Some of todays above ground swimming pools look nice. When I first started installing them, there wasnt visually much to choose from beyond the solid blue, white and blue, or the brown wood printed wall. These early above grounds were ugly, but the world wasnt nearly as complicated so it didnt matter much to most.

Lately, since the real estate crash of the mid 2000s, more and more homeowners are opting for an above ground pool rather than getting an in-ground. The biggest reason is the cost of in-ground pools as they have become really expensive. The average cost of an in-ground pool here in Central Florida is between $30 000 and $50 000 with the 30k one being pretty small. Because of this, above ground swimming pools arent just for the lower income households and people want to spend more to make them look good in their backyards.

Traditionally, above ground pools have often been considered eyesores since they are ugly and stick up four feet off the ground. Some of the more affluent above ground buyers have an increased budget for their pool and how it looks in their backyard. Thats where landscaping around an above ground pool comes into play.

A large, four-foot cylinder erected in the middle of a yard can look really ugly, but if you add some landscaping around it, the whole yard can look really nice and inviting. You may be surprised how that cylinder can look after you add a couple of small trees, some shrubs, decorative borders, walkways, mulch or rocks, and a nice deck. With the right landscaping, an above ground pool can look amazing.

Above Ground Pool Landscaping Basics

Like most things, landscaping will look best somewhat symmetrical and with some planning. Dont just plant anything anywhere. First visualize how the entire yard will look.

The bottom of an above ground should be maintained on the outside all the way around. Start there by creating a border of some kind at least a foot away from the bottom track. There are many borders to choose. I have seen timber, stone, concrete, and plastic ones. Add decorative rock or mulch in this area. It will create a beautiful transition and promote good drainage around the pool. That alone will make the pool look so much better.

Consider where the pools equipment is. If its visible from the house, landscape around it again with a border, mulch/rocks, and maybe some small shrubs to hide it a little. Dont plant anything too close to the equipment as youll always want good clear access to everything. Some will build a housing of some kind to cover the equipment. I never recommend that as it can be a pain to remove and get to the pump/filter for servicing, but if you build something nice, then it may help with the look.

Regardless of how far your pool is from the house, adding a walkway is almost necessary for helping to keep the pool and the house cleaner. Bathers travelling back and forth on grass and dirt can make a bigger mess than you might think. Making a nice landscaped walkway is really a good opportunity to add to the look of the pool. There is a lot you can do here as some use patio stones for steps and use timbers to border it. Add some rocks or mulch and plant a few small shrubs along the way and it can look very inviting.

Above ground pool decks vary quite a bit in size and look. Some are small and very basic and only have steps and a simple handrail. Others are huge. They wrap all the way around the pool with a fancy rail and built-in seating and planters.

Regardless of the size and style, all decks look better with some landscaping around it. Place some potted plants on the deck if theres room and plant some taller bushes near its outside corners. If the deck is visible from the house, add some colorful annuals along its perimeter. Some will have a lattice covering the outside of their deck and they will plant vines along them.

Having some plant life thats higher than the height of the pool adds to the dimension and feel. Here in Central Florida, palm trees are nice to have in the backyard near the pool. They dont drop a ton of leaves and they make a nice tropical noise as the wind blows their fronds. Any kind of tree is OK as long as you dont plant them too close to the pool as their roots will eventually find their way underneath the pool. This isnt too big of a deal, but you may feel the roots under the liner after some years of growth.

Keep in mind too that as the trees get bigger, they will start to shed their leaves into the pool. Shade is really nice in the summer, but youll pay the price by having to remove a lot of leaves from the pool.

Got Some Money Left? Heres a Couple of Upgrades

Nothing makes landscaping pop more than lighting. Add lights to your pools walkway. Drape some along the top of the deck for a more festive look. Point a light up the trees and/or light up a section of the pools wall. There is no substitute for direct wiring from your homes power, but its not at all cheap. Solar powered lighting isnt as good, but can be affordable for what you get.

Incorporate these fun spots to your pool and landscape around them. Adding colorful plants to these areas will give a warmer feel when its cool and a cooler feel when its hot.

OK, so this may be a little much, but hey, if you have the money and the time, why not? Theres something about the noise of flowing water that adds to the feel of a place. You may be surprised how many ponds Ive come across in backyards. They are all beautiful when they are kept up. Good luck.

Go here to see the original:
How to Landscape Around an Above Ground Pool - INYOPools.com

Hardwood floor installation can take anywhere from a few days to more than two weeks, depending on demolition, wood type, the condition of your subfloor, total square footage of the project, and installation method. Demolition is necessary if you have existing flooring you want to replace with hardwood floors. New-construction homes do not require this step, as the subfloor is primed and ready for floor installation. During demolition, the flooring crew may find that your subfloor has damaged wood, uneven surfaces or other problems that must be addressed before the new wood can be laid down. Crews may charge on an hourly rate for subfloor repair, and the work can take a few hours to several days, depending on whats hiding underneath your floor. The wood for your new floor generally arrives a few days before any work begins. This allows the wood to acclimate to the relative humidity in your house, which prevents it from shrinking or expanding after installation and causing gaps or buckling. The actual wood installation may take several days or more, depending on the size of your home and what type of custom cutting and designs are desired. If your flooring is not prefinished, the unfinished wood must then be sanded and stained in the home to treat and protect your new investment. Typically, stain takes a full day to dry, and multiple coats are applied. Baseboards and trim must also be installed. With all these variables at play, you can see why its important for a wood installation pro to provide an estimate only after seeing your home.

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The 10 Best Hardwood Floor Installers Near Me (with Free ...

Floor laying, finishing and refinishing operations are specialty carpentry exposures involving the actual construction and laying of floors in residential or commercial buildings. This may or may not include the installation of floor coverings such as linoleum, tile or carpeting. For new structures, operations can include cutting and installing sub-flooring over a structural frame, installing hardwood flooring and applying layers of paint and/or varnish. Refinishing operations include stripping existing finishes, sanding the floor to a smooth surface and applying finishes.

Linoleum, tile and carpet installation contractors install floor coverings over base flooring in both residential and commercial structures. Operations include measuring the floor to be covered and the linoleum, carpet or tile to be installed, cutting the materials to fit around obstructions, application of adhesive and final installation of the linoleum or other materials. Sometimes there are wood or metal strips or thresholds between rooms.

Other coverages to consider for Floor Installation:Contractors Equipment and Tool Floater (Inland Marine), Umbrella Liability, Building, Business Income with Extra Expense, Bailees Customers, Installation Floater and EPLI.

GL InsuranceBusiness general liability for premises exposures at the contractors shop or office are generally limited due to lack of public access to the premises. If controls in waste collection and fire control are inadequate, fires from woodworking and/or lumber storage operations can affect neighboring businesses or homes. Outdoor storage may create vandalism and attractive nuisance hazards. Jobsite operations include the potential for injury to the public and to other contractors employees and damage to their property or completed work.

Tools, power cords, building materials and scrap materials all pose trip hazards even when not in use. The use of saws and other power or hand tools is inherently hazardous. Employee selection, training and supervision as well as the use of casual labor and employee turnover should be checked since improper use of tools and equipment can cause injuries and damage.

GL exposure for completed operations liability are important because the flooring contractor builds or installs the floors on which all the customers operations take place. Quality control and full compliance with all construction, material and design specifications are necessary. Inadequate monitoring of work orders and change orders may be a concern. Poor record-keeping may necessitate payment of otherwise questionable claims. Inspection and written acceptance of the work by the owner or general contractor is critical and recommended.

Property Insurance Property exposures at the flooring specialists premises are usually limited to those of an office and storage space for supplies, tools and vehicles. The hazards are high if there is a contractors yard. The storage of lumber, paints, finishes, varnishes and shellacs combined with the dust from the cutting of the lumber or wood can create a high fire and explosion exposure.

Commercial AutoAutomobile liability exposures are limited unless lumber and pre-made items are transported by the installer. Hazards of transport include failure to secure the load properly and equipment failure, especially tie-downs and hitches. Age, training, experience and driving records, as well as the age, condition, and maintenance of the vehicles, are all important items to consider. If over-sized items are transported, clear marking of vehicles is important.

Inland Marine CoverageInland marine exposures include contractors tools, installation floater and customers goods (building materials) in transit to the job site. Ownership of the goods is an important consideration for the installation floater exposure. Hazards in transit include shifting and over-sized loads. Improper loading or inadequate tie-down poses a serious loss potential.

Equipment at a job site can be damaged by drops from heights, weather damage or being struck by vehicles. Equipment and supplies left at job sites increase the possibility of loss due to theft and vandalism.

Workers compensationWorkers compensation exposures vary based on the size and nature of the job. Work with hand tools and sharp objects such as saws, knives and nails is common to all types of carpentry and can result in cuts, piercings and accidental amputation. Lifting injuries, hernias, strains, sprains and back injuries may occur. Work at floor level for extended periods of time can result in injuries to knees. Minor injuries may be frequent even when the severity exposure is controlled. Absence of basic safety equipment, such as properly installed guards, steel-toed shoes and eye protection may cause other workers comp risks. Employee selection, training and supervision affect the loss potential.

General Liability Shop.com offers affordable liability insurance quotes for floor installers throughout the U.S. Our Flooring insurance programs include all lines of business insurance, as well as our Target programs for business owners policies (BOPs). Contact one of our business insurance Specialists today at 800-900-8657, or start a quote online now.

Our Top Carrier Solutions for Floor Installation:

Commercial insurance companies use various liability classification systems in order to classify and rate coverage premiums for Flooring Installation. Here are the most common business insurance classifications for Floor Installers:

Business Liability Category: Artisan Contractors

Read more here:
Business Liability Insurance for Floor Installers

American Solar & Roofing

ABOUT US

Smart. Uncompromising. Motivated.

Whether youre interested in solar, roofing or service, American Solar & Roofing is committed to delivering an exceptional customer experience every time. For you, this means we consistently deliver the best service, the best equipment, the best installation, the best value and the best return on investment to our customers. Its just good business, and its what sets us apart from all the rest. Youll experience the difference for yourself.

OUR SERVICES

The Best in Craftsmanship

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Save money and reduce your carbon footprint with our grid-tied solar electric systems!

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Your home is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make. Make sure your roof is in good shape.

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Having a Service department one call away if you need us = peace of mind for you.

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In addition to Kitchens remodeling, bathroom renovation can be one of the best home improvement investments for your property and lifestyle. This is a room that you want to make sure you get the style you want, with the quality craftsmanship that you wont have to replace a few years down the line.

Not only do we design the space to fit your lifestyle and budget, we also stand behind the work done by our entire team including plumbers, electricians, tile setters, painters, and every professional who touches your project.

Keechi Creek Builders designs and builds relatively straightforward renovations maintaining the original footprint to remodels with more complex structural changes and added features like steam showers, saunas, walk- in showers, heated floors, and more.

Read more about our Company History & Philosophy and view our Portfolio.

We help our customers with their bath renovation projects not only in Houston but also in all the surrounding cities such as Cypress, Spring, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, The Woodlands, Humble and more.

Keechi Creek Builders can handle all of your remodel and new construction needs from a hall bathroom face lift to a several million dollar new custom home and everything in between. I have seen the finished product of the small bath remodel and the million dollar home and the quality does not change for the size of the project. This team really does care for each and every customer, focuses on listening to what you want out of your project, and establishes a program to meet those needs with excellent quality and within reasonable budgets. I would definitely recommend the Keechi Creek team to my friends and family. (Danny) source

After being apprehensive about remodeling our master bathroom and powder room, we took the plunge and hired Keechi Creek Builders. I am happy to say that we are thrilled with the outcome of the remodel and would recommend Keechi Creek for any remodeling needs. Brandon and his staff are professional from the workers, to the office staff, to project manager overseeing the job. From start to finish I had the utmost confidence that we made the right decision in going with Keechi Creek. (Alice) source

Read more reviews here

Follow this link:
Bathroom Remodeling in Houston TX - Keechi Creek Builders

Bathroom Makeover Ideas, Pictures & Videos | HGTV Bathroom Makeovers 11 Videos

The experts compare three $45,000 master bath renovations in Birmingham.

The experts compare three $30,000 master bath makeovers in West Palm Beach.

Here's a quick and affordable way to get the look of a built-in bathtub.

The experts look at three $20,000 master bath renovations in Pittsburgh.

HGTV designers share their best ideas for money-saving bathroom upgrades.

A bathroom goes from shabby to chic with crackle paint and new floor tiles.

Taniya Nayak uses a reverse stenciling technique to update this bathroom.

James Lunday shows how to install beadboard wainscoting and a chair rail to add style in a bathroom.

James Lunday frames an old mirror with molding to create a masterpiece.

Paul and Gina update their outdated bathroom and save money in the process.

This plain space is now a great guest room, music room, and home gym.

Solve the puzzle of bathroom design with this fun and colorful solution.

Transform a plain bathroom into a charmingly rustic space on a budget.

Addicted to renovation, a Miami couple restores an amazing Art Deco home.

A lecherous old lavatory gets a thoroughly moderm makeover.

Read this article:
Bathroom Makeover Ideas, Pictures & Videos | HGTV

The team mission for the Dulles Kitchen and Bath is mainly about offering superior services to our respective customers. With our years of experience we are able:tocaterto all types of projectsto understand their individual needs and desires, andto be able to guide them throughout the process so they are not overwhelmed.

We continue to evaluate our success not on the number of projects that have been assigned to us, but on the number of customers that we leave satisfied. The fact that our clients approve of and respect our character and performance is a matter of pride for us. It further encourages us to strive for and maintain our standard of excellence in all our operations.

While your budget and the size and shape of your respective luxury quarter have the power to influence manydecisions, our team at Dulles Kitchen and Bath believes that anything and everything is possible to realize the experience you have always wished for.

UNLIMITED Choices & QUALITY Services.

REMODELING

Dulles Kitchen & Bath can help give your bathroom a new look with our Bathroom Remodeling services. With our contractors focusing on functionality, we can give your bathroom the makeover it needs.

COUNTERTOPS

Breathe New Life Into Your Bathroom Updating your countertops is one of the first things that should be on your list to Bathroom Remodeling.

FLOORING

Refresh your with your new floors installed by Dulles Kitchen & Bath.From tile to carpet, wood to stone; modern flooring has come a long way from its ancient roots.

Well, its my first time that I am recommending the services of a company this way. I guess the amazing job you guys at Dulles Kitchen and Bath did is acting as my motivational drive to write this for you. The transformation of my bathroom is truly incredible.

The project manager worked diligently and gave attention to minute details till they met his satisfaction. His experience was reflected in the way he was able to visualize exactly what changes I needed. Options were provided to me and I was immediately notified on the changes that were involved in later stages because of the existing construction of the building. Another quality that I was impressed with was their timeliness in terms of both their working hours and their arrival. It was little surprise then that the project was completed before its due time. The bathroom works great and is designed the right way to suit my needs. It was a wonderful experience working with you

David Sollomon

.

Give your Bathroom a fresh new look with our huge selection of premium products, made from the finest materials, created with your safety in mind, installed in as little as one week .

Their team came over to our home the very next day we contacted them, took their measurements, and being careful of our needs and monetary limitations, they came up with a new design (for free!) to meet our approval. They were very knowledgeable and knowing that we were new to this stuff, offered and assisted in selecting the tiles, hardware, granite etc., that would look good in our kitchen space.

We love our new kitchen, and really appreciate the professional approach and the skill exhibited by Dulles Kitchen and Bath. We have already recommended them to our friends, and are writing this to show our appreciation for their services. Thank you Dulles Kitchen and Bath for our new kitchen, we will use your services again in case of future renovation projects.

Denis Coburn

.

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Customer satisfaction is our top priority, Our aAwards are the prof of our customer service

We can take your ideas and design a new Bathroom for you and your family. From flooring to lighting and all in between, Dulles Kitchen & Bath is your one stop shop for remodeling your kitchen.

UNLIMITED Choices & QUALITY Services.

Give your Bathroom a fresh new look with our huge selection of premium products, made from the finest materials, created with your safety in mind, installed in as little as one week .

Bathroom Remodeling, Projects

Bathroom Remodeling , Projects

Bathroom Remodeling, Projects

Bathroom Remodeling, Projects

Bathroom Remodeling, Projects

Bathroom Remodeling, Projects

Bathroom Remodeling, Projects

Bathroom Remodeling, Projects

Bathroom Remodeling, Projects

REMODELING

Dulles Kitchen & Bath can help give your bathroom a new look with our Bathroom Remodeling services. With our contractors focusing on functionality, we can give your bathroom the makeover it needs.

COUNTERTOPS

Breathe New Life Into Your Bathroom Updating your countertops is one of the first things that should be on your list.

FLOORING

Refresh your with your new floors installed by Dulles Kitchen & Bath.From tile to carpet, wood to stone; modern flooring has come a long way from its ancient roots.

Well, its my first time that I am recommending the services of a company this way. I guess the amazing job you guys at Dulles Kitchen and Bath did is acting as my motivational drive to write this for you. The transformation of my bathroom is truly incredible.

The project manager worked diligently and gave attention to minute details till they met his satisfaction. His experience was reflected in the way he was able to visualize exactly what changes I needed. Options were provided to me and I was immediately notified on the changes that were involved in later stages because of the existing construction of the building. Another quality that I was impressed with was their timeliness in terms of both their working hours and their arrival. It was little surprise then that the project was completed before its due time. The bathroom works great and is designed the right way to suit my needs. It was a wonderful experience working with you

David Sollomon

.

Their team came over to our home the very next day we contacted them, took their measurements, and being careful of our needs and monetary limitations, they came up with a new design (for free!) to meet our approval. They were very knowledgeable and knowing that we were new to this stuff, offered and assisted in selecting the tiles, hardware, granite etc., that would look good in our kitchen space.

We love our new kitchen, and really appreciate the professional approach and the skill exhibited by Dulles Kitchen and Bath. We have already recommended them to our friends, and are writing this to show our appreciation for their services. Thank you Dulles Kitchen and Bath for our new kitchen, we will use your services again in case of future renovation projects.

Denis Coburn

.

The team mission for the Dulles Kitchen and Bath is mainly about offering superior services to our respective customers. With our years of experience we are able:to cater to all types of projectsto understand their individual needs and desires, andto be able to guide them throughout the process so they are not overwhelmed.

We continue to evaluate our success not on the number of projects that have been assigned to us, but on the number of customers that we leave satisfied. The fact that our clients approve of and respect our character and performance is a matter of pride for us. It further encourages us to strive for and maintain our standard of excellence in all our operations.

2017 All Rights Reserved | Dulles Kitchen & Bath

Kitchen Remodeling, Projects

Kitchen Remodeling , Projects

Kitchen Remodeling, Projects

Kitchen Remodeling, Projects

Kitchen Remodeling, Projects

Kitchen Remodeling, Projects

Kitchen Remodeling, Projects

Kitchen Remodeling, Projects

Kitchen Remodeling, Projects

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Bathroom Remodeling - Kitchen Remodeling in Fairfax VA ...

As new home owners, Caitlin Kruse ofThe Mama Notesand her husband knew their first home needed some serious attention. First on their list was their dark and windowless hallway bathroom.

Caitlin knew that she wanted a light and airy space, so she moodboarded her dream bathroom and quickly said goodbye to the outdated space.

After two weeks of hard work, Caitlins modernbathroom remodel came together with gorgeous elements from the Home Decorators Collection. Make sure to look for the new skylight and rich pops of matte brushed gold hardware and lighting that add layers of interest to the room.

We bought our first home last May and knew we had a full plate of renovations on our hands after we got the keys! We fell in love with the location, yard and bones of our house but it was in need of serious updates.

Being first time home owners, weve never done a single home project and I was so eager to get startedafter all Id dreamed of being able to do this for so many years as we lived in rentals.

We decided to start with our hall bathroom first, since its what guests use and its in a high traffic area off our main hall. This is also the bathroom our one-year-old daughter uses and I was dying to have a nice, new tub for her baths.

Here are the scary before photos. As youll see we gutted the entire space, taking out everything floor to ceiling. Goodbye giant mirror and terra cotta tiles!

To start the process I made a moodboard of my modernbathroom remodel, and then turned to Home Decorators Collection to bring it to life.

Heres a peek at my initial plan for the bathroomlight, airy and mostly neutral so we can change out the accessories and paint over time as we like. We opted for classic white subway tile with gray grout from tub to ceiling and hexagon cararra marble floor tiling.

I knew I wanted to add a natural wood element and gold accentswhen I saw the Walden Vanity from Home Decorators Collection I knew it was the perfect fit for the space. I love how the gray toned wood picks up the color from the floor tiles and paint, tying it all together. Ive long loved Kohlers Purist collection and the matte brushed gold fixtures were just the modern piece the room was lacking.

After the design plan was in place, we got to work with the help of a contractor and my dad leading the team! First we added a tube skylight. This was my dads genius idea and I think we were all a little shocked at just how much light is let into the once dark, windowless room. On a sunny day there is no need to turn on the light at all. We plan to add one in our hall now, too! We had our contractor do install thisVelux Tubular Skylight, but it wasnt too complicated.

Our contractoralso got rid of that giant overhead light and configured the wiring for our dreamy gold sconce.

We took out our dated, wall mounted toilet and had a plumber re-configure it so we could install a simple, sleek design we picked up at Home Depot.

My husband and dad worked tirelessly on framing the space where our bath fitter tub once was. They hung cement board and worked on the plumbing for the shower and sink.

After what felt like forever we were finally ready to install our new tub and start tile work! We worked four long days on tiling the tub and floor.It was my first time doing it and I actually enjoyed the process!

I tested a few grout colors, but landed on Delorean Gray Sanded Grout and am so pleased with the results. Hopefully it wont show too much dirt (opposed to white) and I love the contrastit really ties the handles of our vanity and shower curtain rod together.

The tub is by far my favorite part of the roomI cant wait to take a long soak in it, and bathe my daughter here! The timeless combo of gold and white is one I know well love for a long, long time and Im already plotting how I can take this shower headand faucets to our next home (haha).

I picked this simpleoval mirror to hang under our gold sconce and then had fun with the accessories. Ive seen these bathroom ladders on Pinterest and knew I wanted to include one in this room in lieu of a traditional towel bar.

I landed on this Jacobs Ladder. Since its a small space it does take up room but it also offers extra storage for towels and bath supplies. It has additional baskets that I can add at a later time if I want and it also works well in an office or bedroom!

Instead of a traditional bath mat, I found this festival area rugon Home Decorators Collection and ordered it in the smallest sizeI love the color it adds! This wire basket works for a trash can, mimicking the wire baskets on the ladder.

So there you have it! Our modern bathroom remodel. We did the bulk of this in little over a week, working around the clock quickly to have the space ready by the holidays!

Excerpt from:
Modern Bathroom Remodel - The Home Depot

17 Stunning Decks to Inspire Your Backyard Transformation

1Shaping Your Dream Deck

Nary a backyard retreat is complete without a deck built for entertaining. Just like any indoor space, this exterior structure can be customized to your wants and needs. Multiple levels, shady overhead structures, and spa-like amenities are all within the realm of deck design possibilitywith a little planning. Take inspiration from these 17 creative deck ideas for a relaxing space built just for you. (Feel free to share it with others.)

2Cedar and Glass Beauty

Consider your deck an opportunity for a bonus room. Here, a diehard salvage fanatic used his findingsand years as a glass installerto bump out his entertaining space with a handsome deck sitting room.

Pick up more ideas from the video tour of this reader's prize-winning cedar deck

Find other ways to bring creature comforts outdoors by creating a room with a view

3Hardscaping Paradise

A young family turned a brick patio and decrepit deck into an inviting backyard escape that's safe for little ones. A sprawling deck provides ample room for secluded seating areas within a perimeter of mature ficus trees.

See other ways the family outfitted the wood deck and brick patio area for playtime

Check for any signs of trouble in an existing deck with this six-step plan

5Low Height Standards

6Wide Berth for Container Gardens

8Sun-Blocking Pergolas

9Standout Deck Stairs

Photo by Courtesy of AmericanLighting.com

Curved stairs and stone-surface landings provide a generous post to admire nearby water views. Chunky wood railing feels at home with the rustic setting.

Create a safe path to backyards by replacing deck stair balusters or starting from scratch for new deck stairs

10Rambling Composite Deck

11Enchanted Deck Atmosphere

12Glossy Traditional Style Deck

13The Decks are Stacked

A series of stepsand tons of fillreclaimed a backyard's steep incline. Double-decker decks provide views of the landscape and capitalize on what used to be a steep drop.

See the transformation of the rest of this Shingle-Style house

Take your entertaining outside with these 39 budget-wise outdoor room ideas

14Walls Need Not Apply

15Bright Beach House View

A house-spanning beachfront deck with subtle railing allows a family ample outdoor time with unaffected ocean views. A retractable awning provides solace from harsh coastal sunrays.

See before and after images of this beach house remodel

Place shade where you want it with patio umbrellas

16Luxurious Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen positioned against a wall makes it easier to connect electrical and plumbing. Plus, a sliding window above the countertop means easy passing of plates and other kitchen essentials. A second-floor deck creates more outdoor enjoyment, without the entertaining efforts.

Make your open-air kitchen a prize-worthy cook space with this recipe for a great outdoor kitchen

Add outdoor dining spaces in other places with smart ideas for outdoor kitchens and dining

17Room for Steamy Relaxation

Photo by Courtesy of CableRail by Feeney/Hometalk

If your idea of paradise includes a hot soak outdoors after a long day, look no further. It's all about the view here, with a spa sunk low into the deck surface and encased in matching deck planks and subtle railings to keep the profile unintrusive and leafy views in check.

See other deck railing options from Hometalk to fit your personality

Other ways to take a vacation without leaving home

Read this article:
17 Stunning Decks to Inspire Your Backyard Transformation ...

For other uses, see Deck.

In architecture, a deck is a flat surface capable of supporting weight, similar to a floor, but typically constructed outdoors, often elevated from the ground, and usually connected to a building. The term is a generalization of decks as found on ships.

Wood or timber "decking" can be used in a number of ways: as part of garden landscaping, to extend living areas of houses, and as an alternative to stone based features such as patios. Decks are made from treated lumber, composite lumber, composite material, and Aluminum. Lumber may be Western red cedar, teak, mahogany, ip and other hardwoods. Recycled planks may be high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene (PS) and PET plastic as well as mixed plastics and wood fiber (often called "composite" lumber). Artificial decking products are often called "wood-plastic composites". These days, WPC's have more widely known by different brands like Trex, Azek, Ecornboard etc.

Historically, the softwoods used for decking were logged from old growth forests. These include Atlantic white cedar, redwood and Western red cedar (redcedar). Atlantic City built the first coastal boardwalk in the United States, originally constructed of Atlantic white cedar. However, it was not long before the commercial logging of this tree and clearing of cedar swamps in New Jersey caused a decline in the availability of decking. Atlantic City and New York City both switched to Western red cedar. By the 1960s, Western red cedar from the US was declining due to over-logging. More expensive Western red cedar was available from western Canada (British Columbia) but by then, pressure treated pine had become available.

But even with chemical treatments (such as chromated copper arsenate or CCA), pine decking is not as durable as cedars in an outdoor environment. Thus, many municipalities and homeowners are turning to hardwoods. Decks are often built from pressure treated wood. Pressure treated wood is long lasting and holds up to wet and icey weather conditions. Pressure treated wood however is treated with chemicals which have been known to be toxic.[1]

Generally, hardwoods used for decking come from tropical forests. Much of the logging taking place to produce these woods, especially teak, mahogany and ip, is occurring illegally, as outlined in numerous reports by environmental organizations such as Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and Rainforest Relief.[2][3][4] US tropical wood imports are rising, partly due to the demand for decking.

Due to environmental and durability concerns, composite decking (a mixture of two materials, typically wood pulp and recycled material such as plastic bottles or plastic bags) have appeared on the market. Proponents of composite decking have touted this as a much needed development as this helps to curb logging of trees for new decks. However composite decking has been found to contain harmful chemicals, cannot be refurbished, and despite claims from decking companies, some composite decking still attracts mold. However newer more modern composites feature a cap or shell that prevents mold and staining.[5]

Residential decks may contain spaces for cooking, dining and seating. Cooking areas ideally should be situated near the patio door while out of the way from general foot traffic. Dining spaces will include patio tables. For a typical 6 person outdoor patio table building an area of 12' x 16' (4x5 m) is ideal. If deck space is available, homeowners may choose to include a seating area for outdoor couches and benches.

The deck of a house is generally a wooden platform built above the ground and connected to the main building. It is generally enclosed by a railing for safety. Access may be from the house through doors and from the ground via a stairway. Residential decks can be constructed over steep areas or rough ground that is otherwise unusable. Decks can also be covered by a canopy or pergola to control sunlight. Deck designs can be found in numerous books, do-it-yourself magazines and web sites, and from the USDA.[6]

Typical construction is either of a post and beam architecture, or a cantilever construction. The post and beam construction relies on posts anchored to piers in the ground. Typically these types of structural decks are engineered and required an experienced construction company that specializes in structural decks. Cantilever decks rely on floor joists that protrude out further than the wall of the house. While this type of construction is common, it raises significant safety issues if the decks are not properly waterproofed and flashed. There have been a growing number deck failures resulting in death and critical injuries. Another key component of decks are code compliant railings. Railings on decks above 30 inches are considered guard rails. Guard rails have a specific building code requirement for both height and structural strength. Most U.S. commercial building codes require a 42-inch guardrail on decks, and 36 or 42 inches for residential code depending on the state. Typical railing assemblies must meet structural strength requirements of 200lbs of load force per foot. In short, decks are complex load bearing structures that most often require structural engineering, plans, and permits.

Larger buildings may also have decks on the upper floors of the building which can be open to the public as observation decks or skyrise greenerys.

A deck is also the surface used to construct a boardwalk over sand on barrier islands.

Laying deck or throwing deck refers to the act of placing and bolting down cold-formed steel beneath roofing and concrete floors. This is usually done by an ironworker, sometimes in conjunction with a cement mason or carpenter. It regarded as one of the most physically demanding jobs in the iron working industry.

In the UK the various ban on smoking in public buildings was expected lead to an increase in the use of timber decking for outdoor spaces where smokers can gather.[7]

In multi-story commercial construction, the dominant form of deck (including roof deck) construction is composite steel deck.

Roof deck is a term used in urban areas referring to deck structures built on top of existing building roofs. These spaces can be found on both commercial and residential buildings and are often utilized as urban landscape areas. With this trend in outdoor living increasing, many landscape architecture firms have begun to specialize in the design and construction of these specialized spaces.

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Deck (building) - Wikipedia