Creative Decks

Your Outdoor Living Specialist

"Design Drawings and Construction Plans"

Framingham, MA

508-877-1060

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Can You Have a Great Deck & Privacy?

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Lots of people love outdoor living. But can you really relax on your deck when your neighbors are watching your every move?

“I wouldn’t say we’re especially private people,” Maria said. “But the way our deck was before – let’s just say I felt really exposed sitting out there. You couldn’t really sit and enjoy a meal, because we were so visible to every passer-by. It made me self-conscious.”

You can integrate privacy into your deck design without appearing anti-social. That’s important when your home is in a welcoming neighborhood like Needham. Easy, effective ways to make your deck more private include:

Fencing & Solid Deck Rails

The easiest and most effective way to make your deck more private is to fence some or part of it off with privacy screens or solid deck rail panels. These are available in a variety of styles and colors. Your Needham deck contractor can help you choose the right look for your new deck.

Trellis Plantings & Greenery

A very popular and quite charming way to make your deck more private is by the use of trellised plantings. Trellises are available in a variety of styles, materials, colors and configurations. Choose the one that best enhances the look of your deck and then install climbing plants like morning glories, honeysuckle, or the like.

Another option – and one that’s particularly suited to the more formal, traditional home – is to have your Needham deck contractor build in planters for small, sculptural evergreen shrubs. A classic look that adds style while providing privacy.

The Screen Porch

A family favorite, the screen porch provides shade, protection from biting insects, and yes, privacy. You can have a screen porch built on your existing deck, or have the space beneath a second story deck converted into a screen porch. Don’t be surprised if the screen porch turns out to be the family’s new favorite place to be.

Are Floating Decks Fantastic?

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Right now, outdoor living enthusiasts are very into the idea of the floating deck. A floating deck is basically a free standing deck. They’re not connected to any structure, which means they can be positioned in any suitable location on your property.

As Grafton deck contractors, we can tell you that there are certain situations where floating decks make a lot of sense. They’re a great idea for weddings or other special events, as they can serve as a central hub for activity. A floating deck means you have a place for guests to sit, or you can use the space for an outdoor kitchen.

A floating deck can also make sense when your house is configured in such a way that building a deck directly onto it may not be possible. Sometimes there are other buildings, trees or plantings, swimming pools, property lines or other inconvenient obstacles that prevent you from attaching a deck to your house. In these instances, putting a floating deck in the yard makes sense.

Floating Deck for Shade

If you’ve got a big yard and small kids, you know that sun protection can be an issue. You can put sunscreen on the kids all day long, but really, you need some kind of shade to keep everyone safe, cool and comfortable. Talk to your Grafton deck contractor about building a screen room, gazebo or pergola on your floating deck. That way you’ll have a cool, comfortable retreat for your family to enjoy when the summer fun gets to be too much.

Material choices and design are critical components to a floating deck that delivers lasting value. Because floating decks are built very close to the ground, they’re very vulnerable to damage from insects and moisture. Choosing composite decking material for your floating deck means you’ll be able to enjoy it much longer than a similar deck built out of wood. As an added bonus, you’ll have to do a lot less maintenance – simply spray down your floating deck with a hose when it starts looking a little rough around the edges.

Do You Love Your Deck? How to Tell It’s Time for a Change

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Are you head over heels in love with your deck? The fact is most people aren’t. Sure – the deck can be pleasant – but without some smart design and family-friendly features, it’s hard for a deck to win your heart.

It’s deck planning season here in the Wellesley area. If you’re thinking about a new deck or want to upgrade your existing deck, here are some ideas to keep in mind:

Choosing Low-Maintenance Decking Materials Keeps the Focus on the Fun

When you’re working with your Wellesley creative deck designer, one of the things you’ll talk about is how much time you have to spend enjoying your new deck. Vacation days are precious, and summer weekends go by fast. You don’t want to waste any of your leisure time with deck maintenance chores. Choose composite decking and you’ll never have to worry about stripping, staining, painting or sealing your deck.

Screen Porches = Smart Summer Fun

We all love the sun, but you can have too much of a good thing. Have your Wellesley deck contractor incorporate a screen porch into your new deck design. These shaded spaces offer protection from prying eyes and biting insects. They’re great for small children, aging family members, and pets.

Go For the Garden Gusto

Are you passionate about plants? Determined to grow the best tomatoes in Wellesley? Having a great deck is the next best thing to your own personal greenhouse. Have your deck designer incorporate strategically placed planters, rain barrels, and other garden-centric features so you can indulge your green thumb to your heart’s delight.

Can’t Wait To Get Started?

Winter’s almost over, which means it’s time to start talking to your Wellesley deck contractor. Schedule a time to discuss your vision; after that, the next step is plan development, including material and fixture selection. Taking on this part of the process now means your deck will be ready to go as soon as weather allows. Don’t wait – call today!

2020 Outdoor Living Trends: Bigger, Better, Bolder

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When the world’s a stressful, tense place, the appeal of staying home is strong. 2020’s strongest outdoor living trends definitely speak to the desire to increase the levels of enjoyment and comfort to be found on decks, patios, and porches.

Deck Design Trend #1: The Al Fresco Kitchen

Cooking outdoors is lots of fun – and so is entertaining your family and friends. Outdoor kitchens have definitely gotten more sophisticated. While you can limit yourself to a simple barbecue on the deck, you definitely don’t have to. Talk to your deck designer about a true outdoor kitchen, with a cook top, refrigeration, running water and more. The aesthetic of the al fresco kitchen can range from country casual to surprisingly upscale and elegant – choose the look that works for you.

Want this trend? Find a decking company near me now.

Deck Design Trend #2: The Outdoor Den

Is true happiness only to be found on the couch watching tv? Now you can do that outdoors. Smart deck design that incorporates enclosed spaces for your big screen tv, gaming system, or other electronics gives the entire family a place to gather together without having to unplug.

Want this trend? Find a decking company near me now.

Deck Design Trend #3: The Three-Season Deck

Want to extend the enjoyment of outdoor living beyond the short, sweet summer? Talk to your local deck contractor about three-season decks. Because these decks are enclosed with windows – glass for the stormy season, screens when it’s nice – you can enjoy them even after the temperature starts to drop. Have a three-season deck built underneath a second story deck or balcony, or have one built on an existing deck. It’s a very smart way to add living space to your home without spending a ton of cash.

Want this trend? Find a decking company near me now.

Has Your Deck Seen Better Days? 3 Signs It’s Time for Deck Repair

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January can be a time of introspection. We look at our lives and ask if we’re doing everything we can be doing to have our best existence. It’s also a time to look at our homes and its features, including decks, patios, and porches.

It’s important to understand that your deck bears a lot of winter’s wrath. These exposed structures are out in the freezing cold. They get buried by snow and coated in ice. When spring arrives with its heavy rains, more damage can be done. In the summer, blazing sun and scorching temperatures can cause wooden decking to twist, split and warp. Then fall returns with its blustery cold winds and the cycle of damage begins again.

How is your deck looking? Because we provide deck repair services through the Metrowest area, we can tell you the three points to consider when deciding if it’s time for deck repairs:

The First Point: Safety and Stability

When you walk around on your deck, it should feel solid and secure. Take a peek underneath – you may need a flashlight! Your deck’s supports should be solid and dry. Any signs of rot, mildew, or compromise means that your deck’s not as safe as it could be. It’s time for deck repair.

Another safety concern is your railings. Railings should be complete and smooth around the entirety of the deck, without any breaks, twists, or slivers. In the case of cable railings, these should be taut and in good repair. The posts that hold up the railings – they’re called balusters, which is also a great Word with Friends word – also need to be in good repair, without any breaks that create an opening large enough for a child to put their head through.

Stairs and decking are the third area of concern. These should be level, sturdy, and attractive. If they’re not, it’s time to get hold of your Metrowest deck repair specialist!

Do More Outdoors

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If your New Year’s Resolutions included more fresh air and outdoor fun for the family, it’s time to get real about your deck. On some homes, the deck and back porch just don’t get the attention they deserve. The truth is these spaces hold fantastic memory-making potential – provided you work with a Weston deck contractor that can help you make the most of your deck, patio and porches.

2020’s Top Trend: The Screen Porch on a Deck

Love the idea of the outdoors but hate the hot sun and biting insects? Having a screen porch built on your deck is a great way to allow the family to enjoy the outdoors in comfort. This is especially important to families with small children and seniors, as these two groups are most vulnerable to sunburn – and of course, nobody likes mosquito bites. We’ve also found that pets love screen porches.

No Maintenance Decks – For the Win

Free time is a precious commodity in this world. The odds are pretty good that you don’t want to spend yours stripping, staining and sealing your deck. That’s why we recommend composite decking. This colorful, durable material is planet friendly. It’s also free-time friendly. No maintenance is required, except for a quick spray with the hose every now and then to keep everything looking great.

Build In the Fun

As Weston deck designers, our mission is to create spaces that your family and friends will enjoy. Every one is a little different, which is why every deck is a one of a kind. Love to barbecue and entertain? We’ll hook you up with a great outdoor kitchen. Want to kick back and enjoy a flickering fire? You’ll love the variety of fire pit options available today!

All of our decks are designed for maximum fun without blowing up your budget. This means we’ll work with what you have, building screen porches underneath decks, sunrooms on decks, and more.