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Enliven your Toronto deck with these popular features

April 24, 2013 By TORONTO CUSTOM DECKS

In many ways, a patio or deck is an extension of not only the home, but the homeowner – distinct for its style, quirkiness, and value.

If you pick the right deck design, a ho-hum deck that was only used occasionally for special events or family gatherings can become a focal point of your home and help expand the usefulness of outdoor living space.

When it comes to finding the right deck designer in the Greater Toronto Area, hundreds of customers have selected the professionals at Toronto custom decks for our unique designs, friendly service, and commitment to creating a deck to fit any design or budget. Whether you’re interested in a specific material to build the deck with, want to build a pergola, or add any other feature, our experienced deck design staff can work with you from planning to design to actual construction.

Over the years, we’ve built hundreds of decks. Here are what we believe to be the most popular trends or features you can expect to see in residential decks in the next few years.

Wicker furniture and accessories. Normally made from hand woven fiber or even attractive, composite materials, wicker chairs, ottomans, couches, recliners, and tables are all the rage now because of their durability, ease of maintenance, and the ability to be painted to match architectural or existing colour schemes.
Portable hammock. How many times have you driven through the country, passed rolling farms, only to notice someone napping or lounging in a hammock stuck between trees that looks oh-so-comfortable? You can experience that, too, with any number of portable hammocks to suit your needs, such as one person, two-person, or other models made from a variety of colourful and weather resistant materials.
A stylish, modern deck design isn’t complete without the right lights. From low-wattage models to those powered by the sun, lights can be used to accent the deck area itself, illuminate railings and stairs, or focus attention on award-winning landscaping features like a flower bed, pond, or waterfall.
A gazebo and hot tub. Besides creating extra gathering space, a well designed gazebo can serve other purposes, too, such as a spot for a relaxing hot tub or an arts and crafts center, for instance.
An outdoor kitchen is often the feature that customers ask about the most. If you cook outside several times a week, even in the cold weather, and end up lugging food, dishes, and cooking utensils inside and outside the house, then it may be time to talk with our deck design professionals on what features may be most useful. Generally speaking, we recommend a built in grill, counter top for food preparation, sink, storage area, and small refrigerator.
An all-season fire pit utilizing Flagstone or some other durable stone is a great feature that will further enhance the usefulness and value of any outdoor living area. Outfitted with comfortable seating, it can be a great location for casual conversation, toasting marshmallows, or just sheer relaxation.

Whatever your desire, a deck designer from Toronto custom decks can help you arrive at a plan to fit your budget and style.

Call Toronto custom decks today for a free deck design consultation.

Follow these tips when hiring a deck contractor

April 1, 2013 By TORONTO CUSTOM DECKS

In these tough economic times, many homeowners are looking for ways to improve their existing property and derive as much value of out it in the long run. One of the best ways to do this is with a spacious, well designed, and professionally built deck. For hundreds of satisfied customers in the Greater Toronto Area, the premier deck contractor of choice is Toronto Custom Decks, whose expert designers and installation professionals can turn your outdoor space into a thing of beauty with a custom deck and other landscaping features.

There are many steps to hiring a reputable deck contractor, and some of the key factors influencing the decision include the obvious – price, professionalism, and customer service. One of the keys to our success over the years has been educating customers on trends in landscape design, and helping them choose a plan that fits their style and budget. There are a number of things you should look out for when selecting a deck contractor, and here are some tips and advice to consider.

Tips for hiring a great deck contractor

Decide what you want in a deck before looking for a deck contractor. It’s important to know what features are “must have” for your new deck, and how much you can afford to spend. Look at the area where the deck is going to be built, and decide how large you want it to be, how many levels it should have, the materials and finish you prefer, and what features you’ll get the most value out of through the years.
When looking for a deck contractor, it’s important to get referrals. If you have family or friends with decks you’ve admired, then ask who the contractor was. Other important questions: Did the contractor work within your budget? Was the deck finished on time? Did you get a written warranty?
Equally important is to make sure you ask a prospective deck contractor the “tough” questions, such as: How many decks have you built? Do you handle pulling permits? What hours will your crew work on my deck? Do you have any problems with me or someone on my behalf observing the deck while it’s being built?
Finally, we can’t stress enough the importance of getting a written estimate from three to five contractors before making your decision. The estimate should include the same details for every deck contractor: the work to be done, including any designs; a materials list; a time frame for completion; and a final price.

A deck can add beauty, value, and functionality to any home, but only if the work is done properly, with professionalism, and on time.

About Toronto Custom decks

Toronto Custom Decks has been the premier outdoors contractor in the Greater Toronto Area for more than 10 years, serving hundreds of satisfied customers in Richmond Hill, Thornhill, Vaughan, Maples, Markham, and surrounding communities. We offer cutting-edge design and installation services for traditional landscaping, decks, gates, surfacing, pergolas and patios, and various railing systems to match any architecture. For a free consultation or to learn more about the company and its services, please call us today at 416-238-2589 or visit us online 24/7.

Tips for working with Trex decking

March 30, 2013 By TORONTO CUSTOM DECKS

Like most other wood composites, Trex Wood-Polymer® lumber is made from equal portions of reclaimed plastic, such as milk jugs and other items, and wood waste byproducts, such as saw dust. These items are then combined with adhesive to make the lumber, which can be milled for use in a wide range of outdoor projects, like planters and toy and tool storage boxes.

At Toronto Custom Decks, we’re the leading outdoor contractor in the area and have used the composite lumber for Trex decking projects for hundreds of residential and business customers.

Trex decking has many properties that make it an attractive alternative to traditional wood building materials, though it is heavier and more flexible than real wood and shouldn’t be used to frame structures such as full-size storage sheds. In the case of children’s play structures, Trex boards are used for surfaces, benches, and steps, while natural hard wood is used to build the frame.

A key reason Trex decking is so popular compared to a product such as 100 percent plastic lumber is because its wood content retains the advantage of thermal expansion and contraction, meaning the shape changes little if any when exposed to heat or bitter Canadian winters. Perhaps best of all is the fact it can be cut, drilled, and nailed using standard carpentry tools.

Key points to remember when working with Trex decking:

When cutting or drilling, we recommend using carbide-tipped blades and drill bits, as they create fewer chips in the wood than steel blades or bits.
To secure Trex decking, always start at least one inch from board edges and sink nails at an angle into the joist. For best results, choose Trex Hideaway® Hidden Fasteners directly from the manufacturer, though any hot-dipped, galvanized, ceramic coated and stainless steel fasteners can also be used. For outdoor projects, there are several brands of fasteners made specifically for wood composite lumber, but these may be prohibitively expensive depending on the project or size of the deck.
Like traditional wood, Trek lumber is available in many “standard” sizes: 1×6, 5/4×6, 2×2 for balusters, 2×4, 2×6 and 2×8. Trek decking can be purchased in board lengths of 12 feet, with 5/4×6, 2×4 and 2×6 available in 16 foot lengths. 5/4×6 and 2×6 are also available in 20 foot lengths, and other dimensions can be purchased by special order direct from the manufacturer.
The colour of Trek decking will change over time, as is the case with wood and other building materials. As such, the proper care should be taken when cleaning and finishing the lumber to ensure strength, durability, and colour over the years.
Finally, please keep in mind the lumber will expand slightly, meaning Trex decking must be installed with the proper gapping at the end joints and side-to-side. If the boards are too close, they can be damaged upon expansion or allow for moisture to build on the surface. Conversely, boards that are too far apart will allow for vegetation to grow under the deck and make its way to the surface.

Thinking of having a Trex composite deck installed in your backyard?

Call Toronto custom decks today for the perfect Trex deck design and build in Toronto

Preserve your composite deck the right way

March 29, 2013 By TORONTO CUSTOM DECKS

In the mid- to late-1990s, thousands of home and business owners jumped at the chance to have their old wooden decks replaced with a newer, sexier building material called composite wood that was heavily promoted as being easier to use, and would last far longer than traditional wood. While a composite deck now enjoys many advantages over wooden decks, first or second generation composites had a critical flaw – the manufacturing process didn’t include additives to prevent the growth of mildew.

Composite wood is made from a mixture of plastic and wood fiber/wood flour – saw dust, basically – which is a top food source for mildew. Thus, many composite decks built right through the early 2000s had the same flaw and suffered from black mildew that was nearly impossible to remove.

Manufacturing processes for composite wood are more advanced now than in the early days, but home and business owners still need to take care with a composite deck to make sure it lasts as long as needed.

Toronto Custom Decks has installed dozens of composite decks all across the greater Toronto area, and while we offer a comprehensive warranty on workmanship, nothing can ensure the life of a composite deck more than simple, ongoing maintenance.

Ways to preserve and maintain a composite deck

Before you can seal a composite deck, it needs to be cleaned. Debris such as leaves, branches, and other small items can be removed using a broom and dust pan, but for dirt or stains the best method is using a power washer. If you decide to use a power washer, never exceed 1500 PSI and keep the spray nozzle 12 inches away from the surface of the deck.
If you know the name of the company that made the composite wood deck boards, follow their recommendation as to the kind of cleaner than can be used. In most cases, manufacturers have their own brand of cleaner that works best with their product, but you also can use off-the-shelf cleaners as long as they’re formulated for composite wood. In all other cases, avoid cleaners that contain bleach.
Seal the deck using a good quality product made especially for a composite deck or, again, contact the composite manufacturer for their recommendation.
When sealing a composite deck, follow all of the directions for whatever sealer you buy. There’s no such thing as a good short cut when it comes to quality work.
Whether you roll or spray the sealer to apply it, always make sure to use a brush afterwards on each board – before the sealer dries. The bristles on a brush allow the sealer to penetrate the composite better than just letting it sit. In any case, rolling or spraying the sealer then walking away could result in it drying unevenly.
Once finished, allow the composite deck to cure for 24 hours before using it. Keep children and other visitors away, especially dogs and other pets.
The final recommendation is to clean your composite deck each year with a product especially formulated for composite wood surfaces.

Toronto custom decks specializes in design, construction and installation of composite decks. Call us today for a free one on one consultation where we will visit your backyard, learn about your specific needs, lifestyle and show you our work.

Choose the right materials for your deck railings

March 25, 2013 By TORONTO CUSTOM DECKS

When decks became a fixture across North American neighborhoods in the 1950s and 1960s as the post-World War II economy kicked into high gear, just about the only game in town was wood – wood for the main building material, and wood for the railings and steps. Households in higher income brackets could splurge a little more, but even then the most “exotic” materials used for deck railings were wrought iron or steel.

Over the last several years, more and more homeowners in the Greater Toronto Area have turned to the professionals at Toronto Custom Decks to build decks and deck railings featuring the most unique designs and utilizing a variety of building materials tailored for any budget.

Times have changed, trends have come and gone, but consumers are left with more choices for decks and deck railings than at any other time in history. If you’re in the market for a new deck, you’ll invariably need railings to finalize the design.

Here are the building materials homeowners most often choose for deck railings:

The number one material for deck railings is wood, particularly well known species like Cedar, Cypress, pressure-treated Pine and Fir, Redwood, composite materials (wood and plastic combined using adhesives), and more costly but durable tropical species like Brazilian hardwood or Ipe (pronounced “ee-pay”). In fact, Ipe is one of the longest lasting woods available, legendary for its ability to withstand the ravages of the environment for 50 years or more after being cut – all without the benefit of sealants.
Thanks to advanced mining and manufacturing techniques, iron ore is more plentiful and economically viable as a material for deck railings than ever before. Wrought Iron is versatile and something of an architectural “chameleon” because it can be enhanced with intricate scroll work and details such as lettering and even nature shapes like birds, plants, or flowers. Best of all, wrought iron will last for decades with simple, ongoing maintenance.
Many deck railings are now made from reinforced plastic materials, which in some cases cost about 15% more than composite while keeping many of the same characteristics: Uniform appearance, resistant to insects and rot, and cools quickly in hot weather. This type of material requires little maintenance but, as many customers have noted, the colour will fade over time – often to a shade of light gray. Thanks to advanced manufacturing and designs, plastic deck railings can share the same surface appearance and finish as you’d find in their wooden counterparts.
Stainless steel is another popular option for deck railings. As a building material, it’s easy to mold and can therefore match many styles. Stainless steel collects its share of smudges and fingerprints but it easy to clean. On the other hand, this material sometimes becomes unbearably hot in warm weather.

Finally, glass as a material for deck railings is perhaps the most extreme example of a luxury building material. Different kinds of materials can be used with tempered glass to create an attractive composition that can enhance views from a deck and provide years of enjoyment.

For more information about railing design and choosing the best deck railings for your project check out our partners here

Enhance your outdoor living space with a new deck

March 9, 2013 By TORONTO CUSTOM DECKS

Even though the economy is slowly recovering, signs of a depression still linger. New mortgages are tough to come by thanks to stricter lending requirements; consumers have spent less during the holiday shopping season, and traditional big ticket items – new cars, family vacations – are few and far between.

But the one area where consumers have dug in their heels is small to medium-sized home renovations to make their residence more comfortable, appealing, and to ensure it retains market value over time. A simple way to achieve such goals is the addition of a new deck by the outdoor design and construction specialists at Toronto Custom Decks.

A stylish and functional deck can be a great addition to any home, but a key component is a high quality deck design that takes in all facets of the project, from layout and integrating it into the existing outdoor space to the type of wood to use to popular features and safety concerns for anyone using the deck – pets included. According to government studies, thousands of people are injured each year falling off decks due to broken railings, steps, and floor boards, making homeowners ultimately responsible for how well the deck has been constructed.

In Canada, each province has their own construction and safety requirements in regards to deck design and construction, but the larger Canada National Building Codes, Part 9, spells out what is and what isn’t required. At Toronto Custom Decks, we follow all applicable codes and regulations to ensure your new deck not only meets the letter of the law, but is also safe and accessible for anyone using it. Development and maintenance of the codes is the responsibility of the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes, an independent committee of volunteers established by the National Research Council of Canada. The codes were first developed in the 1940s and have been updated periodically, including most recently in 2011.

Major safety issues revolve around the construction and placement of railings around the perimeter of the deck and on steps or areas clearly designed for traversing one level to the next, whether going up to another deck level, or down to ground level. Proper deck design calls for handrails to be included where stairs are present, and where the stairs are more than 43 and 5/16 inches wide, and between 31 and a half and 37 and 63/64 inches tall for optimum use.

A professionally designed and built deck can enhance outdoor living space and be a wonderful addition to any home, but it should also be enjoyable to everyone regardless of physical or other disabilities. Safety and security should be of paramount concern, and should be a focal point of the project from initial design through construction and final approval. If the consumer has someone living in the residence with a disability and requires the use of a walker, cane, wheelchair, or other device to enhance mobility, the deck design must include a ramp for proper entrance or exit.

These standards are set by the Canadian government, as well as provincial governments. The government of Ontario, in conjunction with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act of 2005, has established the following standards when building ramps:

The ramp must have a maximum gradient of 1:12.
The ramp must have a minimum width of 900 millimeters or 35.4 inches.
For level landings – at the bottom of the ramp, or the area between one ramp and the next, or the top of the ramp – the landing must be 920 millimeters (36.2 inches) wide and 1500 millimeters (59 inches) long.
There must be colour contrast strips at all level landings.
The ramps must have edge protection.

In our experience as the Greater Toronto Area’s leading custom deck builder, we’ve seen firsthand numerous examples of homeowners who tried building their own decks, but ran into problems because they were inexperienced, didn’t have the proper materials or equipment, or ran afoul of construction codes they didn’t understand. These speak volumes about the benefits of working with a reputable contractor, but other reasons include:

Years of industry experience, particularly with deck design and construction.
Membership in professional organizations that allow the contractor to stay informed of new codes, building materials and techniques, and the latest trends in outdoor deck design.
Reputable contractors are licensed and insured.
All work includes a warranty on workmanship and building materials.
Reputable contractors have numerous satisfied customers they can refer potential customers to for questions and answers.

One of the key questions many customers ask is: What features should the deck include? Each deck design is different, based on a customer’s goals, budget, and what they’re going to use the deck for. If they do a lot of entertaining and outdoor cooking, then an outdoor kitchen may be the way to go. Some homeowners like to relax after a hard day at work, and ask for a spot where a hot tub can be installed.

Here are the top deck design trends we’ve seen in recent years:

Comfortable seating areas that bring the indoors into the backyard, including couches, end tables, and other furnishings.
Outdoor kitchens, which can as simple as a barbecue grill with a propane tank or something more elaborate with a built in grill with counters, a sink, and refrigerator.
Bigger decks. Many homeowners are choosing a deck design that spans the width of their home and includes multiple levels.
Renewable building materials, including the use of plastic, glass, wood composites, and steel or iron.
Outdoor theatre systems, including projection screens and high definition projectors, lighting, and stereo components.

A new deck is the perfect way to increase the value of a home, and better utilize existing space that may otherwise go unnoticed or unused. Toronto Custom Decks is committed to value and high quality work, and can find a deck plan that meets your needs and budget. Call us today at 647-878-8780 for more information.

Custom Decks & Patios

December 9, 2012 By TORONTO CUSTOM DECKS

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Toronto Decks

May 28, 2012 By TORONTO CUSTOM DECKS

Having a beautiful garden with well-designed interlock and an elegant deck is not out of reach as it used to be.
Today, more and more home owners in Toronto and its surrounding areas are choosing to enjoy spending their free time in their backyard with family and friends. Building a deck adds a natural and elegant look to your backyard. It is also a great solution for those who do not wish to spend hours on lawn cutting and plants watering.

Decks can come in all kinds of styles and designs. One of the most fashionable design ideas adopted by Torontonians nowadays is to use similar wood for the floor indoors and deck outdoors, extending the rooms to the outside. Adding patio furniture, barbecue and some landscaping creates an inviting environment that starts inside the house and continues to the garden.

Traditionally, decks were made from hard wood and treated wood such as cedar, teak and ipe. In recent years, other materials were introduced in the Canadian market such as composite materials, aluminum and plastic (azek). The material used to build your deck will affect the look and feel of your back yard as well as the maintenance required.

Decks are a relatively cost effective solution that requires low maintenance. It is a good practice to check once a year for cracks and peeling from knots. A light cleaning with a designated cleaning solution and cloth is usually enough. Staining should also be done every few years.

The cold and stormy weather in Toronto may cause some weather damages to your deck over the years. If you wish to keep it on the safe side, use a water-repellent preservative. You can then use a semi-transparent stain. Even if the deck has been maintained with a water-repellent preservative for many years, an oil-based semi-transparent stain will perform sufficiently.

Here are some good tips on how to maintain your deck:

1) Before starting any maintenance, move away furniture, plants, bbq, and any other objects from your deck.
2) Remove rubbish and dirt stuck between the boards.
3) Sweep the deck with a broom to get rid of leaves, dirt and dust
4) Wash the deck using a pressure washer or garden hose.
5) Apply a deck cleaning solution to the deck, rubbing the foam into the deck thoroughly. Allow the foam to sit on the deck for about 15-20 minutes.
6) Rinse the foam off the deck with a garden hose or pressure washer.
7) Re-apply the cleaner if needed