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