How To Keep Your Deck Warm

Posted on November 17, 2020March 2, 2024 by John Langlois

Even on cold nights, it can be fun and relaxing to bundle up and head outside. The fall and winter air is fresh and brisk. It’s invigorating. With a little investment, you can add a heating element to your deck, making it a year-round space to gather and enjoy. We’re going to share a few ways you can keep your deck warm enough to enjoy all year round, even during some of the coldest months.

Fire Pit

Huddle around a fire pit built into your deck. There are different choices available, from kits to free-standing iron bowls. Most are either gas or wood-burning. But, whatever choice you make, they’ll keep you toasty and your deck warm all winter long.

Fire/heater table

Fire tables serve a dual purpose. They look beautiful while keeping you toasty. These come in so many varieties of shapes and sizes, just go with the look you like best.

Space Heaters

Maybe having a fire burning on your deck makes you nervous. Electric space heaters with infrared bulbs are the perfect alternative. There are outdoor space heaters that you can place around a seating area to keep you warm. There are also heaters that can be permanently installed onto your deck.

Chimineas

A chiminea is a cool fire feature usually made out of ceramic or clay. You can place it on your deck, but make sure it’s stable. Add a screen and a chimney extension for smoke-free warmth to sit by.

Hot Tub

So, maybe you don’t want to add a heating element to your deck. But, another way to enjoy the outdoors in the cold is to step into a warm, bubbling hot tub. It doesn’t matter if it’s snowy or cold when you’re chilling in a hot tub. Make sure you bundle up to go back inside, though.

Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean you can’t hang out on your deck, especially once you have a way to heat things up.

Need to build a deck first? Call Titan Decks. Now through February 1, 2020, we’re giving 15% off all new deck builds. Get your free estimate scheduled today.

How To Enjoy Your Deck During The Winter

Posted on November 9, 2020March 2, 2024 by John Langlois

Your deck is the center of family life during the summer. You work, rest, and play on your treasured outdoor living space. But then the cold harshness of a Michigan winter sets in, and you watch the snow accumulate on the deck railings. You may long for those warm months, but did you know you could still find ways to enjoy your deck, even during the winter?

Winterizing Your Deck

Whether your deck is made of composite or real wood, it needs to be taken care of so it can continue to take care of you. Regardless of what season you plan to use it, your deck needs to be winterized in order to lengthen its lifespan.

Winter weather wreaks havoc on decks, especially if it is not taken care of properly. Here are a few steps you can take to maintain your deck:

Apply a protective finish prior to winter weather.
Remove any noticeable mildew or mold
Clear off any clutter
Consider covering with a tarp
Use a broom (it’s more gentle on the composite) to remove snow and ice accumulation

Using Your Deck During The Winter

Michigan is a winter wonderland. Unless we are having one of our notorious mild winters, or until you have to shovel heavy snow off your driveway. There’s absolutely no reason you can’t enjoy the benefit of your deck, even when the snow and temperatures are falling.

Add warmth: Firepits, patio heaters, or other outdoor heat sources can transform your deck into a cozy gathering spot. Roast marshmallows, drink hot chocolate, and breathe in the crisp air. With any type of fire, make sure it is raised above the deck surface to protect not only your deck but your home as well.
Cover it up: Consider adding an awning close to your fire pit or outdoor fireplace. Throw a weather-proof seating arrangement down and you’ve got a great space to enjoy.
Light it up: Adding colorful holiday lights to your deck will give it a festive feel all winter long. Make sure the lights you use are indoor/outdoor for the best results.
Take a dip: Installing a hot tub on your deck will bring year-round enjoyment. Especially during the winter. It’s cold outside, but it’s warm in that jacuzzi. Have some thick towels or robes waiting for when you’re ready to get out.
Remain the grillmaster: Just because it’s cold and snowy doesn’t mean you can’t grill up some kabobs, steaks, fish, or whatever is on the menu. Keep a shovel nearby, just in case you need to forge a little path to that grill.
Come sled away: Maybe your yard doesn’t have a hill. The stairs, covered in a thick blanket of snow, can create a great makeshift ramp.

Turn Your Deck Into An Ice Rink

Your deck can become THE winter hotspot, guaranteed to bring all the kids to your yard. Just add skates and hot chocolate, and it’s a wrap.

To turn your deck into an ice rink:

Lay down a large tarp, creating borders so water doesn’t immediately escape when added.
Secure the tarp using bricks or an equally heavy object to hold it down.
Fill the tarp with a few inches of water from your garden hose. Doing it all at once will create a smoother surface.
If the surface seems lumpy, add a little bit of hot water to smooth it out.
For any cracks, just fill in with snow and smooth it over.
Allow it to freeze.
When you aren’t using the ice rink, consider lightly covering it with another piece of tarp.

That’s it.

Super easy to do and will provide hours of fun for the family. If it snows, just use a broom or a light shovel to sweep it clear.

Disclaimer: a weathered deck may not be able to support this adventure. Make sure your deck is in good condition before considering turning your deck into an ice rink because it has the potential to be hazardous.

If enjoying the Michigan winters is something you’d prefer from inside your house, then consider having a deck cover professionally installed.

If you’re in the market for a deck refresh or new build, contact Titan Decks today for a free estimate. Get 15% off your new deck build, now through February 1st.

Ways To Enjoy Your Deck In Cooler Weather

Posted on September 8, 2020March 2, 2024 by John Langlois

Just because it’s getting chilly doesn’t mean you have to avoid being out on your deck. Enjoy more good times on your deck, even in cooler weather.

We have some great ideas so you can enjoy fall and early winter weather from the comfort of your deck.

Cozy It Up

Add blankets, rugs, pillows! Those accessories add a pop of color. They also make the area a comfortable place to drink hot chocolate and watch the sunset (or rise). The cozier the space, the longer you’ll want to stay.

Turn Up The Heat

Adding some warmth with a gas fire table/pit, heat lamps, or space heaters will keep you comfy all fall and winter. Imagine watching the snowfall from your deck, and not even noticing the cold. You could even have an outdoor fireplace built to roast marshmallows year round!

Add Some Pretties

Wreaths, pumpkins, mums, and other fall flowers give a festive fall feel to your deck. Get fall colored accessories for your deck furniture, and an outdoor rug to match. Just add people and spiced drinks, and you’re good to go.

Just Add Light

Days get shorter but your deck can still shine bright with lighting. Candles, string lights, or LED lighting, are all great options for adding a relaxing or festive feel to your deck in cooler weather. And, it allows you to stay planted on that cozy couch, wrapped in a blanket, sipping on your drink of choice.

Let The Good Times Roll

A little competition keeps the blood pumping and your body warm. With a rowdy game of cornhole, football, or giant Jenga, you’ll bring all the neighbors to your yard. Also, check out these great suggestions from Good Housekeeping.

Cover It Up

With some sort of cover over your deck, you’re more likely to stay outdoors longer. A roof cover, gazebo, awning, or any other covering will create a cozy space where you can hang out and enjoy the scenery.

The end of summer doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying your deck. With the right touches, it can bring you year-round enjoyment.

How To Create A Backyard Vacation Destination

Posted on April 20, 2020March 2, 2024 by John Langlois

Vacation plans may be put on hold, but that doesn’t mean you have to nix the idea entirely. If you live in a home with a yard, you have your next vacation destination right outside your door. Maybe your backyard lacks that vacation appeal. But, with a little imagination, elbow grease, and TLC, your best vacation memories await.

Elements To Create That Outdoor Vacay Vibe

There are so many fun and creative things you can do to create that perfect backyard oasis. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional, we’ve got some backyard vacation ideas for you that will help you turn your yard into your favorite fiesta place.

Fire Pit: You can easily build a fire pit, or purchase one through your favorite retailer. They come in all shapes and sizes. Wind down the evening around your very own campfire, roasting marshmallows and spinning ghost stories.
Bar: This is another feature you can build or buy. Host parties, or just have a little family time. A bartender not included with purchase. You can buy a little bar cart, or have a more permanent one built into your deck.
Furniture: Porch swings, zero gravity chairs, overstuffed couches–so many options available to furnish your outdoor space. Create an inviting outdoor living area to kick your feet up and chill.
Water features: The soothing sounds of a water feature can block out the unwanted street noises, further adding to the ambiance of your backyard vacation destination.
Decorative lighting: With some strategically placed outdoor lights, you can set any kind of mood. Hang string (fairy) lights. Add path lights and deck lights to create the perfect amount of glow.

When it comes to your backyard living, the sky’s the limit. Well, and a budget may make that limit more limited. However, it can be a work in progress if you add what you can, whenever you’re able to.

She Shed, He Shed

Everyone’s Shed!

If you have one, turn that shed into a cozy little cabin where you can enjoy the evenings, sheltered in your own little hotel room. Backyard vacations can be day/night trips or extended getaways. The choice is yours.

If a shed isn’t an option, then consider:

Pitching a tent: Plop down large pillows, and chill out with your favorite nighttime drinks.
Installing an awning: Have a little area that provides shade and overhead shelter.
Creating a canopy: Hang gauzy curtains secured by clothespins and wire.
Building a gazebo: For a gazebo, you may need the help of professionals.

There are so many ways to create that outdoor oasis. Add a white sheet to a wall, point a movie projector in its direction, and have a fun little movie theater experience before hunkering down in your shed for the night.

And hey, once you’re satisfied with how your little vacation room looks, invite us over! Or, share pictures with us on our Facebook or Instagram accounts!