Decks & Patios Archives | GNH Lumber Co. 1

Bring the Outdoors Inside with Marvin^®

Posted on April 11, 2024April 19, 2024

Marvin introduces more light and airflow into your home.

We all know how important sunshine (and good old Vitamin D) are towards maintaining good body and mental health. But did you know that aside from spending time outdoors, you can help bring that lovely sunshine and outdoor feel into your home as well? It’s true, and it can still help improve your overall health!

Humans are hardwired to be exposed to nature. What’s more, studies have shown that there’s a positive biological response that happens when we come into contact with nature, as well. You can bring the outdoors into your own home with Marvin – and this exposure to natural light can improve your health from head to toe!

Natural Light Improves Well-Being

Before we ever had lamps and lightbulbs, the sun was our primary source of light. As such, our biology revolves around the sleep/wake cycles we’ve established due to the natural rotations and guiding flow of the sun. This means that maintaining healthy levels of exposure to natural light is crucial to your overall health. Without proper sleep and access to natural light our immune systems can’t function at their best. Besides that, our energy is reduced, and we can find it harder to concentrate or remember things. Now, we can try to get outdoors as much as possible, but the average person spends nearly 90% of their time indoors. With so many work-from-home arrangements, we need our lighting to work in our favor to keep ourselves feeling and thinking healthy! Thankfully, thanks to the many advances in window and door design, you can easily amplify your access to natural light in your home.

Enhancing Your Home with Natural Light

Your patio door can work with the rest of your design choices to create a sharp, healthy and workable light-filled home. Especially when you add Marvin to an existing or planned outdoor deck! Nowadays, most modern homes (and many recently remodeled homes as well) have more windows with narrower frames. This increases the capacity for light to pass through and offers better views, so a sliding patio door can add even more lovely, natural light.

Healthy home design revolves around ensuring our doors and windows and our exposure to natural light work hand-in-hand. We recommend choosing a Marvin brand patio door to not only increase your home’s comfort and functionality – but also improve its curb appeal! Marvin provides reduced sightlines, thanks to a large expanse of glass. That means your backyard views are always picturesque and stunning! This also enables you to achieve the optimal amount of sunlight in your home. So you can connect with the outdoors, restore your health, and feel free – even while indoors!

Blend Looks for Indoor & Outdoor Chic

One of the best things about adding a Marvin to your home is how customizable they are – so they can complement any existing or planned deck/outdoor space!

If you’re looking to create a sleek, modern patio for outdoor entertaining this summer – try the Marvin Signature^® Ultimate sliding patio door! Featuring enhanced security features, heights of up to 16 feet, durable and weathertight performance, and personalized aesthetics and framing, it’s a great “plug-and-play” option for your next home remodeling project! We recommend pairing it with TimberTech AZEK Weathered Teak Decking to keep your deck cool while ensuring a sharp, contemporary look.

Don’t forget about the rest of your outdoor space as well! Having the entrance/exit from your backyard match the entire space only adds to its entire flow and feel. Try combining the clean lines and added visibility of a Marvin Essential^™ sliding patio door with a stylish new TimberTech Paver pathway for added aesthetics! These products are not only incredibly customizable and easy to care for, but they can also improve the functionality of your home – inside and out!

It’s easier than you think to add to your home’s entire curb appeal with Marvin! They can improve the looks of your home – and can also protect it against the elements and keep your energy costs down! If you’re looking to improve your home inside and out, be sure to reach out to the talented team at GNH Lumber. We can help you find the best door and decking options for your home and ensure it’s installed successfully!

DIY: Staining Versus Painting Your Deck

Posted on April 11, 2024April 11, 2024

It’s the age-old question for deck care: staining versus painting? So, which is better for your deck, staining or painting? Simply put: it’s a matter of personal preference.

Whether you stain, paint, or simply just seal your deck, it is extremely important that you protect your deck with regular maintenance!

Is it Time to Paint or Stain? Try the Sprinkle Test

One of the easiest ways you can check to see if your deck needs a refresh is the sprinkle test! Simply sprinkle some water on the surface of your wood deck. If it beads up, wait a few days and try again to see if you get the same results. However, if the water sits and then absorbs into the wood, you’ll know it’s time to stain, paint, or seal it again.

Deck Stain Basics

Stains can make wood look amazing. They do a great job of highlighting the beauty of the natural wood grain. Many people prefer stain simply because it has a more natural look.

If you are using stain, you’ll have to do maintenance on your decking from periodically. The frequency of maintenance will depend on things where like you live, how much you use your deck, what type of weather you have, the color of the stain, quality of the stain, and the prep work that went into staining the deck. Therefore, it pays to do it right the first time.

Since there are both solid and semi-transparent stains, wear and tear will affect them differently. On average, a deck should be re-stained every few years in most cases to protect and preserve the wood.

What are Water and Oil Stains?

There are different kinds of stains to consider. You may see water-based stains, which can adhere to water or oil-based coatings already present on the deck surface, depending on the area. These stains are easily cleaned up with water as well.

However, oil-based stains will ONLY adhere to wood previously stained with an oil-based product. So, in this case you cannot layer paint or water-based stain over it without sanding off the old stain first. Oil-based stain can be cleaned up with paint thinner.

Deck Paint Basics

Paint is another common protective coating. If you choose to use paint, you won’t see the discoloration of the wood or any imperfections until the paint itself is removed. Although the required maintenance for a painted deck may be less, just like stain, it will depend on the location, the weather, and how much use your deck gets.

Also, when you select paint, you need to look for exterior deck/patio paint, which is formulated for outdoor weather and foot traffic. Don’t use the leftover paint you used to paint your bathroom!

Just know that in some areas of the country, or if the surface is not properly prepared and sealed, paint can flake. If that happens, you may find painting takes a lot of work to maintain. If you are wondering if this will be a problem, look at other exterior places that are painted and note their condition.

Understanding Sealers

Many don’t know you can get a clear sealant for your deck if you love the unique look of the wood. No matter what you choose to do, it’s always a good idea to make sure you reseal your deck once a year.

Whatever you decide, the team at GNH is here to help with all your painting and staining needs.

4 Ways to Create the Perfect Deck Retreat

Posted on April 11, 2024April 12, 2024

Want to create a peaceful deck retreat? It’s fun and easy to transform your deck into a lounge that your family and friends will enjoy all season long! If you’re thinking of building a brand new deck, or rethinking your existing deck, GNH Lumber is ready to help you make your dream deck a reality! There’s a wealth of great decking producers out there – and with them you can create a deck that’s beautiful AND durable.

TimberTech^® composite decking is an excellent choice for low-maintenance durability and style. That’s because TimberTech® decks are durable enough for your family to enjoy for years, without the hassles of annual staining and sealing. They give their traditional capped wood composite decking the strength it needs to battle almost anything Mother Nature—or your family—throws its way. But they don’t sacrifice beauty for backbone.

Get your deck or porch project started!

Want to create a deck that will help you relax and regenerate? Well, get ready to light up the grill, kick back, and enjoy…

Here are 4 easy ways to create the perfect deck retreat:

1. Create a Corner Nook

If your deck has a corner, try assembling benches with throw pillows inside the cozy nook, or add comfy lounge chairs or even bean bags. These spaces are the perfect for comfort and will have your family and guests relaxing and chatting the day away!

No corners available? No problem! You can also screen off larger portions of deck with room-dividers or trellises covered with fabric to create custom corner nooks. The bonus of creating these custom nooks is that you can choose fabrics, plants or flowers that accentuate your deck color scheme.

2. Wrap Around Views

Decks that wrap around the second story of a home give tremendous access to views, and they create a feeling of spaciousness and peace. They’re the perfect place for late-night conversations or just secluded getaways to sit and think.

Decks like these can double as balconies for morning coffee. Plus, they provide as much aesthetic value from inside the home as they do from the outside. Never forget that a well-maintained deck is great for the valuation of your entire home as well!

Quick Tip: If your property has a great view of the mountains or your gardens, why not feature the view from a top story when planning the layout of your deck?

3. Keep the Sun at Bay

Adding a roof, pergola or awning to your deck, is another great way to create a cozy retreat. These kinds of structures or additions allow for lounging during parts of the day when sunlight is at its strongest. Creating cool, shady places to sit and sip a beverage or rock in a hammock is a great way to maximize deck usage. You can also use the covered patio below a second-story deck to introduce swinging hammocks and shaded benches.

Quick Tip: A roof provides the densest shade, while a pergola allows partial sun and a more open feel. Awnings provide partial shade, with the added benefit of being retractable or removable. They also come in materials that screen out the most harmful sunrays. The right awning can also enhance the overall look of your deck – there’s plenty of room for customization!

4. Use Soft Built-In Lighting

Dark evening deck? You can create a serene mood and add lighting at the same time! Try placing votive candles and string lights along the rail of your deck. Or, better yet, add LED lights to the decking itself! All of these options are easily installed, cost effective, and work wonders for adding a vibrant atmosphere to your deck – no matter how late it is!

You can enjoy your TimberTech^® Deck long after deck after dark with the subtle glow of low-voltage, energy-efficient LED lights in five functional styles. Each style creates a different dreamy effect on evening decks:

Accent Lights: Adding a delicate downlight effect on posts or near stairs with accent lights creates ambience and improves visibility.
In-Deck Lights: Mount in-deck lights to your deck’s surface for an ambient glow. Place them around your deck’s perimeter for outer glow and added safety.
Post Cap Lights: lluminate the edge of your deck with the soft glow of post cap lights. Add them easily to any TimberTech^®RadianceRail^® or RadianceRail Express^® 4″ and 5″ posts.
Riser Lights: Add safety and a soft glow to your stairs with riser lights, warming the path up to your outdoor living space.
Under-Rail Lights: Enjoy the subtle downlight of under-rail lights, hidden between balusters in the underside of your TimberTech^® top rail.

Have fun creating a peaceful deck retreat that’s all your own! If you ever need assistance, or just need more inspiration to craft your dream deck – get in touch with us! Our talented team is ready to help you today.

Source: https://timbertech.com/products/lighting

5 Ways to Make Your Deck a Cozy Gathering Place This Fall

Posted on July 26, 2023July 26, 2023

Fall is the perfect time to gather out on the deck and enjoy the crisp cool air. That means it’s time to transition your summer deck from a “fun in the sun” hotspot to a warm and cozy autumn hangout!

And here’s the good news: it doesn’t take much time, effort, or money to change the feel of your deck, and effectively reinvent it for the coming fall season.

Get your deck or porch project started!

Here are 5 easy ways to make your deck a cozy gathering place this fall:

1. Create a Focal Point

One easy way to give your deck a cozier feel is to create a visual focal point. Focal points encourage people to gather, chat and gravitate together in the space. This can be created by using an outdoor rug or a sitting area with a coffee table and comfy chairs. You can also use a stylish Chimenea or an outdoor fireplace to create a warm, inviting focal point

2. Make Large Areas Smaller

Pulling furniture closer together naturally makes people feel cozier. If your furniture is strewn out across the deck, try rearranging it into several smaller seating areas. Also, bring grills, benches and potted plants into tighter circles to improve this effect. You can also screen off larger portions of deck with room-divider screens or trellises covered with fabric to create cozy nooks.

3. Spice Up Your Space

If you want people to gather on your deck, then give them something fun to do! The addition of a spa or hot tub might just be the thing that beckons everyone outside. Try adding stylish outdoor lighting or strings of outdoor lights to further enhance that cozy glow in the evening.

Remove canopy umbrellas, sun-lounging chairs and other remnants of summer. Then try placing sturdy, woodsy furniture, like Adirondack chairs and picnic benches. Add some large, cozy pillows to encourage people to kick back and relax.

4. Add Some Greenery

Adding plants is a quick and easy (and budget-friendly!) way to update your outdoor areas each season. Vines crawling up a pergola softens the space while adding interest. You can also create a splash of color with potted plants and seasonal flowers like goldenrod and chrysanthemums. This not only adds color and interest, it also gives you the flexibility to replace them depending on the occasion or your color palette.

3. Use Warm Colors

Summer means bright-colored plastic and garish, colorful decor. Fall calls for a more subdued, warm palette. Earthy tones like maroons, oranges and rusts. You can easily change out your color scheme by changing out cushions, accessories and carpets. Consider adding painted wood-furniture with deep-red and orange throws for snuggling under!

When making your deck the superstar of your cozy autumn gatherings, you’re only limited by your creativity and imagination! And don’t hesitate to stop by your local GNH Lumber for expert tips and guidance for your decking project.

Stop in to your local GNH Lumber for more tips and techniques for making your deck the gathering place of the season. We have outdoor furniture, lighting, Halloween decorations and other items to help you create a magical effect this fall!

Amazingly Simple Home Deck Design Ideas!

Posted on February 14, 2023February 14, 2023

Crafting the perfect deck for your home is about more than what materials you use. A backyard escape should also tell a story through design — and invite you to become lost in the narrative. When it comes to building and designing an outdoor deck, there is a lot of planning and design-making. To get your creative juices flowing, we’ve put together tips and advice on how to plan out your deck.

Planning a Perfect Deck

When you plan out your deck, you’ll need to determine the size deck you’d like, establish a budget, select material, and determine whether you want to build it yourself or hire a professional. Here are some tips to ease the process along:

Decide the deck’s purpose.
Where are you building the deck?
Check with your local zoning board to find out the building codes.
Are you going to add lighting to the deck?
Do you want built-ins or benches built into your deck?
Determine what are the type of railings you want as this will be your deck’s most visible part.

Design Ideas

1) Herringbone Deck Patterns – This elaborate, fun design that brings a dynamic look to your deck surface. To create this look you repeat laying two deck boards at a 45-degree angle. You can use different deck board widths or colors to create an inspiring deck pattern. Herringbone pairs best with larger decks that have space for the pattern to repeat.

2) Picture-Frame Borders & Contrasting Hues –

A picture frame border refers to boards laid around your deck perimeter perpendicular to the inlay boards. Choose one, two, or three boards for your picture frame to give your deck as subtle or as bold of a border as you desire.

Use boards of a contrasting color to your deck surface for one or more of your border boards. This will create a truly striking and eye-popping perimeter!

Love a dynamic, high-contrast look? You can also combine white elements in your deck design with richly-hued modern composite decking for a dramatic effect. Choose white PVC trim for your fascia and stair risers to create a crisp, clean border against the saturated decking. A white composite railing with black balusters adds further contrast to the design.

3) Contrasting with Curves – Choose outdoor furniture that will complement your deck design. A curved, modular couch echoes the rounded cascading stairs while a dark frame and light cushions contribute even more contrast to an already dramatic design.

4) Wide Railing for Cocktails

– Your deck railing is more than tasteful decoration and added safety to your deck. One of TimberTech’s more fun products is the Drink Rail – part of the Classic Composite Series. The Drink Rail features a deck board as the top rail to tie your deck and railing together seamlessly. Plus, it’s the perfect place to rest your morning coffee or late-night cocktail. It’s perfect for anyone looking for sharp designs that complement their deck AND home!

5) Think Outside the Box

– Rounded decks feel organic and merge well with natural settings. They also create separate areas for cooking, seating, or housing a garden or hot tub. Try creating new and unusual decking patterns, such as basket weave, or alternating diagonals. Just remember – it’s your backyard space and your design, so don’t be afraid to try something new if it fits your budget.

6) Wrap Around Views

– Having a deck that wraps around the second story of your home will give tremendous access to views. These decks can also double as balconies for morning coffee and are a great place for anyone in the family to sit. And they provide as much aesthetic value from inside the home as they do from the outside.

7) Combined Deck and Walkway – It is important to consider the transition between the deck and backyard. Adding a paved walkway leading from your deck helps to visually join a deck and garden or large lawn area. This allows you to introduce harmonizing colors and shapes to pull the deck and yard together. Even better it provides a much-needed safe path back indoors in case of inclement weather.

8) Added Shade – Adding a pergola, canopy or a shaded archway can create a one-of-a-kind outdoor living space. It also provides relief from the sun and offers a safe place to stay outside in the rain. You can introduce shady nooks, such as planting a wall of trees or using cornered walls of your home as a framework. You can also add hammocks and shaded benches to the covered patio below a second-story deck.

9) Make a Playground Deck – Why should kids have all the fun? Turn your deck into a grown-up playhouse with built-in climbing walls, slides and more! Nothing brings a gathering of friends and family together like a chance to have some good-natured fun and feel like a kid again. Check out this cool playground deck highlighted on HGTV.com:

And don’t forget! The expert staff at GNH Lumber is ready to help you find the right home deck ideas and work through the process! At the end of the day, we want you to create the outdoor space of your dreams and stay within your budget. Place your order today for a beautiful outdoor living space tomorrow.

Looking for more deck design ideas and inspiration? Here are some of our favorite styles from TimberTech to help spark your imagination:

Sources: TimberTech Deck Design Options; TimberTech Deck Design Ideas;

How to Choose and Apply Deck Stain

Posted on August 11, 2022August 11, 2022

Why Should I Stain My Wooden Deck?

Your outdoor space is where you and your family share meals and memories. You’ll want it to be welcoming all year round. So, if your wooden deck is fading or peeling, a new coat of stain goes a long way to restoring it to beautiful condition!

Gather Your Gear

Before you can begin the staining process, you are going to want to have all the right tools and gear on hand! The quality of your tools means professional-level results. Before you start prepping your deck for staining, we recommend gathering the following equipment:

Gloves
Safety glasses
Broom
Garden hose
Drop cloth
Sanding sponge
Stiff synthetic-bristle brush (make sure it’s specific to oil, water-based formulations)
Pump sprayer (optional)
Roller covers
Extension pole
4″ brushes (make sure they’re specific to oil, water-based formulations)

How to Choose the Right Deck Stain

From clear to solid colors, there are so many choices in opacity and color to choose from. Following these simple tips on choosing the right deck stain for your wood deck will help you get your project started. Staining your deck is one of the easiest ways to update the exterior of your home and make it the perfect space for years to come.

Prepping Your Deck For Staining

Before you apply the stain to your deck there is some prep work that needs to be done. Follow these steps to prepare for applying stains. Make sure the surface is clean (no dust, dirt, wood fibers or grease), dry and free from mildew. If a surface is not cleaned and prepared properly, the stain may not adhere well.

Sweep the deck to remove debris.
Apply cleaner using a roller or pump sprayer (remember to wear protective equipment to avoid contact with skin and eyes).
Allow the cleaner to set for 15 minutes. Mist your work area with a garden hose to keep it wet while the cleaner soaks into the wood.
After 15 minutes, work the cleaner into the surface using a stiff synthetic-bristle brush. Scrub to remove residue thoroughly.
Completely rinse the cleaner from the wood with a garden hose.
Once the surface is clean, dull, and dry, you may apply stain or coating,

How to Apply Deck Stain

Work with the wood grain and apply an even coat of stain using a 4-inch brush. You may also use a roller to first apply the stain, and then work into the wood with your brush. Remember to always read the products’ details and instructions. There may be additional steps that are recommended.

For the best results, you will want to avoid staining midday or in direct sunlight. And avoid using your deck for 24 – 48 hours so it can dry thoroughly.

How to Clean & Repair Your Deck

Posted on June 17, 2022August 8, 2022

Did you know that with regular maintenance, a deck will easily last for twice as long as one that isn’t maintained? It’s true, and what’s more, most decks can be rejuvenated for a lot less than the cost of replacement.

Here are some techniques you can use to give an old deck a new lease on life or to help maintain the look of a new one!

1) Make Thorough Repairs

Begin by inspecting the entire deck. Pay special attention to any part of the deck that is in direct contact with the ground, such as the posts, stair stringers, or joists that are at ground level. We recommend using a screwdriver to check for structural damage.

Tip: If you can sink the tip of a screwdriver into a post or joist, it means you’ve got rot and it’s time to consider renovation.

Also, inspect the connection of your deck to your house. Screws and bolts can loosen and rust, and without the proper use of spacers and flashing, moisture can cause your band joist to rot.

Be sure to tighten the fasteners that attach the deck to the house, while looking for any missing, bent, or rusted flashing. Then, carefully inspect inside and out for any telltale black stains that suggest moisture is working its way into your home.

Next, look for any cosmetic damage. For example, tap down any popped nails or consider replacing them with screws. We advise using galvanized ring-shanked nails to repair damaged boards and ensure longevity.

Tip: If you need to rip replacement decking to match existing boards, use a table saw. Ease the sawn edge using a router fitted with a ⅜-inch roundover bit.

Finish by carefully inspecting your railings and decking for loose wood. This avoids the possibility of splinters or further cosmetic damage to your deck.

2) Clean the Surface

Assuming your deck has been maintained regularly, it can be revived with a simple deck cleaner. Some products are mixed in a bucket and applied to the deck directly. Others come in containers with applicators that you hook up to a garden hose. Once on the deck, most still require a stiff-bristle brush and a lot of elbow grease to work the mixture into the wood.

Here’s a deck cleaner you can make yourself and that’s great for mildew and dirt:

1 qt. sodium hypochlorite solution (household bleach)
⅓ cup powdered laundry detergent
3 qts. warm water
In a 5-gal. plastic bucket, add the bleach and detergent to the water, then brush the cleaner onto the deck. Rinse thoroughly before applying a finish.

For tackling tougher stains, use a pressure washer. which is the best way to remove sun-damaged wood fibers and tackle scrub-resistant stains. Graf recommends using a fan-type nozzle instead of a pinpoint nozzle that can dig into the wood.

Finish by going over your deck with a stiff-bristle brush to work the cleaner into the wood fibers, and then rinse. The boards should be kept damp in order for the cleaning solution to work effectively. Allow the deck to dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

3) Sanding Your Deck

When the deck is dry (36-48 hours after washing, depending upon humidity and weather conditions), it’s time to sand the surface. You can use a pole sander with 80-grit sandpaper to remove all the loose wood fibers that were lifted by the pressure washing. Or, try using a DeWalt 5-inch variable speed random orbit sander with 80-grit sandpaper to really smooth out the surface.

When you’re finished sanding the entire deck, use a leaf blower or the reverse outlet of a wet vac to remove dust from the surface and between any cracks.

4) Staining and Preserving Your Deck

Once your repairs have been made and the deck is sparkling clean, it’s time to apply a protective finish. Clear finishes and transparent stains are fine for new wood, but for older decks, we recommend using a semitransparent stain.

Start by spraying on a light coat of stain and using a brush to remove puddles or splotches. Start at an inside corner and work out, applying the stain parallel to the deck boards.

Tip: To avoid staining nearby brick, use a small piece of cardboard as a spray shield.

Subsequent coats should be applied while the first coat is still wet or they will not be absorbed into the wood. The stain won’t peel, but it can wear away, especially in high-traffic areas. It’s best to apply a fresh coat every other year. A clear water repellent can also be applied between staining for extra protection.

For more help getting your deck looking its best, get in touch with the GNH team!

Simple Deck Design Ideas to Improve Your Outdoor Space

Posted on May 13, 2022March 15, 2024

Beautify Your Deck and Spruce Up Your Backyard!

Creating the perfect outdoor space is easier than you think! If you’re looking to spruce up your backyard and beef up your home’s curb appeal, your deck and its surrounding space is the best place to start. But there are a lot of different ways to bring your vision for your outdoor living space to life. That’s why we recommend you stick to a simple formula for remodeling your home’s backyard space. Simple deck design ideas work best – especially when combined with new doors and stone accents!

Fresh Decks Let You Live Your Best Life Outdoors!

When you’re designing (or redesigning) your deck, you should choose products that seamlessly blend simple designs and tech. The ideal decking product is durable, easy to install, and looks sharp no matter the deck’s style. Whether you’re completing the project yourself or hiring out a contractor, the material should work within your design! Products such as Timbertech AZEK decking provide the best variety of colors, wood grains, and widths to bring any design to life.

We recommend you start by deciding on color – after all, your deck’s hue should speak to you! From there, you can decide on specific color combinations, shades, and even special wood grain patterns. By changing your decking’s highlights or lowlights, you can create a wide range of coloring. From there, it’s time to decide on your boards’ width. You don’t have to feel pigeonholed into “standard” sized boards anymore, either! Nowadays, wider boards are very trendy – and narrower boards can give your deck a coastal vibe. Don’t be afraid to mix and match board sizes either, the right combos can give your deck a uniquely modern look!

Once you’ve designed your deck around these simple ideas, don’t forget the railing! The right rail makes the perfect pairing to a deftly-designed deck. Before you add railing, we recommend considering these factors first:

Consider the architectural style and color story of your existing home. Which decking and railing combos would best complement them?
If you’re planning for a deck with an adventurous design, have you found a contractor that has experience with complex builds? If you’re DIYing – do you feel comfortable doing it yourself?
When it comes to railing, are you looking to keep your views unobstructed with something minimal or make a bold style statement?
Which railing profile do you prefer: classic millwork, modern and minimalist, or a sleek drink rail?

After you’ve answered those questions, you’re ready to build that deck!

Perfect Views with Sliding Glass Doors

Adding sliding doors to your deck is great for accenting your backyard and improving your outdoor panoramas! Massive openings are possible with sliding doors. They open up your home and create a stronger connection to nature and the outdoors. Large openings are also perfect for high traffic areas like the passageway leading to a patio during a backyard get together. Even better – furniture and other household items can be placed near a sliding door.

If you’re looking for a sleek, sharp, and simple look – try Marvin’s black sliding door patio series! This modern, yet subdued tone works well with many different shades of exterior siding and decking. Or, if you’re looking for something more upbeat and contemporary, try their urban patio series. These sliding doors offer defined lines and urban style for any home!

A Completed Cultured Stone Look

Once your deck and doors are taken care of, there’s one last simple design idea to tie your backyard space together! A stone pathway or even a stone firepit are the best “last touches” for your outdoor getaway. But don’t worry about feeling tied to natural stone, which can be costly and difficult to work with. Manufactured stone veneers, such as Cultured Stone, are the perfect alternative! These products mirror the look and feel of natural stone, with superior performance and versatility.

Once you’ve customized your space, the details add all the warmth and togetherness it needs. And nothing imbues your outdoor space with comfort quite like a fireplace. Signature fireplace surrounds or pit designs can tie your whole backyard together. Tastefully-designed pathways add simple elegance and make wandering your outdoor space a dream!

Though redesigning or remodeling your home’s backyard space can seem daunting – it really isn’t! By taking it one step at a time and having a defined plan with simple, versatile designs, you can get it done. If you need help getting your design started, or need to find the best supplies, contact our helpful team!

Tell Your Home’s Story with Cultured Stone

Posted on February 6, 2022January 6, 2023

Whether you’re moving into a new space or adding onto your current home, improving its aesthetics is key. It’s important to end up with a look and style you love, but it all has to tell your home’s unique story!

Simplistic spaces evoke calm feelings, but the opposite approach has its own benefits. One of the hottest trends in home design nowadays is “Maximalism”. From a design standpoint, it means more is more!

Mastering Maximalist design involves more than using quirky art or wild colors. But incorporating this style lets you get bold and creative as well! Your own design journey should be personal and evocative.

If you’re looking to add a touch of Maximalist metro mojo, using Cultured Stone is a great place to start! These cleverly crafted cultured stone veneers are a great way to give your home an impressive and stylish look.

Make Your Home Your Own

When you start designing, the first thing to consider is what you want the finished product to look like. What inspires you? Are there important details that you wish to display? What tells the story of your life and your creativity in the most elaborate way possible? The beauty of Maximalism is that it allows your space to be as unique and expressive as you are.

This is your chance to add those interesting design ideas that you’ve dreamed about! You’ve always wanted a cheetah print couch and a funky cobalt blue accent wall? Do it! This style works at its best when you combine traditional elements with funky pops of color. The end result is a room that is the personification of “you”!

Creating Trendy Together Spaces

There’s something magical about the communal component of urban living – no matter where. It’s time for your fireplace surround to soar like a within a historic brownstone home. Your wall between the den and the kitchen can function as an indoor window. There are many little touches that can bring any space together in a modern and stylish way. Cultured Stone makes it simple to recreate any urban and trendy looks! Even better, these manufactured stone veneers can be colored to match whatever the tone of whatever room you’re adding onto.

Embrace Your Outdoor Space

Whether your home has a rooftop escape or not, you should make the most of your outdoor space too. In addition, you can do it with any sort of space – even if it’s shared with neighbors!

You can spruce up your outdoor space with floral arrangements, in pots if needed. We also recommend adding murals or other artwork that reminds you of city parks. You can even add strand lights to help enhance that hip metro feel. If your backyard isn’t shared and you have extra space, you have an even better option. Try building a secret garden to give you a “private” feeling to remind you of other secluded gardens. Personal walkways or garden walls with Cultured Stone are the perfect final touch!

Don’t forget to make sure your outdoor space is fit for entertaining guests! A backyard getaway or rooftop escape is the perfect place to gather after sundown. Make it great for an evening under the stars by creating a conversation space. Be sure to equip it with lovely seating options around a Cultured Stone firepit or firebowl. With all the sizes and styles available, you can craft your own magical space to make lifelong memories!

Wherever you call home, whether it’s urban, suburban, or something more – it should match the needs of you and your family. By adding onto your home with Cultured Stone, you can create a warm and personalized space for anyone. Contact our talented team today to learn how we can help improve your home!

Source: Cultured Stone

How to Choose the Right Deck Cleaning Product

Posted on August 20, 2019June 28, 2022

If your wooden deck is faded, grey or stained, a bit of washing with the proper deck cleaner and a fresh coat of stain will completely transform your outdoor space! Plus, it will protect your deck from the elements and help extend its life.

Get your deck or porch project started!

Choosing the right cleaning product beforehand will ensure that your newly stained deck will looks its best and last the longest.

Strip the wood on your deck

Use an exterior wood stripper on all exterior wood that has been previously treated or stained. Wood Strippers will remove stains, paint, mildew, mold, algae, and dirt. Using a wood stripper will prepare your deck for priming, painting or resealing. Use a paint brush or pump-up sprayer to apply the stripper and allow to sit for 15-20 minutes.

Brighten the wood on your deck

After stripping the wood surface, apply a wood brightener which helps neutralize the wood and open wood pores so that the stain can penetrate the surface. Apply with a pump-up sprayer, and allow to sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with a garden hose. You should wait a few days for the brightener to dry before staining.

If needed, clean the wood on your deck

Exterior Wood Cleaner is intended for older decks. Wood cleaner is used to remove foreign matter from wood, including oxidized (failed) coatings, dirt, grease, oil, pollen, algae and surface stains caused by mildew. Apply with pump-up sprayer, and allow to sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with a garden hose. Use a scrub brush for tough stains and repeat process if necessary.