3 Season Rooms and Screened Enclosures

Did you spend your summer wishing you had a better seating area outside your home? Imagine sitting outside and not having to run indoors when the rain starts to fall or a chill takes over the air. Having a screened enclosure or 3 season room will not only increase the value of your home but offer covered seating all year long, or for at least three seasons. It’s something for all your family and friends to enjoy.

There are two common types; covered and enclosed seating in Michigan. Homeowners in Plymouth or Novi are adding 3 season rooms or screened enclosures throughout the year. Did you know that you can save big on the construction cost of a screened enclosure or three-season room during the off-season? Check out our current specials for more incentives!

Choose 3 Season Room or Screened Enclosure

Determining whether you want a 3-season room or a screened enclosure is based on your needs and preferences. A screened enclosure is just that, an enclosure that is screened in. The screens allow for airflow and lighting throughout the seating area. A 3 season room is very similar, although instead of screens, there are windows. Some homeowners opt for convertible screened enclosures. This allows for a screened enclosure to be converted to a 3 season sunroom during the cooler months.

With any type of enclosed seating, whether 3 3-season room or a screened enclosure, you can have full customization to fit your needs and desires. Many homeowners choose to have custom lighting, TVs, or custom rail lighting installed. Your contractor will discuss all available customization options with you to make sure your enclosed seating space is just how you would like it. View our 3 season rooms board on Pinterest!

Miles Bradley has been constructing screened enclosures and 3-season rooms in Plymouth or Novi for years. If you need help determining which type of room is right for you, speak to one of our professionals today. Contact us today to find out just how much you can save with off-season building!

Deck Privacy Wall Builder in Michigan

Deck Wall Everyone needs a little privacy. If you live close to your neighbors or next to a busy road, you can understand the value of privacy while you’re outside on your deck. Those prying eyes of neighbors and passersby can be too much and can take away from enjoying time with your family. But what can you do? We here at Miles Bradley can think of a suggestion!

It’s amazing what a privacy wall can do to help you feel a little relief. It’s a simple thing that can give you the retreat that you and your family need to enjoy the outdoors. Also, it’s especially nice if you have an outdoor pool or hot tub on your deck and don’t want your neighbors’ eyes on you and your family

Getting a Privacy Wall Built on Your Deck or Patio

Building deck walls for privacy can do more than just give you a feeling of sanctuary in your own neighborhood but also act as a way to stay safe from the elements. A privacy wall on your deck or patio can block wind, rain, and snow that Michigan produces all year round. With a privacy wall, you can get out in your hot tub in the winter without the wind and snowmaking it unbearable.

Deck Wall

Not only do privacy walls on your deck give you these benefits, but they also add a visual element to your deck. We can help you design the privacy wall of your dreams. We can give you options for your wall that can take your deck from drab to fab.

If you’ve been wanting to build a privacy wall for you and your family, we here at Miles Bradley can help! We build all year round and can get your privacy wall or fence up in time for hot tub season so you and your family can have a little privacy while enjoying your deck. Finally, click here for a free quote on a privacy deck wall.

How to Take Care of Wood Decks

Owning a wood deck can add to your home’s outdoor beauty. With its warm and welcoming space, it could be used as the stage for fun outdoor activities. Wood decks have many perks to them, but being exposed to different weather climates can hinder them from being inviting. Learning how to properly take care of your wood deck can help avoid it from becoming weathered and damaged. These helpful tips will help to keep your wood deck in tip-top shape.

Wood Deck Cleaning Tips

The summertime brings lots of outdoor events, but also warm, dry weather. Now is a great time to do an inspection around your wood deck. Pay close attention to any planters, downspouts, or anything close to sources of water. When inspecting your deck:

  1. Look around for signs of rotting-this includes the stairs, the perimeter post, and on top/underneath the deck. Grab a flat-blade screwdriver and gently push it into the area that’s being inspected. If you can push your screwdriver in about a quarter-inch or more, you most likely have rotted.Wood Deck care
  2. Do an inspection of the ledger-pay close attention to this, as this is one of the most important pieces of framing because it attaches the wood deck to the house. If a ledger is damaged or broken, there’s a huge possibility that your deck will collapse. Your deck’s ledger should be attached with not just nails, but lag screws.
  3. Be sure to check the remaining posts, beams, and joists-if you notice that any of the hardware is rusted, please make sure to get them replaced as soon as possible.
  4. Look for rotted decking boards or cracks-not all cracks are threatening, BUT if you find any damage, replace the piece. If you choose to not deal with it now, over time it’ll get worse. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
  5. Inspect the railing-give your railing a good shake to make sure that nothing is loose. If you notice that your railing is damaged or loose, simply remove the fastener and fill in the crack with an exterior-grade adhesive.

Taking care of your wood deck will help it to look brand new again. Before making any repairs to your wood deck, be sure to properly wash it with a pressure washer to remove any wood fibers or dirt from it. If you are interested in getting a deck installed in your backyard or have any questions about your wood deck, please don’t hesitate to contact us or you can fill out a free quote. Miles Bradley Building and Remodeling enjoys seeing our customers satisfied.

Enjoy Cedar Deck Living

Cedar Decks

Cedar is one of the most widely used materials for outdoor structures like; Decks, Pavilion, Pergolas, and Gazebos. All of which are custom-made by Miles Bradley builders. When considering wood decks for a home, Cedar Decks are a very popular choice in Michigan and Illinois. That natural beautiful wood gives you the look and feels that many other materials just can’t compare. Cedar does not absorb moisture as fast as other woods, which helps to prevent future damage such as twisting and splitting. A life span of a cedar deck is usually around 15 to 20 years if treated properly.

Because cedar is durable and reliable material it’s used in other exterior products as well, such as siding, fencing, shingles, saunas, sheds, outside windows, and doors. The only downside to cedar is it should be stained and treated at least once every couple of years. The four best grades of cedar are architect clear, custom clear, architect knotty, and custom knotty.

Cedar Pavilion

Cedar Pavilion or Pergola

Having a cedar pergola or pavilion installed in your yard adds certain benefits for the homeowner.  One of the first features a pergola or a pavilion adds to your yard is privacy. These structures offer a great place to enjoy the outdoors without the prying eyes of the neighbors as an added bonus.

Pergolas and pavilions provide shade and protection from harsh weather. Pergolas also add value to your home. Attractive landscaping to a home can add almost 20% to the overall value of your home.

Any one of our custom-built cedar structures will really improve the view and beauty of your yard while providing a great area to entertain guests. At Miles Bradley, we have decades of experience with working with and installing cedar decks and pergolas as well as pavilions, three-season rooms, and gazebos.

Save On Cost of Cedar Decks

A cedar deck can give your yard the look of beautiful natural wood and last your family for decades to be sure. However, the cost may be a consideration when having one built. The price for building a Trex Deck for example may be cheaper depending on the current prices. There is a way to save on the cost of building a deck and still use cedar. The following is a recently built deck with pressure-treated decking. It has cedar rails and cedar fascia with black aluminum balusters. That combination is cheaper than Trex. So, if you have a huge deck to replace, that combo of material is price competitive.

Cedar Deck With Aluminum Balusters

Finally, please Contact Miles Bradley today for a quote on a new cedar deck installation.  Or, feel free to give us a call at 248-478-8660 in the Detroit area or 847-920-7601 in the Chicago area, you will be glad you did!

Deck Accessories

Make Your Deck Look Amazing!

We’ve got some ideas from Pinterest, magazines, and even some clients we’ve had in the past to put together a list of cool ways you can spruce your deck up!

Accessorize!

Fun little nook for entertaining guests

Fun little nook for entertaining guests

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, the best way to get your deck to look and feel great is to add places to lounge and host guests on. Chairs, tables, patio furniture, a grill, and other places to hang out are key to enjoying your deck. Once you have these items in place, you can fully enjoy your deck and the summer weather. Make sure when purchasing outdoor furniture that you are getting items that can withstand the elements and are specifically made to be outdoors.

Plants do the trick

Areal shot of deck

Adding potted plants to your deck will help create a real sense of awe. Plants will do well out on your outdoor space, and give your deck some of the life that it needs. You’d be surprised what a few potted plants and flowers can do for the feel of a space. Trust us you can’t go wrong.

Fire Place, Fire Pit, or Chiminea

Gas powered fire place is the cherry on top of a great custom 3 seasons room

The gas-powered fireplace is the cherry on top of a great custom 3 seasons room

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the things that no deck or outdoor space should be without is a place to have a fire. There isn’t much more relaxing than enjoying company outside with a good fire going. Little fire pits or chimineas will help keep your fire contained and manageable. Always make sure to check local ordinances for fire burning policies or make sure to alert your local fire department any time you want to have a fire. Safety first!

Space for upgrades

deck, privacy gate

Composite Privacy Wall And Gate

 

 

 

 

 

 

When planning your deck, what is your ideal situation? We’ve had clients in the past who wanted to make sure they could add additional features to their deck in the future if need be. Hot tubs, pergolas, and gazebos could be in your future if you want it, so make sure you think in the long term when building your ideal deck. (If you need a hot tub or other waters add ons we recommend checking out Viscount pool and Spa)

Lighting

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This one is great for when you want to extend your time out on your deck until late hours of the night. Don’t leave your guests sitting in the dark, especially if you have a multi-level deck or stairs. Adding some lighting will not only help set the mood but also give added safety features that you’ll need to enjoy your deck into the evening

If you’ve always wanted a deck, or your current deck needs an upgrade, we can help! We know how to create a custom unique outdoor space that you’ve always wanted. We’ll even sweeten the deal! We are currently running a special on deck lighting for your new deck. We install a new deck, and you get a free set of six rail lights that include a photo/cell timer.

So why wait! Summer is almost here and you should be enjoying it! Click here for a  free quote on your next deck project from Miles Bradley!