Are you looking to add features to your deck? Whether you are looking to spruce up your old deck or add to your new one, there are many features that can make your outdoor space shine. At Miles Bradley, we have many deck accessories that can only improve your deck. However, what are the best features to add to your outdoor living area?
Deck lighting should always be the first feature to add to your deck. First of all, lighting adds some extra safety for your household and guests during the night. However, it can also add a special touch to your backyard. Depending on the lighting to install, you can set the ambiance of your deck at night. You can even add special bulbs to change the color of the light that is emitted. There is a variety of lights that you can add to your deck including:
When winter hits, many people have to forgo hanging out on their decks. After all, there is a limit to what you can do when your outdoor space is covered in snow. However, if you own a screened enclosure, you don’t have to wait! Adding one of these enclosures allows you to expand your living area with a deck space shielded from the elements. You can drink hot chocolate inside your screened enclosure without feeling the bitter cold of winter. You can also take advantage of this space during the summer, protecting yourself from the shade. Miles Bradley specializes in constructing three and four-season enclosures.
Without a doubt, gazebos are always a charming addition to any outdoor area. In addition to adding another structure to provide shelter from sunlight, it is a natural place for people to interact in. You could have a small gathering under the shade or have a romantic moment with someone special. Our company builds custom decks with gazebo additions. Gazebos can be built with screen and storm windows, adding an extra layer of protection. These structures add value to your yard, so they are always a feature you should consider.
One of the disadvantages of certain decks is the lack of storage space. The majority of the time, people have to buy additional furnishing to help with storage problems or relegate items to the garage or basement. However, investing in your under deck or a dry space is a perfect solution! Walk-out basements provide the perfect opportunity to transform your under-deck area. Your under-deck can be a natural gathering place for outdoor activities. Adding some proper lighting and other items can make your under-deck a welcome addition to your outdoor space.
However, you can easily repurpose this space for dry storage. For those with a walk-out basement, adding a dry space can be the perfect solution to any storage problems. This additional storage can be the perfect place to relocate your outdoor furniture for the winter months. Furthermore, it can free up storage in other areas in your garage by placing your yard gear under your deck.
There are plenty of additions that you can use to enhance your outdoor space, including:
However, finding a company that you can trust is a different story. After all, you want professionals handling your deck. Fortunately, Miles Bradley is capable of building all of these structures. Since 1991, our company has been trusted to construct custom-built decks and other structures throughout Michigan and Illinois. With our experts, your yard will be in capable hands. Talk to one of our staff members today to see about adding features to your deck.
It is time for some spring deck cleaning! After an intense winter season, the weather is warming up. Now that the snow has melted away, you should be setting up your deck for springtime. That means cleaning up your deck and getting an inspection! However, what is the best method to clear up your outdoor space? Miles Bradley has some amazing tips to help you with your spring deck cleaning!
Over the winter, debris can build up on your deck. Dirt and grime get packed onto the planks. This can surface damage to your deck if it is not removed thoroughly. While you can sweep dirt and dust from the deck, debris can find itself between the planks and in the grooves. In order to get these components out, we recommend using a plastic putty scraper. A metal scraper can cause permanent damage to your deck. However, a plastic scraper is less traumatizing to the deck material.
You will also need to clear the potential mildew and mold that can be forming on your deck from the extensive winter. After all, the snow can prevent proper ventilation and sunlight from reaching your deck. Once you are clearing all the debris and giving it efficient sweeping, it is time to use some cleaner. However, the type of cleaner and techniques that you use can vary depending on your deck.
getting the initial dirt off of your outdoor space, it is time to wash it down. However, the material used for your deck will affect how you approach this process. While you can use a standard deck cleaner for wood decks, composite and PVC decking is different. For composite decks, you should find a cleaner that is formulated for composite materials. Furthermore, you should not powerwash this type of deck. The power washing process is too rough for a composite deck and can cause damage. Unlike wood, PCV material is easier to clean but lacks some of the preferred attributes of composite decks. You can use general soap and warm water to wash down your PVC deck.
One of the best ways to clean your deck’s surface is by using a stiff brush and using a circular motion to get any remaining grime from the grooves. Once you are done rinsing the deck, you should let the outdoor space dry for a couple of days before putting furniture onto the surface. This will also give you time to seal your deck (if you need to).
In some cases, you may want to get your deck inspected first. If you have a wood deck especially, it can be adversely affected by moisture.
Winter can warp, rot, decay, and crack in your deck due to the weather conditions. The extent of the damage might not be obvious. However, over the years it can cause the lifespan of the deck to dwindle. A wood deck inspection will help you determine if repairing and replacing wood will meet your needs in the years to come. Depending on the age and level of wear, you may want to get a quote for low maintenance Trex deck!
Get a Deck Inspection or Request a Quote on a New Deck!
What is the best time to have a deck built? Peering out your window into the backyard and seeing all that snow and ice probably doesn’t make you think about the spring and summertime…but it should! Just imagine lounging on your beautiful, custom-made deck this summer. Now imagine lounging on it with a bunch of extra cash! Because you can save by thinking ahead and getting your low-maintenance deck built!
One of the best times to build a deck is during the winter. There are many benefits to building a deck during the offseason. First of all, there is less demand for contractors during the winter months. As a result, you can get your deck built faster without waiting for openings. Furthermore, the damage to your landscape is reduced because the ground is frozen. The stable ground provides the best conditions for building a new deck!
By beating the spring and summer rush, you can save big in the decking offseason with Miles Bradley! We are a certified Trex Platinum Contractor, which means you’ll be setting yourself up with a deck made out of the industry’s leader in high-performance composite decking!
In addition to our expertise in building rectangle, multi-level or two-board-border decks we specialize in building:
And more! Think about it! By waiting to decide whether you want a deck built in Michigan, your project can be put on a waiting list. Our decking professionals aren’t as busy, you can have your deck built quicker than usual. You’ll also save money doing it and can now take advantage of the great special we’re running!
The best time to have a deck built is winter! That is why you should use the professional deck builders at Miles Bradley. You might not be in a summer state of mind right now. However, building a deck now can save you money! That way you can enjoy your deck as soon as the sun peeks out this spring; it’s a win-win! So, get an estimate for your project today!