During my many years of building the landscapes of our customers dreams, there were two things that drove me crazy. Number one was that when we were done building a beautiful landscape, the customer would block the view from their deck with pickets and rails. Second would be putting plastic frogs and turtles on a beautiful water feature.

Although we may not be able to avoid quirky decor, InvisiRail™ is the perfect solution if you’re looking for an unobstructed view! Withs 6’ sections of glass, and no top or bottom rail, you will see your property in all its glory. Whether it is a beautiful landscape built by a landscaper or a beautiful vista built by nature, not blocking your view is what we do!

Always — and I mean always — strive  to be the friendliest, easiest and quickest partner that you can be in any business relationship. The end goal is to be the distributor that shines when things go wrong. Always imagine yourself as the end user, better known as the retail customer. If there are delays or challenges during your project, put yourself in the customer’s shoes and ask yourself what your reaction would be.

No matter how hard a company works to be the easiest, friendliest, most compassionate company that their dealer partners can count on, there will always be challenges once and awhile.  Yes, there may be challenges during any large project, but as long as the dealer and their customer know without question that you will make everything right in a timely manner, you will gain trust. A well-handled challenge or issue will gain you more business in the future, as the trust has now been established. Next time a challenge arises, don’t start by asking why, how or who is responsible, simply start by asking, “Ok, what do we need to do to fix the problem, and then fix it in a timely and compassionate manner?”

It’s not about what you know, but rather how much you care.

What does it really mean to be a contractor in 2020? A good contractor will provide his customer with new product ideas, execute the improvement or new build of your project and is responsible for supplying the necessary equipment, material, labour and services to complete the project. These are just some of the contributions. Choosing a decking contractor is a big decision. Customers want quality products, superior customer service and an experienced partner.  A great contractor will do all these things and more.

I recently hired a contractor to build my deck in my backyard. This guy was efficient, on time, clean and friendly. He was informative and provided me with the information I needed so that we could come up with an affordable material list. When looking at balconies, terraces, decks and patios, we don’t have to settle for treated wood. Several alternatives exist in the market and you’ll only have to determine which type is best suited for your home and the space you have. He suggested Deckorators Composite Decking. Deckorators products are backed by an industry-leading warranty, 25-year removal and replacement warranty, which is the first of its kind. To achieve a top-of-the-line finish, similar to wood, without having to be concerned with applying finishes and/or layers of paint for maintenance, composite decks represent the perfect solution. They fare very well over time, are resistant to dust and do not discolour. I had a budget in mind, and we were able to stay in that budget while also ending up with a low maintenance deck. He used hidden fasteners by Camo, as well as G-tape on the joists to prevent early signs of mold.

You work hard for your money so save time and money by hiring a professional to do the work quickly and efficiently. I had to do some research on the best decking products to use, and in consultation with my contractor we were able to make the best choices for my deck. I didn’t want a quick fix in my backyard. I wanted a deck that would last, have zero to no maintenance, that would be safe and look great. Although I have been known to be a DIY guy, I was happy I chose a professional to work on my deck. A good contractor is an investment. With a great contractor by your side, you will never be left alone when making decisions about your project.

My local home building centre recommended this contractor and I was pleased with his company. After all, Home Building Centres is where contractors go to get their material. The relationship between the contractor and building centre is key.

The weather is warming up and we as Canadians are anxious to move to our outdoor living spaces. A quick look outside can reveal that your interlock patio may have a few stones that have moved with the frost, or a deck railing that needs sprucing up. I just removed the old 2×2 wooden balusters and replaced them with a round aluminum baluster powder coated black. The difference this made visually was astounding and makes me want to spend more time on the deck!

However, the interlock is a different story. This fix required some limestone screening, a rubber mallet, some polymeric sand and a little of my time. First, I needed to pry up the offending stones and place some of the screening underneath to level them. Tamp the screening with a 2×4 end, or you can use anything that you have that provides a flat surface. I tapped the stones back in place with a rubber mallet until seated nicely, and worked the polymeric sand back into the joints. To finish it off, I watered the area and let it dry. Now I can enjoy your outdoor spaces once again for the season, and you can too!

Last year, my wife and I wanted to redo our old pressure treated deck that had been an eye-sore for a long time. The wood had gone grey and was covered with splits. 2020 was going to be a stay cation year for us, so we wanted to enhance our outdoor living experience at home. Where to start? The Internet, of course!

We fell in love with Composite Decking from a North American Company called Deckorators that we found at a Home Building Centre. All the choices seemed overwhelming at first, but they were able to obtain Deckorators Decking for us through an Ontario based company called Liv Building Products. Within days, the decking arrived at the store and we could get started!

We love the low maintenance look of our new deck. The kids can play barefoot without any worries, and it’s easy to wash too, we just need soap and water! Deckorator’s Composite Decking comes with a great
warranty, and most importantly, no slivers! Our Real Estate buddy capped it off for us when she said that we have actually added value to our home! Wood decking doesn’t do that! Now, on to railings…

Bunkies are becoming increasingly popular in the world of cottaging. When done right, a bunkie can truly transform cottage life. Bunkies come in all shapes and sizes, and they can be a great way to add extra sleeping space, privacy, and functionality. If a bunkie is on your cottage To-Do list this Summer, here are a few things to make your bunkie serve in both functionality, and style.

First, a cottage bunkie generally serves the purpose of providing extra sleeping space for your family and friends. If you’re looking for somewhere to hold multiple guests, depending on your personal needs for the bunkie, a good tip is to make sure your bunkie has an option for privacy. Adding a privacy wall, or even by adding privacy curtains down the middle to separate the bunkie into sides, is a great way to make sure your guests can have the option for privacy while staying in close quarters!

Next, depending on the land you have to work with, it’s ideal for a bunkie to be close to the main cottage, or an outhouse. That way, your guests can be comfortable knowing there is a bathroom close by.

Now, let’s talk about the bunkie exterior. Adding a step or small porch around your bunkie can make it seem cozy and homey. Maybe even add some exterior planters and greenery to brighten up the space!

For the interior, be sure to add a solid fan and some blinds to your bunkie. That way, you can stay cool during hot Summer days by creating a cool and dark atmosphere. Blinds are also a great way to add privacy, as well as some darkness for those lazy mornings!

Next, let’s talk about the most important aspect of your cottage or bunkie—the view! Having a great view at the cottage is something everyone wants. Make sure your bunkie has lots of windows, which especially overlook the beautiful scenery! Adding some windows to your bunkie can brighten up the space and add some natural light, which makes the space feel much bigger than it is.

If your bunkie is slightly elevated or has a porch, be sure to add some chairs! It’s a great place to sit back, relax and enjoy the view. However, this view should remain uninterrupted. Wherever you are, make sure you can see the full potential that your view has to offer. By adding a glass railing system, the view can be fully enjoyed without any interruptions!

We have all been patiently awaiting the slow and gradual re-opening on the economy after the recent COVID-19 pandemic that has impacted life on a global scale. As society will begin to slowly recover, so will the economy. Along with this, will come the re-opening of small businesses and office spaces across Ontario. Although many will be thankful and eager to return back to work, we must not forget to continue to follow safety precautions and guidelines. This is where we can help. 

The InvisiRail glass railing system, specifically the new Invisi-Shield, can be a safe, and efficient way for small businesses and office spaces to create barriers between people, workspaces and desks. The Invisi-Shield is able to create a safe barrier in order to block any germs from spreading, which is crucial to keep both employees and customers safe, now more than ever.

Why use Invisi-Shield over plexiglass?

Although plexiglass is also a popular approach used to create barriers, many are unaware that plexiglass is a porous material, meaning that it will absorb material from the air, making it impossible to completely clean. However, by using a real glass barrier, you can ensure a deep clean surface, which will not fade under UV sun rays.

Contact InvisiRail at sales@invisirail.com, as we are offering discounted prices and fast production of all Invisi-Shield products.

When you are planning and building your deck a lot of consideration should go into designing the deck of your dreams. Once you begin designing your deck you will need to determine what your budget is, what material you want to use, the area of your yard you want to build it and whether or not it is a project you want to do it yourself or hire a professional. If you have not read Part 1 of What You Need to Know About Decks check it out to find out more things you should know if you plan on adding a deck to your home.

Decking

Decking is the floor surface of the deck and is one of the most important parts of any homeowners’ deck. In addition to being one of the most aesthetically pleasing parts of the deck it is also where the majority of the contact with the deck will be made. For a while whenever homeowners decided to add a deck to their home the decking material was primarily made of wood like Red Balau which has a natural beauty but requires a significant amount of maintenance, but can also be made with a variety of materials like composite, vinyl and aluminum. So whatever your budget may be you are sure to be able to find the perfect type of material for you. Before deciding which type of material you want you should take into consideration your home’s climate, your budget, as well as what you intend to put on your deck like pizza ovens, furniture, etc. because you will want to choose a material that will be strong enough to support them.

Railings

Another way you can make your deck attractive is by adding an appealing rail system. Railing is often the first thing that you see when looking at a deck so it is important to choose a rail that will complement your decking material and the style of your home. There are many choices of colors, styles and accessories available which make your options almost endless. Most railing systems are made from composite or metal which are very low maintenance but a bit traditional for those who want a more modern look while cable and glass railing like Invisirail are very modern and aesthetically pleasing. Because railings are such an important part of any deck you should do thorough research when deciding what type of rail system you want to use.

Stairs

If your deck is a certain height off the ground then you will be required to have stairs or face the wrath of the IRC. When building stairs for your deck you will have to make sure you follow every requirement set by IRC which uses building inspectors to strictly enforce all building codes. The minimum width for stairs is 36” but a good width for you to have plenty of room is 48”. The minimum rise required is 4” with the maximum being 7 ¾”.  The best way to make sure your stairs fit perfectly with your deck is by planning ahead and making sure all of your stairs measurements are the same so you won’t fail inspection by having stairs that or too tall, too short or not wide enough.

Deck Lighting

Deck lighting is a great way to add light to your deck, make it more appealing, and allow you to carry your party on well into the night. They are a great project to do yourself because they normally don’t require an electrician or contractor and usually come in kits that are easy to install. There are a variety of options for lighting to choose from like light posts, stair lights, rail lights and post cap lights. Before deciding to install your lighting make sure you read the instructions thoroughly and if you have any additional questions contact a professional who would be more than happy to help you off.

A home with a well-built deck will instantly add value to your home making it a great investment if you plan on selling your home at a later time. Along with added value decks can breathe new life into homes that may have lost their appeal over the years. Your choice in decking is very important because it is what you will see daily, walk on daily and have to live with and maintain for years to come so using all the information provided here along with researching additional information on your own will help prepare you to make the best decision for your home and your deck.

Deciding to expand your living area by adding on a deck is a common American tradition. No matter if you plan to hire a professional or do it yourself the key to a successful deck is all in the design. Picking the right materials for your budget, climate and what you plan on using the deck for are all essential things to take into consideration when designing your deck. Here are a few things you should know if you are planning on a building a deck.

What You Should Know Before Building Your Deck

• Permits are a requirement unless you are building a really small deck. Before you purchase any materials consult with a contractor to determine which permits you will need and so you know how to get them. If you don’t get the correct permits you could end up wasting a lot of time and having to start all over again.
• Not all decks are made out of wood. In fact, there are a wide variety of materials like PVC or composite that can be used to build your deck. One of the most popular types of material used for decking is pressure-treated wood since it is not very expensive but can last for years without warping, twisting or chipping.
• Expect to give up access to your backyard for a little while. Since you will have to dig and prepare your backyard for deck installation you will probably not be able to use your backyard until your deck installation is finished.
• Decks don’t have to be one level. They can be multiple levels as well. If you feel like your backyard is not big enough to fit the deck of your dreams then a multi-level deck could be your best friend.
• Decks are a very expensive investment so you should always try and protect that investment through the use of sealers and stains that protect from UV rays as well as climate changes and can even enhance the natural color of the material you use.

Footing

Footing is very important in the design of your deck because it provides a solid foundation that will support your deck and it is the first thing everyone encounters when they use your deck. The more footings your deck has the better the total weight load is distributed and the less weight the deck has to carry. It also lightens the load that the ground will have to support. Without footings deck posts could possibly sink into the ground under all the weight the deck may be carrying. If you live in an area where it is extremely cold and the soil freezes then you will have to install the footing below the frost line to prevent it from moving when the soil freezes during the winter. How big your footings should be will depend on the condition of the soil and the climate in your area. Since footings are installed underground the material they are composed of will have to be made from material that won’t decay. The most common material footings are made of is concrete although there are multiple types of material that can be used.

Framing

When building a deck frame joists, the repeated structural members, are used. The number of joists needed is related to the number of footings and beams that will be installed in the deck. They are usually constructed in the deck with a ledger on one side of the joist and a beam on the other side. If you want to install a rail on your deck then you will need to have a larger frame that will provide more strength in the rails. The size of the joists needed is directly related to the size of the deck based on the measurements; 2×8 up to 12 feet, 2×10 up to 15 feet and 2×12 up to 18 feet. If you have an upper level deck then a 2×10 joist is the minimum size that can be used to make sure your deck will be safe and stable enough to support strong railing.

Adding a new deck to your backyard is an opportunity for homeowners everyone to extend their living room to the outdoors. But, before you go out and start planning your deck and purchasing material learning all you can about decks is a great way to stay ahead of the game. For more helpful tips and information about building a deck and all the things that go into it check out Part 2 of Everything You Need to Know About Decks.

Summer time is the time of picnics, barbecues, sunshine, and lots of outdoor fun. In some cases, a lot of bugs. Bugs can be quite annoying and even cause the spread of disease. This is especially true for mosquitoes which spread West Nile virus, malaria and other serious illnesses. They are one of the most relentless bugs out there and can cause entire gatherings to move indoors just to avoid them. Over the years, people have come up with many ways to combat them; spray repellents, oils, lotions, candles, outdoor foggers and much more. Not much seems to deter these little guys though. However, if you combine your regular summer time outdoor skin routines with other methods, you might find you finally have a bug-free outdoor oasis to enjoy.

Remove sources of stagnant water

Mosquitoes, Dragonflies, Flies and water scorpions all require stagnant water to breed. While you may not want to deter dragonflies, the rest are quite a nuisance and can be quite hard to get rid of.

• If you are like many people, you may have a few buckets or empty planters sitting around your yard.  Make sure to dump these out and store them upside down.
• Gutters are the second most common place that bugs breed, check to make sure there isn’t a collection of leaves and other debris holding up the flow of water.
• If you have one or more birdbath’s in your yard, it is a good idea to change the water out at least once a week.
• If you have a pond in your back yard, natural or man-made, you should install an air pump, add a waterfall or fountain to it to keep water flowing and discourage pests.
• Check for standing water at the base of your downspouts, if there is, fill the space in with gravel.

Natural bug repellents

There are several things you can do to fight off pests naturally. These methods can help you get and keep your pest problem under control.

• Place fans on your deck, the excess air movement will repel mosquitoes and help keep your and your guests from being bitten.
• Wear light colored clothing. If it isn’t too hot wear pants, long sleeves, and socks, especially if you are working in your garden in the evenings.
• Spray herbal mosquito repellents on your clothing. Many contain herbal extracts such as cedar, citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, basil, eucalyptus and more. All of these are natural mosquito repellents and are safe to use on children.
• Take garlic or brewers yeast supplements to help fend off mosquitoes from within.
• Plant bug repelling plants and herbs such as marigold’s, mint, horsemint, geraniums, basil, and lemongrass. These might take a while to grow, so it is a good idea to start them indoors during the wintertime. In the spring, you can simply plant them around your deck for an instantaneous effect.

 Add bug repelling accessories

Most people believe that candles, torches and other outdoor accessories don’t really work to combat mosquitoes. While their repellent properties are limited to the spaces immediately surrounding them, they do work. Here are a few accessories you can use in combination with other methods.

• Tiki Torches come in many different styles, colors and designs. They can be filled with a variety of different types of oils and are a beautiful addition to any outdoor living space. Fill them with citronella oil, between the smoke, flame and scent of the citronella, bugs are sure to steer clear of the areas they are in.
• Use candles on outdoor tables and other surfaces. You can choose to use citronella candles or any that are scented with natural essential oils that repel bugs such as eucalyptus, peppermint, or fever-few.
• Place large incense in planters filled with sand. These are usually quite colorful and can double as a decorative piece. The smoke and scent usually work as a great deterrent for bugs. In addition, incense can really set the mood for your outdoor gathering.

 Conclusion

While all of this might seem like a lot of work, it really isn’t. Especially because most people either have these items on hand or purchase them every year. Herb gardens can serve a dual purpose and save you money on both pesticides and cooking herbs, both of which can be pretty expensive. If you happen to like crafting or one of your family members does, you could have them make candles infused with essential oils for your deck. When you take the time to combine a few of these methods, you will find that your outdoor oasis is more like an oasis than ever before.