Safety First for your Deck Lighting

Deck lighting for your custom deck serves many purposes, but experts agree that safety is the most important concern. Without outdoor deck lighting, it’s hard for your guests to navigate stairs, railings, etc. Also, consider how the deck lighting will accent the area, as well as how it will affect the overall aesthetic.

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Outdoor lighting fixtures come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and even more uses. At American Deck & Sunroom, we work side by side with our customers to help them design a custom deck lighting system that will add beauty to their existing architecture, and highlight their custom deck or other custom outdoor architecture. We are determined to show homeowners how you can get more out of life in your own backyard. It is a place to gather with family and friends, in an outdoor space that is sure to become the favorite gathering place in your home.

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DO’s and DONT’s of Outdoor Deck Lighting

When it comes to outdoor deck lighting for your custom deck, there are a few Do’s and Don’ts to consider:

DO:

DON’T:

 

 

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Outdoor Deck Lighting Options

Outdoor deck lighting fixtures come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and even more uses. At American Deck & Sunroom, we work side by side with our customers to help them design a custom lighting system that will add beauty to their existing architecture, and highlight their custom deck or other custom outdoor architecture. We are determined to show homeowners how you can get more out of life in your own backyard. It is a place to gather with family and friends, in an outdoor space that is sure to become the favorite gathering place in your home.

Deck lighting is available in a variety of styles. It can be installed on posts, under rails, and in more subtle, nuanced areas that suggest the presence of light without blinding your visitors. Some lights illuminate upwards while others can hang from pergolas and other architecture in order to shine light down. Other types of lights can be installed onto the vertical riser of stairs, while some forms of lighting are inset into the deck or directly into the steps.

 

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Remember…

No matter your architectural needs, American Deck & Sunroom can provide you with a custom design that will increase the worth of your home, will blend seamlessly with your existing architecture, and will last a lifetime. Many homes benefit from the beauty of both of these custom architectural additions.

At American Deck & Sunroom, we don’t build houses. We don’t dig pools. What we do is design and build beautiful outdoor spaces… extensions of your home that flow with your existing property and architecture. And because we specialize, we go beyond the, “If you can dream it, we can build it,” catchphrase often quoted. After nearly 20 years in business and nearly 13,000 designs and counting, we have the experience to design outdoor spaces you’ve never even dreamed possible.

Interested in learning more about custom lighting? Contact us today!

 

american deck and sunroom

Outdoor Kitchens

Planning and designing new outdoor kitchens for your home can be a big time and emotional investment if you don’t know where to start. Outdoor kitchens are a great way to entertain, make cooking easier, and add value to your home. The American Deck & Sunroom crew can design, plan, and construct a custom kitchen to add beauty to your home and fit your existing architecture seamlessly.

Many people know the frustration of having to retrieve and juggle food from inside, miss out on parts of jokes and stories, and attempt to entertain – all at the same time. And once the party’s over, all of those leftovers and dishes have to be dragged back inside to be disposed of and washed. Instead of running back and forth between the house and outdoors, just make your preparations outside in the open air! Make sure you have a food-prep surface, good lighting (for partying after nightfall), shelter against the elements (umbrella, pergola, etc), as well as a sink and some other appliances.

Know how the pieces will fit together

Keep in mind outdoor kitchens function. Make sure the different sections work together in order to flow just as well as your indoor kitchen does! Refrigeration and grill areas, as well as wet and dry areas, all need to benefit from one another while managing to work within an allocated space. For cooking and entertaining guests at night, you need to install good lighting for your outdoor kitchen and surrounding areas. Since one of the main reasons to have an outdoor kitchen is outdoor entertaining, installing a sound system in the area is a great way to keep guests entertained.

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Keep mother nature in mind

Your outdoor kitchen is going to be at the mercy of the elements, so keep this in mind when designing and planning your outdoor kitchen. Consider the relationship between your indoor and outdoor kitchens: how will they be used together during cooking or entertaining? Is there a clear path for traffic between them?

Your materials matter

Low-maintenance materials and equipment are essential for your outdoor kitchen. You’ll get more joy and use out of your outdoor kitchen if it’s easier to maintain and keep clean. Many experts suggest high-quality stainless steel, as it provides a sanitary surface that’s also easy to clean, and resistant to corrosion.

Natural stone countertops like granite and slate hold up well outdoors, but they require regular sealers. Cultured stone also works well and needs little maintenance. The materials you select for your outdoor kitchen should compliment your home’s architecture and landscape.

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Think in zones

To help you break down the design for your outdoor kitchen, try breaking down each section into zones.

 

Location, location, location

There’s no true “correct” spot to build an outdoor kitchen. Most people feel that placing a freestanding kitchen next to a pool or hot tub is a great addition, while others prefer a barbecuing area conveniently placed near their back door.

Many people choose to have their outdoor kitchen next to their home. The house provides natural shelter for the culinary station, shielding it from direct wind and sun. Also, it’s usually less expensive to run utility lines from the home to the outdoor kitchen. Keep in mind that grills or heat-producing appliances should be at least 10’ from the house or from any combustible material to avoid fires.

Others prefer to have their outdoor kitchens built a bit away from their home, especially if they plan on having a fully-stocked kitchen that would require a very small amount of back-and-forth into the house and back. In this case, more storage is ideal, so that bowls, tools, condiments, and dishes are ready whenever they’re needed. A built-in sink will also eliminate the need to run inside each time that hands need washing.

Not only do outdoor kitchens increase the time you can spend outside, they also increase the value of your home. The National Association of Home Builders estimates that these cook areas can return as much as 130% of their cost to the purchase price of a home.

Remember…

No matter your architectural needs, American Deck & Sunroom can provide you with a custom design that will increase the worth of your home, will blend seamlessly with your existing architecture, and will last a lifetime. Many homes benefit from the beauty of both of these custom architectural additions.

At American Deck & Sunroom, we don’t build houses. We don’t dig pools. Just don’t just design and plan custom outdoor kitchens. What we do is design and build beautiful outdoor spaces… extensions of your home that flow with your existing property and architecture. And because we specialize, we go beyond the, “If you can dream it, we can build it,” catchphrase often quoted. After nearly 20 years in business and nearly 13,000 designs and counting, we have the experience to design outdoor spaces you’ve never even dreamed possible.

Interested in learning more about custom outdoor kitchens? Contact us today!

american deck and sunroom

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Illinois Lanais

A custom lanai provided by American Deck and Sunroom is a flexible part of your outdoor architecture. For instance, at first you may want to fully experience the outdoors with absolutely no barrier between you and mother nature. Then, perhaps you decide it’s best to add some protection against the elements and those pesky insects. Good news: American Deck and Sunroom lanais are pre-designed to later add screens, making a protective addition extremely easy and relatively inexpensive in the future. If you choose a screened room and decide later that a sunroom would be a better fit, your screened room is pre-designed to accept 3- or 4-season glass as a future stage with no penalty costs for redesign.

If you’re not sure if you want a screened room, try on the lanai first and see how it fits. You may find lanais are everything you needed for your new room!

Imagine enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of a rainy day without getting wet, or not having to worry about pulling the cushions inside before a storm. You’ll never have to squeeze the whole gang inside when it rains, apologize for wet cushions, or cancel a family gathering because of bad weather. Imagine seeing a cardinal tucked away in an evergreen surrounded by softly falling snow, while you remain warm and cozy in your new sun room. You’re never really sure if you are actually inside or out. Bringing the outdoors inside in every season is what we do.

 

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What Are Lanais?

Lanais (or porches) are characterized by a covered roof with open walls and a concrete or stone floor originating in Hawaii. Many homes, apartment buildings, hotels and restaurants in Hawaii are built with one or more lanais. Today, air-conditioned buildings such as hotels often offer “enclosed” rather than “open” lanais, sometimes meaning a large dining hall with a ‘wall’ of sliding glass doors. Lanais may conjure up images of relaxing tropical paradises, but they are not exclusively for homes in warmer climates.

Not only will a lanai protect you from the elements, it will also shelter your furniture from rain and protect your deck from the aging effects of direct sunlight. These fully furnished verandas are frequently observed in tropical climates. Lanais are typically furnished with spas, swimming pools, casual tables, chairs and chaise lounges. The following options are some simple and inexpensive pieces that bring out the beauty of your American Deck & Sunroom custom lanais:

 

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Remember…

No matter your architectural needs, American Deck & Sunroom can provide you with a custom design that will increase the worth of your home, will blend seamlessly with your existing architecture, and will last a lifetime. Many homes benefit from the beauty of both of these custom architectural additions.

At American Deck & Sunroom, we don’t build houses. We don’t dig pools. What we do is design and build beautiful outdoor spaces… extensions of your home that flow with your existing property and architecture. And because we specialize, we go beyond the, “If you can dream it, we can build it,” catchphrase often quoted. After nearly 20 years in business and nearly 13,000 designs and counting, we have the experience to design outdoor spaces you’ve never even dreamed possible.

Interested in learning more about getting one of your very own custom lanais in Illinois? Contact us today!

american deck & sunroom

Sources: 1

Lexington & Louisville KY Custom Deck Add-ons Have Never Been Easier

It doesn’t get much better than relaxing on your brand new deck in the middle of a hot summer afternoon. While it may not be the beach, the deck is your own small slice of paradise. This is the place where family bonding time will reach its full potential and countless, life-long memories will be built. Warmer weather is on its way, and the private paradise in your backyard is a great place to grill out with the family or even throw a barbecue for the whole neighborhood. The amount of possibilities that owning your own Lexington or Louisville Kentucky custom deck and custom deck add-ons can give you is unbelievable… 

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Custom Pool Deck: Materials

Choosing a decking material for a custom pool deck usually comes down to three concerns: look, maintenance, and cost. No matter which of the three concerns is your determining factor, no one can decide what material is right for you. However, you can be more informed when the time comes.

Whether you’re looking to complete your above-ground pool or take your in-ground pool to the next level, we have you covered with the custom pool deck of your dreams.

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Materials for a Custom Pool Deck

Choosing a decking material usually comes down to three concerns: look, maintenance, and cost. No matter which of the three concerns is your determining factor, no one can decide what material is right for you. However, you can be more informed when the time comes to make your decision.

Materials alone do not make a deck; the shape, size, curves, and levels of a deck are just as an integral to a design. Traditionally, a deck was supposed to be no larger than 20% of your home’s square footage. However, separating your custom deck into predefined spaces, or rooms without walls, can allow you to have more deck space without dwarfing your home. The same effect can also be achieved by adding multiple stories or levels to your deck. While stories can offer you a deck along with a covered underdeck system, levels can define your space without adding several flights of stairs.

You may think you want wood for your above-ground pool’s deck, but the reality is that if you opt for wood, your deck will require frequent power-washing, sanding, and sealing in order to keep it looking as beautiful as the day it was built. For a more durable, moisture resistant, and low maintenance option, wood-like composite materials and plastic decking will save you from having to shell out for costly repairs, and your deck will look good for longer.

Have an in-ground pool? In-ground pools offer homeowners a plethora of options for not only decks, but also for patios and surrounding areas. Along with the aforementioned wood, composite lumber, and plastic decking, in-ground pool owners can take advantage of the low-profile of their pools and opt for natural stone, poured concrete, or pavers. The right material is different for every homeowner, but usually the material around the pool matches the other hardscape materials found around your home, such as your sidewalk or porch.

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Why Stop at Your Custom Pool Deck or Patio?

While many pool owners are more than satisfied with a pool deck or patio, others like to expand their aquatic entertainment area even further. One way to upgrade your newly remodeled pool deck or patio is to add on an outdoor kitchen. Grills, refrigerators, sinks, wine chillers, dishwashers, and even wood pizza ovens are at your disposal. What better way to host a pool party than to make it a dinner party?

In addition to outdoor kitchens, fire pits and fire places are a great way to warm up after taking a dip on a cool summer night or to roast marshmallows with your family and friends, in the comfort of your own backyard. And if fire isn’t hot enough for you, you could always have a hot tub installed. No matter what you want out of your pool area or what repairs you need for an already existing pool deck or patio, American Deck & Sunroom can help.

At American Deck & Sunroom, we don’t build houses. We don’t dig pools. What we do is design and build beautiful outdoor spaces… extensions of your home that flow with your existing property and architecture. And because we specialize, we go beyond the, “If you can dream it, we can build it,” catchphrase often quoted. After nearly 20 years in business and nearly 13,000 designs and counting, we have the experience to design outdoor spaces you’ve never even dreamed possible.

custom decks

Remember…

No matter your architectural needs, American Deck & Sunroom can provide you with a custom design that will increase the worth of your home, will blend seamlessly with your existing architecture, and will last a lifetime. At American Deck & Sunroom, we don’t build houses. What we do is design and build beautiful outdoor spaces…extensions of your home that flow with your existing property and architecture. And because we specialize, we go beyond the, “If you can dream it, we can build it,” catchphrase often quoted. After nearly 20 years in business and nearly 13,000 designs and counting, we have the experience to design outdoor spaces you’ve never even dreamed possible.

After nearly 20 years of experience and almost 13,000 drawings later, our best credentials remain our list of satisfied customers. Though our projects are concentrated in Lexington & Louisville Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, we have projects completed from Arkansas to Rhode Island and from Dallas to Green Bay. Our custom decks, designs, and our commitment to excellence are second to none.

We only have two rules: our designs will look like they belong with the architecture of the house, and we build anything but square decks. Our goal is to go beyond what you’ve dreamed to create a unique space unlike any other. What are you waiting for? Give us a call today!

american deck and sunroom

Pergolas

While cheaper than a lanai, pergolas offer great customization and design opportunities. Each customized pergola can be designed to match your home or accent it. The shade offered by pergolas can come from the beams themselves, draped fabric, or by flowers, climbing plants, or vines laid atop the beams. Unlike a lanai, pergolas can be built not only affixed to your deck or attached to your home, but separately in the yard, as well. Like a lanai, a pergola is very versatile and can incorporate a garden or water garden and act as a cover for a seating area, fire pit, outdoor kitchen, pool, or hot tub, while not providing quite as much of a weather shield as a lanai. In fact, the biggest difference between lanais and pergolas is the capability of lanais to protect from rain, snow, and sun, whereas pergolas only provide shade from the sun.

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What is a Pergola?

Each customized pergola can be designed to match your home or to accent it. The shade offered by pergolas can come from the beams themselves, draped fabric, or by flowers, climbing plants, and vines that are laid atop the beam. Unlike size and scale, style has more leeway. For instance, traditional designs go well with gardens of period homes, like Victorian or Colonial style homes, but that doesn’t mean a more modern, sculptural piece wouldn’t look great juxtaposed with the historic design aesthetic of your home.

There are many types of patio coverings available to the modern consumer wishing to add a little bit of variety to their outdoor architecture. One of the many types of coverings that American Deck & Sunroom offers is a variety of custom pergolas. Pergolas will make your open air life complete. Also known as shaded arbors, pergolas add shade and protection to a patio or deck. Pergolas are less expensive than a full roof cover, but they can still be customized to match your home’s design and color scheme. Made up of posts and beams, a pergola is a structure with no walls and no solid roof. Instead of a roof, beams are held up by the posts of the pergola, and the beams can then be draped in hanging or climbing plants, such as wisteria. While cheaper than a full roof cover for a patio, pergolas offer great customization and design opportunities.

Aside from the design of the structure, materials are very important. There are a variety of material options to fit anyone’s design sensibilities, including: oak, driftwood, metal, wrought iron, fiber glass, rounded wooden poles, stone pillars and beams, brick pillars, and custom-shaped wooden beams. No matter your preference of materials or style, we can build a pergola that is a perfect fit for both you and your home.

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Custom Pergola Planning Ideas

Here are some more fun, easy ideas to make your pergola even more personal. Even better, American Deck & Sunroom can help every step of the way:

American Deck & Sunroom custom pergolas ensure that you will have a restful retreat just steps away from your home, to enjoy whenever you wish. Using pergolas to shade large gathering spaces creates an area where parties can be held all year round and families can gather and enjoy each others’ company during any season. Why not add to the beauty, value, and function of your home and enjoy the whole year at a resort or sanctuary right in the comfort and security of your own backyard?

 

 

pergola

Remember…

No matter your architectural needs, American Deck & Sunroom can provide you with a custom design that will increase the worth of your home, will blend seamlessly with your existing architecture, and will last a lifetime. Many homes benefit from the beauty of both of these custom architectural additions.

At American Deck & Sunroom, we don’t build houses. We don’t dig pools. Just don’t just install your custom pergolas. What we do is design and build beautiful outdoor spaces… extensions of your home that flow with your existing property and architecture. And because we specialize, we go beyond the, “If you can dream it, we can build it,” catchphrase often quoted. After nearly 20 years in business and nearly 13,000 designs and counting, we have the experience to design outdoor spaces you’ve never even dreamed possible.

Interested in learning more about custom pergolas? Contact us today!

american deck and sunroom

Outdoor Fireplaces

Adding outdoor fireplaces or a custom fire pit offers a new attraction that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. American Deck & Sunroom creates designs based on your existing architecture, pulling from your unique style to create something that will blend seamlessly, adding another piece to the final puzzle. We provide innovative, unique, and long-lasting fire pits and fire places for our customers to enjoy year round, but if you want those s’mores tasting great year after year, some maintenance is required. Luckily, maintaining a beautiful fire pit or fireplace is an easy task.

According to the American Society of Landscape Architects outdoor fireplaces are one of the number one requested design features today. Why not? They add ambiance to a cool evening, and it’s nice to just sit and stare at a burning fire. Plus, you can have one for a lot less than you might think!

outdoor fireplace

Always remember: Practice fire safety!

A fire of any kind demands serious attention. In addition to knowing how to properly care for your custom fire pit and fireplace, keep these tips in mind:

 

Fire Pit or Outdoor Fireplace?

Your patio was built to extend your living area out beyond the walls of your home… you put your heart into choosing the perfect outdoor furniture, fixtures, and lighting. Now, you’re looking for the pièce de résistance to put the cherry on the top, as it were. It’s a question that most home owners may have found themselves facing: should they get a fire pit, or an outdoor fireplace? Luckily for you, American Deck & Sunroom can take care of both of these outdoor fixtures! Enjoy the warmth on a cool summer evening, entertain friends or make s’mores with the kids with a outdoor fire place or fire pit. The possibilities are endless… just add fire!

outdoor fireplaces

Maintenance for Outdoor Fireplaces

Whenever there is an open fire involved with any activity, there is always a chance for mishaps. So make sure that there are working smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms installed in the house so that any accidents can be quickly recognized and corrected. The ash should also be removed from the fireplace whenever it reaches the grate so that vertical airflow is not hindered. Frequent testing of the fireplace with small amounts of seasoned wood should also be completed to verify that smoke is not entering the room, there are no unwanted objects (like bird nests or damp wood), and there is minimal soot build-up. Even when all of these precautions are taken, you should still have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a professional at least once per year.

outdoor fireplaces

Remember…

No matter your architectural needs, American Deck & Sunroom can provide you with a custom design that will increase the worth of your home, will blend seamlessly with your existing architecture, and will last a lifetime. Many homes benefit from the beauty of both of these custom architectural additions.

At American Deck & Sunroom, we don’t build houses. We don’t dig pools. We don’t just build outdoor fireplaces. What we do is design and build beautiful outdoor spaces… extensions of your home that flow with your existing property and architecture. And because we specialize, we go beyond the, “If you can dream it, we can build it,” catchphrase often quoted. After nearly 20 years in business and nearly 13,000 designs and counting, we have the experience to design outdoor spaces you’ve never even dreamed possible.

american deck and sunroom

 Outdoor Kitchens: The Basics

Instead of missing out by running back and forth to the kitchen, bring the kitchen to you. If you find yourself cooking, entertaining, or eating outside often, it’s a good time to consider adding a custom outdoor kitchen to your existing architecture. Outdoor kitchens are a great way to entertain, make cooking easier, and add value to your home. The American Deck & Sunroom crew can design, plan, and construct a custom kitchen to add beauty to your home and fit your existing architecture seamlessly.

Why waste energy running from the patio and porch to a sweltering kitchen in order to serve guests or prepare a summer meal? Whether you intend to be an outdoor chef or a weekend griller, we can utilize leading edge appliances such as:

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Location, location, location

There’s no true “correct” spot for building outdoor kitchens. Most people feel that placing a freestanding kitchen next to a pool or hot tub is a great addition, while others prefer a barbecuing area conveniently placed near their back door.

We’ve seem many people who prefer to have their outdoor kitchens next to their home. The house provides natural shelter for the culinary station, shielding it from direct wind and sun. Also, it’s usually less expensive to run utility lines from homes to outdoor kitchens. Keep in mind that grills or heat-producing appliances should be at least 10’ from the house or from any combustible material to avoid fires.

Others prefer to have their outdoor kitchens built a bit away from their home, especially if they plan on having a fully-stocked kitchen that would require a very small amount of back-and-forth into the house and back. In this case, more storage is ideal, so that bowls, tools, condiments, and dishes are ready whenever they’re needed. A built-in sink will also eliminate the need to run inside each time that hands need washing.

Not only do outdoor kitchens increase the time you can spend outside, they also increase the value of your home. The National Association of Home Builders estimates that these cook areas can return as much as 130% of their cost to the purchase price of a home.

Know how the pieces will fit together

Keep in mind how your outdoor kitchen will function. Make sure the different sections work together in order to flow just as well as your indoor kitchen does! Refrigeration and grill areas, as well as wet and dry areas, all need to benefit from one another while managing to work within an allocated space. For cooking and entertaining guests at night, you need to install good lighting for your outdoor kitchen and surrounding areas. Since one of the main reasons to have an outdoor kitchen is outdoor entertaining, installing a sound system in the area is a great way to keep guests entertained.

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What type of lighting do I need?

To maximize the hours you can spend using — and enjoying — custom outdoor kitchens, you’ll need to plan for varying levels of light. Whether you have a large outdoor kitchen or a modest outdoor kitchen island, the right lighting and fixtures can change your entire outdoor cooking and dining experience.Overhead lights are key to making the most of your grilling and eating spaces.

Be sure that the kitchen is lit adequately so that you can actually view what you’ll be enjoying. Don’t forget to light surrounding areas like steps, walkways, and paths. Provide adequate task lighting as well as ambient lighting to accommodate after-dark cooking and entertaining. An outdoor ceiling fan helps to keep air moving and deters flying pests.

 

Remember…

No matter your architectural needs, American Deck & Sunroom can provide you with a custom design that will increase the worth of your home, will blend seamlessly with your existing architecture, and will last a lifetime. Many homes benefit from the beauty of both of these custom architectural additions.

At American Deck & Sunroom, we don’t build houses. We don’t dig pools. Just don’t just design and plan custom outdoor kitchens. What we do is design and build beautiful outdoor spaces… extensions of your home that flow with your existing property and architecture. And because we specialize, we go beyond the, “If you can dream it, we can build it,” catchphrase often quoted. After nearly 20 years in business and nearly 13,000 designs and counting, we have the experience to design outdoor spaces you’ve never even dreamed possible.

Interested in learning more about custom outdoor kitchens? Contact us today!

american deck and sunroom

The Deck Below Your Deck

The space under a deck, also known as no man’s land. Despite the fact that the area may have just as much space as your deck, the underside of many decks often goes unloved. Of course, some decks are built close to the ground, so there is very little space between the ground and the deck. However, many hillside properties and multilevel decks have plenty of space for a seating area, hot tub, fire pit, outdoor kitchen, snack bars or anything else you can imagine, if only the area under the deck wasn’t so moist and gross. If you are tired of wasting outdoor space that you could be using for relaxation or entertaining or want to add a finished look to your deck, custom dryspaces or underdeck systems can take back your underdeck space and allow you to enjoy your landscape in a whole new way.

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The Advantages of Underdeck Systems

Underdeck systems use your outdoor space much more efficiently than a deck can on its own, as a dry area under your deck literally doubles the usable space of what you already own. Not only does an underdeck system double your space, they also allow you to use your outdoor space at times when your deck may not be so optimal. If the sun is beating down on a summer day or an April shower transitions to a full-on downpour, and you only have a deck, you may be restricted to your indoor living quarters, unable to enjoy the sun or the soothing raindrops as they land, one by one, on your lawn. But an underdeck system can fix this issue, since they offer a shaded, waterproof area to protect you and your belongings from even the harshest of elements. With an underdeck system, never again will roasting marshmallows over your custom fire pit or grilling out for your family be called off because of rain.

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Dryspace & Underdeck Systems

Having a sloped yard can make mowing the lawn more difficult than it should be but it can also be an opportunity to install one of the most efficient deck additions on the market. Adding a dryspace or underdeck system if there is enough open space under your deck virtually double the amount of outdoor paradise that you already own. Aside from sun bathing, these systems offer all of the benefits associated with normal decks plus a degree of weather resistance. No cookout or barbecue needs to be slowed down by a rain delay if the free space under the deck is used to its full potential. Everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors and the comfort of civilized utilities in the same area. But wait, there’s more!

Whether you already have a deck or you are in the market for a new backyard enhancer, American Deck and Sunroom can provide you with many different additions to this outdoor space to ensure that you have the deck of your dreams. Provide more convenience and promote natural, social interaction with built-in benches and snack bars. Don’t cancel the event on account of rain; take the party below-deck with the help of an underdeck system. Bring the get-together to a close by roasting marshmallows with a custom fire pit. There are always more add-ons that we can attach to your deck.

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What is Involved in an Underdeck System Remodel?

Whether you have a standalone deck or an additional underdeck system, your deck has to be equipped to deal with drainage. To achieve proper drainage and prevent puddles from forming, which can damage your deck materials, decks have space in between each board. Underdeck systems have ceilings or other barriers that are placed under the deck above them to keep the underdeck space dry. So, where does all that runoff from rain and snow go?

Underdeck systems usually solve the issues of drainage, dryness, and stable construction by using trim, gutters, downspouts, ceiling panels, and support braces to build an area capable of weathering a storm, while also safely housing your family, outdoor furniture, and fixtures. The first step in a professional underdeck remodel is to determine what the proper pitch of your underdeck system should be to ensure water and debris flow away from your deck. Second, wall channels and gutters must be installed at the correct pitch to prevent water from leaking onto your underdeck. Lastly, your ceiling panels will be installed to finish off your underdeck and make it look and feel like a complete outside room.

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Customizing and Decorating Your Underdeck System

Once your underdeck system is in place, the fun part begins: you get to make it your own. Starting with the ceiling of your underdeck, you have many options to accessorize and illuminate your space, including chandeliers, outdoor ceiling fans, and sound systems. One trick to lighting your underdeck is to use low voltage LED lights, because they emit a warm, yellow light, put off 90 percent less heat, and attract less bugs than other lights. Running along your underdeck ceiling, you can choose between a plethora of moldings, trim, textured materials, and design details, such as woodgrain, beadboard, crown molding, picture rails, arches, and almost anything else you can imagine. Also, furniture, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, grills, hot tubs, and snack bars can be added to your underdeck system to enhance the way you use it and how you can entertain with it.

underdeck system

Remember…

No matter your architectural needs, American Deck & Sunroom can provide you with a custom design that will increase the worth of your home, will blend seamlessly with your existing architecture, and will last a lifetime.

When you choose American Deck & Sunroom to create a custom project, you are choosing an experienced contractor for your outdoor living project. The hallmarks of our service include professional crafting, guaranteed cost quotes, first rate building materials, and a rarity among construction projects: the crew that begins erecting one of our projects stays with it to the end. This is a measure of quality control that is a determining factor in our delivery of superior workmanship.

At American Deck & Sunroom, we don’t build houses. We don’t just build underdeck systems. What we do is design and build beautiful outdoor spaces…extensions of your home that flow with your existing property and architecture. And because we specialize, we go beyond the, “If you can dream it, we can build it,” catchphrase often quoted. After nearly 20 years in business and nearly 13,000 designs and counting, we have the experience to design outdoor spaces you’ve never even dreamed possible.

american deck and sunroom

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Outdoor Fireplaces

Adding outdoor fireplaces or a custom fire pit offers a new attraction that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. American Deck & Sunroom creates designs based on your existing architecture, pulling from your unique style to create something that will blend seamlessly, adding another piece to the final puzzle. We provide innovative, unique, and long-lasting fire pits and fire places for our customers to enjoy year round, but if you want those s’mores tasting great year after year, some maintenance is required. Luckily, maintaining a beautiful fire pit or fireplace is an easy task.

According to the American Society of Landscape Architects outdoor fireplaces are one of the number one requested design features today. Why not? They add ambiance to a cool evening, and it’s nice to just sit and stare at a burning fire. Plus, you can have one for a lot less than you might think!

outdoor fireplace

Always remember: Practice fire safety!

A fire of any kind demands serious attention. In addition to knowing how to properly care for your custom fire pit and fireplace, keep these tips in mind:

 

Fire Pit or Outdoor Fireplace?

Your patio was built to extend your living area out beyond the walls of your home… you put your heart into choosing the perfect outdoor furniture, fixtures, and lighting. Now, you’re looking for the pièce de résistance to put the cherry on the top, as it were. It’s a question that most home owners may have found themselves facing: should they get a fire pit, or an outdoor fireplace? Luckily for you, American Deck & Sunroom can take care of both of these outdoor fixtures! Enjoy the warmth on a cool summer evening, entertain friends or make s’mores with the kids with a outdoor fire place or fire pit. The possibilities are endless… just add fire!

outdoor fireplaces

Maintenance for Outdoor Fireplaces

Whenever there is an open fire involved with any activity, there is always a chance for mishaps. So make sure that there are working smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms installed in the house so that any accidents can be quickly recognized and corrected. The ash should also be removed from the fireplace whenever it reaches the grate so that vertical airflow is not hindered. Frequent testing of the fireplace with small amounts of seasoned wood should also be completed to verify that smoke is not entering the room, there are no unwanted objects (like bird nests or damp wood), and there is minimal soot build-up. Even when all of these precautions are taken, you should still have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a professional at least once per year.

outdoor fireplaces

Remember…

No matter your architectural needs, American Deck & Sunroom can provide you with a custom design that will increase the worth of your home, will blend seamlessly with your existing architecture, and will last a lifetime. Many homes benefit from the beauty of both of these custom architectural additions.

At American Deck & Sunroom, we don’t build houses. We don’t dig pools. We don’t just build outdoor fireplaces. What we do is design and build beautiful outdoor spaces… extensions of your home that flow with your existing property and architecture. And because we specialize, we go beyond the, “If you can dream it, we can build it,” catchphrase often quoted. After nearly 20 years in business and nearly 13,000 designs and counting, we have the experience to design outdoor spaces you’ve never even dreamed possible.

american deck and sunroom

Deck Lighting Options

Deck lighting is available in a variety of styles. It can be installed on posts, under rails, and in more subtle, nuanced areas that suggest the presence of light without blinding your visitors. Some lights illuminate upwards while others can hang from pergolas and other architecture in order to shine light down. Other types of lights can be installed onto the vertical riser of stairs, while some forms of lighting are inset into the deck or directly into the steps.

lighting

 

Outdoor Lighting Options

Outdoor lighting fixtures come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and even more uses. At American Deck & Sunroom, we work side by side with our customers to help them design a custom lighting system that will add beauty to their existing architecture, and highlight their custom deck or other custom outdoor architecture. We are determined to show homeowners how you can get more out of life in your own backyard. It is a place to gather with family and friends, in an outdoor space that is sure to become the favorite gathering place in your home.

Deck lighting is available in a variety of styles. It can be installed on posts, under rails, and in more subtle, nuanced areas that suggest the presence of light without blinding your visitors. Some lights illuminate upwards while others can hang from pergolas and other architecture in order to shine light down. Other types of lights can be installed onto the vertical riser of stairs, while some forms of lighting are inset into the deck or directly into the steps.

 

custom pergola - deck

 

 

 

DO’s and DONT’s 

When it comes to outdoor lighting for your custom deck, there are a few Do’s and Don’ts to consider:

DO:

DON’T:

 

 

custom lighting

 

 

 

 

Remember…

No matter your architectural needs, American Deck & Sunroom can provide you with a custom design that will increase the worth of your home, will blend seamlessly with your existing architecture, and will last a lifetime. Many homes benefit from the beauty of both of these custom architectural additions.

At American Deck & Sunroom, we don’t build houses. We don’t dig pools. What we do is design and build beautiful outdoor spaces… extensions of your home that flow with your existing property and architecture. And because we specialize, we go beyond the, “If you can dream it, we can build it,” catchphrase often quoted. After nearly 20 years in business and nearly 13,000 designs and counting, we have the experience to design outdoor spaces you’ve never even dreamed possible.

Interested in learning more about custom lighting? Contact us today!

american deck and sunroom