5 DIY Garden Projects for Fall & Winter

By Katherine Oakes

Great landscaping, hardscaping, and beautiful gardens are just a few different ways that we at Archadeck of Nova Scotia love to update and add value to our homes. So when the temperatures start to drop and gardens droop, bringing the outdoors in is a great way to brighten things up. Not sure how to start? We rounded up 5 DIY garden projects from Modernize that you can do during fall or wintertime. Get creative and keep your thumbs green all year round.

Kitchen Microgreens

Microgreens are the first stage of growth in a sprouted seedling. Flavorful and easy to grow, they are the perfect DIY project for the novice gardener or expert who wants a fun project to take indoors during the colder weather.

To start your edible microgreen garden, choose seeds that you love the taste of and that work well as a garnish—like mustard greens or radishes—then find them the perfect spot. Since they need plenty of sun and circulation, a covered porch or well-lit window ledge will do; just make sure it isn’t too drafty or cold. Then keep them healthy and nourished by spritzing them with a water bottle every so often. After a short while, you’ll have sprouts that you can continue to clip and grow all throughout the season. And once the warmer temperatures move in, transfer them to your garden to enjoy as full-grown plants. Learn more about microgreen kitchen gardens here.

via Food52

Bring Your Garden Indoors

Creating seasonal wreaths, boughs, and floral arrangements help to preserve the beauty of the season by bringing it indoors for everyone to enjoy. Go to your local farmer’s market or natural food store, or even forage around in your backyard or nearby park to collect materials for your assemblage. Allow yourself to draw inspiration from the colors and textures that are naturally occurring outdoors and keep in mind that you’ll need something sturdy enough to give your structure a base, something to give it shape and form, and additional pieces for decoration.

Get inspired by these wreaths from The Merry Thought.

via Gardenista

Save and Store Your Seeds

One of the benefits of having a flourishing garden during the warmer months isn’t just the produce that it yields—it’s the seeds that each plant produces at the end of the harvesting season that can reward you for years to come. Follow this simple and easy tutorial on how to properly save your seeds for next year. Then create a charming seed bank to keep and to share with others with these creative storages ideas.

via Modernize

Preserve Flowers and Plants

If you had some luck with a bountiful garden this year and can’t bear to part with some of your beautiful plants, preserving them is a simple and fun DIY project to do in your home. If you don’t have anything of your own to salvage, this can be done with plants bought at flower shops or markets as well. Pick sturdy greens like eucalyptus and cut them to a manageable size. Combine two parts boiling water with one part vegetable glycerin oil in a jar then set the bouquet in the solution to set anywhere from 2-6 weeks depending on your plant’s process. Wait until the leaves have gotten harder and smoother until the plant is fully preserved and snip the ends when you’re done. Decorate or hang wherever and however you like for some truly festive décor!

DIY Terrariums

This DIY project is great for adults on their own, or to do indoors with small children when the weather is too cold. Repurpose a wide-mouthed jar or old fish bowl (make sure it’s clean!) and cover the bottom with a mixture of sand, dirt, gravel, and pebbles. Use an arrangement of succulents, moss, and ferns to fill up your terrarium and then get creative with small decoratives to fill in the gaps. How you design and style your mini garden is up to you, so have fun with it and try something new. 

An Outdoor Living Space Worthy of the Name

At Archadeck of Nova Scotia we love building any size of project, big or small. But, that being said, we have a soft spot for the projects that let us show off our talents! This Halifax house was no exception. The owners wanted a space to suit their outdoorliving lifestyle with materials to last far into the future. The choices were quite simple: stone veneer, Timbertech composite decking and glass railing.

Below you’ll find some beautiful photos, and a more in-depth look at the key design features of this project.

With anything, you need to have a solid foundation before you can even think about the finished product. What better way to create that stability than with concrete columns and decorative stone veneer? The posts were all wrapped with stone and match the retaining wall which was installed to help with soil retention and give the backyard more definition (it’s not too hard on the eyes either).

A set of well-lit steps will guide you up the multi-level deck. The built-in planters soften the hardness of the Timbertech composite deck and provide a little visual relief. The two-tone aesthetic of the deck and railing are a stunning feature which plays up contrasting tones. From there it’s a game of musical chairs; we recommend the big round one on a September evening with a glass of wine and cozy blanket.

We haven’t gotten there quite yet, but this property has an amazing view (you will see soon enough!). As to not spoil the view, we installed TImbertech composite railing with glass panels. This allows you to take in the surrounding sights while relaxing and not have those pesky balusters in the way.

In any Canadian backyard, there is always the dilemma of dealing with mosquitoes and black flies! Our solution to this itchy problem is to incorporate a screen room as part of your design. This screen room in particular has space for dining and lounging around a fireplace, perfect for the colder evenings!

Ahhh…there’s the view! From the top level of the deck you can really get an appreciation for Nova Scotia. Life looks pretty good from the top of a multi-level deck. Once again, we installed a composite and glass railing on the new composite deck to capture the scenery.

What puts the cherry on top of this project is the balcony! One of the greatest benefits of composite decking and railing is that it can be curved to create beautiful soft edges. Imagine sipping your morning coffee and watching the sunrise over the water.

If you are looking for a Halifax deck builder and want to know more about composite decking, railing or anything else regarding an outdoor living project; give us a call! 902.444.DECK

We’d love to hear from you.

novascotia.archadeck.com | 902.444.DECK | novascotia@archadeck.net

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

What are my material options for my new Halifax deck?

'There are many options to consider when you're going to have a new deck designed and built for your Halifax home. I'm not going to cover them all, just the most popular choices, and the most readily available materials here in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We have been Halifax deck builders for close to 15 years, so we have a good idea what the trends locally are.

Download your free copy of loving outdoor living magazine: 

http://novascotia.archadeck.com/loving-outdoor-living-magazine-download/

Download your free copy of our design guide: 

https://www.archadeck.com/why-archadeck/custom-design/#design-guide

Pressure treated wood decking

This is a very popular choice, it is used frequently on the decks that we design and build for our Halifax clients. Pressure-treated wood decking is probably the most cost-effective choice for your Halifax deck. It's availability, affordability, and durability make it a safe choice. Pressure treated decking, requires no maintenance, it is rot resistant and will not decay. The sun will fade it to a silver, grey color. If you would like to change the color, apply a good penetrating stain. Pressure-treated wood can be used to build lots of different features for your Halifax deck: planters, benches, pergolas, deck stairs etc. An example of a Halifax pressure-treated deck is shown in the photograph below.

Western red cedar decking

Western red cedar, is a natural wood. The high tannin content in western red cedar makes it naturally rot resistant, and resistant to insect damage. It is light, and easy to work with. It has a distinctive smell, that most people like. We traditionally used western red cedar to build decks, benches, gazebos, and ceiling finishes for the Halifax porches that we build. The red coloring, will eventually fade to a silver grey colour. Cedar typically accounts for about 15% of the outdoor living, and decking projects that we design and build each year. You can expect to pay approximately 1.5 times more for your outdoor living project cost, as compared to building a deck with pressure-treated wood. An example of a cedar deck, and gazebo that we constructed in the Halifax area shown in the photograph below.

Ipe tropical hardwood decking

Tropical hardwoods provide a rich, dark mahogany coloured deck. Ipe is a very dense, durable material for constructing your deck. It is naturally resistant to rot and insect damage. The rich beautiful color, is the biggest selling feature. These materials account for probably 3 to 5% of the decks we build in Halifax each year. Like any wood, the sun will fade the dark brown color to a silver. Because these woods are so dense, they are difficult to cut, and fasten. They often require pre-drilling, before screwing, and this can increase your labour cost. The fact that they are so dense, makes them more difficult to stain, and they require seasonal maintenance.

Composite and vinyl decking, and railing

The most popular brands that we have used on our composite Halifax decks, and composite Halifax railings, are, TimberTech, Trex, and Azek. There are however many different manufactures of composite decking, that are locally available in Halifax. The benefits of manufactured decking, and railing products are: they don't require seasonal staining, or painting, there are many different profiles, colours, and styles available. They typically come with hidden fasteners, for a finished floor look, they can be cut, and installed to build benches, planters like traditional decking. Composite decking, and railing projects account for approximately 40% of the Halifax decks, that we construct. Each composite decking manufacturer has different levels of profiles, and colour selection available. Composite decks typically cost approximately 1.6 to 1.8 times higher than pressure-treated deck projects. Photograph of the Halifax composite deck shown below.

Aluminum and vinyl decking, and railing

Each year in Halifax, our deck, and railing projects featured products made from aluminum. It is low maintenance, and with a quality powder coating can be very durable in our climate. Aluminum decking can be installed to provide a dry area under the deck surface, providing a usable dry space below. Aluminum decking is installed in approximately 2 to 3% of the Halifax outdoor living, and deck projects that we install. Aluminum railing is more popular in Halifax however, and accounts for approximately 30% of the railing installations each year. It is low maintenance, comes in many different colors, and profiles. It can be installed with balusters, or with glass panels to take advantage of an ocean, or lake view. 

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)

Winter: the Perfect Time to Plan your New Backyard

At Archadeck, we often tell people to plan their new outdoor space in the winter, not only to have something to look forward to, but also something you know you can enjoy in the spring.

Not surprisingly, the spring and summer months make up our busy season in the porch, patio and deck building  industry. As the weather warms up and people move outside they often realize that they need to improve their outdoor living space. Unfortunately, it make take weeks or months to get a new outdoor living structure built, cutting down on the time you can actually use it. At Archadeck we design and build custom outdoor living spaces. It takes time. First thing that has to be done is the design. In the design phase, we work with our clients to learn their expectations, likes and dislikes. Depending on the homeowner, we may do two or three designs to make sure it is exactly what they want.

After the design is finalized, building plans are drawn and submitted to the city for permitting. No building can be done during that part of the process. Some permitting takes a few weeks to get the go-ahead for.  After all of that, building can begin and, depending on the scale of the project, you can begin enjoying your new space in a few weeks.  So why am I telling you all this? We want you to enjoy your outdoor living spaces as much as possible and the earlier it can be done, the better. Planning is a big part of that. If you know that next year you want to build a new outdoor structure, call your deck builder now. While the ground may be frozen and building can’t begin yet, designing and planning can.  The purpose of planning and designing your projects in the winter is so you can be on the top of the building list when ground can be broken. And, the earlier the building can begin, the earlier you can start enjoying your new deck, porch, patio, sunroom or other outdoor living structure come the warmer weather.

If you are interested in starting to design your new outdoor living space, please reach out to your local Archadeck of Nova Scotia office. (902) 444-DECK(3325).  Our trained and experienced designers will work with you to create a space that fits your needs, tastes and budget.

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

Archadeck’s Design Guide puts you in the drivers seat

This beautiful tri-level pergola is an example of what your outdoor space could be

Archadeck is helping to make backyards in North America more beautiful and functional one home at a time. Archadeck Outdoor Living is inspiring homeowners with some great ideas thanks to our new Outdoor Living Design Guide. This design guide shares our expertise and knowledge and puts it right at your fingertips. It is now available as a free download online at http://www.archadeck.com/guide/index.html

cover of our new online design guide

This full-color design guide features outdoor living space photos, ideas, tips and hints to give you a starting point in planning your new outdoor space and to make your backyard the best it can be. It takes you on a guided tour of where to begin when planning the backyard you have always dreamed of.

The first step begins with functionality and helps you determine exactly what you want to do in your outdoor space. For example, within the patio and hardscape portion you will be asked to answer questions including whether you want to dine, entertain, garden or just relax in your outdoor space. As you answer the questions it will lead you through ways to incorporate nature into your outdoor space because after all that is what makes these spaces so special. Do you want sunshine streaming in? Or maybe an outdoor space free of insects? Perhaps you have one of the incredible ocean views Nova Scotia is famous for that you’d like to enjoy.

Enjoy the beauty nature offers.

The view from within your outdoor space is of utmost importance and Archadeck has made this a point of focus in our design guide. This guide also aids in deciding where to place your outdoor space by taking into consideration issues like the direction your backyard faces and your lot and soil conditions.

A well planned outdoor space can complement not only your home’s exterior but the interior as well. With this in mind we show you how to plan a structure that allows for easy transition from interior spaces into your outdoor space.

This wonderful tool puts you in the driver’s seat; putting you in a better position to meet with your Archadeck Design consultant by having a better idea of the outdoor space that suits your wants and needs. For a sneak peek on how the design guide works visit http://bit.ly/dreamyards today. You can also call us at 902-444-3325, email us at http://novascotia.archadeck.com/local/ContactUs.html or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/archadeckofnovascotia

Plan Your Outdoor Living Space Now and Enjoy it More this Year

Plan your outdoor living updates so you enjoy them all season long

The weather has been unpredictable this spring in many parts of the country. If you’re like me and enjoy your outdoor living spaces but are thinking of making some changes or may need to address certain aspects of the space, start now. Depending on the types of updates you would like to make to your outdoor living space, it may take some time.


Do you want new outdoor furniture? Look to see how long it will take to get it ordered and shipped so you have it at the beginning of the season. Some companies may have a quick turnaround while custom orders may take up to 12 weeks.


A custom outdoor living space can take up to three months from the first contact with a contractor through design and permits to the completion of the build. The longer you wait to start the project, the less time you get to enjoy it on the sunny and warm days of Spring and Summer.


Even if you aren’t in the market for a new deck, porch, pergola or gazebo, you may want to have your existing structure inspected for safety. Winter conditions will wear on an outdoor living structure, so it is important to have it inspected by a professional if it is older than 5 years. You may not need a full replacement, but you may need some extra screws or a few new boards. A quick inspection now will ensure you can safely use your structure the rest of the year.

Outdoor Living is important to all of us here at Archadeck and we want to make sure you get the most out of your outdoor spaces. If you have any questions, please call Archadeck of Nova Scotia at 902-444-3325 or visit us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ArchadeckofNovaScotia.

Plan Your Dream Backyard Now – Build It In Phases

We’ve said it before and we will say it again, but at Archadeck Outdoor Living, we want to help you make your backyard dreams come true. You want a new deck? Great! A patio off that deck? No problem. How about an outdoor kitchen for the chef in your family? Sounds wonderful. We can design a custom outdoor living space that encompasses all of that, but that doesn’t mean you have to build it all at one time.



Outdoor living spaces that include multiple pieces, like the above, can be built in phases.


Building new structure or updating old structures in your outdoor spaces can be expensive and something that many people save for years to build. Spreading the build across a few years may make more sense for you and your family. This is called staged building, and it’s something that we think is an important part of the design process.

When you are looking to change your outdoor living space, designing the dream backyard from the start will save you time, money and frustration later. Although you may not add the second piece to the space until a year or two after the first, you don’t want it to look like an afterthought. Instead, you want every aspect of your backyard to work seamlessly with each other. In the initial design phase, it’s important to see how the pieces work together to make sure everything “fits.”

Depending on what you may be building, developing your backyard design in advance may also save you money in the long run. For example, if your end goal includes a fire pit, fireplace or outdoor kitchen, you will want to run your gas lines early if they run under your other projects. Small things like this will save you from having to tear up parts of your existing structures to include others.



Running the gas line at the beginning of this project allows the outdoor kitchen to be added later.

When talking to your outdoor living contractor, it’s important to mention everything that you eventually want to include in your yard. Ask for “staged” plans showing you how your space will look after each part of the project is built. If you aren’t exactly sure what you need or want, ask yourself questions like “how do I envision myself using the space?” Our design guide will give you further direction on what may fit your needs and lifestyle, giving you the best backyard you can imagine.

For more information on staged planning and building, contact Archadeck of Nova Scotia at 902-444-3325 or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ArchadeckOfNovaScotia

Proper Deck Maintenance Is Essential to Long-Term Enjoyment

Would you go five years without washing your car? If you want it looking good and staying in tip-top shape, probably not. How about your deck? Just like that car, your deck requires periodic TLC to keep it looking good and to increase its life expectancy. Fortunately, maintaining your deck can be as easy as that car wash.

With spring just around the corner for Halifax, Nova Scotia, now is the time to start thinking about getting your outdoor space in shape for the coming season.

Annual maintenance of any deck should begin with an overall inspection of fasteners. Over time, the expansion and contraction of exterior wood due to moisture can cause hardware to loosen or pull away. This process causes “nail pops” in the floor. You can simply pound most nails back in. You may also want to consider replacing them with screws. And don’t forget to check under the deck for any loose nuts or corroded hangers.


Pressure-Treated – Pressure-treated lumber is designed to last for a very long time. In fact, most manufactures of treated wood give a lifetime warranty against rot and insect infestation. However, long-term exposure to the elements can have a detrimental effect on the look of your pressure treated deck. Begin by sweeping the deck to eliminate the big debris. Next use a cleaning solution and stiff-bristle brush to work out the ground-in dirt. (A simple solution of water and dishwashing detergent works well.) If the deck has “grayed out” substantially, you may want to consider a specialized deck cleaner, which you will find at most home improvement stores. For really extreme cases, you can even rent a power washer – but be careful because these machines can damage the wood fibers. Finally, apply a penetrating sealant with UV stabilizers to help preserve all that hard work.


Cedar & Redwood – Unlike pressure-treated wood, cedar and redwood have naturally occurring chemicals that make them resistant to rot and insect decay. Still, lack of added protection and maintenance will greatly reduce the life expectancy of these materials. Follow the same guidelines for cleaning and sealing as you would for treated material, but expect to seal it on a yearly basis instead of every other year.


Tropical Hardwoods – Tropical hardwoods such as IPE, also have naturally occurring chemicals that make them resistant to rot and insect infestation. The density, or hardness, of these materials also increases their longevity. For most people, the decision with tropical hardwood is whether to let it “gray-out” over time. If you choose to “go gray”, a simple cleaning once a year is fine. If you wish to maintain the dark color, you will have to apply special hardwood sealers.


Composites – Most composites are manufactured with some type of plastics, reducing or even eliminating any risk of rot and or insect infestation. Many also have UV stabilizers to help lessen any color changes. This material is still sitting outside however, so dirt and mildew will find its way onto the deck. A simple yearly cleaning with soap and water will keep your deck looking its best.

If you prefer to keep your hands clean, you can hire professional companies to perform these maintenance tasks for you.

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

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.