Monthly Archives: November 2013

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!

Is Composite Decking Your Best Choice?

syntheticdeckingComposite or wood? The debate has gone on for years about which decking material is better for the task. And while the debate seemed to be neck and neck, over the past several years composite decking as taken the lead. With the modern advances in composite decking, especially in Trex, a deck can have the same great look and feel as a regular wooden deck and be better resistant to the elements. Composite material for decking is the best choice available, especially when you have to worry about warping, rot, splitting, termites and mold in a standard wooden deck.

Many people are concerned about the natural fading that occurs in composite decking material. With the early generations of Trex, this material will achieve its natural weathered color after 12 to 16 weeks. The newer generations of Trex has a protective shell technology that provides a superior fade and stain resistance that will help protect the wood from sun damage and other various weather conditions while keeping the same wood grain appeal of a natural wood deck.

Another argument is the variety of color. With natural treated wood, one would have to choose a different kind of wood, with a wide range of costs to get the desired color, along with different stains that are harmful to the environment. Composite decking materials have dozens of choices available that can complement a house perfectly, along with accented posts and railings.

Choosing composite decking can also be better for the environment. Trex decking is made with 95 percent recycled wood and plastics. By using reclaimed wood and recycled plastics, a tree never has to be cut down to make a deck. Trex is also one of the largest plastic bag recyclers in the U.S. and reuses any factory run off in the manufacturing line.

Cost can be a major factor in whether or not someone selects composite materials. While wood can be cheaper, depending on the type, in the initial investment of the deck, composite decking materials can save money for the buyer in the long run, with a higher quality product that requires far less maintenance. Particularly, Trex also offers a 25-year Limited Residential Warranty and a 25-year Limited Residential Fade and Stain Warranty for their higher quality decking materials.

At Distinctive Deck Designs, we specialize in using Trex composite decking materials. With more than 20 years experience in constructing decks and patios, we know our products inside and out and will help you create the perfect outdoor living area for your home. Contact us today for a free consultation.