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Backyard Decks Gazebos Outdoor Structures

5 Reasons You Should Get Deck Covers Installed if You Live in Canada

What Are Deck Covers?

Deck covers can take an exposed outside area and provide shade, shelter, protection and style. They can be constructed of various materials, such as wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, and plastic, with some being custom-built while others are pre-fabricated. 

You can choose one to fit over a pre-existing deck or to enhance a custom deck you may be constructing along with the help of your designer and deck contractor. 

You may have opted for a wooden deck, or have a composite deck surface, or you may simply have a concrete flat patio area where you are considering adding this feature. The main purpose of installing a deck cover is to prevent water from entering the space between deck boards, which can cause damage to the underlying structure and even cause structural failure. However, deck covers can serve as basic a purpose as providing shade or being an accent piece which is aesthetically pleasing and suits the look and feel you want. 

A deck cover can be an essential piece of equipment for an outdoor space for the simple reason of longevity, preventing damage and reducing maintenance costs over time. In particular, if you have a wooden deck, damage from natural elements is a concern and quite an important consideration, whether you live near the beach or on a country property in Canada. Both scenarios come with their own elemental maintenance concerns. 

Deck covers can offer protection against wind, rain, snow, heat, bugs, and other weather conditions. They also provide privacy, prevent dirt from accumulating, and can provide other opportunities to really make your outdoor space reflect your own personality and tastes. 

However, not every type of deck cover does all of these so consider your reasons for wanting a deck cover installed and consider which type will meet your needs.

Here are the top 5 reasons you should get a deck cover installed if you live in Canada.

1. Protect Your Deck (And You!)

Living in Canada has its pros and cons. While we enjoy those long summer days and can even appreciate those calm rainy days, or a beautiful wintery snowfall, it’s important to protect your deck from not only harsh weather conditions but the cumulative effect of even those milder sunny days over time. 

Whether your deck is exposed to sun, rain, wind, or an abundance of snow, these natural elements can severely damage your deck and other types of outdoor furniture.

This is where deck covers come into play.

A deck cover protects your deck, furniture and guests from harmful UV rays, it can provide shelter from the rain, block out the wind, and keep snow from settling on your deck. They can also provide protection from insects and other pests.

Speaking of protection, MDT also shared 8 essential deck maintenance tips for fall and winter in this blog if you’re interested. 

3. Keep Your Deck Cool (And Your Home!)

Once summertime comes around, odds are you and your family will be spending more and more time outside in fairly hot weather. Canada’s summers can be as warm as the tropics on certain days. On average, the warmest province in Canada is Ontario. 

They get hotter summers than BC, so although the winter days might be colder, their summer days are hotter and, as temperatures rise, so does the need for air conditioning. 

The good news is adding a deck cover can not only protect your deck (and skin) from extreme sunlight and heat, it also results in a cooler deck. Even better, it can provide a structure for you to pop in a ceiling fan or corner fan to further cool down the area. 

The best news is that this cooling effect can actually transfer to your home! By breaking the effect of direct sun on your home’s walls and windows, the temperature inside the house can be moderated somewhat, which means you can save on energy bills. Another saving can come from the fact that if the family is comfortable outside, that means fewer people indoors running fans or the AC. 

3. Improve the Aesthetics of Your Outdoor Living Space (And Get Creative!) 

Not only do covered decks provide protection from natural elements and a cooling effect but they also allow you to transform your backyard into a beautiful outdoor living space. Given the variety of shapes, styles, sizes, and materials you can choose from, you can get really creative and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your backyard. 

motorised louvered pergola

Maximise the look of your outdoor space with a motorised louvered pergola. With a touch of a remote, your world will be transformed. The louvered roof allows or blocks the sun, can open completely, allowing full sun and breeze, and keeps out rain or snow when in the closed position. They can be adjusted to meet your exact preferences. Enjoy more views of the outdoors with a stylish, functional design. 

Or a transparent roof covering to protect against the rain while still being able to view the stars at night? Or a modern sleek design with recessed lighting to enhance the architectural style of your home? Maybe you’re a little more bohemian and would like a pop of colour with an accent wall all strung with fairy lights. 

Creating a covered area to enjoy a meal, have a glass of wine by an outdoor fireplace, or show off your expertise if you’re a Grill Master are all great for social butterflies, while simply designating an area to house your plants and a hammock for the perfect nap may be more your speed. These are only a few ideas of the enhancements that a deck cover can offer, your imagination is all it takes. 

Looking for some backyard inspiration? Here are some other backyard oasis ideas that will transform your outdoor space

4. Add Value to Your Home (And Life!) 

Installing a deck cover can definitely allow you to enjoy your outdoor spaces more, however, it not only improves your enjoyment and the aesthetics of your outdoor living space, it can also increase the value of your home. 

By customising your deck and the cover for your deck, you can increase your home’s resale potential, giving you good reason beyond your own immediate comfort to install a deck cover as an addition to your house. 

For the same reasons mentioned above, for those looking to buy a home, aesthetic appeal, maintenance costs, and lowered energy bills are all great selling features, as is an outdoor living space in general. 

The main thing to remember is that covers should complement your home’s exterior style which means you should choose a design that complements the architectural character of your home. The best part is that you will get to enjoy it in the meantime while knowing your home has just increased in value with this one addition. 

If you’re not sure what your vision is yet, consulting with expert deck builders can help you to transform your backyard into a functional yet beautiful outdoor living space. 

5. Enjoy Your Deck All Year (Day or Night!)

Enjoying the outdoors can be difficult when you live in a country like Canada. With more than half of the year consisting of unpredictable weather, it’s tempting to stay indoors. So, if you want to enjoy your patio or deck space all year round, consider adding a deck cover to your backyard space.

That way you can truly enjoy spending time in your outdoor oasis relaxing with a book during the evenings, spending quality time with your loved ones, or hosting dinner parties under the stars (and built-in lighting) with the protection of a covered deck, no matter the time of year. 

Just make sure to choose the cover that suits your activities, whether it’s keeping out the bugs in June, keeping warm in winter, or minimizing all those pesky falling leaves in fall that can affect your deck and are a pain to sweep. 

Better yet, discuss features and elements to include in your cover like retractable blinds, cooling fans, heaters, screens and lighting to ensure you can enjoy your deck day or night, no matter the weather or time of year. Whether you’re looking for a simple or custom design, our team can help you choose the perfect cover for your deck. Contact Mississauga Decks & Trim to discuss your project today.

Categories
Backyard Outdoor Structures

Backyard Oasis Ideas That Will Transform Your Outdoor Space

There’s nothing worse than looking at your backyard and feeling disappointed. If you’re planning to transform your outdoor living space, these amazing backyard oasis ideas will help you to build your dream home.

You might not know exactly what you’re looking for yet, but we at Mississauga Decks & Trim (MDT) are here to help. From pergolas to built-in planters, and everything in between, there are numerous modern backyard ideas that can elevate your outdoor space.

Before We Dive In…

Before we explore different ways to build your dream backyard, it’s important to consider what kinds of features would complement your existing backyard.

For instance, if you already have a deck, you may want to add an area with some shade or a privacy screen. If you don’t already have a deck, you may want to read more on how to find a quality deck builder in Mississauga first. 

At the end of the day, your backyard should be a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics. So, let’s check out some oasis backyard ideas!

Customized Outdoor Structures

Regardless of how big or small your backyard is, it’s always nice to have some kind of outdoor structure so you can enjoy the outdoors throughout the year.

Whether you need some shade from the sun or shelter from the rain, that portable umbrella isn’t going to cut it forever. You may want to consider enlisting the help of expert deck builders to start planning a custom build of something like a gazebo or a pergola.

Gazebos

A custom gazebo is a great option to transform your outdoor space, especially as it comes in different shapes, sizes, styles, and price points, depending on your preference. 

With an enclosed roof protecting you from the weather, neither rain, snow nor sunlight will stop you from enjoying your outdoor living space all year round. Gazebos are also very versatile as they can be used for relaxation and entertainment, all while being the perfect focal point for your lavish backyard.

For more information on how to upgrade your backyard with a custom gazebo, click here.

Custom deck and gazebo with privacy screens built by Mississauga Decks and Trim

Pergolas

If you spend the majority of your time outdoors during the summertime, most people choose a pergola with an open top. This allows some sunlight to get through without it being overbearing. 

Pergolas usually have a flat top, as opposed to the pitched roof on a gazebo. They look perfect installed next to windows, or the back/screen entrance to your home.

Not only do these outdoor structures provide shade outside but they restrict sunlight from coming into your home, making it cooler indoors. Pergolas are also one of the best backyard oasis ideas for hanging greenery or lights from the beams on the roof.

Privacy Screens

Perfect for your seating area or by your pool deck, privacy screens ensure that your backyard oasis is an exclusive space for only you to enjoy. 

Whether you want to enhance the mediocre view from your backyard or prevent those nosy neighbours from peering over your fence, privacy might do you some good.
Here are some privacy screen styles you may want to consider to transform your outdoor space. 

Built-in Planters

One thing that’s not up for debate is that a little greenery can go a long way when dreaming up your oasis backyard. If you have a green thumb, incorporating built-in planters to highlight natural beauty is an easy and unique way to enhance your outdoor space. 

You can even install planters on your deck railings! Whether you’re decorating your railings with gorgeous vines or flowers to add a pop of colour, deck-mounted planters can easily improve your mediocre-looking railings.

Deck with built-in planters made by Mississauga Decks and Trim

Subtle Storage

When people think of storage, it rarely feels like an aesthetic addition to your dream backyard. But what if there was a way to install built-in storage that was so subtle you didn’t even know it was there?

Built-in Benches

Using the deck that you may already have, you can easily add on some waterproofed built-in benches or under-deck storage access, perfect for storing things like baseballs, pillows, blankets, and anything else you might need!

Built-in Cabinets

If you have a pool deck, you may want to consider installing a built-in cabinet instead for easy access to floaties and pool noodles!

Building a backyard retreat doesn’t mean that you have to forgo the convenient and necessary storage space you may want for more aesthetic outdoor features.

With a professional deck building contractor in Mississauga, you can easily design a built-in bench or cabinet for storage to maximize the functionality of your outdoor living space.

The Perfect Lighting

Once the sun starts to set, it becomes harder to enjoy the outdoors without the right lighting. The key to creating a vibey backyard in the evenings comes down to the lighting you install. 

Some of the most popular backyard oasis ideas for lighting right now are string lights, stair risers, deck pot lights, post lights, wall-mounted lights, and low-energy LED lighting.

Just imagine how beautiful hanging curtain railing lights would be, creating a rustic, romantic, and cottage-esque ambiance in your lavish backyard!

Entertain Your Guests

Last but certainly not least, here are some ways to transform your outdoor living space so you can entertain your future guests and yourself!

Outdoor Bars

If you really want to raise the bar, you may want to consider building a customized bar to serve drinks to all your lovely guests (and for yourself of course).

The edges of your deck are often unused space that’s perfect for building an outdoor 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 to provide shelter from the weather. It’s also the perfect excuse to install lavish built-in cabinets to store your cups, mixers, and special beverages.

Infrared Heaters

Infrared heaters are also a wonderful addition to consider if you want to entertain guests in your backyard during the colder months. This convenient feature is subtle and a lot easier to use compared to outdoor fire pits. 

Infrared heaters are bound to transform your outdoor space into a place where everyone will look forward to gathering all year round.

Final Thoughts…

Now that you’ve explored various customizable and lavish backyard oasis ideas to transform your outdoor living space, it’s time to start building your own vision. 

Although your deck is probably impressive and functional as is, you should feel excited to spend time in your backyard and invite others over to your home. Overall, upgrading your backyard is an important investment so that you can create more memories with the people you love.
Ready to get started but not sure how? Contact Mississauga Decks & Trim today to start building the backyard oasis of your dreams.

Categories
Gazebos Outdoor Structures

Upgrade Your Backyard with a Custom Gazebo

Whether your outdoor living space is a safe haven for you, a relaxing retreat with your partner, or a place for you and your family to spend more time together, one of the best ways you can upgrade your backyard, is with a custom gazebo.

Not only do custom gazebos enhance your overall outdoor living space but they can also be used as a private area to lounge, work from home or entertain guests! Depending on the custom gazebo builder that you choose, gazebos can come in various shapes, sizes, designs, materials, and price points!

This article will help you decide whether building a customized gazebo is right for you. 

What Is A Gazebo? 

A gazebo is an outdoor structure that was primarily built during the 18th century. It provided an aesthetically appealing shelter from the weather and a place to relax. 

Many homes across North America feature gazebos but they vary widely in shape, size, and style. For instance, some look like tents, and others resemble large, open umbrellas.

There are various decorative and functional elements that you can include in the design of your custom gazebo such as arbours, pergolas, trellises, benches, lounges, roof supports, rails, planters, lanterns, lighting fixtures, fountains, pendants, even hot tubs!

These items can be customized depending on your preferences and budget with the right deck-building company.  

For more information on awesome add-ons for your outdoor space, click here! 

Custom gazebo with privacy screens built by Mississauga Deck and Trim

Benefits of Building a Custom Gazebo

Provides Shelter

How many times have you gone outside only to realize that the sun was too bright or the wind was too cold? Building a gazebo ensures that you can enjoy the outdoors peacefully without being exposed to all types of weather.

Besides providing shelter from the natural elements, there are many other benefits of owning a gazebo right in your backyard. Let’s go through them. 

Offers Privacy

If you desire a more secluded backyard, a gazebo is a wonderful choice. It will give you privacy from your neighbours while also providing a space that is exclusively yours to enjoy. 

In fact, many people who have a custom-built gazebo love the peace, quiet, and privacy it provides for them. The truth is, there’s nothing better than having your own outdoor space that you can use as a relaxing retreat. 

Perfect for Any Space

Given gazebos can come in various sizes and shapes, incorporating one into your backyard shouldn’t be a problem. Expert deck builders should be able to build a personalized gazebo perfectly suited for your outdoor space, especially if you are designing it yourself with their guidance! 

These days, there are plenty of reasons why you should invest in building a custom gazebo. Not only will you have a unique outdoor structure you can call your own but you can save a lot of time and energy creating your dream backyard with a deck building company.

Now that you know exactly how a custom gazebo can upgrade your backyard, let’s find out if you should transform yours! 

Should You Build a Custom Gazebo?

There are a few things to consider before building a custom gazebo, such as: 

  • What size would you like it to be?
  • Which materials do you want to use?
  • Are there any other decorative elements that you may want to include? 
  • What’s your budget? 

We know it’s a big decision to transform your outdoor living space but with the right guidance and expertise from a company like Mississauga Decks & Trim (MDT), you won’t be disappointed. 

MDT is a professional deck-building company in Mississauga that provides bespoke luxury design and installation services for your outdoor living space.

Whether you are looking for a simple gazebo or a complete outdoor entertainment area, MDT offers expert guidance to help you fulfill your vision and build your dream home. 

Reach out to MDT today to create something unique and functional for your home.

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