At Decks by Ziec, we can’t help but feel nostalgic and full of holiday spirit this time of year. Despite all the chaos and mania that has swept the world during 2016, we prefer to think back to simpler times when tasteful holiday displays adorned the houses in our neighborhoods. We prefer to cast our minds back to those times when these kinds of displays filled us with wonder. This was a time before fancy high-tech, light displays were the norm. In those holidays past we would try to determine whose display was the most creative and whose display most captured the spirit of the season. If you are someone who can appreciate the simpler things and can appreciate a time before high tech, electronic wizardry took over then here are some ideas for a simpler, cozier display on your deck.
Halloween is eerily creeping up on us and the outside of your abode is just about due for a ghoulish makeover. It’s now time to replace the festive summer decorations on your deck with ghouls, witches, pumpkins, skeletons, etc. It’s time to give the kids a chance to display their favorite handmade drawings and for neighbors to see your fun, yet tasteful display in tribute to Christmas’ eerie cousin. But where do you start for inspiration? Here are some ideas for decorating your custom deck in NJ this Halloween that are chillingly simple and fun.
Creepy drapes: Use simple, inexpensive cheesecloth torn into tatters to create that cobweb look around the edges of your deck. Further, to give them an aged look, soak the tatters in tea overnight and then hang when dry. Owls: Try using pressure treated plywood, cut into the shape of owls and painted black and placing them around the edges of your deck. You can have fun with the kids with this easy DIY project. Pumpkins and gourds: Of course, what Halloween display would be complete without jack-o-lanterns made from pumpkins? This too can be fun with the kids as they help you – with supervision – carve faces into the pumpkins and place them throughout your deck. Colored Lights: Create just the right mood inexpensively by hanging black and orange colored lights around your deck. Wrap them securely around the railings for the ultimate effect. Decorations: Let your imagination run wild here with DIY and store bought cutouts of witches, goblins, skeleton and witches. The best part is that you can either let your little ghouls help you or you can even pick them up from your local party supply or dollar store. Skull display: Buy several plastic skulls from your local craft store and paint some of them black. Attach them to twine and then hang them around your deck. Spider Web Wreath: Take an old picture frame and remove the glass from inside then use yarn to create a spider web. Finally, use double-sided tape to hang this to the outside of your deck. Patio Furniture: Use Halloween themed cushions for chairs and sofas and black and orange cloth for tables. These are just a few ideas you can use to creep up your deck this Halloween. There are many more on sites like Pinterest and Tumblr. Now is the time to replace some of the festive summer decorations on your deck with an assortment of supernatural beings that will put you in the holiday spirit and will amuse (and frighten) your neighbors. Who says you can’t enjoy your deck now that summer is officially over? The parties, the small gatherings with friends and family, the meals and the quiet time enjoying the surroundings are all still possible even though the chill has returned to the air. Indeed one of the advantages of owning a well, maintained and beautiful deck is that it can be enjoyed all year round. There are two tricks to extending the fun times on your deck despite the falling temperatures. The first is to clean and carefully inspect it to ensure that it is free from damage and the second is to make it cozier and cold weather proof. Here are some tips for doing both and for getting the most out of your outdoor sanctuary. Prep it It is far easier to enjoy oneself on a clean, well maintained deck than one that is a mess. Moreover, fall is the perfect time to inspect and refurbish your deck in anticipation of the winter months. After you’ve decided that you want to use your deck in fall, as opposed to shutting it down right away, you should prep it by inspecting it for wood damage. Make sure that the bolts and hardware are all still there and in good condition as well. At Decks by Ziec we can inspect your deck to ensure its safety and utility. Next, give it a good sweeping to remove leaves and other debris. After that, make sure that the waterproofing has held up. Use degreasing agents to remove summertime spills and stains left in the wake of your parties and gatherings. Finally, clean the deck with a gentle detergent and water. Enjoy it Now that you have the preliminaries out of the way it’s time for some ideas on how to enjoy your deck despite the falling temperatures. Here are ways to make your deck just as cozy in the fall as it was in the now distant summer.
There is an old saying that goes “the best time to fix a leaky roof is before it starts to rains.” Doing so as it is raining is a horrible time to undergo such a task. And while it may be too soon to actually winterize your deck, it is certainly not too early to begin gathering the tools you will need and to get all information you will need to help your deck weather the severe change in weather we will all be faced with in the next few months. Decks are alive and special care must be taken in order to keep them that way, especially as the cold months of winter approach. Here are some tips for winterizing your deck that you should start thinking about now. Remove all furniture: Store your furniture away for the winter indoors in order to prevent it from being damaged by the elements. Clean these items too and store them in a basement or garage until spring re-emerges. Clean your deck: Before you start the process of winterizing your deck, be sure to remove the debris such as pine needles, leaves, etc. Clutter like this can trap moisture which promotes rot. Sweep the deck thoroughly. Trim overhanging trees around your deck: Trees can be the source of falling ice which can damage your deck. Wash: Power wash your deck or use a bleach-free cleaner to remove any remaining dirt. If you have questions about what kind of wash to use, we can help you as we are deck contractors in NJ who specialize in deck repair, maintenance and construction. We have specially formulated cleaning solutions that can remove things like mildew and algae both of which can damage your deck. Have your deck sealed: We can waterproof and stain your deck to prevent water moisture from melting ice and snow. We are skilled at deck repair in NJ and can restore faded looking decks and protect the finish of new decks. Making sure that your deck is winterized protects not only your deck but it also protects the investment you have made in your home. Moreover, winterizing your deck extends the life of your deck and prevents costly repairs in the future. Start planning early in order to guarantee that by this time next year your deck will emerge from the winter months looking shiny, clean and healthy. The Best of Deck Design Software Programs As custom deck builders in NJ, we at Decks by Ziec have many design options for people who are considering adding a deck to their home. We have a gallery of decks of all configurations and many satisfied customers who have come to see the value in our years of experience building quality decks. However, some of our customers come to us with specific deck designs of their own. These people come to know that whether they choose a design from our portfolio of decks, or whether they choose their own design we will service them fully. But how does a person go about designing his or her dream deck? There are numerous software programs online that help homeowners with this task. For homeowners who are particular and who wish to participate fully in the design of their deck, there are these free and paid software programs that can help. Home Depot’s Big Hammer: This design software – which is only available for Windows – helps users design and create deck plans in minutes. Big Hammer also lets users choose from a large variety of professionally design templates. The software is free. Better Homes and Gardens Design-a-Deck: With this free program you can layout, stain color, stairs, railings, accessories, and more. (Registration on BHG’s site is mandatory.) SketchUp Pro: With this design software you can create 3D designs of buildings, rooms, decks, landscape etc. The cost of the professional version is $695. A free version called SketchUp Make is also available. SmartDraw: This Windows based software cost $197 and includes floor plans and landscape plans as well as templates that can be altered to aid the user in building the perfect deck. 3D Decks for Everyone 2.0: This program is only $30 and includes 30 of the most popular deck designs. It also allows you to modify those designs with a variety of editing tools. You can also plug in numbers for depth, height and width and the program will generate a 3D deck to your liking. One of the most exciting things for homeowners who are considering adding a deck to their home is being able to watch the deck from inception to a finished product. With these software programs and many other you can give a DIY touch to the design phase of your deck and when it comes to building the deck you can rely on Decks by Ziec’s many years of experience serving customers. You’re all set up to enjoy the warm, summer days ahead, the barbecues and the relaxed times with neighbors and friends that you were deprived of during the winter months. Your outdoor deck is perfect – after some cleaning here and there - and you are ready to kick back and enjoy yourself and the company of friends. There is only one thing missing. Your deck needs that special touch that defines you just as the rest of the rooms in your home do. Many steps can be taken to correct this and make your deck a truly unique and stylish reflection of your personality. Here are some suggestions for decorating your outdoor deck. Hammocks: What says relaxation more than these portable, versatile, swinging beds that offer a womb like comfort to people who rest in them? Hammocks can be purchased in many places off and online and the more adventurous among us can even try their hand at making one themselves. Enclosed Walls: Privacy does not have to be sacrificed simply because one chooses to relax outdoors. Homeowners (after checking building codes) can try adding a wooden enclosure around their decks or even use trees and other growth as a natural barrier. Bamboo/Wicker motif: Adding a few items such as chairs, chaise lounges and even tables made of bamboo is an easy and inexpensive way to add a rustic vibe to your outdoor deck. Wicker is also an excellent material to use in order to create a pastoral mood to your enclosure. Lounging Area: Add a comfortable sofa adorned with plush pillows and colored, overhead lights to create a special area for lounging or reading on lazy afternoons. Metal frames: Decorate your deck with weather resistant, metal furniture for durability and practicality. Simply because it is metal does not mean that the pieces cannot be intricate in design. Color coordinate: Focusing on one or two colors helps you to pull together a theme better than if many colors were being used. You can even choose to go monochromatic by using just black and white pieces. At Decks by Ziec we are glad to listen to your design ideas and welcome you to use some of ours to help plan, locate and accessorize your new deck. We are custom deck builders in NJ who have the experience and customer service to build, maintain and replace all kinds of outdoor decks. We even design decks to our customer’s specification or can show you a gallery of our previous designs to give you inspiration. Moreover, as custom deck contractors in Cranbury NJ, we even restore and repair old decks in order to give them new vitality and stability. This summer relax on a deck that is a beautiful, safe and unique extension of your personality and home. To homeowners decks are a wonderful place to gather with friends and family to celebrate special occasions. To pests – many of which have already returned for the summer – they are simply homebuilding materials or perhaps homes in and of themselves. Keeping pests such as carpenter bees and ants, termites and powderpost beetles at bay can pose a challenge for homeowners who are not equipped to recognize and prevent their spread. Here are some tips on identifying and preventing various pests from ruining your special gathering place. Carpenter bees: These bees – which have a hard exoskeleton and an affinity for wood - chew through wood and can cause significant damage to your deck. However, it is important to know that these bees are more attracted to certain types of woods. They prefer unfinished, softer wood such as pine which is a common decking material. Protect your deck by varnishing or painting it before carpenter bees establish a foothold there. Pressure treated wood also resists many kinds of insects. Termites: Also called “white ants,” termites are a major concern even among homeowners who don’t have a wood deck. They burrow through wood leaving small tunnels behind them that can eventually harm your deck or any wood structure. Buying a deck whose wood has been pressure treated is a good preventative measure to stop infestation. As custom deck builder in NJ we have pressure treated wood that can resist many kinds of pests. Mice and Rats: These rodents are well known for their affinity for burrowing through all kinds of material and can also carry and spread disease. Their presence can be detected by their droppings. If you suspect they are living underneath your deck call an exterminator before it is too late. Other pests that can damage your wood deck include raccoons, opossums, skunks and powderpost beetles. In general, once the presence of any of these pests is detected, follow these tips: 1) have your deck sealed and coated. We are deck contractors in NJ who can help you fortify your deck. 2) Remove standing water from around your deck, 3) Buy pest proof garbage can lids to discourage raccoons, 3) Use bug lights and/or insect traps. In short, keeping pests at bay can be a challenge but it is achievable. Protecting your deck from these pests also protects your home and family. The investment you make in learning about these pests will pay off in a deck that will last for years and that will provide many hours of entertainment and comfort. As custom deck builders in NJ, Decks by Ziec strives to give customers complete and accurate information about our products. This helps them make an informed decision before they purchase any of our decks and it strengthens our reputation as a conscientious company. Doing this also ensures that customers make decisions that are in their best interests. One area that often confuses customers who are considering buying one of our products for the first time is deck composition material. Specifically, many want to know the differences between wood and composite decks and which they should choose. Wood Decks The first selling point of using wood as decking material is that is generally looks more natural than other materials. A second selling point is that wood decking is less expensive than composite decking. (This is in the short time and without factoring in maintenance costs.) Three types of wood are commonly used for decking material: Southern Pine, Cedar and mahogany. Southern Pine - although inexpensive and easily available - is subject to warping and requires high maintenance. Cedar is heavily favored because it is relatively resistant to rotting. Additionally, many customers choose it because of its wonderful smell. However, a main disadvantage it and other woods have over composite decking is that they are generally more difficult to maintain. Most wood decking needs to be sealed and stained regularly. One method of determining when staining may be necessary is to sprinkle water on your wood deck. If the water is absorbed then staining is necessary; if not then it can probably be put off. Finally, Mahogany - a higher grade of wood - is generally more expensive than either Southern Pine or Cedar. The advantage to it is that it is very durable, ages well and requires relatively less maintenance. Composite Decks Composite decking – which is usually composed of plastic, such as polyethylene and/or polyvinyl chloride, and wood particles - is usually more expensive than wood decking. On the other hand, composite decking requires less maintenance than wood decks. Also, composite decking is less susceptible to rotting, splintering or twisting. Generally, pressure washing with detergent is all that is required to rid the surface of superficial debris. Some other advantages composite decking has over wood decking are that it is splinter and slip resistant making it safer for children and there is a wider color selection available for it. Lastly, the long term costs are lower due to less maintenance being needed for composite decks. Finally, the decision on which to choose is ultimately a personal one. There are advantages and disadvantages to wood and composite decking for homeowners. Our Custom deck contractors in Cranbury NJ strive to accommodate customers regardless of their personal preferences in deck design and/or construction material. We believe that a well informed customer is bound to be a satisfied one as well. For many summers your deck has held barbecues attended by you and your friends and family. For several times during the fall you’ve watched as the multicolored leaves drifted slowly onto your deck and waited for the snows of winter. During winter you’ve adorned it with lights and ornaments. In springtime you and your family finally came out onto it to begin another season of outdoor gatherings. For years, in general, it has been a place for you to gather as it has served as a source of pride and envy by others. But now your deck is getting a little long in the tooth. It isn’t looking as sturdy as it did before and understandably you are becoming more than a little concerned with the safety of your family and the value of your home. Here are some signs that it may be time to replace your wood deck. Age: How old is your deck? If it is more than 7 years old it probably needs an inspection at the very least and replacement at most. Time, weather and exposure to the elements can all conspire to age your deck forcing you to make the decision on whether to have it repaired or replaced. Our team at Decks by Ziec handles deck repair in NJ. Check the railing: Often when people gather on decks they tend to lean on the railing. This loosens the railing over time and can lead to serious injury if not repaired or replaced. If only the railing is showing signs of weakness then it may be possible to have it replaced and not the entire deck. Rotting posts: Check the base of your deck’s posts. If there is rotting present in one or two post then it may be possible to forgo replacing the entire deck. If there is significant rotting present in all posts then it may be time to replace the entire deck. We are custom deck builders in NJ who can replace your deck with a wood or composite deck. Loose Joists: Joists – which hold the deck up – should be checked for rotting. Typically water can work its way into the joists below the deck. This is a sign that it may be time for a new deck. Inspect the deck’s surface: If only a few planks are damaged then repair may be all that is needed. If, on the other hand, multiple planks are warped, cracked or twisted then replacement may be the best option. Loose Ledger boards: The ledger board attaches the deck to your home. If it begins pulling away from your home then it may be time for a new deck. Finally, the best way to determine whether your deck needs to be repaired or replaced is to have an inspection done of the entire structure. Decks by Ziec can repair, replace, restore and refinish your deck ensuring that you will have a safe, pleasant place to gather all year round. Every winter – in the midst of snow storms, freezing winds and bone chilling temperatures – some part of the country is blessed by a spell of unseasonably spring-like weather. At those times, it is as if nature decided to relieve us from our winter blues (also known a seasonal affective disorder) and tease us with a glimpse of what awaits us later in the year. Then it is gone and winter’s harsh weather returns. But we don’t have to let hope and our eagerness to return to those outdoor barbecues and pool parties go away with the sun. We can remain hopeful and begin to prepare to have friends and family meet atop our pool decks to celebrate the warm summer days and nights. That is if we prepare by having a pool deck added to our homes for friends and neighbors to gather—or perhaps envy. At Decks by Ziec you will get the best custom deck builders in NJ that will help you design this platform for entertaining that also increases the curb appeal and value of your home. You can design it and we can help you make it a reality or you can leave it all to us. For those of you who already have a pool deck, we are deck contractors in NJ who can restore, refinish and repair old, unsightly (and perhaps unsafe) decks. After all, a deck benefits no one unless is functional and attractive. We know that our customers appreciate the pride they take in their homes and also cherish the times with family and friends a pool party can bring. That is because we have family too and cherish the times we spend with them in similar settings. In short, the winter blues are a temporary thing just like the season itself but the memories created by a pool party held atop a beautifully crafted deck can last a lifetime. Winter’s occasional glimpses of the summer days ahead can inspire you to prepare for good times with your clan. A well maintained deck can add to the splendor and loveliness of your home and can also insure the safety of your family, friends and neighbors. We can make sure that you have a deck that is beautiful and secure. When you need Colonia, NJ deck builders view our gallery of decks and give us a call. We’ll be here waiting for summer just like you. |
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June 2019
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