck over time. Regularly rake or sweep up the leaves and try not to allow them to become a wet, mulchy mess in the first place. It will also make for a cleaner, more inviting spot to hang out!

Apply a Coat of Weather Protection to Your Cedar Deck

As you head into the wetter months, consider the wide range of water-repellent finishes you can add to your cedar deck to preserve it and prep your deck for fall and winter. This will protect against splitting, cracking or warping which result from moisture and water damage. To waterproof a wooden deck, first, it should be cleaned with a deck cleaning solution. Redwood and cedar decks require a special type of cleaner, so a product designed specifically for these types of wood should be used. A pressure washer can also be used to clean your deck, but if the pressure is too high, it can damage the wood so be mindful. Some of these deck waterproofing sealants even come in beautiful stains allowing you to maintain and beautify your deck in one job! Check out what deck waterproofing looks like here!

Get the Right Furnishing to Use Your Deck as a Quiet Retreat

The days get shorter and there is a nip in the air but maybe you aren’t quite ready to retreat indoors, and lovely sunsets shared on the deck all snuggled up in your favourite cozy sweater and a hot drink in hand can be a wonderful way to enjoy your deck during fall. Make sure however that the furnishings you have outside can manage the shift in weather patterns, so either get furnishings that can last year-round or put out some hardier options for this time of year in your fall prep.

Accessorise for Year-Round Outdoor Living

Now, some people decide that their deck is such a part of their living space that they include add-ons to be able to use it all during the winter months as well, like creating a screened-in section, installing heated elements like panels, floors, and lamps, or weatherproofing an upper deck to continue using the lower level during the wetter seasons. For these installations, of course, looking out for leaking and tears in screens and getting those repaired before the colder months set in is a must. Another option you have is to install a permanent, covered deck or simply consider installing a temporary seasonal covering like an awning. This will ensure deck protection from harsh weather and can then be removed in the spring and summer.

Honestly Assess if It’s Time For a New Deck

Although materials like PVC and composite decking offer amazing warranties and a high-end licensed deck building contractor who knows what they are doing can provide you with a deck that can last for years, not everyone has gone this route. Especially when it comes to wooden decks, even with the recommended maintenance routine, the average lifespan is 10 to 15 years. If you are a true lover of a beautiful wooden deck, consider if an upgrade in the material should also be included in your deck refresher project. Hardwoods, composite decking, and other materials require less deck maintenance and will last longer. So when you do your annual inspection, be honest in your assessment and make sure your deck is not only a welcoming space for you and your loved ones to enjoy but also a safe one. Find out if it’s time to replace your deck here!If you are considering building a new deck or simply want an upgrade or add-on, Mississauga Deck and Trim (MDT) is the best deck builder Mississauga has to offer! MDT specialises in high-end design custom decks in the Greater Toronto area and offers solid lengthy warranties on both their materials and their work. For more information, check out Mississauga Decks and Trim.com.

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Deck Building Decks

How to Find a Quality Deck Builder in Mississauga

Great deck builders in Mississauga are few and far between. Let’s be honest, not everyone is a regular Tim Taylor or Mike Holmes. Carpentry, and being that top-tier Carpenter comes with years of experience (or just really good sitcom character building). Sometimes it’s best to spend that extra bit of money to make sure your project gets done the way you dreamt it up.

This is especially true when considering something as integral to your home as a deck. You don’t want to be relaxing in your backyard if your deck looks like it was fished up from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, regardless of whether you built it with your hands or not. In many cases, the best course of action is to head to Google and type in “deck builder Mississauga” or “custom decks Mississauga”, browse around and find the right person for a job of this magnitude.

So what steps should you take when considering who to trust with a project as important as this one? We’ve built a comprehensive guide for what sorts of questions you should be asking, what measures you should take, and finalising a deal for the best deck builder Mississauga has to offer.

Before You Look For A Deck Builder

High-quality deck built by Mississauga Decks and Trim

Make sure your project is fully or mostly planned

Looking for a contractor without having a concrete plan in mind is like going to the grocery store without a list, you’re just winging it, and chances are you’re going to spend way too much money on things you don’t need. As with any big project, careful planning and an understanding of what you want your deck to look like, and how you want your space to feel are key. If you reach out to contractors without having a full grasp on what you want your deck to look like, the deck builder won’t be able to give you a full rundown of estimates or an accurate appraisal, so be sure to check out Awesome Add-ons for your Custom Deck to help you create a clear vision of your dream deck.

You should also figure out what materials you intend to work with, and if you’ll include advanced designs

Some deck builders are also best working in specific conditions and with specific materials. Not every deck builder in Mississauga has equal amounts of experience with specific types of materials. Some may be more suited to working with PVC, others with pressure-treated wood. For more information on the difference between PVC vs composite decks, click here.

If you plan on using advanced or intricate designs in your dream deck, make sure to flesh out those ideas fully before looking for a deck builder as some may not be familiar with that sort of design, and would therefore be less suited for the job.

Figure out what the cost would be to build the deck without a professional

Going into a conversation with a contractor prepared is key. Of course, it’s going to be more expensive to use the services of a professional deck builder in Mississauga, but that doesn’t mean you should leave everything to blind trust. Have an understanding of what it would cost to do it yourself, and go into negotiations with a fair middle ground to work towards the overall cost. If you’re not sure what Things to Consider When Building a Deck, check out our comprehensive guide.

Looking for a Deck Builder

Word of Mouth

Word of mouth is the way most Carpenters, especially deck builders, make their money. When it comes to decks, it’s hard for happy customers to not constantly brag about just how gorgeous their brand-new deck is, and just how much better it is compared to their neighbours. These satisfied customers are also quick to recommend the same deck builders to whoever asks. If you know anyone that had a project done, especially ones that may look similar to what your ideal build looks like, make sure to inquire with them about deck builders nearby.

Reading reviews and websites

Checking out reviews is essentially word of mouth from people you don’t know. You can learn a lot about a potential deck builder just by reading the reviews left for them on sites like Google or Homestars. They say a business is only as good as its worst review, so check out what others have had to say about them, and make your decision from there. Keep in mind that everything should still be taken with a grain of salt, and further research can come in handy.
You should also take the time to check on the websites of the deck builders, as you’ll find a much more comprehensive outline of their services, and what sorts of jobs they’ve done in the past. Check out how long the company has been in business, as older companies tend to be more reputable.

Mississauga Decks & Trim building a deck

Chat With Your Chosen Deck Builder

So you found a couple of suitable candidates for the job. Now comes the really important part – actually speaking with them, and becoming the boss that you are. You’re essentially interviewing the deck builder for a job, and like any good HR representative, you need to make sure that this is the right person/company for it. Here are a couple of questions you should consider asking during this part of the process.

Do they have proof of licensing and insurance?

Is there a regular crew that they work/handle projects with?

If something goes wrong, how will problems be handled, and how will unexpected costs be factored into the overall work?

Ask about their building/planning process.

Ask to view some of their previous builds.

Have they done projects similar to this one, and are they capable of handling intricate/advanced designs (if you have them)?

Do they mostly work with suburban or urban houses? A deck builder in Mississauga vs. one in Toronto has more than likely worked on different styles of projects.

What materials do they have the most experience working with?

Ask for suggestions/if there’s room for improvement on the build.

What sort of extras/features would work with this build, and do they have experience implementing these aspects into the deck?

What would be the expected timeline for this sort of project?


You should also make sure to ask for direct references from customers that were satisfied working with these specific deck builders. Online reviews and single cases of word of mouth in some cases aren’t enough to gauge an accurate review of the deck builder’s work.

Getting Down to Paperwork

You’ve found a deck builder in Mississauga that you trust to build your dream deck, it’s time for paperwork. Make sure you see a copy of their licensing and insurance, as this makes them all the more credible, and should make you all the more reassured. Ask about how payment will work. Is there a payment plan or a schedule depending on the cost of the project? Is there a way to set up that sort of term-based payment system? Lastly, make sure you get a firm price for the deck project.

The End Result

You did it! Days of relaxation and recovery suddenly seem closer than ever, and all it took was a fair amount of leg work and finding the right person for the job. Rest easy knowing you will soon be able to relax on your gorgeous deck!

Aluminum cocktail railings with heat-treated ash upper deck built by MDT.

Best part? Not once will you have to swing a hammer, because you did your research and placed your trust in the best people at your disposal. If you’re still looking for a custom deck builder in Mississauga, check out Mississauga Decks and Trim; anything you can dream of, we can build!

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Deck Building Decks

Top 3 Questions to Ask Deck Builders in Mississauga

So you want to build a deck to enhance your outdoor space, but there are so many deck builders in Mississauga to choose from, so where do you start? 

Well, with the answer to these questions, you may find the choice isn’t so overwhelming after all and the deck building contractor best suited to your needs will soon stand out from the crowd.

The first step of course is deciding whether it is time to replace your deck. If you’re not sure, it may be beneficial to check out: Is It Time to Replace Your Deck? before reading on. Once you’ve decided that you do need to replace your deck, the second step is finding certified deck builders in Mississauga who also have a lot of satisfied clients. It isn’t enough for a deck building contractor to just be certified, you want to ensure that your needs as the client will be met, which includes communication, objectives, and timelines.

Start from the comfort of your mobile phone. Go online and look for companies that have a gallery showcasing previous work. If you see items that appeal to you, check to see if they have good reviews for both their work as well as how well they communicate and interact with clients for the duration of the project. You may have already decided that you want to go with a particular material, for example, composite decking, so focus on companies that are already familiar with working with this material. Maybe you even have a design in mind already. If that’s the case you may also want to set up consultations with custom deck designers and construction companies that have experience in the kind of project you are envisioning for your property. 

For more information on How to Find a Quality Deck Builder in Mississauga, click here. 

On the other hand, if all you know is that you want to expand the use of your home and are not quite sure how to do it, a company that offers everything from deck design to planning and even helping acquire permits may be the way to go. This means that you could end up with a plan incorporating unique features you always wanted but didn’t know how to include. After all, you may find out you have space for a fire pit or a custom gazebo with that designated hot tub space you always wanted, or even a play area for your children. 

Building a new deck can be so exciting but let’s be honest, a little daunting as well, so here are the 3 questions you should ask deck builders in Mississauga once you’ve narrowed down your choices.

  1. What Materials Do They Use to Build Your Deck?

You want the best quality materials with great durability for your deck building or outdoor project. A deck is exposed to weather and hard wear and tear, and you want it to last for years to come. A deck-building company that only uses the best quality materials is a good sign that they understand that a quality and custom deck should be built to last. Not sure which materials you want to use? Read more about the difference between PVC vs composite decks here. 

  1. Are They Licensed and Insured for Deck Building Projects?

You want to make sure you’re protected should there be any issue with the deck building project, and yes, you are within your rights to ask to see what licences and insurances are held by the contractors. A great deck-building contractor will be one who is also able to help you obtain the permissions and legal permits you may need to acquire in order to pursue your project.

  1. What Warranty Do They Offer for Their Decks and Outdoor Structures?

The right contractor to build your deck will not only work with materials with long-term warranties but will also offer a reassuring warranty for their own work.

It may be tempting to go for the lower-priced option for your decking but think of your deck or outdoor structure as an investment. A beautiful deck, custom gazebo, or other outdoor living features not only enhances your lifestyle but also increases the value of your home. Therefore, these seemingly simple questions will quickly eliminate options that seem too good to be true. 

With years of international expertise and a solid reputation in the Greater Toronto area, Mississagua Decks and Trim is a licensed and insured deck-building company that uses the highest-grade deck-building materials and offers a 10- year warranty on all of their high-end custom decks and outdoor structures. 

Chat with us today to learn more!

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Decks

Things to Consider When Building a Deck

Let’s be honest, it hasn’t been the best year, let alone the best summer for spending time out back, inviting friends over, and hanging out on that deck you’ve been dreaming about. Maybe building a deck hasn’t been the first thing on your mind. But it’s about time you got back to thinking about how you’re gonna finish that project you’ve been dreaming about. It’s time to plan ahead and make the most out of next year’s hot months. It’s time to build a deck (or at least start planning).

So break out the toolbox, consult with your partner, and get started on your new deck. Or if the YouTube tutorials are too much, we always recommend reaching out to hire your favourite Mississauga deck builders (pssst, it’s us).

Here are a couple of tips and things to consider before you get started on construction. Remember, planning is half the battle.

#1 – What’s the Deck Going to be Used For?

It’s easy to jump headfirst into a project without considering what it’s actually going to be used for. Every project you undertake should always have a utility at the end of the day, and that’s no different in deck building. Mississauga or any other suburban area has always been great for families looking to have their own space and to get a chance to relax.

If you want a deck perfect for relaxing, design it with space for things like a hammock or garden sofas in mind. If grilling is your passion, plan for adequate grilling space. Invest in stone or brick walls for fire safety. Transform your space into a top-of-the-line outdoor kitchen with a pizza stove. Make sure you know what you want and plan with that purpose in mind.

#2 – Features

This is the part of deck building that you daydream about the most. Sure, it’s important to think about what materials you’re going to be using, or the size of your masterpiece, but what we’re really picturing is firing up the grill, or where that fire pit should go, or if we’re really gonna get bold and install a bar for those extra spicy nights outback.

Make sure to understand the amount of space you’re working with when thinking about what extra features you want on your deck. After all, you don’t want to be crowded while you’re manning the grill. With so many options at your disposal, it can be easy to get overwhelmed.

#3 – Let Your Space Shine

Cedar rooftop deck, with waterproof built-in bench storage - Mississauga Decks and Trim

The best thing about deck building in Mississauga is just how much space you have to work with. With space comes the freedom to let your imagination run wild, so have fun with it. But you can still build a great deck without a massive backyard. With careful planning and maybe a hint of consultation from some of the best deck builders Mississauga has to offer, you can make the most out of the space you’re working with. Relaxing on your deck is best when you don’t feel cramped, so let your deck breathe, and let your space shine. Sometimes less is more (especially when thinking about add-ons and extra features).  Consider things like built-ins as a way to maximize space on smaller decks.

Your greatest foe when it comes to building a deck won’t be your own will to get at it, nor will it be the envious neighbours. Your greatest foe is Mother Nature, and you need to make sure you accommodate her. She can be the best and the worst dinner guest. Mississauga deck builders know this better than anyone else and should consider how nature will affect the shape, size, and type of deck being built.

In cold weather, regular wood will expand and contract, warping your deck.

If you don’t mind straying away from wood for your deck, look into composite decking materials. It is the more affordable option in the low-maintenance product line with lots of choices when it comes to pricing and esthetic options.

If you want the best cold and rainy weather protection out there, check out PVC for your deck. It is a premium product that is great around high moisture areas such as pools and hot tubs.

#5 – Shading

Speaking of shading – look, the sun is nice and all, but sometimes shade is key. Shade is ESSENTIAL to any great deck. When planning out how your deck is gonna look, make sure that when needed, you can retreat to an umbrella or gazebo to escape the sun and enjoy the cool vibes.

Investing in a little cover from the elements goes a long way in making sure that you and everyone at the barbecue are cool as cucumbers.

#6 – Compliment your home

Fiberon deck with spigot glass railings - Mississauga Decks and Trim

A deck is an add-on to your home, so make sure that it all fits together. You don’t want your deck to stick out like a sore thumb. The colour or stain on the wood should match or complement the brick of your home. A grey PVC deck with a light-coloured brick home just doesn’t go together.

You should also take into account the style of your home and what style deck would suit it best. If your home is a Greek revival, rocking a contemporary deck feels out of place

You also don’t want your deck size to be too big in comparison to your home. Sometimes a smaller deck works best depending on the size of your home.

 

#7 – Check your local building codes!

If you haven’t read up on the construction by-laws in your area, that should be one of the first steps you take. Building without a permit can be extremely costly, and if you need one for your project, getting your hands on one isn’t a hard process, and should never be neglected. Deck builders in Mississauga or anywhere else should never neglect the laws that are enforced where they live.

Though the summer is on its last legs, it’s important to plan for the future. Building a deck is no quick and easy process, especially with the sheer number of factors that SHOULD be considered when undertaking such a big build. But a good, and smartly built deck can bring a house together and make it feel like a home, no matter the season.

Times like these are what we’ve been ceaselessly dreaming about since the world shut down. As the world starts to return to a degree to normalcy, it’s time to get that deck ready, that grill fired up, and those throw pillows on your garden sofa nice and fluffed. But first, take all the steps necessary to plan out how your deck will take shape, and turn those dreams into a reality.

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Decks

Is It Time to Replace Your Deck?

Let’s get straight to the point, your deck isn’t what it once was. It’s getting old, rickety, and discolored. There are cracks in the wood, or maybe your railings are starting to come a little loose. No deck lasts forever. The weather is bound to take its toll when push comes to shove. Maybe it’s time you freshen things up. 

Deck replacement can be quite a process. Even if the only aesthetic change is to the type of material you’ve chosen to roll with this time around, new deck installation isn’t easy. Here are some signs to look out for when considering replacing your deck, and some tips on the best ways to get a new deck installation done. 

1. Wood rot and degradation

Wood rot and degradation

Wood rot on your deck isn’t too hard to spot, but it can be one of the most detrimental factors when it comes to the condition of your deck. Wood rot originates from microbes eating up the fibers in wood that provide its rigidity. These microbes spread quickly, and the wood rot will come along with it. If you don’t spot it quickly, it can rapidly eat away at your deck. Once it spreads, chances are you’re going to need an entirely new deck installation.

To spot wood rot, check for darker patches, soft and spongy wood, or cracked wood that crumbles when dry. There are plenty of other signs, so make sure to cover all your bases. Of course, if you’ve got a PVC or composite deck, you don’t need to worry about it. Consider replacing your wood deck with a Pvc/composite deck, or other low-maintenance material.

2. Loose railings

Though having loose railings might not always mean that you need to entirely replace your deck, it can coincide with other problems that you should be on the lookout for. For one, safety is always key, so making sure all those loose parts are tightened up is important. 

But loose railings can also be a sign of poor handiwork or over-exposure to harsh weather conditions, wearing away at the base of your railing. Either way, depending on the scale of the problem, a full-on deck replacement might be in order. Loose railings can be the difference between a 20$ and a 2000$ fix, make sure to inspect them properly. 

3. Bad Post Conditions

If your posts are made of wood, check them for wood rot the same way you would with the deck boards on your deck. Your posts are what hold up the majority of the weight of your deck, and provide structural integrity. If they’re soft or decaying, the stability of your deck could be on its last legs and are a safety hazard for you and your family. Issues with posts can often lead to a completely new deck installation or replacement. 

Bad Post Conditions

If it’s to the point where the posts look like they’re rotting away, it’s recommended that you replace the deck right away, and refrain from using the deck until a deck builder comes in to replace it. 

But if the issue is less serious, like water pooling around the base of the post, speak to a deck builder about how you can divert water away from the base. 

4. Rust 

Another effect the weather can have on your deck is in the way that it can rust whatever metal parts you may have used. From nails and screws to larger fixtures beneath your deck, replacing or repairing any rusted fittings will increase the longevity of your deck. It’s especially important to check up on any rust if your deck is older, around 15-20 years old. 

5. Pulling away from home

Pulling away from home

One of the more obvious indicators of necessary repair to a deck is on its ledger board. The ledger board is the part that connects your deck to your home. The deck may start to become unattached from your house, in which case a big repair may be in order. Many environmental factors can play a role in the separation of the ledger board from your home, so if you live in a region with heavy snowfall, keep an eye on it. 

6. How old is your deck?

The older your deck, the more likely it is that all the prior issues may occur. Wear and degradation happen over time. A general rule of thumb for when you should get your deck professionally inspected is that it should be looked at after about 5-6  years. If you’re in a colder climate, one with more intense weather (either intense heat or intense cold), checking it more frequently is recommended. 

Mississauga decks and trim offer a 10-year workmanship warranty on all their decks, so you can be safe in the knowledge that your structure is safe and sound.

Things to consider when replacing your deck

Though it’s more costly, PVC or composite decks will tend to last longer than natural wood decks. Water, bugs, and other external issues won’t be a factor with that sort of material. Mississauga Decks and Trim offer low-maintenance materials that come with manufacturer warranties ranging from 25 years to a lifetime.

If you still want a wood deck, consider heat-treated Ash, or exotic hardwoods like  Ipe, Garapa, and Cumara among others. Ipe especially is known for its durability and can last over 75 years without rot.

Should you replace or just resource your deck? Hiring a deck builder to give you expert consultation on the scope of the repairs necessary can save you money and time. 

Make sure to ask your deck builder what steps you should take towards the maintenance of your deck, regardless of whether it’s a composite deck or a wood deck. 

For a consultation on your deck, and to get an expert deck builder opinion on whether or not it should be replaced, you can contact us at Mississauga decks and trim at this link or call us at 

(647) 321-1545

Categories
Decks

Awesome Add-ons for your Custom Deck

There’s nothing worse than feeling as though something is missing, but not having a clue what that final piece could be. You spent all summer building your dream deck, came up with some awesome deck designs, but as soon as you hammered in that last nail, shined that last panel, you might’ve felt like that pièce de resistance was missing.

You might not know what it is yet, but us at Mississauga Decks and Trim are here to help. From pergolas to built-in cabinets, and everything in between, the amount of awesome custom deck add-ons to complete your dream build are limitless.

A reminder that it’s always important to understand what sort of add-ons will compliment the custom deck build you’ve already got in place. If you’ve got a pool deck, an area with some shading might be ideal, or maybe even a screen for some extra privacy. Your deck should always be a good blend of functionality and aesthetics.

Check out some of our favourite custom deck add-ons below!

Shading

Regardless of what sort of deck you’ve built for yourself, whether that be a pool deck or one fitted with as much seating and lounging style relaxation as possible, it’s important to have shading. If the moveable umbrella just isn’t cutting it, it might be time to install something bigger. Enlist the help of a deck builder, or start planning your own build for something like a gazebo or a pergola

–  Gazebos are great if you want to be outside no matter what mother nature is throwing your way. With an enclosed roof protecting you from the weather, neither rain nor sunlight will put a damper on your R&R. Gazebos can be a pretty big addition to your deck, but its versatility is unmatched. Gazebos can do more than just complement your custom deck designs, it can be a key feature, and be the best eye-catcher you could ask for.

–  Pergolas are better if you’re just looking for shading, and protection from harsh sunlight. Most people opt for a pergola with an open-top, allowing for some sunlight to get through the beams. They’ve usually got a flat top, as opposed to the pitched roof on a gazebo, and look perfect installed next to windows, or the back/screen entrance to your home. Not only does it provide shading outside, but it restricts sunlight from coming into your home, making it cooler indoors. It’s also perfect for hanging greenery or lights from the beams on the roof.

Privacy Screens

Perfect for your seating areas or by your pool deck, privacy screens keep the unwanted elements away, and keep the fun in. It’s a simple build, consisting of a deck railing turned into a longer or higher screen. If you’ve got views from your backyard you don’t want to see, or if you have nosy neighbours always peering, privacy might do you some good. The huge number of deck designs it can be incorporated into gives it versatility, and it rarely sticks out like a sore thumb.

Greenery

It’s not up to debate, every space is better with a little green. Having plants and any sort of greenery complementing your deck is a must, and can spruce up the space with utter ease. Whether you just put some vases or build some built-in planters or railing-mounted planters, you can’t go wrong with some of that extra life in your backyard. Looking for deck railing ideas? Look no further. Installing a planter on your railings, letting some gorgeous vines hang from it, or adding colour with flowers, can add brightness to an otherwise normal-looking railing. Don’t forget that you can also use something like a pergola to hang vines or greenery from!

Storage

When people think of storage, it rarely feels like an aesthetic addition to a custom deck. Implementing built-in storage is too often forgotten when considering deck designs, but it’s essential. Building a deck doesn’t have to mean that you have to forgo storage space for other important backyard pieces. You can easily install something like a built-in cabinet, or built-in bench storage, to maximize the functionality of your deck. Using existing features in your deck, you can easily convert them into multi-purpose systems, perfect for hiding away things like baseballs, pillows, blankets, and anything else you might need. Consider installing a built-in cabinet beside your pool deck for easy access to floaties and pool noodles!

The Perfect Lighting

Once the sun starts to set, the true colours of your custom deck start to show. The best decks should be able to hold their own and sustain a good time no matter the time of day. The key to having a lively deck, even at night, comes down to the lighting you decide to implement. Everybody’s favourite choice right now is the string light, stair riser, deck pot lights, post light, or wall-mounted lighting are many options to brighten up your deck.

These hanging curtain railing lights bring a beautiful rustic romantic cottage-Esque ambiance to any backyard! Made to keep you warm on a cool night!

Outdoor Bar

If you really want to raise the bar, consider building the perfect spot to serve and prepare drinks for all your lovely guests (and for yourself of course). The edges of your deck are the perfect, often unused space, to set up a bar. A simple build needs only a ledge, just enough room to set your drinks on, and some extra barstool-type seating. If you want a more complex build, consider installing an awning, or some sort of roof/protection from the weather.

 It’s also the perfect excuse to make more built-in cabinets to store your cups, mixers, and special beverages.

Decks can be so much. A place to relax, something to show off, a hub to entertain and enjoy your summer. It’s perfect for laughing, cuddling, and building deeper connections with all those around you. Though your deck is more than likely impressive and functional as is, all those moments become that much more special when everything is brought together with impressive and well-thought-out deck add-ons. Deck designs are tough, and implementing all these extra assets can be a challenge, but it’s always worth it in the end.

If you can turn a simple deck into a backyard good enough for a pandemic-style wedding, who’s really going to say no to that?!

There’s beauty, and more importantly, even better times that can be had when you go the extra mile for yourself and your deck.

Our Suppliers And Materials

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