Getting the Most from Your Trex Deck

Typically, people think of using their outdoor deck for only part of the year, especially in climates like northern Virginia. But here in Centreville, Virginia we like to make the most of our decks. Having a custom deck built onto your home adds more space to use for cooking, relaxing, entertaining, etc. So why not make the most of this space year round?

custom_glass_fire_pitWhen you live in a climate with cold, possibly snowy winters like those we have in Centreville or Clifton, Virginia, that is a large part of the year people generally don’t think about outdoor entertaining. Perhaps the best way to combat this type of thinking is with an outdoor fire pit. If you want to make use of your beautiful Trex deck year round, a fire pit is a must! There are many different styles to chose from depending on your needs and budget. You can purchase a wood burning standalone pit in a variety of styles, or go with a more custom built-in design. If you have easy access to a gas line, or it is within your budget, a gas powered pit with glass beads or ceramic logs may suit your needs. Check out our blog post on choosing the right fire pit for your space and needs.

Another possibility for using your deck throughout those Virginia winters is a propane powered outdoor heater. Make outdoor grilling a winter activity as well! Easy to find at a number of large home improvement stores, an outdoor heater will give warmth without taking up a lot of space. An outdoor heater is also more flexible than a fire pit, in that you can move it to where you need it – near the grill when you are cooking, then around the table when you are enjoying your meal.Outdoor heater grilling

You spent time designing the look of your outdoor entertainment area; you should be able to spend as much time as possible using that space. Use some of these tips to stretch the use of your Trex deck year round!

The Best of Both Worlds

We have a Trex backyard deck now, and we definitely love it!  We are in the suburb area of Washington, D.C., and have the best of two worlds- the city, with its wide range of things to do, and the rural suburb, with its openness. From our Trex deck, we can enjoy the city views, the stars in the sky, and the luxury of entertaining in a larger yard.

stargazing-from-deckWe feel like we have another room added onto our house now, where we can entertain and have parties or just have private time for the family; sit outside in the mornings or evenings, and enjoy each other’s company. Our Trex deck space allows us freedom that we just don’t feel in the house; a more casual space. We have small fires in the fire pit, lights and decorations all around, and plants in pots all around us. I wish we had added a Trex outdoor deck-space to our home earlier!

I can’t tell you how awesome it is to be able to view the stars and still be close to the metropolis of Washington D.C.  It’s our own personal yin and yang development.  We feel so at home because every part of our Trex deck was personalized for us. Our Trex pro here in Centreville, Virginia was able to give us the design, color, and price we wanted. It just really made us feel better about our backyard and where we live.

I can only hope that everyone can build a Trex deck of their own and enjoy all that their location provides.

Is a Fireplace or Fire Pit right for your Home?

An outdoor fire pit or fireplace is a great way to transform your exterior landscape or patio space into an enjoyable backyard retreat. Deciding which hearth better suits your home’s surroundings may depend on your landscape, and what you intend on using it for. These outdoor fire-fuelled features will supply your family and party guests with warmth, light, and a stylishly soothing ambiance.

Before deciding on which fireside style you would like for your garden, it is important to consider a handful of questions first:

  • How many people will be utilizing your fire feature at any given time?

A fire pit brings a campfire-esque feel to your backyard while being able to enjoy the fire “in the round,” which is perfect when you plan on entertaining large groups of friends. On the other hand, a fireplace better suits a smaller number of people due to the way it creates a cozier, more intimate setting.

  • What is your current landscaping?

Fire pits are low to the ground and will not obstruct the view of the prior work that has been done to your yard. Keep in mind that you should position the fire pit in an area that gives you a view of your landscaping, while also making sure it that you are still able to enjoy it when windy conditions are present. Fireplaces are great ways to create a focal point for your yard and can be customized to offer protection from the wind.

  • Are you worried about the smoke, or do you feel unsafe around an open flame?

Always be aware of your environs when enjoying a fire pit. Wind could send smoke towards you and your guests, and loose embers can become dislodged and fall into the surrounding area. A fireplace directs the smoke away from you and is less likely to send flying embers. It also keeps the fire enclosed if having an open flame makes you nervous.

Fire pits and fireplaces hold several benefits when they are installed in your backyard. Both of these fire features are the perfect setting for a pleasant gathering with friends or family, where you can create an atmosphere that everyone can enjoy, even on chilly nights. You also create a relaxing backyard setting if you just want to enjoy the starry night sky, or if you want to cook outside on your fire pit. Fire features can also increase the value of your home and are therefore a highly effective selling point for homebuyers.

If you would like to have a fire feature professionally installed in your backyard, Distinctive Deck Designs is the company to call. Please contact us today for a free consultation!

Want a Designer Patio in your own Backyard?

patiopaverAny major addition to your home requires certain considerations before you get started and, if done properly, can greatly increase the overall value of your household and its accompanying property areas. If you are interested in having a patio installed, a reputable company such as Distinctive Deck Designs will be aware of any building codes, zoning laws or any other setbacks you could be unaware of. Before contacting us about your customized patio ideas, it is essential to consider the following:

Purpose: Why do you want a patio in your backyard? Do you plan on throwing parties outside, a family space for barbeques, an outdoor kitchen, or just a small private outdoor space to relax? Figuring out what you intend to use your backyard patio for is essential before considering anything else.

Space: Typically, there should be 60 square feet of patio per person. However, a small yard does not mean that you are limited to choices. Even the smallest yards can become the perfect getaway. By implementing retaining walls for seating, you can cut back on the need for extra patio furniture. Deciding whether you have room for a certain shape of patio, such as round, rectangular, oval, or having it wrap around your house can also add a unique element to your landscape. But would the patio serve its purpose better directly connected to thepatio5 house or instead offset in the yard? This can depend on prior landscaping. Certain plants or bushes may need to be dug up or relocated in order to install your patio properly.

Materials: Take into consideration what colors or types of stone you want to use. You may be in love with a certain stone for its color, but it may clash with your home, which can take away from its overall appeal. Depending on what kind of patio material you use can also affect the total cost of the project. Techo Bloc and EP Henry offer many different styles and patterns of pavers for customers to choose from at a reasonable price. Flagstone and Travertine products, at a 20 percent premium to other pavers, are great options and are “wet set” on concrete. Stone and paver products provides customers a lower cost option for their backyard living space.

firepitAccessories: There are many things you can include in your patio, such as lighting built into retaining walls, water features or fire pits. Patio lighting provides safety and lighting that will allow you to enjoy your patio all night long. Water features add a subtle ambiance to your outdoor getaway, while simultaneously helping to block out the noise from the street. Fire pits will give your friends, family and guests a place to gather around on those chilly winter nights.

If you are interested in installing your very own patio, Distinctive Deck Designs can help. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, we will work with you to help create the patio you have always dreamed of. Please contact us today!