Tag: Deck Builder

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.

Winter Is The Perfect Time To Build Your Deck

Posted on by John Langlois

Guess what? You absolutely do not have to wait till spring to have your new deck built. Would you believe us if we told you that winter was actually the perfect time to build your deck? It is! Hear us out. We’re going to present some compelling evidence why you should consider having your deck built this winter. 

Build Your Deck In The Winter To Get A Head Start On Spring

Getting your deck built during the winter means, when spring comes, you can start using it immediately. And you won’t even have to wait for appointment availability or worry about finding a contractor who is able to take on your project. 

Not to mention, winter is a sort of off time for deck builders. This is beneficial for you because you’ll have more options when it comes to finding the right contractor for your decking project. 

Save Some Money

Many contractors offer winter build incentives. Take Titan Decks, for example. We’re giving you 15% off your deck if you choose to build during the winter. It’s a win-win for both of us. You’re helping us keep our employees working, and we’re helping you get the deck you want at a discounted price. 

A Winter Deck Build Will Get Your Project Done Faster

Warmer months are much busier for builders. Their schedules fill up quickly. Many deck builders have an 8-10 week wait to start a project in the spring and summer months.

Depending on the size of your deck, building during the winter may only have a 4-6 week completion time. 

Pulling Permits Will Be Quicker

Winter is a quiet time for builders, which means it’s equally quiet for your city office. Turn around time for permits during the spring and summer can take weeks. But, during the winter, the wait time is cut much shorter. 

Have We Convinced You?

So you see, it’s faster and cheaper to have your deck built in the winter. And, you’ll have so much more time to enjoy your deck once the weather warms up. Come March, you’ll completely miss the rush of people clamoring to get their deck built. 

To build your deck this winter, you can contact us to schedule your free estimate. As we mentioned earlier in this article, we are taking 15% off any new deck build scheduled between November and February so act now, our slots are already filling up and we don’t want you to miss out on this great offer. Financing options are available.  

The Anatomy Of A Deck

Posted on by John Langlois

Decks are awesome outdoor spaces that add so much entertainment and enjoyment value to a home. But, what actually goes into a deck? What is the anatomy of a deck?

In this article, we will explain all of the components of your deck. 

The Parts Of A Deck

Whether you choose a composite or wood deck, there are many moving parts that go into building the structure. 

Essentially, your deck is a floor supported by different parts to make it structurally sound and secure to the ground.

The following terms are all critical or important features and components of your deck.

Deck Anatomy Keywords

Footings: These are columns that support the posts that hold up your deck. 

Post Base Bracket: Connectors are usually metal and attach your posts to the footings. They hold up the base of the posts in order to protect them from any potential water damage. 

Ledger: A wood board that will attach to your house to support the side of your deck. 

Posts: 4X6 pieces of wood that support the frame of your deck. They may also serve as railing on your deck. 

Beams/Girders: Timber attached horizontally. These support the deck joists. 

Joist hangers: These metal fasteners secure the joist to the ledger. 

Joist: Timber attached to the beams. These joists support your deck.

Rim joist: These are wood pieces around the exterior portion of your deck. It’s the frame of the structure. 

Bridging/Blocking: To keep the joists from moving, these short pieces of wood are positioned between the joints to provide strength. 

Decking: The flooring that makes up your deck. 

Railing System: Railings are not just for safety, but also add visual appeal to the deck. 

Stringers: The treads for the stairs are supported by these long, diagonal pieces of wood. 

Stair railing system: All the pieces of the railing, from spindles, handrails, balusters, and more. 

Treads and risers: These cover the open spaces between each stairway tread. 

Fascia: A band, or ribbon, made of wood that wraps around the border of the deck. 

In Conclusion

Not all decks include all the same parts. It will depend on what type of deck you’re installing, and where it’s located. 

Now that you know the terms and deck anatomy, you’ll be able to follow along with the conversation your contractor is having with their crew!

Speaking of contractors, if you’re looking to have a deck built, give Titan Decks a call for a free in-home estimate. 

How To Choose The Right Deck Builder

Posted on by John Langlois

The time has come to either replace your deck or have one built. You’re hoping to add value to your home and expand your outdoor living space. One of the most cost-effective ways to do that is by adding a deck. There are so many deck builders in the metro Detroit area which can make the seemingly simple task of finding the right deck contractor quite overwhelming. Make it easy by following our tips for choosing the right deck builder for you. 

Research

Do a little digging into the type of deck you want, whether composite or wood. Once you decide on the type of material your deck will be made from, do a little research on design. You can find inspiration on Pinterest, Instagram, or Google images. While you’re at it, play detective and check out the project pages of prospective decking companies to see the type of work they’ve done. 

Referrals

Referrals are often the best way to find your deck builder. Ask around, see who your coworkers, friends, and family are using. Leveraging the people you are connected to can help you narrow and shorten your search. 

Reviews

Just by typing the name of a decking company into a search engine, you can pull up current and past reviews. Hit up your social platforms. Ask your network if anyone has had firsthand experience working with your top three or five decking company choices. 

Things in reviews to notice are:

  • Are the negative reviews just petty or serious problems
  • What reviewers are saying about the workers
  • Was the company reliable

In-person

Meeting with different deck builders is always advisable. These people and their crew are going to be working on your home for a couple of days, minimum. You should have a good feeling about them. Have a conversation to get an idea of the type of person your potential deck builder is. Go with your gut. 

Some questions to ask a deck builder during your meeting are: 

  • How do you handle unforeseen circumstances like schedule changes, weather, stress?
  • Do you pull the permits or will I have to? (Tip: a good company will always handle the permits themselves).
  • What is the projected timeline for completion?
  • Is your crew one you have always worked with or are they subcontractors or freelancers?
  • How many decks like mine have you built?

Estimates

One of the easiest determining factors is cost, along with what’s included within that price. Maybe some deck builders throw in lighting for free, while others will only produce the quoted work. In the end, the estimates you get from various deck builders will help you decide which one to go with.

End your search for a deck builder today. Contact Titan Decks and schedule your free consultation. 

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