Low Maintenance, High Style! Archadeck of Nova Scotia and TimberTech team up to provide low-maintenance Outdoor Living.

Our Halifax, Nova Scotia based customers were remodeling their home inside and out. Both with demanding schedules as professionals in the health care industry, they wanted us to provide a solution that allowed them to spend their down time enjoying their backyard, not maintaining it.

A properly maintained wood deck will last longer than most people own their homes, But with today’s lifestyles, who wants to clean and treat it every few years?

Customers are increasingly choosing alternative decking materials for a variety of reasons, besides being virtually maintenance-free. Homeowners like the fact that it won't splinter or warp, and environmentally conscious customers appreciate that it's made from recycled materials. And, some people just prefer the way it looks.

This particular project called for a rich dark color decking to contrast the new siding and trim. A white low-maintenance railing was also requested by the homeowners.
We recommended TimberTech’s Walnut Earthwood decking with concealed fasteners for a rich, clean look on the decking and TimberTech’s Radiance Rail for a railing solution.

Low-maintenance decking presents most of the same opportunities for design and construction as pressure-treated wood, allowing customers to take full advantage of the custom-design expertise of Archadeck of Nova Scotia.

Outdoor Kitchen Dining, the New Backyard Barbecue

Archadeck of Nova Scotia explains how standard indoor kitchens are extending outdoors to make the backyard party more entertaining

The kitchen is a common area where people choose to renovate, whether to change the look or to make it more convenient with upgraded appliances and cabinetry. More recently, however, the kitchen has actually extended into the great outdoors – also known as the backyard – as more people inquire about how to make outdoor entertaining more enjoyable and convenient.

Long gone are the days when people simply looked to their grill for backyard entertaining. Now, the big thing is outdoor kitchens. This trend has been front and center; we have seen increased interest over the past few years. People are spending more time outside and using the kitchen as a big part of their entertaining.

Outdoor kitchens make it easier for people to really take advantage of outdoor living. In many cases, when people have traditional backyard parties, they have to keep going in and out of the home for cooking that has to be done on stoves and in ovens, or to grab items out of the refrigerator. And, when it turns to evening, it may get a little too chilly to stay outside. But now, fire pits are being installed and outdoor kitchens are designed with numerous appliances as part of the yard scheme.

The thing about the outdoor kitchen trend is that people don't just want a kitchen outdoors, they are interested in a kitchen that enhances other amenities in their backyard. It's not just a stove and 'fridge that is being incorporated. It's a pizza oven, wine cooler – all next to a gazebo or outdoor room. It all depends on the individual's needs, what the weather is like in their region, and how much they are willing to invest in the project. And, typically, many people who want outdoor kitchens are willing to invest a lot into it.

The sky is the limit when it comes to the many choices homeowners have. For example, kitchen units can be bought pre-made, but most of the time people request something that's customized so that it can match the design of their home. Whether it has a wood finish, or stone veneer, there is a range of aesthetic options they have to choose from, including kitchens made with low-maintenance materials. In addition, roofing and pergolas are usual choices for those interested in protecting their outdoor kitchen from precipitation or from the harsh rays of the sun.

For each project we do, we try to get an idea on how the person is going to use the space, functionally. Then, we show them pictures and give them different design options, including aesthetic choices, and we discuss with them how much they are comfortable with spending. After that is all done, we take care of all the plans and building – from start to finish; it's a turnkey solution.

For more information about Archadeck or outdoor kitchens, please contact Maurice Meagher at Archadeck of Nova Scotia at (902) 444-DECK (3325)
or online at mmeagher@archadeck.net, www.archadeck.com

Backyard Transformation. Custom deck and Sunroom

Our clients love to entertain. They wanted to create a space that would allow for outdoor living year round.
We added a year round sunroom for a sunny space. The room was designed to match the architecture of the original home, and also to maximize natural light.

A natural look was preffered for the decking so we chose Western Red Cedar and used Deckorators balusters to create a contrast against the wood. Other features include an outdoor kitchen with a fridge, and built in lighting for night time entertaining.

For cooler evenings a spa/hot tub is enclosed with a Cedar cabana with skylights for star gazing and a stone firepit area with built in benching. A complete backyard transformation allowing for outdoor living year round.

For more of this project's photos click below:

archadeck.com/featured-projects/featurepage1a.asp

Maurice Meagher

mmeagher@archadeck.net

novascotia.archadeck.com