The Maritime Look of Manor 12

We love to share with you the latest outdoor trends hitting the market.  This week we are highlighting a company that is well known to our neighbors to the north.  No not Iowa, think farther north, our friends in Canada.  We are in love with these pillows from the Canadian company Manor12.  The fabrics definitely [...]

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A New Deck complete with a Flat Screen TV

We love creating innovative outdoor spaces for our clients that exceeds their expectations.  Currently we are working on constructing a deck that when completed will be the perfect outdoor living space for our clients.  Below is a photo of the original deck.

The below photo is the removal of the original deck.  As you can see [...]

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If the light blinds you, then it’s incorrectly placed or angled

Last night we were walking to the fireworks in town. This big old house on a corner right near the center of town has the most amazing old magnolia tree. It’s huge. Magnolia blooms are fascinating to watch.

magnolia bud bloom evolution

They start out as this fascinating bud with this gorgeous purple color and pineapple-shaped bud, to a perfectly goblet-shaped early bloom to a flower with these bright white perfect petals in a matter of days. And then so quickly after, the petals whither to brown and it’s gone. But at any time, looking at a mature magnolia tree, you can see buds in every part of this blooming process.

Magnolia trees are unlike so many other flowering trees that seem to bloom all at once and then fade. Magnolia trees, when flowering, seem to constantly have crops of buds in various stages of bloom.

This tree in town is huge. I can stand and count the various blooms for a long time. So when we walked by the tree, I looked over at my favorite tree only to be blinded by what seemed a spotlight.

poor tree lightingThe well intended tree lighting was pointed toward the street, thus blinding the passers-by at night. To make it worse, this was also blinding to motorists.

The reason for tree lighting is to be able to enjoy the grandeur of the trunk as well as a gentle wash of lighting on the underside of the canopy. But, if the light is sitting far from the trunk and pointed at about a 90 – 130 degree angle, the purpose will be defeated. Even worse, it can be blinding to the home’s residents and to motorists.

As I went to take a picture of this light, I noticed a similarly poorly adjusted light.

poorly installed and angled driveway lightThis particular light was installed to illuminate the driveway. Unfortunately, it was also sitting at less than a 90-degree angle causing an utterly blinding light to the owners who used the driveway leaving the home.

The next problem with this approach to driveway lighting was they also used the wrong fixture. With this particular fixture, they were not going to be able to accomplish the objective of driveway lighting. This particular fixture – the bullet light – is designed to uplight. It serves the purpose of things like small sign lighting. It needs to have a destination for the light source and that destination cannot be in the eyes of people.

copper path light with domeIn order to illuminate a drive or path, you need a fixture where the light source not only casts a down shadow, but that shadow also needs to be protected by a dome hood to avoid light blinding.

As you can see in this picture, a path light with a covered dome adequately illuminates the path for walking or driving. At the same time, there is no blinding.

Do you have pictures of effective driveway or magnolia lighting to share?

path lighting garden lighting

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Celebrate July 4th in Stilwell, Kansas!

We are proud to support our local Stilwell 4th of July parade.  Can you think of anything more American that a parade?  The parade is from 6pm to 7pm followed by a pot luck dinner and the grand finale will be the fireworks at 9pm.  Please join us in celebrating July 4th!
Below are some photos [...]

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How to get rid of chalk lines on decking

Before you snap a single chalk line, make sure you’ve got the right type of chalk for the application. High Dust off chalk line for composite and wood deckingpermanence chalk lines will most likely discolor a composite deck or lDust off chalk line for wood and composite deckingumber deck surface, so I recommend using only dust off marking chalk (Irwin brand – purple is recommended by many deck builders). Never use permanent chalk to snap a line where you’ll eventually be walking or where it will be viewable. If you accidentally snap a chalk line with a bright color or with a permanent chalk, immediately scrub the area with soap and hot water to help remove the stain. For stubborn chalk lines, oxygen bleach can be added to the cleaning solution to achieve the desired result. On composite decking DO NOT blast off with a pressure washer as it can permanently damage the deck board.

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Deck railing options help transform your deck and outdoor living area

Transforming your deck into a one-of-a-kind outdoor living area can be as simple as updating your existing deck railing or installing unique balusters to the railing itself. When you decide to build a new composite lumber or pressure treated deck be sure to think about the type of material you desire for the railing and the style of baluster infill that will suite your needs. Deck railings are one of the most prominent parts of any deck, and today there are many unique deck rail options made from different material.

Aluminum Deck RailingDeckorators Aluminum Deck Railing
Aluminum deck railing from Deckorators is strong, durable and lightweight, which makes it a perfect choice on decks, docks and balconies or wherever durability is important. Deckorators’ aluminum railing is ultra-low maintenance, won’t rot or corrode and is impervious to stains. What’s more, most Deckorators baluster styles are compatible with the Deckorators aluminum railing system.

Wood Deck Railing
Wood is the most common type of deck railing material used. Its Prowood Micro pressure treated wood deck railingstrength and natural appearance have made it a timeless favorite among homeowners. Wood can be cut into unique shapes, or it can be mixed with other unique accessories, such as glass or aluminum balusters. Unlike other types of deck railing, wood deck rails can be stained and painted to a specific color. Keep in mind; wood deck railing has its limitations. Wood railing requires regular maintenance like staining and sealing at least every few years; Not to mention, you may need to replace some wood railing components if they warp, split and become unsafe. But, keep in mind pressure treated lumber deck railing is typically the least expensive type of railing, so if other railing options are too expensive, treated lumber may be your best or most versatile option.

Composite / Synthetic Deck Railing
Synthetic deck railing, such as Latitudes Intrepid railing, combines the natural beauty of wood with the durability of a synthetic (plastic). Composite deck railing is a popular choice among Latitudes Intrepid Deck Railing with Ornamental Post Caps and Balustershomeowners who like a wood look but desire a more stable railing material for varying weather conditions. Composite deck railing, available in a variety of colors, is usually made from a mixture of plastic (virgin and/or recycled) and wood flour material that typically last much longer than standard lumber railing. Composite decking railing should not split, warp, rot or become infested with insects. Most composite deck railings are sold in matching railing kits that allow you to mix and match with ornamental baluster styles to accentuate your outdoor living space and your home’s architectural style.

Vinyl Deck Railing
Latitudes Luster RailingVinyl railing, like Latitudes Luster railing, is a durable, ultra low-maintenance option that stands the test of time. Vinyl deck railing is resistant to scratching, fading, insect infestations and cracking, and stands up well in extreme conditions. Vinyl railing can also be purchased in kits and is one of the more expensive railing options on the market.

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Outdoor Furniture 101

We were recently on House and Home and discovered some great tips on how to select the perfect outdoor furniture set for your backyard.  When choosing an outdoor furniture set you need to consider all the options and your climate.  Do you want something that is more durable than most?  Do you want to purchase [...]

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Great Ideas for your Deck Decor!

One big mistake that homeowners often commit is over-looking their decks and patios.  Decks are very important to the design of a home.  You should think of your deck or patio as another room in your home, just outdoors.  Adding some visual appeal to your deck can tremendously increase your backyard experience!
Midwest Living created “10 [...]

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How to install Deckorators recessed LED deck lighting

New outdoor deck lighting installation video from Deckorators, the leader in deck railing accessories. Deckorator’s elegant low voltage, recessed LED deck lighting kit helps create an inviting environment on both wood decks and synthetic decks.

 

 

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Benefits of LED deck lighting

Outdoor LED deck lighting offers several benefits. LED lighting improves visibility on and around the deck or patio, provides aesthetic benefits and uses less electricity than traditional wired deck lighting. Since LED deck lighting is low voltage, it’s a great way to make your deck area more functionalDeckorators LED low voltage deck lights without having to incur outrageous electricity costs. Most importantly, deck lighting helps to comply with various local building codes and reduce potential trip hazards.

There are many additional benefits that come along with installing deck lighting. Installing deck lighting allows you to showcase your treated wood deck or composite deck to its best advantage. LED deck lights are the perfect application for highlighting specific areas on your deck such as stairs near or on pool decks, by hot tubs and around fountains or statues as well as other deck features.

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