Category: Lifestyle

How To Keep Your Deck Warm

Posted on 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 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 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. 

DIY Outdoor Deck-orating Ideas

Posted on by John Langlois

New or old, sometimes your deck needs a little somethin’ somethin’ to add more appeal. You don’t have to spend a bazillion dollars on outdoor decor, either. You can spice up your deck on a budget by DIY-ing some design elements that makes your space as unique as you. 

Where To Shop For Outdoor Decor

We all know that online is the safest place to shop for anything right now. But, when things go back to some semblance of normal, and they will, shopping for those who like to touch and feel prior to purchasing will be easier. 

In the meantime, depending on what you’re looking for, you can check out:

And of course, there’s Amazon. 

Don’t forget to look for small businesses in your area who may carry cool and unique outdoor decor items to display proudly on your deck or patio. 

Shade Structures

Depending on your budget, pergolas and gazebos can be professionally built. Or, you can find kits and build them yourself. 

Whichever direction you choose, shade structures not only add some, well, shade. They can also create a dramatic effect depending on how you choose to decorate. Think fairy lights and curtains!

Furniture Facelift

If you already own sturdy furniture that’s in decent condition, consider giving those pieces a makeover. 

Metal furniture may need some rust removal before spray painting it back to perfection. Wood, on the other hand, might need some sanding and refinishing. Top it off with all-weather paint or stain. 

Plastic furniture can also be modernized. Hose off all the debris, sand the surface with 0000 fine steel wool, apply a primer made for plastic, and paint away. 

Enjoy your newly updated, outdated outdoor furniture!

Plant Privacy

Decks are usually wide open spaces. But, you can create privacy quite simply by using plants. 

Create some sort of border with tall potted plants. Consider ones you can bring indoors during cooler months. 

A trellis-like structure firmly planted within a deep planter will allow you to grow vines. This can create a beautiful and colorful border wall to make separate spaces on your deck. Or, place it in an area that’s too open to neighbors, and suddenly they can’t see they’re missing out on evening cocktails at your house. 

Add Color With Outdoor Decor

A great way to add splashes of color to your deck is by adding indoor-outdoor decor, pillows, and rugs. 

Rugs are also a good way to separate spaces. For example, the dining area of your patio may have one rug, while the seating area has another. 

Tie all the colors together with some toss pillows on your recently refurbished furniture and you have a place no one will ever want to leave!

There’s nothing better than hanging out on your deck during the warmer months. And, with a little elbow grease and creativity, it can be the most inviting place in your home!

Growing A Garden On Your Deck

Posted on by John Langlois

Adding garden elements to your deck gives it a highly visual appeal, as well as creating a functional addition. Whether it’s because you don’t have a backyard conducive to plant growth, or you simply want to decorate, growing a garden on your deck is fun and easy. 

Vegetable and Fruit Garden

Space isn’t an issue when growing a vegetable garden on your deck. You can purchase containers at any home or garden shop, along with the proper potting mix soil. Because vegetables are considered ‘heavy feeders’, they ingest a lot of the fertilizers which means you’ll have to add it frequently. 

Good deck-growing fruits and veggies are:

  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Herbs
  • Various salad greens
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Fruit trees conducive to your climate
  • Cantaloupe
  • Watermelon

There are many other fruits and vegetables not listed that could easily be grown on your deck. 

Remember to keep them spaced out so they have room to grow, and water frequently. Then, enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of your labor. 

Flower Garden

Arranging potted plants and flowers around your deck can tie the indoors and outdoors together. Create bursts of color and peaceful green spaces by planting and arranging different shapes and sized containers of plants. 

  • First, be mindful of shade and sun areas so you’ll know what types of plants will thrive in those spots.
  • Sunny spots, you can place tropical plants and other full sun-friendly flowers. 
  • Shady spots are loved by green, leafy plants like elephant ears and coleus. 
  • If it’s scents you’re after, consider roses, jasmine, lavender, or hyacinths, to name a few. 
  • Flowering herbs such as thyme and sage are both practical and beautiful. 

All your guests will surely marvel over how your garden grows. 

Small-space Deck Gardens

Tight spaces on your deck aren’t a problem! You just need to be a little more creative in your plant placement. 

  • Hanging gardens: Suspend your plant containers. Using small pots and some rope, you can create beautiful hanging gardens that don’t take up any usable space. 
  • Repurposed ladder: An old wooden ladder can make a perfect place for potted plants. 
  • Pocket Planters: There are planters available that are hangable pockets. Hang them on a vertical surface, and add plants.
  • Stacked Planters: From large to small, stack the planters after the potting soil has been added. Grow flowering herbs or small flowers. You can also use steel tubs for this.
  • Trellis: For a nice accent piece, add a trellis with flowering vines winding its way up and around it. 

For more cool small-space garden ideas, check out this article from HGTV
In the market for a new deck so you can get your garden growing? Give Titan Decks a call and get a free in-home estimate.

Deck Shade And Cover Ideas

Posted on by John Langlois

There’s nothing better than the feeling of the warm sun on your skin. Well, except when it starts getting too warm, and there’s no deck shade to retreat to. You don’t have to go indoors to seek shelter from the summer swelter. Adding a sun-protected space to your deck will allow you to enjoy the Michigan summer, without feeling the burn. 

Pergola

A pergola can be either attached to your home, or it can be a free-standing structure. There are so many ways to decorate it, as well. From draping canopies for more cover to adding string lights, pergolas can add a bit of drama to liven up any backyard. 

Umbrellas

Umbrellas are an easy way to create shade. Because many umbrellas are portable, you can move them wherever you need to. With so many different varieties and colors, it’s a great way to add some character to your outdoor space. 

Gazebo

Gazebos can provide much-needed protection from the sun, as well as a beautiful structure to add more flair to your outdoor space. Gazebo prices run the gamut, as do the styles. Varieties include ‘open-air’ gazebos, as well as ones with netting or curtains. 

Trees

Considered “Nature’s Canopy” for good reason. In this instance, they provide coverage from the sun when they are strategically placed around your deck. Avoid planting trees too close to your house, they can cause problems with the foundation. Also, once that shed too much, the foliage and the fluids can cause damage to the deck planks. 

Canopy

Canopies are as versatile as they are easy. There are many pop up canopies available, making them extremely portable. Canopies are also very low maintenance, as well as removable. 

Tiki-thatched Roof 

Capture an island vibe with a thatched roof strategically placed over a sitting area. Chill with a cocktail and enjoy the comfort of your tropical backyard vacay. 

Screens or Awnings

There are a variety of screens available that will give your deck some sun relief. Some, you can set up manually. Others are more complex so you’ll need to hire a professional. 
At Titan Decks, we can create your dream backyard, from decks to deck shade. Give us a call for your free contactless in-home estimate.

How To Create A Backyard Vacation Destination

Posted on 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!

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