Enjoy Outdoors in the Extreme of Winter Or Summer Without Freezing Or Burning Up

Every winter seems to get colder and colder. The opposite can also be said of summers as the recent past has delivered record temperatures throughout the country. Rather than work with nature during either extreme, the only answer seems to be to cloister inside where the elements will not harass the family. The best method for beating the cold and heat is not shutting out the world, but to spend time in a sunroom, enclosed deck or porch.

Sunrooms and fully enclosed decks or porches are invariably more popular throughout the south than they are in the northern states. A few states, such as North Carolina, can reach down to freezing temperatures during winter, but even during the winter season receives a bountiful amount of sunlight to be enjoyed by the select few with sunrooms. A standard deck or patio gives little enjoyment in frigid temperatures, but an enclosed sunroom is perfect for chilly days.

It is widely recognized that winter can increase an individual's likelihood to succumb to depression. A major key benefit of enjoying an enclosed deck or sunroom is that with plentiful windows, every family member will be less likely to suffer the depressing effects of a lack of natural sunlight. Sunrooms provide the home owner the ability to regulate the interior temperature while still enjoying the views and experience of natural light.

These safe retreats are perfect for a variety of purposes such as family reunions, meditation, or lest we forget the all important televised football season. A popular choice of use for the enclosed space is a game room as opposed to the stuffy basement with artificial lighting. There is almost no limit in the manner a family can utilize a sunroom.

The bottom line is that an overall healthy outlook can be maintained or improved upon by spending time in peace and tranquility. True relaxation is a rare commodity not to be missed just because of a cold and blustery season. While building a deck or sunroom is not just as simple as 1-2-3, there are several reliable and professional companies eager to give free estimates and quite possibly a very good price in this economy. Investing in a home owner's major asset, the home, is always a good idea for the future, but will allow them to enjoy the home more.

For more information and pictures, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking's website has a detailed gallery of sun rooms, patios, decks and gazebos.

Posted by WebDrafter.com, Inc. with permission.

Article independently authored by Daniel Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Paradise Decking.

Deck the House

The summer is made up of memories at family barbecues around the house. But what if you do not have a deck or covered porch to host such memorable events? Let's look at the various options available for outdoor rooms and decks to help you make the best decision for your home.

The decking business can include a variety of constructions such as a deck, covered porch, screened in porch, or sunroom. Decks are beneficial for lawn furniture, barbecues, or just relaxing in the yard. However, decks may not be the best choice in less than ideal weather conditions.

Covered porches are very an easy weather solution, since the canopy can often shield some rain or wind from the covered area. However, many covered porches are very similar to gazebos and still can be affected by weather. The next upgrade would be a screened in porch. The screened porch is beneficial because with the openness it still gives the feeling of being outside, while keeping bugs and weather away. Another benefit of the screened porch versus the sunroom is the fact that screened porches are about one half of the cost of sunrooms to construct. However, they can cause a "dark" feeling in the house, while adding lights could solve that problem that would increase electricity costs for the owner. The screened in porch is also easier to construct, and can be adapted in the future to an upgraded sunroom.

Sunrooms are also great because like screened in porches they give an outdoor feel, but the "screens" also have windows and the room is insulated so during the winter months the room will stay warm and plants and people can still use the room without any discomfort. The sunroom is the most expensive, but it also adds the most value to a home. It can be counted as an additional room and adds to the home's overall value and also all the open windows bring in excess light that warms up the feel of the entire home. The only limitation on a sunroom over any of the other decking options is the fact that cooking on a grill would not be recommended in this room since it is a part of the home, and there is not sufficient ventilation.

All the different types of decking and covered outdoor rooms meet the same purpose, enjoying the outdoors! However, which ever type you choose to install should meet the specific needs of you and your family, as well as the budget!

Contact Paradise Decking today to see what meets your families budget and needs for outdoor living at www.paradisedecking.com.

Posted by WebDrafter.com, Inc. with permission.

Article independently authored by Matthew Eddington. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Paradise Decking.

Home Improvement Best Left to a Deck Builder or Contractor

Decks, Pergolas, and Gazebos

Most adults had the opportunity to play with building blocks or toy logs to construct a house or towering structure as children. Some of these individuals have never lost the interest in building things with their own two hands. To listen to all of the home improvement commercials or lumber desks inside these home improvement stores, one would just assume that any person has the ability to build a fence or deck. This could not be further from the truth.

Building a deck and gazebo is not just a matter of placing some concrete footers on the ground and resting several deck boards across a wood frame. Even an installation as seemingly simple as a pergola is not necessarily a project for a do-it-yourself home owner. There are several factors which need to be considered in order to prevent creating problems by installing a deck or other structure.

Drainage and the slope of the land is a primary concern. Without considering the slope of the property and drainage, building an uncovered deck or covered deck can cause much of the water from rain to be channeled and collected at the footings and vertical supports or along the main wall of the home.. This can cause inherent weaknesses in the structures or accelerate mold, fungus, and rot.

The next aspect of building a deck, gazebo, or pergola is to be aware of the type of lumber to use, whether it is a synthetic wood or pressure treated wood. Untreated wood should never be used in the construction of any exterior installation. The humidity alone can cause the untreated wood to fail within an extremely short time. Because of the wide selections of materials available today and each having their own distinct properties, a professional contractor specializing in deck installations or some landscapers should be consulted.

The type of hardware to be used should be of main focus in addition to the above mentioned considerations. Galvanized nails or screws have been a long time traditional method of securing board to frame. While nails are a proven piece of hardware, they will not hold as well as screws. Over one season, nails can begin to pop up from the surface of the boards. Screws will hold much better and will stay much more secure. There are alternatives to screws and nails. Newer methods and hardware are available which will secure the surface boards of the deck to the frame without being visible from the top. Some particular types of lumber materials actually work better with these newer fasteners. Again, a professional deck builder should be consulted.

Clearly the "nuts and bolts" of a deck offer up a lot of options to a home owner. The basics will determine the longevity of the deck and ease of maintaining the home owner's investment. If experienced and wise choices are not exercised, the home owner can easily find that their "do-it-yourself" project will cost much more in the future.

For more information and pictures, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking's website has a detailed gallery of sun rooms, patios, decks and gazebos.

Posted by WebDrafter.com, Inc. with permission.
Article independently authored by Daniel Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Paradise Decking.

Gazebos

Perfect Additions to Compliment Decks and the Architectural Style of the Home

The holidays are always fast approaching and this year is no different. While the northern climates of the U.S. prevent all but the heartiest of adventurers from enjoying the outdoors in fall and winter time, the southern states enjoy much less extreme temperatures. This fact allows many families to continue to enjoy outdoor life on the patio or deck all year round.

For most families the aging deck or none at all is not a big draw for entertaining outside during the holidays and yet many of these families go through the trouble of decorating the home, lawn, and landscape without being able to appreciate it themselves. This is a pointless task; without rewards, unless time is taken to spend with friends and family.

A new deck installation or rebuilding the deck is always a good option, however, perhaps a deck is not a feasible home improvement undertaking due to the layout of the home. A gazebo is a good stand alone alternative to a deck that will also provide cover for family gatherings. The advantage of a gazebo is that by definition it is a covered unit. Gazebos can serve in almost any capacity that a family may desire.

Many popular uses for a gazebo, other than the all too infrequent family gatherings, are those special occasions. Special occasion, such as weddings, birthday parties, receptions, or even the NFL Superbowl party, are easily centered around the average gazebo. The biggest advantage of building a gazebo is that it is much more versatile than almost any patio that a builder included with the home.

Gazebos, much like decks, can easily be up-sized or downsized to fit within any property. Some gazebo designs incorporate a deck surrounding the gazebo in order to provide the best of both worlds to the home owner. Depending upon the architectural style of the home or neighborhood, every gazebo design can be customized to reflect the home style, from a Victorian or Colonial to a basic ranch style home.

Regardless of the size or style, the fact remains that a gazebo installation does require some planning and time to build in order to ensure safety. Make sure to allow the builder time to construct the fixture in time for the holidays or special event. It can be very frustrating to plan to use the gazebo for the first time on the family holidays; only to discover that it won't be completed in time.

For more information and guidance about Deck, Sunrooms and other additions to your home, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com Paradise Decking specializes in custom-built decks, porches, sunrooms and more, and their website has a gallery of creative and innovative ideas that demonstrate imagination while enhancing property values.

The Versatility of Sunrooms

Sunrooms are increasing in popularity, mainly because their versatility and options are improving. They are no longer limited to use as in-home greenhouses. Many homeowners are now looking to the spaces as year-round living areas. Home offices and family rooms are now common uses for these spaces, although privacy can be limiting. Privacy issues can be addressed with window treatments or with the placement of the room itself. By facing the room opposite neighbors and streets but still allowing proper sun exposure, privacy can be maintained.

Sunrooms are typically glassed in, but have minimal glare and humidity issues when installed properly. Walls with glass tops and solid bases, or knee walls, can enable the room to be fully wired for electricity. With the addition of electricity comes virtually unlimited room options. Although a glass walled bedroom would not be ideal, the new sunroom could be used as a game room, a child's playroom, or a spa style room with a hot tub. Ventilation is also an important factor to consider. Fans can be used to assist with cross breezes, but installing a full heating/air conditioning system in not necessarily economical. Installing a full insulated roof instead of a traditional greenhouse style will aid in temperature maintenance and also provide maximum comfort during most times of year.

Hiring a professional to help plan and build the perfect sunroom is a major consideration. Professionals will help the family to determine the exact needs for the sunroom and which styles would benefit the family best. Contractors take all the needs to form the best options and will even work within a specific budget. Location and privacy will be planned and the company should also consult with the family during the planning and building process.

For more information and pictures, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking's website has a detailed gallery of sun rooms, patios, decks and gazebos.

The Versatility of a Covered Deck

Being outdoors can help to bring a sense of relaxation to an entire family. The smells of the blooming flowers and the sights of birds and animals make spending time outdoors even more enjoyable. Depending on your climate, though, having no shade or having rain can cause some families to skip going outdoors altogether. What is the solution? A covered deck allows the freedom of being outside while still being protected from the elements.

Covered decks can offer complete or a partial shelter. A qualified deck contractor can help to determine which type would best suit the family's needs. A partial deck allows for sunbathing and cookouts with easy retreat from the elements if needed. A completely covered deck helps to shield the family from as much sun as possible while also being great for storing the lawn furniture in the off-season.

Covered decks can be built to match the home architectural style and the landscaping. Adding a deck should never appear as an afterthought, but an integral part of the entire home. Roofing styles for the decks can be gazebo styled, roof styled, or even pergola styled. The pergola style allows for shade, but may not completely shield the deck from sun exposure or rain. Gazebo style and roof style are typically completely sealed roofs with no risk of rain coming through. The roof style should match the home, and could come in such styles as pitch, flat, or gable. All supporting materials as well as the covered deck roof should be comparable materials to the deck itself. The roof tiles or shingles should be from the same as those used for the home to maintain consistency.

A decking contractor can help to determine not only which design would fit best with the home style and family needs, but also for placement and privacy. A covered deck can add an aspect of privacy by being utilized similar to how a separate sunroom would be designed to be. A covered deck can be populated with outdoor furniture, hot tubs, and family barbeques. The quality covered deck that best suits the home will last years and create many happy family memories.

For more information and guidance about Deck, Sunrooms and other additions to your home, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking specializes in custom-built decks, porches, sunrooms and more, and their website has a gallery of creative and innovative ideas that demonstrate imagination while enhancing property values.

Want to Increase Your Home's Resale Value?

Quality Decks Are Worthwhile Home Additions and Increase a Home's Resale Value.

Homes with decks are a big draw for families with children and retiree "empty nesters" alike. A deck provides an area for relaxation and enjoyment of the outdoors, while still remaining close to the comforts of home. They can be the perfect place to host a party or to house a hot tub. Having the right deck makes the homeowners happier and will also increase the value of the home.

Many aspects need to be taken into consideration when planning the addition of a deck. First and foremost, a qualified contractor should be hired for the job. The contractor will be the person who is responsible for maintaining permits as well as planning and designing the deck, conforming to established building code, and insured for liability in the unfortunate event of an injury throughout the project. Contractors that also specialize in design can help add another angle of expertise for matching the deck to the home's architectural appearance. Choosing a contractor that is a member of the Better Business Bureau will help ensure quality and trust, and of course references should always be checked to ensure that a quality job will be performed.

Design of the deck should be carefully considered. Depending on what the deck will be used for, many options are available for customization. Pillars and beams and handrail for a standard deck should be consistent with the home's style. Decks can have full or partial covers and some decks can have attached gazebos and pergolas. All decks should be designed with weather resistance in mind, and the materials for the deck itself should allow the homeowner minimal maintenance. By working with a contractor that has years of decking experience, these issues will be easily addressed.

Having a deck that fits the home's style and the homeowner's needs allows for maximum enjoyment. The design and quality of the deck help the enjoyment to last for years. By maintaining the flow from the house to the deck; family, visitors and maybe potential homebuyers will all be excited for the endless possibilities of relaxation and comfort.

For more information and guidance about Deck, Sunrooms and other additions to your home, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking specializes in custom-built decks, porches, sunrooms and more, and their website has a gallery of creative and innovative ideas that demonstrate imagination while enhancing property values.