Showing posts with label DECK. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DECK. Show all posts

Mar 10, 2015

Spring is so close we can almost smell the fresh-cut grass, the backyard barbecues, and the fabulous flowers! And with the snow slowly melting away, it's time to start thinking about that deck renovation you've been stewing over all winter long.

Getting started on a backyard redesign can seem a little daunting at first. That's why Paul Lafrance host of HGTV's Decked Out and Deck Wars, has shared a few Do's and Don'ts of deck design to help you prepare for your project.


Paul says that, when starting a backyard renovation, the first item on a homeowner's To Do list is to bring in a professional to help point your design in the right direction.

"Get a design done. Having a customized design from a reputable firm will not only ensure you have a space that represents you, but with a good design, you can gain more of a wow factor for less money."

Another definite Do is to watch your budget! Paul says that aside from hiring an expert, there are plenty of ways to make the most out of your design without breaking the bank. You may even be able to re-vamp your existing deck!

"Often the structure of the deck may still be intact, and by adding upgraded deck boards you can improve the overall look on a smaller budget. Think quality of square footage over quantity - it's better to have a smaller, more inviting and functional space than a huge, sprawling space that has no creativity or defined use."

Patio buffs rejoice! Once you've settled on a layout, Paul says to do your homework when it comes to outdoor furnishings. Say goodbye to cheap-looking chairs.

"The outdoor living space world has changed. No longer do we have to tolerate plastic furniture and rusty charcoal barbecues. There are revolutionary products on the market today that are not only cost-effective, but when incorporated into a design, can make your outdoor space just as inviting as the interior of your home."

To bring together a great deck design, Paul tells homeowners to pick a unique focal point that will compliment their personal themes. He says that each of his clients have specific tastes that he will bring out in their decks' focal points.

"Everyone's focal point will be different; be it a decorative screens, water feature, fire feature, gazebo, pergola, vibrant garden, etc. The most important this is for that focal point to be just as dynamic from inside the house as it is outside the house."

Something to consider, which Paul says is often where homeowners go wrong when them=y attempt a DIY deck renovation, is that the view of the backyard is important from every angle.

"The most common mistake is that [homeowners] do not take the view of their backyard from inside the house into account. It is so important to align focal points of your design with the most dominant views of the outdoor spaces to draw you outside."

Now that you know where to start and what to avoid, it's your turn to put Paul's tips and tricks to use and make the magic happen in your own backyard!

For more expert advice, visit Paul at the Edmonton Home + Garden Show, March 19-22 at the Edmonton Expo Centre. He's taking the stage on Saturday, March 21 at 1pm and 6pm. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!


Apr 14, 2014

Spring is finally here! And while it may still be a bit snowy out, it's time for you think about curb appeal! Start with revamping your front porch.  Do you find yourself putting out the same old decor every season?  Well if you're lucky enough to have a little porch area, maybe you should consider some of the following...

5 Tips for Your Front Porch 

 1.  If you can, add a porch swing and create the perfect outdoor meeting spot.

2. Make room for two by upcycling some old wooden chairs. 

Image via Home and Garden Blog

3. Add an outdoor bench that can include storage beneath. Also, have fun with fabrics and patterns! 

Porch - A side porch decorated in varied patterns, colors, and textures
Image via Lonny

4. Add some lush hanging baskets to bring the greenery right to your front door.  

Image via Home and Garden Blog

5. A small lunching area could be perfect for enjoying the summer.  Be sure to check out a thrift shop for small furniture pieces like that can easily be upcycled with some paint!  

Rustic garden dining area | Country garden ideas | Country Homes & Interiors | Housetohome
Image via House to Home

Nov 13, 2013

  • Describe your products & services
    • Top Choice Fence and Deck is a full service fence and deck company. We install all types of fencing from custom to standard styles. 
    • We specialize in ornamental aluminum and a signature cedar that we custom make to your dreams.  We also install all other types of materials including treated pine, vinyl, chain link, composite, and ornamental steel.  All of our decks are custom made and offer interactive design to ensure you are getting the deck of your dreams. 
    • Being a family owned and operated company we can save you money while building a fence that will be beautiful for years. We offer financing for our projects and all projects come with a warranty.
  • What are your best home or garden tips for this season?
    • Always make sure the contractor you choose is as invested in your project as you are. You don't want a contractor that is going to only worry about the job while he is there. You want to make sure that the job is going to be a project that they will stand behind for years to come.
  • What are your featured items this season? 
    • Ornamental Aluminum Custom Cedar
  • What is your favorite part about the home show?
    • Getting to meet all the other business owners and contractors.
You can catch Top Choice Fence and Deck at our 
2014 Indianapolis Home Show (Jan. 24 - Feb. 2) at the Indiana State Fairgrounds! 

Jul 10, 2013

Summertime is all about staying nice and cool, and where better to do that then in a pool?  Pools are truly where the party is, of course, at Marketplace Events, we've got plenty of friends who can help you with all of your pool needs.  Check out the exhibitor lists on our show websites to see what we're talking about.
Below, we've gathered some incredible pools to get you into that swimsuit mentality.

6 Amazing Pools 

Dark & Narrow Pool 
Pool - A rectangular pool with an umbrella and chaises
Image via Lonny
The Pool & Hot Tub Combo 
Image via House & Home
Pool by the Garden Terrace
Garden terrace with swimming pool | Garden design | Modern garden | Images | Housetohome
Image via House to Home
Narrow Kidney Pool 
Image via Crystal Pools & Spas
Small Kidney Shaped Pool
Pool
Image via Lonny
Small Yard Pool
Image via House & Home
Now, take our poll!
How do you feel about backyard pools?
 
 
 
  
pollcode.com free polls 

Jul 2, 2013

Congratulations to Paige & and her dad Ken from North Dakota on winning our Dad's Favorite Space challenge! 


Check out their winning space below...

Ken's Wildlife Retreat 
Submitted by his daughter, Paige!
Why is this Dad's Favorite Space?


"The garden is my dad's favorite space. It's peaceful and we feed the birds and wildlife here." - Paige 

Thanks so much to all for participating in our Dad's Favorite Space challenge! 

Jun 4, 2013



We're loving all your entries so far in our Dad's Favorite Space Father's Day challenge.  While voting for this challenge doesn't begin until June 15, 2013, we're sharing one of our most recent entries below! 

Mike's Outdoor Pleasure Zone
Submitted by Kelly 


Why is this Dad's Favorite Space?

"He just loves to sit and relax outside either for a smoke or to just take in fresh air!" - Kelly 

______________________________

Don't forget to enter our Dad's Favorite Space challenge below. 

Apr 24, 2013

Whether your outdoor space allows you to lounge poolside or sip lemonade on a balcony, you'll need some inspiration to put together your perfect oasis.  Below I've gathered a variety of my favorites! Take a look and start planning.

7 Outdoor Atmospheres

Patio - Paper lanterns suspended above a bench of pillows and an oval dining table

Paper Lanterns Above a Bench & Oval Table. - Lonny

Feb 8, 2013

"The province’s top landscaping companies will put their deck-building skills to the test!"


With some of the best outdoor grooming and gardening talent set to converge under one roof for the BC Home + Garden Show from February 20-24 at BC Place, it’s sure to be the go-to spot for both expertly tended spaces and expert advice on all things outdoors. But while they’re all in once place, we also thought it’d be nice to have some friendly competition between the cream of the crop.




Enter Deck Wars, a live version of the HGTV smash hit happening Saturday, February 23 at 4 p.m. The province’s top landscaping companies will put their deck-building skills to the test, all to be judged by Paul Lafrance, popular HGTV host of Decked Out, Deck Wars and the brand-new series Disaster Decks. Outdoor spaces are bound to go big, bold and utterly outlandish as these landscapers try to build they way to bragging rights!

Mark your calendars. You won’t want to miss this battle royale of all things backyard!