What fire options are available for grilling, cooking, or warming upyour Halifax deck, or patio?

Fire pits, fire tables, patio hearths, and heaters allow you to enjoy your Halifax deck, and patio into the fall.

September, and October can be great months to enjoy evenings on your Halifax deck, or patio. A great way to relax, with family, entertain friends, or neighbours is to incorporate a fire element for your outdoor space.

Photograph provided by Archadeck of NS

Check the city regulations for your HRM neighbourhood

In order to keep areas with fire safe, Halifax Regional Municipality has regulations that indicate how far from a building your fire pit is allowed to be. Some customers prefer a wood burning fire pit, or stone oven, but many of the projects we design and build, especially within the city are using propane. While many prefer the crackle, and smell of a wood burning fire pit for their patio, others enjoy the convenience of lighting a propane fueled fire quickly, and easily.

Photograph provided by Archadeck of Nova Scotia

Consider the function of your fire element

Do you need a spot gather, with family and friends? Will you need to provide heat so you can enjoy your time outside in the evenings or cooler? Do you plan on cooking anything, or preparing food with your new fire feature?

A spot for gathering: A fire pit, wood-burning, or propane will work nicely for this function. A fire table will also work as a gathering place, and will provide heat for cooler evenings.

Fire Tables use propane, or natural gas. They are safe to use on wooden decks, and composite decks.

The fire pit below it safe to use on your Halifax wooden deck, or composite deck. This model is manufactured by Napoleon

A fire element for cooking: If you're planning on doing some serious cooking, then we would recommend an outdoor kitchen, or a stone fireplace, or hearth. Below are some examples of projects using both woodburning, and propane fire to provide a place for the family chef to go to work!

The wood-burning fireplace with hearth below, uses stone veneer, and incorporates chimney, and built-in seating for this patio.

 Photograph courtesy of Archadeck of Nova Scotia

This Halifax project incorporates a roof for protection from the weather, a built-in custom outdoor kitchen, with stone veneer, and a composite deck, with iron railing. This project works even if there is snow, or rain.

Photograph provided by Archadeck of Nova Scotia

Archadeck of Nova Scotia designs and builds custom decks, patios, screened porches, and sunrooms. We can be reached at 902-444-3325  for help, or find us online at http://novascotia.archadeck.com

Gas or Wood Fired, What’s Best for Your Outdoor Fireplace or Fire Pit

One of the growing trends in outdoor living is fire features. More homeowners in Halifax are including either an outdoor fireplace or firepit to their decks, porches and patios to allow them to use the space more often. At Archadeck of Nova Scotia, we design both fireplaces and fire pits that work seamlessly with your outdoor structure.

When considering an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, one of the questions that commonly comes up is: should it be gas or wood fired? While some people have strong feelings for or against an option (I can’t blame someone who loves the smell of a wood fire), here are some questions to consider as you make your decision:

Where do you live? Wood burning fireplaces or fire pits aren't made for all parts of the country. If you live in a dry area of the country, you may not have easy access to firewood, making gas a better option. Conversely, gas is usually a better choice for heavily wooded properties as well. If there isn't a clear opening above the fire, you’d want the control of a gas fire feature as opposed to wood. Wood fires give off more smoke and embers that shouldn't go up into branches from trees.

What will be the cost of running it? Wood fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are more cost-effective to have if you have easy access to firewood. If your property abuts a wooded area for instance, you could probably grab wood for the fire for free. Conversely, with gas fires you do have to pay for fuel costs.

Do you need easy control and convenience? This question is especially important if you have any small children that may be around the fire. Gas flames are much easier to control and use. They are easy to turn on, off, up or down. So, if you need to turn it off in a hurry, you can. Additionally, there is no smoke and you don’t have to clean up any ashes. Wood burning fires cannot be easily turned on or off and there is always smoke. You have to watch it more carefully to make sure it isn't getting too big or hot and from time to time, you will want to clean out any built up ashes.

Are you adding it on to an existing space? At Archadeck, we try to plan for all parts of your outdoor living space (even future additions) when we design a deck, porch, patio, etc. When you plan ahead, the choice of gas or wood can be easier due to gas lines. If you know you want a gas fire pit on your patio in the future, for example, you should have the line put in as you build the patio. If you are adding a fire feature to an existing space and hadn't planned for it, it may cost more if anything needs to be torn up for a gas line. In that case, a wood burning fire feature may be your best option.

Is the flame important for you? Personally, I love the sound of a crackling fire and I love the smell of wood burning. A gas fireplace can’t give me that. If having the characteristics of a real fire isn't important to you, however, you’ll be happy with what a gas fire pit or fireplace can provide you.

If you are looking to enhance your outdoor living space with a fire feature, please reach out to our Halifax office. With our knowledge and expertise, we can help you to create a space that you can’t help but love. (902) 444-DECK (3325)

DECK SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT

ARCHADECK OF NOVA SCOTIA URGES HOMEOWNERS TO “CHECK THE DECK” THIS FALL TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS

Halifax Deck Builder Provides 7 Easy Tips to Tell If Your Deck Needs Help Now

Halifax, NS

Nov. 6, 2013

Aging deck structures, harsh storms and a lack of routine maintenance due to limited financial resources in a difficult economy are all factors that can put Halifax homeowners with decks at serious risk of injury for themselves, their families and guests.

There are more than 40 million decks in Canada that are more than 20 years or older, according to the Canadian Deck & Railing Association and hundreds of reported deck accidents occur annually. 

The experts at Archadeck of Nova Scotia www.novascotia.archadeck.com part of the largest outdoor living company, recommend checking the structural integrity of decks each spring and fall to ensure safety, especially for decks that are more than 10 years old. 

To help homeowners determine if their deck is safe, Archadeck of Nova Scotia is sharing seven deck safety inspection guidelines with the acronym of “BE SAFER”: 

• Boards:  Check deck boards for rot, softness or major cracking.
• Every Connection:  Inspect every hardware connection on the deck.  Look for screws and/or nails backing out, red rust and other signs of corrosion on metal connectors that can weaken the integrity of the deck.
• Structure:  Look at the posts, beams and joists that provide the structural framework of the deck. Is there any noticeable sagging between supports?
• Attachments:  Most deck failures occur at the attachment site to the home. Ensure that the deck is attached to the house with bolts and proper flashing for water protection. NEVER use nails!
• Foundation/Footings:  The foundation and footings support the weight, or load, on a deck and the columns that bear on them. Look for sinking or noticeable sag.
• Exits:  Check deck’s exit areas, usually stairs.  Are the stair stringers, treads and risers ok?  Do the stairs require a handrail?  Is there adequate lighting to safely use the exits at night?
• Rails:  Look at rail posts and railing sections to make sure that they aren’t loose or wobbly.   All pickets/balusters should be fastened securely and spaced no more than four inches apart.

DECK SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT

For a professional deck consultation, contact Archadeck at (902) 444- DECK (3325) or visit www.novascotia.archadeck.com

3 Resources for Decking Inspiration

3 Resources for Decking Inspiration

Written by Adam Coholan, an active blogger who writes about remodeling and exterior design based on his experience working with Queens rental properties for Elliman Real Estate. You can follow him on Twitter @Coho22.

As a homeowner, keeping up with the latest housing trends can help keep your home beautiful as well as maintain or improve the value of your property. One of the latest trends is having lavish outdoor living space. To be lavish doesn't mean dropping a lot of money, however; building a wooden deck on to your home is a wonderful, cost-effective solution to getting more square footage.
Adding interior space to your home requires more construction in terms of walls, insulation, roofing and wiring up utilities. But a wooden deck gets you more room for less money. Not only is the return almost dollar for dollar, but the maintenance is also minimal.
When you're ready to start planning your new project, turn to the great resources listed below to get inspiration. You can see what is modern in terms of the design of the structure of your deck and way to decorate it when it's done. Check out these sites to get your creative mind moving:

• Archadeck
Archadeck helps kickstart the design process by offering a design guide for planning your outdoor space. It’s incredibly useful because it forces you to determine exactly what your goals are for your new outdoor living area. It also includes questions that many designers may overlook, like what time you want the sun hitting the deck or what type of view you’re looking for. Once all of your goals are outlined, they suggest clipping pictures of specific looks you want to incorporate, and the next to resources are perfect for finding examples.

• HGTV
Filled with photos and articles about deck design from professionals, in terms of construction and decor, this is a great resource to use to make your deck the most beautiful outdoor space on the block! This site is similar to DIY's set-up but is more geared towards the overall picture; a great resource for when you're ready to put the final touches on your wooden deck.

• Better Homes and Gardens
If you're looking for another all-around great site for help on choosing the style of deck construction you want, as well as inspiring great décor ideas, look no further than BHG's website. BHG will help you design and decorate such a beautiful space that your friends and family will find themselves spending a lot of together time in your new living space!

Enjoy the View With Glass Deck Railings.

Many homes and properties in Halifax, and throughout Nova Scotia have great views. Views of the ocean, lake views, green spaces etc. Do you have a great view? Are you trying to find a deck rail that allows you to see it rather than block it? We have good news for you. We can build a glass railing with any deck material. We have built glass deck railings in the Halifax area with wood, vinyl, aluminum, and composite materials.

How much do they cost?

Your most cost effective choice is a pressure treated frame for the glass rail. Moving up in cost to vinyl, aluminum, and composite being your most premium choice.

Where can you find different designs and project photos?

Take a look at our website to explore different designs and unique project photos http://novascotia.archadeck.com/

Maurice Meagher
Archadeck of Nova Scotia
(902) 444-3325
novascotia@archadeck.net
http://novascotia.archadeck.com/

Archadeck of Halifax Provides Free Guide To Help Plan Outdoor Living Space

Up front planning and proper design can be important elements to consider when you are considering a deck, screened porch, sunroom or patio. Do you live in Halifax, Nova Scotia? Now that the weather is starting to warm up, have you been thinking about a deck or outdoor living project for your home? Take a look at our free design guide, it might provide a good starting point when thinking about your project. Click on our website for the free download http://www.archadeck.com/guide . It should help you think through some of the key elements you should consider for your design and also your selection of the right company to help you plan and build your Halifax deck.

Give us a call if you need some help, we can be reached at the office (902) 444-3325 or on the web at http://novascotia.archadeck.com/ and by email at novascotia@archadeck.net

The nice weather has hit Nova Scotia, so have the bugs!

Imagine being able to enjoy a well-prepared dinner on your porch every evening this summer – but without the annoyance of insects or the worry of rain. Our Archadeck of Nova Scotia office in Halifax has found that is exactly what draws many people to have a screened porch added onto their home.
Outdoor living is the trendy way of living nowadays. We have found that, during the summer season, homeowners seek as many ways as possible to stay outdoors more. And, many of these people find the answer to their dilemma in a screened porch – which offers an indoor/outdoor experience, all along with the luxuries of shade from direct sunlight, as well as rain and insect protection.
Screened porches are a popular request and the actual projects vary in design and style, depending on the needs and wants of the customer.
When it comes to screened porches, there are a myriad of choices and a long list of material options that can be used to build them. However, the first thing to decide is the main usage of the screened porch. The size of the porch, for example, will depend on how it's being used. If its only purpose will be for dining, it normally would be designed to be smaller than if it was to be used for general multi-functional "outdoor living," which calls for a larger space.
Many of our Halifax customers choose a screened porch simply because it increases their living space – it makes them feel they have more square footage to their home; some use it mainly for entertaining; while others want a screened porch to remind them of a special time in their lives, for instance, growing up in their childhood house.

Once you know how you will use your screened porch, the next decision falls in the hands of aesthetics and your budget. Do you want an A-frame roof, or a "hip roof"? Would you rather the walls be fully screened or partially insulated with plexi-glass or a stronger material like lexan (a highly durable polycarbonate resin thermoplastic intended to replace glass)? Will imported hard wood or composites be the best choice for your flooring? All of this depends on the style you're looking for, and the part of the country you live in.
We have found that screened porches are very popular in the suburbs outside of Halifax, as well as in the south shore, the valley and New Glasgow and Truro. However, if you experience more cold months than warm ones, a screened porch could easily be changed into a three-season porch, for use year-round, simply by installing windows to control the ventilation on the porch, as well as a wall system – which could be vinyl or a hard wall – that matches the style and design of the rest of the house.

Have questions, call our Halifax office at (902) 444-3325 or find us online at novascotia.archadeck.com