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March 2, 2010

Need Shade – Cover the Deck or Patio

Filed under: Covered Decks, Landscaping/Outdoor, Patio Covers — Tags: , , , , , — Mike @ 8:52 am

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Every yard needs a shady place for relaxation and refreshment. Cover the deck or patio with one of many options to create that perfect spot out of the sun.

Pergolas and arbors work well in any patio or deck design. Pergolas can be designed with wide, airy openings or a tight weave. Posts and beams can be decorative and add class and unique touches to your patio design. Columns can also be incorporated to take arbors and pergolas beyond the ordinary.

Grow vines and climbing plants into the pergola or arbor slats for an eco friendly roof that will provide shade in the growing season and let the sunshine through while dormant.

Covered roofs are excellent for complete shade and precipitation protection. Imagine the bliss of rocking on a porch swing on your covered deck – relaxation at its finest.

When you need shade, turn to a design that will cover the deck or patio and compliment your landscape. Take your patio to the next level.

February 22, 2010

Beat the Heat with a Covered Deck in Dallas

Filed under: Covered Decks, Dallas Decks, Decks, Services, covered decks in dallas, dallas deck, dallas deck design — Tags: , , , , — Mike @ 2:29 pm

covered_decks_dallas

To stay out of the sun while staying outside, install a covered deck in Dallas. With all of the benefits of fresh air and none of the dangers of sun burn, hanging out on a covered deck is always comfortable.

Covered decks can range in size, shape and structure. They can be temporary with a stand-alone frame or incorporated right into your deck or patio, with privacy screens and railing integrated throughout.

Roof structures can be solid and blend in with your home. They can also be made of anything from fabric to plexi-glass and offer similar protection from sun and precipitation. Pergolas and arbors create dappled shade and the perfect configuration for vines and climbing plants.

Get a covered deck in Dallas and stay outside – no matter the weather. Get a free estimate for a covered deck in Dallas today. dallas_arbors_patios

Cover that Deck in Dallas

Filed under: Covered Decks, Dallas Arbors & Pergolas, Dallas Decks, Decks, Patio Covers, arbors & pergolas, covered decks in dallas, dallas deck, dallas deck design — Tags: , , , , — Mike @ 1:51 pm

covered_decks

To make your deck in Dallas stand above the crowd, you need to look up. And build up.

Install a custom pergola or arbor and cover your deck in Dallas to provide shade. Pergolas are that perfect balance between blocking sunlight and still providing plenty of fresh air. Arbors give you those same benefits, but are generally installed in a more concentrated area – like over an entrance or stairway.

Vines and plants can be grown through or over the pergola or arbor slats. Screening can be added for more shade and sections can be covered with a more solid structure to block precipitation.

Add comfort and character to your yard and cover that deck in Dallas. It’s sure to stand above the rest.

Get a free estimate for covered decks, arbor and pergolas.

February 16, 2010

Outdoor Living Rooms

Filed under: Covered Decks, Landscaping/Outdoor, Outdoor Fireplaces, Patio Covers, Patio Installation, Pavestone, Services, Water Features — Tags: , , , , , , — Mike @ 2:49 pm

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Designating a space as an outdoor living room is a new concept in home design. Our Great-Grandmothers would offer a glass of lemonade “out on the porch”. Our Grandmothers would invite us to sit on the patio and we now entertain on our decks.

Residents of tropical islands have long accepted that space in their homes naturally flows from the inside to the outdoor space. It’s possible the current interest in outdoor living rooms was a logical response to increased popularity of outdoor kitchens.

As gas grills became commonplace, homeowners who loved to entertain replaced the standard outdoor picnic table with stylish patio sets and added a small refrigerator, counter space and perhaps a fire pit or outdoor fireplace to their patio area.

What could be better than adding a sitting area that feels like a real part of the home?
Furniture of bamboo, wicker, resin, redwood or teak began to replace the standard plastic chairs and lawn chairs previously found in outdoor seating areas.

Stylish lockers provided rain-proof storage for outdoor cushions and small tables are conveniently placed for drinks or snacks. Carpeting or rugs designed for outdoor use are available with designs that go far beyond the bright green and lurid blue of previous options. Advances in concrete allow floors of outdoor living room to look and feel like ceramic tile or stone.

Outdoor living areas are more than just a place to sit outside the house on a nice day. Properly designed, they provide a secluded and protected area to enjoy the sounds of a rainy day or stargaze on a chilly night. With comfortable furniture placements that encourage conversation, adjustable lighting and a blazing fire, this is truly a room for living outdoors.

The ultimate outdoor living rooms are perhaps those where the traffic of visitors can flow seamlessly from indoor to outdoor spaces. For those with spacious gardens or pool areas the outdoor living room may be a separate area for relaxing away from the house.

Though usually protected from sun and rain with a roof of some sort, the outdoor living room may be covered with an open pergola or a retractable awning. For ultimate privacy, hanging curtains of canvas or weather resistant fabric may be added to provide ‘walls’ and privacy to the space.

For those in southern states, the outdoor living room is rapidly becoming a large part of family life today. Sitting on a comfortable couch with a gas fireplace on chilly evenings, homeowners find the ultimate in relaxation in their own backyard.

February 1, 2010

Atlanta Deck Design: Unique Styles for a Unique Location

Filed under: Atlanta Decks, Covered Decks, Decks, atlanta covered decks, atlanta deck, atlanta deck design, covered decks in atlanta, decks in atlanta — Tags: , , , — Mike @ 3:11 pm

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The loveliest Atlanta deck design I’ve seen was one that extended from the second floor living room of a contemporary home built at the top of a small steep hill.  The deck is twelve by fourteen feet and approximately fifteen feet above the hilltop. The beauty is in the view from this deck in Atlanta as the hill is heavily wooded from top to bottom.  

Sitting on the raised deck is like sitting in the treetops.  The view of nature and privacy provided by the simple deck is calming and peaceful while the deck is high enough to catch any errant breeze even on the hottest summer day.  A retractable awning is not noticeable unless it is extended.   The addition of the awning provides a covered deck in Atlanta that can double as a sleeping porch if desired.  Accessible only from the home this elevated deck provides a safe outdoor area twenty-four hours a day.

Covered decks in Atlanta are common.  In a location where winter is short and mild while summer days may be searing sunlight punctuated with quick, drenching showers, a covered deck is the most useful outdoor living space.

Outdoor activities are a big part of the Atlanta lifestyle.  Neighborhood patio parties, cookouts and pool parties are common in many subdivisions and it’s a rare day when you drive through an area of homes and don’t see someone sitting on their deck outdoors.

The rolling hills found on the north side of the city are perfect for the addition of decks rather than poured patios.  Built-in benches on Atlanta decks are a common standard feature of many home builders in the area.  Decks built of composite materials rather than wood have gained popularity in recent years for their resistance to weather damage.

High end home builders often add decks in Atlanta that are part of a larger outdoor living plan.   The deck becomes the open living area outdoors and provides direct access to a sun room or screened porch.  Covered decks in Atlanta may incorporate a stylish pergola or provide an awning covering a portion of the deck that is used for the hot tub so commonly found in area homes.

The latest requirement for covered decks in Atlanta is the addition of an outdoor kitchen.  No longer is a simple gas grill enough for homeowners who love to entertain.   Instead they often add built in grills, refrigerators and even pizza ovens for outdoor parties.

Few homes built in the southern states do not include some form of deck or patio.  The use of decks in Atlanta is a feature home buyers have come to expect.  Atlanta deck designs that are stylish and well constructed add significant value to the ho

Which Type of Dallas Patio Cover is Right for You?

Filed under: Covered Decks, Dallas Patio, Patio Covers, Patio Installation, dallas patio covers, dallas patios, patios in dallas — Tags: , , , , — Mike @ 7:46 am

Patios_in_Dallas

Which Type of Dallas Patio Cover is Right for You?

There are many options to choose from when deciding on the type of Dallas patio cover that will work best for you. Some of these options include; natural wood, aluminum, acrylic, synthetic wood and fabric. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages so it is important to become familiar with all of the options before making your decision.

Choosing Wood

Natural wood can be a great choice. It provides you with the beauty and elegance of nature without any synthetic materials being used. A wood patio cover will blend into the surrounding and create a nice transition between your indoor living space and the outdoors. There are many options for stains and even paint colors as well. While this may not be a choice for everyone, natural wood may be the right material if you are looking for sophistication and beauty that incorporate natural elements. One disadvantage of natural wood is that it will need to be maintained and treated for termite and weather resistance. If you choose to paint your Dallas patio cover you will need to repaint from time to time as well. If you decide to use natural wood for your patio cover, be sure to find wood that is of high quality that is durable.

Aluminum and Acrylic

If you are looking for an option that is maintenance free consider aluminum or acrylic for your patio cover in Dallas. They are strong and will withstand the environment. Aluminum and acrylic do not need to be treated for weather or insect infestation and because they come prefabricated they will not need to be repainted or stained to maintain their beauty. A drawback to these materials is that they are hard to match to the surroundings. When choosing an aluminum or acrylic patio cover look for one that is sturdy and will last for years to come.

What about Synthetic Wood?

Another option for your Dallas Patio cover is synthetic wood. This option is typically made of acrylic or a material similar to acrylic. They are designed to look like real wood and come in many different stain colors to suit any taste or design preference. Synthetic wood is easy to maintain and can provide a seamless effect of outdoor living. Most homeowners find cost to be a disadvantage to using synthetic wood. Generally this type of patio cover material will need to be enhanced with real wood beams to add strength and durability to the product. This fact can bring up the cost of using this material. If you are looking for a Dallas patio cover material that simulates the look of real wood and is easy to maintain consider synthetic wood.

Fabric

You may want to consider fabric as another option for your Dallas patio cover material. There are many different styles, textures and designs that are available when choosing a fabric patio cover. These types of covers come in many different styles and the options for the material that the cover will be made of is great as well. Fabric has the advantage of being customized to suit any décor. A down side to fabric patio covers is the maintenance and durability. While most fabric patio covers come treated for the elements they are not as durable as other solid materials. If you are considering a fabric patio, look for one that is strong and will stand the test of time.

Dallas patio covers come in many different materials. You may choose natural wood for its beauty, aluminum or acrylic for its easy maintenance, synthetic wood for the realism or fabric for its versatility. Do your research to find a Dallas patio cover that fits your taste, style and budget.

January 31, 2010

Stay in the Shade with Covered Decks

Filed under: Covered Decks, Dallas Decks, covered decks in dallas, dallas deck, dallas deck design — Tags: , , , , — Mike @ 3:41 pm

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As the hot sun beats down, you may feel forced to head indoors away from its burning rays.  Consider the versatility and comfort of covered decks in Dallas backyards.  Get out of the sun and still enjoy the benefits of the outdoors with these particular Dallas decks.

Homeowners enjoy spending time outdoors, barbequing or relaxing on their patio furniture.  Often though, people are concerned with spending too much time in the sunlight and increasing the risk of sunburn.  With covered decks you can have the best of both worlds.  Decks in Dallas with any sort of covered area will also protect your furniture from weathering, your doors from leakage due to severe rain and even increase the life of deck board stain by blocking the elements.

Covered decks can be incorporated into your existing Dallas deck design or included with a new landscape plan.  Roof structures can be sturdy and permanent, including a framed area, plywood deck and shingles.  Lighter systems can also be designed, including fabric or even plastic materials to block sunlight and rain.  These materials may cost less, but they also generally have a shorter lifespan and can’t offer the nearly complete protection a heavier covering can.

When designing a covered deck, take into account any structures the cover or roof will be attached to.  If the deck is against your house, be sure the roof line can properly accommodate the deck cover and that the placement won’t interfere with any existing drainage.  Plan the slope (including pitch and width) of the roof well.  Also consider the placement of posts or columns on your deck.  If you can design a size and shape that will not require posts directly in traffic lines, opt for that. 

Consider leaving a portion of your Dallas deck uncovered so you can enjoy the direct sunshine when that is desired.  Place any sensitive or easily weathered material under the covered section and set the lounger outside of it for sunbathing.  Also watch that barbeque smoke will be properly diverted if you design your covered deck to include a barbequing spot.

Think about installing lights and ceiling fans into the roofing, lending even more of an outdoor room feel to your deck design.  This can be easily done when the underside of the roof is left unfinished or done before the bottom of the roofing is covered (such as with tongue and groove wood).

A professional decking contractor will be able to assist you with the more complicated aspects of covered decks.  They can inform you about any additional support, permits and features that are required, as well as advise you on the best materials for your job.

Enjoy every minute of fun and relaxation outdoors by installing a covered deck.  EnhanceScape’s Dallas deck design professionals will plan and build the most luxurious and functional covered deck for your backyard.

 

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