You will hardly ever hear someone say the words “I don’t like hot tubs.” That is because hot tubs are a wonderful way to relax and connect with friends and according to most experts they even have therapeutic benefits to them. And for many of our customers, they are a logical addition to their deck. But buying a hot tub for your deck is not a decision to be entered into lightly. It takes a bit of forethought just as it does when it comes to making any major purchase in life. Here are 4 things you should consider before taking the plunge!

• Know how much you are willing to spend: Hot tubs vary greatly in price depending on size, material, brand, the number of jets and the accessories you might like, etc. In fact, at the end of the day you could end up paying as much as several thousand dollars for a top of the line model. And even though price is not the only factor to be considered, you should think about how you will pay for your purchase before making a commitment.
• Structural support: Hot tubs weigh a lot. You will need a sturdy foundation upon which to put your hot tub. For this you need to be sure that your deck can support at least 100lbs per square foot. Otherwise, you could be in for some difficulties later and may even find yourself in violation of local building codes. We can make sure that you know whether your existing deck can support such a load and will take this requirement into consideration when building your new deck.
• Post-sales support: Hot tubs are complicated machines and therefore require some maintenance. Ask the salesperson about what support you will receive after you make your purchase. Is there a warranty included? What should you do in an emergency? Will finding parts for your hot tub be difficult?
• Know what power source you will use: Be sure you discuss with a salesperson the available power sources you will use for your hot tub - gas or electrical. You will need a reliable and qualified electrical contractor to assist you in this as well.  

By taking some time to carefully select your hot tub and select qualified professionals, you too can have years of fun with your own hot tub. Our NJ Deck refinishing company can inspect your deck to make sure that it is structurally sound enough to support this addition. If it is not we specialize in deck repair in NJ.   

​How many times have you set up a perfect spot on your deck for either you and/or your guest to enjoy the sunny days of summer, only to have it crashed by unwanted guests. By this we mean insects. They are an inevitable part of the summer just as much as the sun and warm weather. And while nothing can make your deck completely bug-free this time of year, there are some measures you can take to protect yourself from having to battle termites, mosquitoes and bees, etc.

• Add a deck screen during construction: As Chatham NJ deck builders, we can build screen porches and sun rooms that will keep large flying insects from ruining your outdoor gatherings. These screens also offer a degree of privacy while still allowing you to enjoy the outdoors.
• Add pressure treated wood during construction: Pressure treated wood, while not 100% impervious to termites and other wood boring insects, can make your deck highly resistant to the damage termites and other pest can cause. Our NJ deck refinishing can also protect the lumber on your deck from rot and moisture.
• Use bug lights: These can be useful in both illuminating your deck and in deterring insects and spiders. At night, these lights are particularly helpful against one of man’s most annoying and dangerous foes - mosquitoes.
• Burn citronella: Decorate your deck with citronella candles and insect resistant plants such as chrysanthemums, chamomile, eucalyptus and nasturtiums.
• Make adjustments to the landscaping: Outdoor insects love tall grass and scrubs. Properly maintain the growth around your outdoor deck and remember to chemically treat your lawn and yard regularly.
• Make your property mosquito hostile: By this we mean drain puddles around your home as mosquitoes breed in standing water. Fill these in with soil or rocks. Finally, consider hiring a contractor to drain marshy areas on your property.
• Keep your deck clean: Starve surrounding pest by keeping your deck free of food debris such as crumbs, spilled liquids, etc.

As we’ve said, no bug prevention method is perfect. Summer means fighting back these flying, crawling and slithering pests. However, you can do a great deal to reduce their numbers and at the same time increase the enjoyment you and your friends and family will have on your deck.  

The dog days of summer have unofficially returned and people are beginning to emerge from their homes to spend more times on their decks. If you are lucky enough to own a deck then you know that they can be an excellent retreat from the summer heat. That is, only under certain conditions. We at Decks by Ziec have several suggestions for how you can make your outdoor deck feel like an oasis.

• Add a roof or awning: Several of our decks come with roofs so that you can retreat from the direct light and heat of the sun. Awnings are also great additions to your deck and help make you more comfortable and can also protect you from UV rays. Finally, awnings and roofs can shield you and your family from the occasional summer shower.
• Add a misting fan: Misting fans are popular now for decks and patios because they work. They offer a refreshing mist of cool water at just the right time. They range from very simple devices to advanced misting systems that are more like portable air conditioning units that anything else.
• Umbrellas: Large umbrellas can not only provide shelter for you and your family, they can also protect your outdoor furniture.
• Rugs: Don’t forget your precious feet when you are outside on your deck this summer. They can burn as the deck begins to heat up making you quite uncomfortable. Try purchasing an all-weather rug that can withstand the elements and consider storing it away when it rains.
• Get solar panels: One excellent strategy for beating the summer heat is to install solar panels above your deck. This way you can cool off your deck and store the sun’s energy at the same time.
• Add a pool: Few things are more refreshing in the summer than a pool. As deck contractors in NJ, we have years of experience building decks that include this handy addition. Just view our online gallery.
• Include overhead fans: Some of our models also include overhead fans which can create a refreshing breeze all throughout your entire deck.

Use any of these steps or a combination of them to create a pleasant outdoor living environment this summer. At Decks by Ziec we have NJ deck refinishing and deck building services that are tailor made for those who want to enjoy the outdoors but who also wish to remain cool. 

​We are less than a month away from the Atlantic hurricane season which begins on June 1 and continues through November 30. During this time, the entire east coast is vulnerable to hurricanes and quickly changing weather conditions characterized by high winds, rains, etc. And while many people routinely think of ways to protect their home, their cars and other possessions during this time of year, some neglect to think of their outdoor deck. Even well-built decks are vulnerable to high winds, flying debris and heavy rains. This is why as Chatham NJ deck builders we encourage you to give more than a passing thought to fortifying your deck against this tumultuous time of the year. Here is a list of specific things you can do to protect this investment in your home.

• Trim the surrounding trees: High winds can easily and without warning cause branches to fall onto your deck damaging it and your home. For this reason you should consider trimming any branches that are now hanging over your deck. This precaution could save you money and protect your family from harm.
• Remove large objects: At the first sign of a hurricane, remove large objects from your deck such as lawn furniture and decorations. These items often become projectiles during high winds and can slam into your home or get sucked away from your deck completely. Consider securing them in your garage or basement.
• Remove potted plants: Bring potted plants in from your deck and place them inside. These are generally fragile and need protection from high winds and strong rains.
• Schedule an inspection now: Have one of our custom deck Builders in NJ inspect your deck now for vulnerabilities before hurricane season begins. Our experts can quickly tell if your deck needs repair or replacement.
• Make sure everything is disconnected: Power surges and outages are quite common during thunderstorms and hurricanes. Make sure that you disconnect all power sources on your deck at the first sign of severe weather. Items you should disconnect include propane tanks, gas and electric grills systems, hard-wired speakers, decorative lighting etc.

National Hurricane Preparedness week has already come and gone (May 6-12, 2018) but it is not too late to begin thinking about securing your home against the capricious nature of spring and summer weather. Our team can play a huge role in helping you to protect your investment year round if you already have a deck and can build a strong, sturdy deck if you do not. 

​Pool decks are a great place to host parties, play games and to reconnect with others. However, as relaxing and fun as they can be, pools but can pose risks when people don’t follow the rules. Kids in particular are at risks when certain precautions are not followed. Here are 7 pool safety tips to keep your family safe and cool in this supremely refreshing way.

• Keep children in sight and within arm’s reach: When it comes to small children and pools, it doesn't take long for a disaster to happen. The fact is a drowning can occur in as little as 10 seconds. Make sure that small children playing on your pool deck are visible and within reach at all times.
• Install a safety cover: Safety covers are an excellent way to not only keep leaves and other debris from entering your pool, but they also serve to protect children from falling into or entering the pool during off-season months or when you are not there.
• Start swim lessons early: Studies show that children as young as three years old can learn to swim. Consider taking a class with your young one that emphasizes pool and water safety.
• Establish rules: Include rules such as no diving into the pool, no roughhousing or running on the deck or near the pool, etc.
• Never swim alone: Of course, unsupervised children are not the only ones at risk when it comes to pools. Even seasoned swimmers can have an emergency such as a cramp or heart attack. For this reason, you should always make sure that someone else is present when you decide to take a swim.
• Keep emergency equipment nearby: Be sure to keep a first-aid kit and CPR instructions near your pool at all times. Also, keep a list of emergency numbers close so that everyone can relax and have a good time on your pool deck.
• Have your pool deck inspected: Is the hardware supporting your pool deck in good condition? In addition to NJ deck refinishing, we can inspect your deck for structural problems that could affect your family’s safety. We are West Windsor NJ deck builders with a record of service.

 
In conclusion, pool deck safety is all about taking common sense measures. By following a few simple rules, you can experience peace of mind that your pool will be used in the manner in which it was intended – to have fun. 

Imagine a world without wood. You can’t. Wood is one of the oldest and most plentiful building resources in the world. We rely on it for material to build our homes and unlike other resources it is naturally replenishing (with our help, of course). Indeed, wood is so ever-present in our lives that many of us fail to appreciate this miraculous and completely natural resource and building material. Well, we do and you should as well. It is a perfectly acceptable material for deck building right alongside of composite materials. (This is, of course, if it is properly stained and treated prior to installation.) As you are considering what material to use in your new deck, we thought it’d be interesting to point out a few fascinating and wonderful facts about wood.

• Fact: Some tree varieties, including Redwood, Giant Sequoia, Sitka Spruce and Australian Mountain Ash can grow as tall as 100 meter or 320 feet. In fact, the tallest hardwood tree has grown to be 330 feet tall and is in Australia.
• Fact: Wood is carbon negative. This means that wood is a totally environmental sound material to use for building as carbon taken from the atmosphere is stored in wood.
• Fact: Wood is a natural insulator being 400 times warmer than steel.
• Fact: Quebracho is one of the hardest woods in the world. Its name is derived from quiebrahacha means “axe breaker”.
• Fact: The famous Fortingall Yew tree in Perthshire could be as old as 9,000 years.
• Fact: Pressure treated wood is poisonous to insects, fungus, and bacteria.
• Myth: All softwoods are softer than hardwoods. This is not necessarily the case. Balsa wood, for example, is one of the lightest, least dense woods there is, and yet it is considered to be a hardwood.
• Myth: All woods have low heat resistance. Indeed, some woods are highly resistant to heat. Certain kinds of woods hold up well in extreme heat. For this reasons many saunas are made of wood.
• Myth: No wood is capable of conducting electricity. Wet wood, because it is wet, can conduct electricity.
• Myth: All trees are vulnerable to insects. Insects hate the taste of tannin, the tea-colored chemical trees contain in varying amounts.

Finally, this oldest and most plentiful resource in the world is a wonderful building material. It is natural, strong and can be strengthened further when treated as our www.decksbyziec.net/Short Hills, NJ deck builders pressure treat the lumber they use to build decks. Composite decks have their advantages too but either way you should consider the strength and weaknesses of the material you choose to use for your deck. Our NJ deck refinishing can also revitalize your existing deck so that it once again has a like-new appearance. 

Most deck contractors are honest, hardworking individuals who seek to satisfy homeowners by giving their all to their customer’s home improvement projects. After all, it would be pretty hard for a contractor to get repeat business if their work was shoddy or if they deliberately cheated their customers. However, there are those exceptions. Some contractors take short cuts and are either incompetent or unconcerned with quality. Some contractors prey upon their customers rather than seek to satisfy their needs. Here are some tips to ensure that your next remodeling project goes smoothly and that you avoid scammers who prey upon homeowners.

• Avoid using door-to-door salesmen: Good custom deck contractors in NJ and anywhere else in the country do not need to go door to door to solicit customers. They earn their business through referrals from satisfied customers. If you are approached by someone trying to pressure you into building your deck or making any other home improvement project, tell him or her to just keep walking.
• Get referrals and do backgrounds checks: Before hiring a deck contractor, make sure to check with some of their former customers. Ask them if they were satisfied with the quality of the work provided by the company. Any reputable contractor will be only glad to put you in contact with former customers. Finally, check the background of any company you are considering doing business with.
• Get it in writing: As Judge Judy is fond of saying, “A verbal contract is not worth the paper it is written on.” Get everything in writing before hiring a contractor. This helps to avoid potential misunderstandings in the future and helps protect you and the contractor.
• As for his/her credentials: You should always check to be sure that you contractor has the proper licensing and insurance and that he/she can provide proof upon request. Also, before you begin a project check your local building inspection department to see what you and he/she is permitted to do.
• Never pay great sums upfront: There is nothing wrong if a contractor asks you to pay some money upfront but if he or she demands that you pay more than a third upfront then this is a red flag. He or she may simply disappear after payment.

At Decks by Ziec we have worked hard to build and preserve our reputation and the reputation of our industry. We have heard the horror stories and we want to help make sure that no homeowner is the object of crooked or inept Deck contractors in NJ. 
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In the age of the Internet you can find nearly anything you could ever desire at the push of a computer key or click of a mouse. Products and services of all kind await savvy consumers who are patient enough to plow through the various advertisements. This haphazard approach may be good for some products and services. It is not good enough when you are considering making an addition to your home. The place you live is special. That’s why it takes a bit of common sense and hard work to find a contractor you will trust with your most valuable possession – your home. Our custom deck contractors in Cranbury, NJ understand this. We will put the quality of their service and their work up against any contractor in the area. That is why we invite you to use the following criteria when choosing a contractor such as those who work for Decks by Ziec.

• Make plans, Get bids: Make a list of contractors you are seriously considering and present them with a blueprint of what you want in a deck. A good contractor will be able to help you focus your ideas and give you concrete estimates on the costs of materials, labor and other expenses. Remember, you don’t have to be a designer yourself to present a contractor with a basic idea of what you desire in an outdoor deck.
• Check credentials and examples of their work: A good contractor knows that the best way to attract new customers is by showing his/her work and by letting previous customers speak for him. We have many satisfied customers who recommend us highly.
  
• Check the contractor’s license and insurance: Make sure that any contractor you use has the proper credentials and insurance in case something goes wrong.
• Don’t always let price be your guide: Even though we all love to save and to get a good deal, you usually get what you pay for. A contractor, who offers you a dirt cheap bid, is probably cutting corners.
• Find a contractor you get along with: Make sure you get along with your contractor and that he/she is easy to reach, personable and can explain to you what he/she is doing every step of the way. This is important whether you are having a new deck built or whether you are having deck repair in NJ.
  

The right deck contractor can improve the look and value of your home immensely. Working together you and he/she can build a structure that you, your family and friends will enjoy for years as it becomes the gem of your community. However, it does take a little hard work in finding just the right contractor. Start here on our site. We feel confident that you will make the right choice.

Last time on this blog we wrote about steps you should take in order to prepare your deck for winter. But what we didn’t write about are the signs that your deck may already be buckling under the stresses of the colder weather. One sign that your deck is reacting to the cold weather is noise. Often deck owners complain of hearing loud popping sounds coming from their decks during the winter. This sound can be quite unsettling and can lead homeowners to question the integrity of their deck. So what causes this popping sound that some decks make in the winter? Well, it is simple. Cold weather causes materials to shrink and when it comes to your deck some components of it may be shrinking faster than others. Eventually, this kind of stress causes loud popping sounds to occur.
This is one explanation and the simplest. Under this scenario, the panic bell should not necessarily be sounded if the noises are not excessive or if your deck seems to be in otherwise good condition. Of course, if you are in doubt as to the integrity of your deck you should arrange for our deck contractors in NJ, to inspect it. They can make an on-the-spot assessment and tell you whether repairs are required or whether your deck may be about to give out due to reasons other than the weather. You may have hardware issues in addition to this common wintertime scenario. If the sounds coming from your deck are followed by any other signs, then you may wish to consider replacing it. These signs include:
 

• Rotting lumber
• Rails that shake when you push them
• Post connections that are weak
• Deck boards that are wobbly
  Cracks in decking boards. (This is a sure sign of a structural breach.)

Of course all these problems can be rectified by our expert Colonia NJ deck builders. Our experts can also give you tips on protecting your investment and can tell you whether your concerns are justified. Our experts strive to build decks that are durable and made to your specifications. If it becomes time for your deck to be replaced and you do not know exactly what you want our site contains many fine examples of our work.

When preparing their homes for the winter, most people think of protecting the yard, the roof, the inside, etc. Few people give more than a moment’s thought to protecting their deck against the ice, sleet, snow and winds of the season. However, since the deck is an important part of any home, protecting it should be uppermost in the minds of homeowners. Therefore, as Colonia NJ deck builders we would like to cover a few tips on how to prepare and protect your deck against the most unforgiving season of all for your home’s exterior.

• Thoroughly clean your deck: Clean dirt, leaves and other debris from your deck as the season begins to change. These items can be unsightly and dangerous to visitors. Moreover, debris of this type can ruin your deck’s finish over time.
• Have a protective finish applied to your deck: Protective finishes prevent moisture from seeping into your deck and damaging it. Fortunately, we specialize in refinishing decks that need this protection and build decks with pretreated lumber that can withstand the ravages of the environment.
• Maintain your deck regularly: Make a habit of removing snow and ice immediately after they have covered your deck. Also, use a plastic shovel rather than a metal one in order to avoid scratching your deck. However, don’t over shovel. Composite decks are not damaged by water and shoveling too aggressively can damage your deck.
• Schedule an inspection: Bolts can become loose or damaged, wood can rot, etc. As West Windsor NJ deck builders we can inspect your deck for problems than can be worsened by winter’s assault.
  
• Be cautious of power washers: The higher settings on power washers can actually damage your deck. Go easy when it comes to cleaning your deck and consider its finish.
• Remove decorative items: Decorative items such as planters, tables, chairs, etc. can cause staining, scratches and marks. Remove these items and put them into storage once the change in weather begins.

In short, although your deck may go into hibernation during the winter, there is no reason to totally neglect it. Your deck is an important part of your home and should be treated as such. By taking the steps above to protect and prepare your deck you will be ensuring that your deck will be that much more beautiful and vibrant next spring.