How to Clean Your Deck for Spring and Summer

Winter is now well behind us, and that means custom decks throughout Winston Salem are getting ready for the warm spring and summer months. So what are a few things you can do to get yours ready for entertaining and relaxing? The pros at Paradise Decking have a few tips.

The first thing you should do is sweep your deck. Custom decks that get swept regularly continue to look great through the years. Taking the time to do some sweeping can get rid of leaves, twigs and other dirt and debris that accumulate during the cold winter months.

You should then hose down or power wash your deck. Not all custom decks should be power washed, so be sure to check with your custom decks installation company before you power wash. If it is not safe to do so or if you are not sure, then just use your hose to rinse your deck off. Custom decks that get rinsed off also tend to keep their looks longer than ones that do not get this kind of cleaning.

You should also take out your deck furniture and make sure every piece is fully cleaned and dried before you put them out for use. Make sure all cushions and clothed pieces are also fully washed and dried before use. This makes your deck more inviting to family members and other loved ones who want to come out and socialize and relax.

Finally, it's time to accessorize! Put out some spring and summer themed items. This makes custom decks even more welcoming and inviting for you and your guests. You can even put out a bird feeder or hummingbird feeder to bring nature to you and to get even more enjoyment out of the great outdoors!

For more information on custom decks in Winston Salem, call Paradise Decking at at 336-282-3374 or you can contact us for a Free Estimate.

Get Your Custom Deck Winter-Ready

Tis the season for colder temperatures! With winter right around the corner, you might be thinking about your custom decks and how to make sure it’s ready for the chilly temps and precipitation. Here are a few tips on how to make sure your custom decks in Winston Salem are ready for the upcoming cold season.

Prepare Your Deck Furniture

Take all of the cushions and padding off of your deck furniture and store it inside your home or garage. Then take your hose or power washer and spray down your custom deck furniture. Give it a quick clean-up and then cover it with a waterproof cover. Don’t neglect your grill either. Give it a wipe-down, cover it and set it near your home so it gets some protection from the wind and other outdoor elements.

Store Other Items

Do you have any planters on your custom decks? Or maybe some wind chimes or other decorations? Take all of them down and store them in your home or garage. That way, you know they are safely tucked away so you can enjoy them again this spring. Your planters will be all ready for you when the temperatures finally start to warm up again!

Clean Your Custom Decks

Take some time to sweep your custom decks. Clear leaves, twigs and other debris off of it. Make sure you do this a few times throughout the winter months to help it stay clean. This is also a good time to make sure there is no damage to your deck. The sooner you catch any damage done to your custom deck, the sooner you can get it repaired.

Do you want to learn more about custom decks in Winston Salem? Give us a call here at Paradise Decking at 336-282-3374 or feel free to contact us for a Free Estimate.

Winter Patio Decorating Ideas and Tips for NC Homeowners

Can you believe that spring is just a little under a month away? We can't either. This winter has overstayed it's welcome. But, just because we're thinking warm thoughts, doesn't make them true. It's still winter and it's a notoriously hard season to decorate for. Once Christmas is over, what do you do with your patio until spring? In this blog, we're going to cover some end of winter patio decorating ideas and tips to get you through until spring.

Vibrant Flowers

Some vibrant winter flowers may be just what you need to help you transition between winter and spring. Something like a poinsettia will stand out on your NC patio, especially on a background of snow. They are easy to care for, for the short time you'll be displaying them. Another idea is to use evergreen boughs as an accent in empty planters and flowerboxes.

Ambient Lighting

While it may not be appropriate to have flashy Christmas lights up anymore, some dim, ambient lighting can do the trick. Some soft white LED lights can be used to trim your NC patio. You can continue to spread a little cheer, but not overdo it.

Outdoor Fireplace

An outdoor fireplace can be the perfect addition to any patio. People all around NC love them because an outdoor fireplace extends the use of their patio by months. Imagine beating those chilly fall, early winter, late winter and early spring nights with a cup of hot chocolate by your outdoor fireplace. Now is the perfect time to start planning for one. You can have it installed soon and be more than prepared for our next cold snap.

If you're looking to add a patio or outdoor fireplace to your NC home, contact us today by calling 336-282-3374 or Request a Free Estimate Online.

How to Choose the Best Deck Builder in Raleigh NC

It’s winter, so probably the last thing on your mind is getting a new deck built at your Raleigh NC home. But we here at Paradise Decking think it’s never too early to start planning the deck of your dreams! We are a trusted and reputable deck builder. Raleigh NC is the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors, thanks to our excellent year-round weather. Even during the coldest months, the average temperature doesn’t drop below 50 degrees. (Just think about those poor folks up north who have to deal with temperatures that drop below 0 degrees!)

Do you already have your dream deck in mind? Do you already know what you want and what kind of materials you want it built out of? Or do you have a general idea and need a good deck builder to help you figure out the specifics? Here are a few suggestions on how to choose the best deck builder in Raleigh NC. Of course, you can always call Paradise Decking when you’re ready to start building, and then you don’t have to worry because we’re one of the best in the Raleigh NC area, hands down!

First of all, start thinking about your budget and how much you are willing to spend on hiring a Raleigh NC deck builder. Keep in mind that, like most things in life, you get what you pay for. So don’t always go with the deck builder who gives you the lowest bid. A good deck builder will use high-quality materials, so that bid might be higher than a few others. Paradise Decking always uses the best materials so our customers can enjoy their decks for years to come.

Be sure to ask for references or a portfolio so you can see what other work the deck builder has done in the Raleigh NC area. Check out the construction quality, what the finished product looked like and how well the space was utilized. Speak to some former customers to make sure they were happy with the deck builder and the end result. Paradise Decking has several galleries online, so you can check these out any time you want to see the quality of work we provide our Raleigh NC customers.

When you’re ready to start building the deck of your dreams at your Raleigh NC home, just give us a call at (336) 282-3374 or contact us online for a free estimate!

Maximum Project ROI With Raleigh Deck Builder

When you add a deck to your Raleigh home, you add a beautiful, new living space and ROI to your home. It's a total win-win project. However, these benefits only come with hiring the right Raleigh deck builder. Why? Here are some reasons why you need to hire the right custom deck builder in order to get the maximum ROI out of the job:

Materials
When you factor in the entertainment and recreation a deck can provide, you're getting a new return. However, the right materials have to be chosen. Certain decking products add great value because of the durability they provide, which is important considering North Carolina's sometimes extreme weather.

Protection
It's important to protect this important investment. And one of the best ways to do so is with a patio cover. You don't need something elaborate; just something that can minimize the elements impact on your deck.

Railings/Design
Get more of out of your new deck by including a full complement of railings. You don't want to go "too" contemporary, as trends can change and do more harm than good. The thing you don't want to have happen is to have a deck that's in style now, but looks dated in a few years.

Making the Most of Your Sunroom

In the sunny South, there is something special about those days where it is warm enough to enjoy the fresh air without being so humid that one feels as though their breath has been taken away when they walk outside. Consequently, many people look for ways to enjoy the warmth of summer without actually being in the direct sunlight. One such way, is with sunrooms. From Charlotte to Atlanta, and Charleston to Nashville, many homeowners are choosing Winston-Salem sunrooms as a way to not only expand their home’s living space but also to make the most of those sultry summer days.

Whether you already have a sunroom, or you anticipate having one built in the near future, you have probably already thinking about ways you can design and you decorate your new sunny space. After all, there are many benefits of a sunroom and you want to use them to your full advantage. To help you get started here are some suggestions from other homeowners for how to enhance your sunroom's beauty and function.

• Make the most of the natural lighting and colors of nature. Keep the colors in your sunroom light and bright by choosing rugs and fabric with bold patterns, using candles and waterfalls, decorative jars and leafy plants that thrive in the sun.
• Rather than heavy furniture, consider using baskets, wicker, bamboo and other lightweight items for seating and storage.
• Functionality is key. If the sunroom will not be used during parts of the year, be sure that any items in the sunroom can be moved indoors without being in the way.
• Think about the windows-yes it is a sunroom, but you are not required to use a specific type of window. While some homeowners choose basic windows, there is nothing wrong with having some frames that are intricately designed stained glass or perhaps having decorative windowpanes at the top of the room with more basic ones below.
• The entrance way to your sunroom can make a difference in the overall look, and even functionality, of the sunroom. A basic screen door is easy to incorporate into any look, but if you are looking for a more elegant look, consider French doors as they work great and allow light in at angles.

Sunrooms are a beautiful addition to virtually any home. In addition, because they provide a great space for entertaining as well as relaxing without having to be out in the direct rays of the sun, having a sunroom is a practical way to increase your home’s usable space. Once you have your sunroom you will be amazed at how often you use it. When are you going to get your sunroom built?

Paradise Decking Launches a Brand New Website Design

We're extremely happy to announce the launch of our website's redesign! You can check it out by visiting ParadiseDecking.com.

As you can see, our site has changed out the vertical navigation for a menu that sits at the top of the site. From here, you can quickly reach pages that further describe the types of structures we build, as well as before and after photos of the projects we've completed, and testimonials from our past customers.

The new site also features a slider at the bottom of the home page that features the projects we're able to complete, such as covered decks, screened porches, and sunrooms.

Be sure to take a look at the new Paradise Decking website and let us know what you think!

Another Sunroom Use: Art Studio

If you're an artist, one of the most important features your studio should have is a private location away from other heavily-trafficked parts of your home. A sunroom, which is usually added as an extension onto your existing home, can provide such a setup. And, because of the way a sunroom is set up with plenty of windows and lots of outdoor imagery in sight, it can also serve as a place that inspires you and whatever type of art you're creating.

From outside the sunroom, an art studio can be a neat thing to look in on, too -- especially if you decide to show off some of the art you're creating by hanging it on walls or leaving it on easels around the room. With the right lighting, a sunroom art studio can even serve as a way to add to your home's nighttime exterior decor.

Before you can create this unique space, you'll need to add a sunroom to your home. Paradise Decking has experience building Charlotte sunrooms, as well as structures in many other North Carolina cities. Call us today at (336) 282-3374 for a FREE estimate!

More Sunroom Fun: Barbecues

Barbecues are a lot of fun, but sometimes, the fun you have eating with friends and family can be diminished by some of what you run into outdoors. For instance, sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate, and you're either sitting outdoors in very hot, uncomfortable weather, or it rains and you're forced to move inside and kill the fun vibe.

Luckily, something called a sunroom exists, and it can solve this problem and many others.

A sunroom is a structure that is normally added to the side or back of a home, and consists mainly of glass panels and a frame constructed of wood or some other material. The idea behind a sunroom is to let the good elements of the outdoors, like scenery and sunlight, into the room while keeping undesirable things like weather and insects outdoors. By eating in a sunroom, you can still get that barbecure cookout experience without the parts that aren't so enjoyable.

Ready to upgrade your barbecues? Get in touch with Paradise Decking, and learn more about how we've been building High Point sunrooms for over 35 years. Call us today at (336) 282-3374.

Sunroom Fun: Parties

Imagine a way that you could surround yourself with your home's outdoor landscape without actually having to be outside. A way for you to host a party with a bright yellow sun, trees, shrubs, and wildlife as the backdrop. With a sunroom, you can do just that.

A sunroom is a room that puts a focus on letting the outdoors come in. There is a lot less wall than a normal room -- instead, glass panels serve as the majority of the structure, allowing more natural light to enter and giving those inside a view of the plant life and wildlife that exist outside.

Paradise Decking has been building High Point sunrooms for over 35 years. Call us today at (336) 282-3374 and learn more about how we can help you build the sunroom of your dreams.

So, What's a Pergola?

The official Wikipedia definition for a pergola is "a garden feature forming a shaded walkway, passageway or sitting area of vertical posts or pillars that usually support cross-beams and a sturdy open lattice, often upon which woody vines are trained." If you're still here after that long sentence, a pergola is basically sturdier open-sided tent of sorts, usually made of wood.

Need to see a few examples? Here you go.











They're great for providing outdoor shade or protection from rain in an area, provided the roof of the pergola is covered. As stated in the Wikipedia definition, some like to train vines or other types of plants to grow on or around their pergola, which makes it feel more like a part of nature than a man-made structure.

Paradise Decking can build pergolas, as well as decks, sunrooms, covered porches, and room additions. Give us a call today at (336) 282-3374 and ask us about receiving a FREE pergola estimate for your home.

Tips for a Great Deck Party

One of the major reasons homeowners opt for deck installations on their property is for the entertainment factor. Such an inviting outdoor space is great for gatherings like barbecues and parties, but in order to make such a gathering the best it can be, there are a few tips you'll want to keep in mind.

Make the space even more inviting. Arrange tables and chairs so that they're more likely to be used by people who are engaging in conversation. Try to keep them out of the way, though, so people don't feel crammed together.

Get your landscape into shape. Do you want to impress with your deck, only to turn people off when they see your unmaintained lawn? Mow, trim, and clean up any debris laying around the yard.

Protect your guests. Mosquitoes and other bugs can be quite the nuisance during a deck party. Be sure to keep bug spray, citronella candles, or other repellant items around for guest use.

Let tunes set the mood. Have some kind of stereo, CD, or MP3 player out on your deck to provide music. This keeps things from getting awkwardly silent, provides some party background music, and gives your guests a reason to dance.

Don't have a deck yet? Paradise Decking would love to help you build one. Give us a call today to request a FREE deck building quote. We can be reached at (336) 282-3374.

Great Deck Design Ideas

Ready to take the leap and add a deck to your home? You'll certainly be happy you did once summer comes, and you're able to enjoy the outdoors, read a good book, and grill burgers. But what should your deck look like? Sunset.com answered that question in a post called "26 great ideas for decks."

Here are a few of our favorites.











You can check out some of the past designs we've done at Paradise Decking by visiting our gallery page. When you're ready to get to work building your new deck, give us a call! (336) 282-3374. You can also fill out our FREE deck estimate form.

Deck Decor

Warm weather will soon be upon us, and you'll finally be able to get outside and enjoy your deck again. One thing you can start thinking about in the meantime is how you're going to decorate your deck in the new year. Will you keep the same outdoor furniture and setup, or will you try something new?

One thing we suggest doing is picking up a bunch of magazines for interior design and outdoor living spaces. Designing an outdoor living space using many of the same philosophies as designing an indoor space, and seeing other people's ideas might inspire you, and maybe even help you come up with some ideas of your own.

Also, be sure to take a drive and check out (from afar, of course) some of the decks in your neighborhood and how they're designed and laid out. Seeing them in person might be more helpful to you than looking at magazine photos.

When you've nailed down what you're going to buy and where everything will be placed, it's time to get to work! One important thing: if you're creating an outdoor dining area with a grill, be sure to place the dining table away from the grill so smoke doesn't blow into the faces of your family or your guests.

Interest in learning more about our deck-related services? Give Paradise Decking a call at (336) 282-3374.

The Importance of Beauty and Design

When constructing decks, sunrooms, porches, and other home additions, a lot of emphasis is placed on the quality of the work, and rightfully so. Craftsmanship should be of the utmost importance. Your new addition should be solid, built with quality wood and parts so it can withstand the test of time.

But what about looks?

Looks are equally important in the grand scheme of things. After all, one might want a safe, sturdy deck, but that same person probably wants the deck to be beautiful, as well. This is where Paradise Decking really shines. The company is owned by a husband and wife team, and both hold Art Degrees. They place as much importance in the looks and the design of your addition as they do the build quality, while making sure the addition is outstanding in both categories.

Interested in learning more about what Paradise Decking can add to your home? Call 336-282-3374 today.

Sunrooms: Outdoor Enjoyment Without the Outdoors

Sunrooms are enclosed rooms that, in most cases, bring the outdoors inside using large windows and windowed doors. Aside from the ceiling and the portion of the room connected to the home itself, the presence of solid walls is very minimal.

Paradise Decking specializes in the construction of sunrooms, both as an addition to the home and as a separate standing entity. We've been building for over 35 years, and have left many satisfied customers in the Greensboro and Winston Salem areas of North Carolina. We'd love to add you to the list!

Contact Paradise Decking at 336-282-3374, or complete our free sunroom estimate form and someone from our company will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

For Your Deck, Looks Are Important

When you make the decision to add a deck to your home, you probably want something that is study, high-quality, and last but not least, beautiful. Unfortunately, some deck construction companies are skilled at putting up a deck, but they're not skilled at making it look good.

That's one way Paradise Decking differs from the rest.

The two owners of Paradise Decking both hold Art degrees. They place an importance on the visual appearance of your deck that is passed over by many other builders. Your deck should not just be an addition to your home -- it should be an extension of it, and no company can pull it off like Paradise Decking.

Interested in scheduling a free estimate? Fill out our form or call 336-282-3374.

Winter Deck Enjoyment

With the official start of Winter coming up soon, you might be lamenting the fact that you won't be able to use your deck as much. Sitting out on the deck can be quite a relaxing activity, and provides you with a way to surround yourself with the outdoors as you take in a good book, or listen to some music.

Fortunately, there is a way for you to continue enjoying your deck well into the winter months -- by building an enclosed deck. An enclosed deck can provide you with large windows, mimicking the effect of sitting outdoors while still being able to control the temperature of the space. You'll still get the look and feel of being outdoors in the warmer seasons, without the chill of actually sitting in the winter air.

Interested in adding an enclosed deck to your home? Give us a call today at 336-282-3374.

Winter Deck Preparation

Winter is only a month away, and if your deck isn't prepared to defend itself against the cold weather and the snow, it could lose some of its luster or, worse, become damaged. By taking action now, you can potentially save yourself repair costs and keep your deck looking fabulous when spring rolls around.

 Clean the Deck

This is an easy one. Remove everything from the deck (chairs, toys, the grill if you have one) and scrub away any dirt, fungus, mildew or stains that are present. If you have access to a pressure washer, these do a fantastic job at cleaning up a deck.


Strip Away Old Stain

If there are spots of old or worn out stain on your deck, or if the whole deck is in need of a restaining, strip away any of the old stain.

Apply New Stain

Add a nice coat of new stain to your deck. This not only helps your deck look good again, it also adds some protection.

Apply Sealant

Allow the stain to dry, and then seal the deck up with a water-repellant sealant. This helps protect the deck from all of the snow and ice that will come its way during the winter.

Sunrooms Facts

Thinking about a sunroom? Good choice. Here are some facts to help support your decision:

• There are four main types of sunrooms: Seasonal, solariums, screened rooms and knee-wall rooms
• Sunrooms are constructed usually from vinyl/PVC, aluminum, clad and wood
• Window glass options include single glazed, double glazed, triple paned, argon, tempered and low-E glass
• For roofing, homeowners can choose from curved and straight eave; slanted; solid; and Cathedral style
• You can add skylights or room ceiling fans to the décor

Paradise Decking knows Raleigh NC sunrooms. Find out more at www.ParadiseDecking.com.