​One of the best things about owning a deck is that they are great places to entertain guests. Whether you are hosting a Little League victory celebration, a graduation, a birthday party or just the start of summer, relaxing with good friends and family under the stars has sitting around indoors beat by a country mile. However the best summer deck parties are those that are planned out in advance. Here are some of our tips for prepping this fabulous and easy party location for clean, summer fun.

• Set the date and create a plan: The first thing you will need to do is to set a time and date for your summer soiree. You will need to know who to invite, whether or not children will be invited and whether or not you will be using a theme.
• Send out invitations: Next you will want to send your invites out a least a week in advance so that you will know how much food to buy, how much furniture you will need etc. You will also need to send invitations early since many people go on vacation during the summer.
• Make sure your deck is in good shape: You will want to be sure that your deck in good shape and can support the amount of guests and decorations you plan to have there. We are deck contractors in NJ who can inspect your current deck as well as build you a new one.
• Choose proper lighting: If you plan to have an evening party then this is essential. Otherwise, the light of the sun should be sufficient. Lights not only allow your guests to move around safely, they can also help create atmosphere for your party.
• Over-buy to prevent shortage: It is a far worse crime to have too much food than too little. Therefore, always buy a bit more food than you think might be necessary. After all, you can always either keep and freeze leftovers or send guests home with doggy bags.
• Don’t forget the tunes: Make sure that you have plenty of music to entertain your guests. When selecting what music to play try to go for music that everyone will know. If your crowds veers towards younger people you might wish to make a top 40 playlist. If your guests are a bit older you may wish to go with the classics such as Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, etc.

Yes, there is no time like summer to throw an outdoor bash and your deck provides a beautiful place for food, drink and conversation. If you do not own a deck, we are custom deck builders in NJ who can build one to your exact specifications or we can give you some of our own design ideas.  

Have you been flirting with the idea of growing your own vegetables for consumption or sale? What better place to do so than on your deck? Deck gardens have several advantages over traditional ground level gardens For one thing, they use less water. For another they are usually plagued by fewer weeds. Finally, deck gardens are usually exposed to more sunlight than are ground level gardens. So, if you desire to test you green thumb this summer, read on to see how to start a vegetable garden on your deck.

• Get plenty of good containers: Your garden will require plenty of large containers that retain water but that also have adequate drainage holes. You may wish to use boxes made out of recyclable materials and objects that you already have around your home. Ceramic or terracotta planters are another alternative. They are attractive and utilitarian and can be purchased from craft stores such as Michael’s.
• Decide on which types of vegetable to grow: You have many choices when it comes to the kinds of vegetable you wish to grow in your deck garden. Some vegetable that are commonly grown in deck gardens include sweet pepper, turnips, beets, radishes, onions, tomatoes, Swiss chard, etc.
• Watering: Another advantage to a deck garden over a traditional garden is that water is usually only a few feet away from a deck garden. Just set up a watering system that is easy to access so that you can give your plants a regular watering.
• Maximize the available space: Since there is less room available in a deck garden than there is in a traditional garden, you will need to maximize the space that you do have. One way you can maximize available space is to build a planter box that hangs from a deck rail.
• Create a small work area: Set a small area of your deck aside where you can place your gardening implements. This will allow you to be able to tend and weed your plants quickly and efficiently when the need arises.

Finally, as long as you water your plants and maintain the soil around them on a regular basis, there is no reason that your garden deck can’t be as productive as a ground level garden. As deck contractors in Cranbury, NJ we know that deck gardens appeal to a great many people. They are attractive and practical. Moreover, as deck contractors in NJ we can design a deck for you that will be equally beautiful and functional.  

​Hiring the right deck contractor is no walk in the park. There are hundreds or companies out there. Some of them are scam operations while others are simply bad at what they do. Thus, it is important that anyone who is about to add a deck to his or home to carefully research and ultimately interview deck contractors in NJ. This kind of due diligence can save homeowners aggravation, time and even money. Here are five questions to ask potential contractors that will help pave the way for a smooth project.
Q. Are you licensed and insured?
If a deck contractor cannot produce proof that he/she is licensed and insured you should avoid his/her company at all costs. You will need your contractor to have insurance in the event something goes wrong. This will give you peace of mind while the project is underway and afterwards as well. Finally, make sure that if your main contractor subcontracts his/her work that the subcontractor also has insurance and is licensed.
Q. What’s your warranty?
Adding a deck t o your home is a huge investment. Deck builders should be able to stand behind their product and do so in writing. They should be able to provide you with a warranty on all work done by them and their contractors. Talk with the candidates and find out the specifics of your warranty such as what is covered and for how long.
Q. Do you have references?
Any contractor worth his/her salt will be able to point you towards customers who have used him/her in the past. Reach out to past customers who are willing to vouch for the company you are considering. Finally, go over examples of the contractor’s work. As custom deck builders in NJ, we have many examples of our work on our site and many satisfied customers who will vouch for our work.
 
Q. How long will it take and when could you start?
A contractor should be able to give you a general timeline for how long the project will take. This timeline will very much depend on the time of year and his/her schedule.
Q. What decking material options can you provide?
The choice of materials to be used is very important. If you live in an area that is subject to extreme weather this is even more so. Composite decks are good for extreme climates as is pressure-treated wood. Find out which materials the contractor will use (if you don’t have a personal preference) and this will give you some idea of how your deck will fare over time.
Hopefully, these questions will help you sort out the scammers and schemers from the legitimate companies and the bad ones from the good. Our company stands ready to add value and quality to your home so that you can spend those relaxing summer days and nights partying, relaxing and conversing on your brand new deck.   

Spring has finally sprung and it’s time once again for backyard get togethers, barbecues and hours and hours of relaxation on your outdoor deck. But before you start sending out the invitations to your first backyard bash of the year and before you kick off your shoes and relax, you will want to know how to prepare your deck for spring.
·         Have your deck inspected: The winter storms and cold weather may have damaged your deck during the past several months. As a precaution, you should consider having your deck inspected by professionals just to make sure. They will be able to check the entire structure including the under deck for rot, mildew or nails that have popped out. Deck inspection is one of the things we as custom deck builders in NJ do. We will be able to determine if the condition of your deck warrants celebration or concern.·        
De-grime your deck: The first step in preparing your deck for spring is to remove all the clutter from it. This means sweeping away fallen leaves, sand and any other debris that has fallen on your deck during the winter. After that you will want to take a hose and rinse your deck free of stains and any smaller particles that have accumulated over the past several months. If you need NJ deck refinishing we can help you get spring off to the right start. 
·         Clean off outdoor furniture: Assuming you left your furniture outdoors during the summer, now is the time to remove cushions and other textiles from your outdoor furnishings and give them a thorough cleaning. Next, wipe down the furniture itself to remove any excess dirt and debris using the appropriate cleaners. (For example, use wood polish to clean wood, plastic cleaner to clean plastic furnishings, etc.)·        
Improve the functionality of your deck: Consider working with us to decide if you wish to add features to your existing deck such as lighting, a sound system, a pergola, etc. These additions can make your outdoor gathering place truly stand out.·      
   Liven up your deck with colorful furniture, umbrellas, accent pillows, and flowers: You can really help herald in the arrival of spring by decorating your deck with the latest design trends. There are also many apps online that will help you redesign your deck if needed.If you follow all of the above tips, you are certain to get the most out of your deck. A clean, safe deck will be an asset to your home that you will be able to enjoy for many years to come.

Winter is an important time for raccoons. They generally mate during this season and give birth in the late spring/early summer. How does this concern people who own or are considering buying a deck? Well, one of a raccoon’s favorite habitats in under your deck. (This is their second choice after the attic.) All they need is shelter from predators and harsh weather as well as a food supply and they are more than happy to seek a home on private property. If you’ve seen or suspect that raccoons have been taking up residence under your deck, you might be wondering if there are ways to get rid of them without causing them harm. Here are some steps you can take to prevent them from making the space beneath your home one of their stomping grounds.

• Do not leave pet food outside: If you feed your pets outside do so during the day as raccoons are nocturnal by nature. After they are fed, be sure to bring in your dog or cat’s bowl when nighttime approaches.
• Secure you trash cans: Use metal trash cans strapped down with bungee cords as raccoons love to forage through the garbage for food scraps. Additionally, you may also wish to take the additional precaution of placing a heavy object on top of your lid as raccoons are quite persistent.
• Clean up fallen fruit around your fruit trees. As most people know, raccoons are quite persistent and will not miss an opportunity for a free meal. Fallen fruit from fruit trees has been known to lure raccoons to come out on a shopping trip even in the daylight hours.
• Use scent deterrents: Natural repellants can be quite effective against raccoons as they hate the smell of cayenne, vinegar and ammonia. Place these scents in areas that you suspect raccoons may be living. Additionally, hunting supply stores carry manmade raccoon pellets as well as chemicals that mimic the urine of a raccoon’s predators.
• Hire a trapper: If you suspect that a raccoon has taken up residence under your deck you should never attempt to corner it yourself. Raccoons can be vicious when confronted by people or their pets and can also carry and spread diseases. Hire a professional who will be able to assess the level of damage that the pest has caused and can trap it and release it into the wild.

Despite their appearance and the many videos showing them to be lovable little creatures, raccoons are super pests that cannot be allowed to live near our homes. Here is a just a sample of the harm they cause:

• Steal dog food, bird seed or other food-related items you store outside.
• Dig up your flower beds and destroying fruit-bearing trees.
• Harass your pets, especially if they live outside.
• Rip up insulation from the underside of your porch or deck.

So, if you have plans to purchase a new deck contact Decks by Ziec. Don’t be deterred by these pests. We specialize in deck building, NJ Deck refinishing and inspection. If you have an old deck that is showing its age, we can inspect it for safety and recommend actions that you can take to ensure the security of your family.   

We totally get it. Doing some things on your own saves money. However, when it comes to building a major addition to your home, all you DIYers out there should really think twice. Building your own deck may appear to save you money but if it is done incorrectly, you will incur the expense of having to do it all over again. Or you will have the additional expense of constantly having to repair and correct flaws that should have never been made in the first place. In fact, DIY deck builders commonly make mistakes that the professionals simply do not. Here are just a few.

• Not applying for the necessary permits: Before you start a major construction project around you home such as a deck or new room, certain permits are often needed. These permits are not meant to harass homeowners. The purpose of such permits is to ensure that such work does not end up being a danger to your family or the community at large. Building requirements vary from city to city and from county to county so it is best to check with your municipality before attempting to erect a deck. Talk to us as well as we can give you advice on seeking these permits.
• Not selecting the right materials: Some people may believe that all wood is the same. Nothing could be further from the truth. Natural wood, for example, can be a good building material for decks as long as it is treated first. Professionals will know which material best suits your needs and can build your deck out of essentially maintenance-free, long lasting materials.
• Building inadequate deck post footers: To support a deck’s massive weight, it must be supported by rock-solid, unmovable footers which are implanted in a solid foundation. Failing to do this properly can result in a disaster. Experts will know how to figure out the best way to secure your deck with footers so that the structure will be in little danger of collapsing.
• Not using corrosive resistant fasteners: Naturally since your deck is outside your home it will constantly be exposed to the elements. Our experts know just the right fasteners and other building materials to give your deck a fighting chance against rain, snow, etc.
• Incorrectly attaching guardrail posts: This error is as common as it is potentially dangerous. Done incorrectly, this part of your deck can also collapse putting lives at risk.

In other words, just because you can do some things on your own does not mean that this is the wise thing to do on all occasions. Some jobs are better left to professionals. Our NJ Deck refinishing company will make a deck for you that is safer and less expensive in the long term. We also specialize in deck repair in NJ. 

So, you’re the owner of an outdoor deck who isn’t quite ready to retreat to the indoors for the winter. Well, you’re not alone. We receive many calls seeking the best snow melting and deck warming solutions for many types of decks. Many owners desire to still have the option of hosting outdoor get-togethers despite the definite chill in the air. If you are one of those brave souls, we would like to present some ways you can do this without freezing to death.

• Portable heating mats: These mats are a portable solution to snow and ice buildup in practically any situation. Portable heating mats are designed for walkways, stairs, mats and rugs. They create a snow-free pathway for you to enter your deck, ascend and descend its stairs, etc. Finally, these mats spare you from having to shovel up these surfaces after a snowfall.
• Fire pits: A fire pit can extend your ability to entertain outdoors by months. Moreover, it can serve as a focal point for guests as they enjoy themselves on your deck. The best thing is that they vary in price from a small chiminea to a more elaborate pit. Finally, with this option you may need to check local laws and codes before installation.
• Hot tubs and spas: Imagine being able to sit back and relax inside a warm pool of water in the midst of a frigid winter morning, afternoon or night. A hot tub can not only warm you up, it can also be quite therapeutic. If you wish, you can even add the heated mat option so that you are able to exit and enter your pool in comfort.
• Heated floors: Radiant heating is more often associated with interior spaces. However, it is increasing being used with outdoor surfaces as well. Systems can be installed to warm up your deck and prevent cumbersome to remove snow from forming.
• Patio heaters: Outdoor heaters fueled with propane can warm up smaller areas quite nicely. Using care so as to not leave them unattended or block the front of them, outdoor heaters are affordable and come in a variety of sizes and heating capabilities.

Cold weather or not we want you to be able to use and enjoy your deck. Have a unique challenge or situation? Call us! We have designed many customized solutions for warming decks. Our Colonia NJ deck builders would love to look at your project. We specialize in deck repair in NJ as well as installation and can create a deck you will be proud of for as long as you own your home.  

​Many factors can lead to the eventual deterioration of even the best built outdoor deck. And when the passage of time, the elements and everyday wear and tear do begin to affect the structural integrity of your deck it can pose a hazard to you and your family. But how do you know when simple repairs are not enough? How can you tell when it makes more sense to start all over with newly built deck? In this blog, we list 5 signs that the damage to a backyard deck necessitates replacement over repairs or restoration.

• Erosion around the post: A deck needs a strong foundation upon which to rest. When erosion to posts occurs, the entire deck can become destabilized. This destabilization often manifests itself in a wobbly deck.
• Shaky railings: While shaky railings themselves will not cause your deck to collapse, they still pose a significant risk to you, your family and your guests. Tightening old bolts and/or inserting new nails may help to solve the problem in the short term but if this degree of wear is shown it may well be time to consider replacing your deck.
• Widespread discoloration and stains: Again, this kind of problem does not in and of itself pose a safety hazard to your family. The danger is that they can signal more serious structural problems with your deck. Our deck builders in Far Hills, NJ can inspect your deck and tell you when replacement is preferable to repair or restoration.
• Wood rot: If you live in an area that is humid and subject to a lot of rainfall then you know what a problem rot can be. Signs of rot include discoloration, mold, mildew and areas that are softer than others. At the first sign of rot you should consider replacing the affected area or if the damage is extensive, you should consider getting a new deck. Our Colonia, NJ deck builders have years of experience restoring, building and installing decks.
• Gaps between the deck and house: A sure sign of a dangerous deck is one that has gaps between it and the house. In addition to the danger they pose your family, they can also let water seep into the surface boards, support framework, and posts, encouraging rot.

In short, whether you’re designing an entirely new deck or have concerns about the safety of your current deck, you can trust Decks by Ziec to give you an honest professional assessment of your situation. We can build you a deck that will leave your family safe and happy for years to come.

​Batten down the hatches. Rough falls winds are ahead for most of us in the country. This means that most of us should now be planning on how to protect our deck from damaging gusts that can seem to come from out of nowhere. Well, as custom deck contractors in Cranbury, NJ we would like to share some ideas for protecting the integrity of your deck and the items on it this fall.

• Order an inspection: As deck contractors in NJ, we not only build new decks, we also inspect existing decks to make sure that they are structurally sound. This fall make sure that your posts and fasteners are in good shape and can withstand strong winds.
• Plant a windbreak: Trees and tall plants not only add extra greenery to the area around your deck, they can also serve as a windbreak. Windbreaks serve to slow down intense winds and keep furniture and other things on your deck from flying away during a storm.
• Invest in heavy furniture: Furniture made from materials such as cast aluminum, steel, wrought iron and heavy woods such as oak stand a much better chance at surviving heavy winds. One word of caution: Iron and steel furnishings could leave a mark on your deck if you don’t move them around often enough.
• Use bungee cords: This way you can own and buy furniture made of lighter materials and still be able to protect them. Simply tie one end of the bungee cords to your furniture and the other end to an immovable object like a post.
• Bring your furniture indoors: If you are still concerned that your furnishing may be damaged or that they may turn into projectiles during a strong storm, it may be time to bring them in for the fall/winter. Additionally, bringing your deck furniture indoors will also protect it from the sun and other elements that could cause them damage.

At Decks by Ziec, we’re committed to helping you enjoy your deck and helping to extend its life. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction and will guide you through the process of ordering, building and protecting your deck. We have countless testimonials as to the quality of our work. Just take a glance at our portfolio and you will know that we are the best choice you can make when it comes to ordering a beautiful, sturdy deck.  

​Mold is always a pain to deal with. First, it can grow on almost any surface from concrete to vinyl to metal and ruin the beauty of any object it attaches itself to. Second, mold can be difficult to remove once it spreads to these surfaces. However, when mold begins to cover your beautiful deck it can not only obscure its attractiveness, it can move onto and attach itself to the rest of your home lowering the value of your entire property.
Some Facts about Mold
Mold is the word we use to refer to number of fungi, algae, rusts, yeasts, or bacteria. Its attack on your desk starts on the microscopic level as tiny particles called spores float in the air land on your deck. If the conditions are right - and this usually means excessive moisture – then these particles can quickly begin to spread. And although the shaded sides of a deck are usually more vulnerable to mold growth, it can appear anywhere on others parts of your deck as well. On a side note, mold is not only unsightly, but it has also been linked to a number of serious conditions such as Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and even Multiple Sclerosis. 
Preventing and Removing Mold
The first step in preventing mold is to understand that all surfaces are vulnerable to some mold growth even composite decks. Next, owners should know that mold and mildew need four things in order to thrive: air, water, 40°-100° temperatures, and a food source. Substances like leaves, pollen and other organic materials are excellent food sources for mold. Therefore, you should thoroughly clean your deck on a regular basis even if you have not found mold. Second, consider how your deck is constructed. Decks made of untreated wood are extremely vulnerable to the formation of mold and mildew. Consider having your deck built from composite materials that inhibit the growth of mold. Then, be sure that you have adequate drainage between the planks on your deck so that water does not sit on it for too long after cleaning. (Note: Don’t use bleach. Bleach does not kill all molds growing on nonporous surfaces like wood.)
As Westfield, NJ deck builders we can suggest other steps that you can take to prevent mold from becoming a problem such as giving you pointers on where exactly your deck should sit so that sunlight reaches it. (Ultraviolet rays from sunlight will kill mold spores.) Our custom deck builders in NJ have experience helping customers protect their decks and can repair them as needed. With these tips and our expert help, you can minimize the damage that this force can cause to deck and home.