Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad ponders the question: Build a new deck or re-deck?

Would it be better to build a new deck or redo your existing deck with new decking boards?

Now is the time of year we imagine ourselves outdoors, whether on a new deck or an existing outdoor living space. Springtime is often the time of year we consider home upgrades. After all, it’s the time of year our porches, decks, and patios will be put to the test. Homeowners want an outdoor living space that is packed with functionality and style, but have you considered whether your deck is structurally sound?

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Beautiful new deck by Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad

Building a New Deck vs. Deck Renovation

Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad takes all your existing deck circumstances into consideration when evaluating whether it is a good candidate for re-decking. We consider the age and structural integrity of your deck before deciding whether a new deck or deck renovation is the better course of action. Other High Point deck builders will meet with a client and automatically suggest new deck construction. Our deck safety inspection offers homeowners a professional inspection during which we will determine whether a new deck is necessary.

What does a deck safety inspection include?

We will check all existing decking boards and scrutinize hardware and connectors, noting their condition. We will evaluate the structural framework of your deck, including posts and joists. Additionally, we will inspect the deck’s attachment to the home, as well as the foundation, footings, railing and deck exits.

Redeck Archadeck of the Piedmont triad
Re-decking may be a viable option for you if your decking framework is structurally sound.

During this deck safety inspection, we will discuss necessary updates, as well as your desires. If your deck is in good structural condition, perhaps you only wish to upgrade your decking boards to a composite material. Or you might consider upgrading your deck railing. Updated deck railings can really improve the look and function of your existing deck. If the configuration of your deck is the issue, we can often move stairs to a more desirable location. We can expand your deck’s footprint, and eve add more stairs. We can even convert your stair to bench steps to add extra seating. Finishing touches, such as deck lighting will also improve the safety of your deck, and provide ambiance to boot.

Long for the low maintenance of composite decking?

Azek decking with floating bench
Custom features such as this floating bench design make your deck a true outdoor living room.

If you long for low maintenance, we can replace your existing deck with a composite deck. If your deck is structurally sound, simply replacing the decking boards using the existing footprint and framework that you have may be a viable  and more affordable option. There are many low maintenance decking brands to choose from such as TimberTech AZEK and Trex. We’ve had great success with these composite brands over the years. There are also many grades of low maintenance decking to choose from including solid PVC, synthetic, composite and capstock. Each of these types include many color and finish choices and are made to suit nearly any budget and design taste. Having a low maintenance deck, whether we build it from scratch or just replace your decking boards, will deliver a deck that will look and function beautifully for many years to come.

Get more room with a deck expansion.

Composite deck with custom rail
Synthetic decks such as composite and PVC require less maintenance than a wooden deck.

When more room is needed, expanding your deck space might work. If you are adding onto your deck with a different building medium we can also re-deck the older deck to ensure both decks match.

Looking for a Greensboro, High Point, or Winston Salem deck builder? Choose Archadeck.

Whatever you envision as the deck of your dreams Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad can bring them to life. Perhaps the deck you always imagined is closer at hand and more affordable to achieve than you think. Get in touch with us for a complimentary deck design consultation at (336) 664 – 1332 or email us at piedmonttriad@archadeck.net .

Also read: When is the best time of year to build your deck?

Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad proves that a pergola is more than just another pretty face

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The Greensboro, NC pergola provides beauty and ample shade to this sunny patio while still allowing light flow into the interior space through the windows.

No one can deny the charm that adding a pergola to your property will provide. Pergolas can serve a plethora of uses and have recently become even more popular because of their versatility. Pergolas come in all shapes and sizes and can play a number of roles within the landscape or as an outdoor living shade structure. In a recent article by Better Homes and Gardens the pergola is featured in over half of the  top10 ways listed to create a backyard getaway. From ensuring privacy within your outdoor space to dressing up your deck, pergolas score high on the outdoor living report card. Among the highest on the list is the way pergolas can serve as a beneficial shade structure.

A pergola used as a patio cover, or cover for a porch has in itself much potential to offer shade depending on the distance between the cross beams that cover the upper portion of the pergola. The construction of the pergola can be made more conducive to providing shade through the spacing between the cross beams located atop the pergola and by using wider rafters in the pergola design. The closer the beams are set, or the wider the rafters, the more sun protection your pergola will offer. All of these factors are influenced by the intended placement of your pergola in correlation to the direction and amount of sunlight your location receives. Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad offers many ways a pergola owner can increase the sun protection while keeping the original design of your pergola intact. These include using curtains made from weather resistant plastic, awnings, shade fabric built into the roof of the pergola, and even drop down weighted blinds. Blinds are a viable option when your pergola receives little morning sun but heats up quickly during the heat of the afternoon. We have many options available which can be customized to deliver the most shade and comfort to your pergola addition

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This Piedmont Triad shade pergola design includes decorative columns and a color coordinated palette to match the existing home.

Pergolas also provide a huge benefit for homeowners in search of a shade structure that will still allow sunlight to penetrate their interior living spaces. Loss of light is a concern for homeowners when considering adding a covered porch or outdoor room addition. Roofed structures don’t allow as much sunshine into your interior living spaces as does a pergola which can enhance the mood and flow within your home. The pergola’s ability to allow sun to flow freely into your home will also influence your heating and cooling costs throughout the season and especially in the winter.

Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad shade pergolas
This pergola serves as a patio cover and features brick columns for a light and airy design.

Never forget the aesthetic impact a pergola addition can add to your home. A pergola simply looks good added to a house, and the design choices are endless. You can use columns in your pergola design to match existing columns on your existing home, and even incorporate your brick into the columns for your pergola. Pergolas also  allow design freedom because you can mix mediums in your design and create an eclectic space when creating your unique addition. This added beauty will become an asset to your home. In some cases an attached pergola will add square footage to your home’s municipal tax base adding monetary value to your home.

Today’s Piedmont Triad pergola can also be designed to include all the creature comforts you crave in your outdoor space. Your pergola can be built to include ceiling fans, outdoor lighting and even sound systems among the many outdoor comfort features we can include in your design. The possibilities of modern pergola design are only as endless as your imagination.

To learn more about our unique and beneficial pergola designs, contact Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad today. Call us today for a free consultation (336) 664 – 1332
piedmonttriad@archadeck.net

Greensboro Deck & 3-Season Room Add Cozy Charm to Sunset Hills Bungalow Backyard

This beautiful 3-season room and deck project in Greensboro, NC is located in the relaxed community of brick bungalows in Sunset Hills.

Sunset Hills 3-season room by Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad
This lovely 3-season room and deck addition in Sunset Hills adds charm, beauty and function to this backyard.

When we initially met the homeowners, their only outdoor living space consisted of a worn out deck. The deck was located on the rear of the home and was covered in moss, looking much  worse for wear. After consulting with several other contractors, the homeowners called us. Their objective was to transform their backyard with a new deck and a 3-season porch. The obstacle was that they had a large oak tree sitting in the middle of the space where they wanted to build. They didn’t want to remove the tree and they were looking for a contractor that could work with the tree. Other contractors told them it had to come down to build their outdoor space. Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad designed a space that would save the tree and fulfill their wishes to save the old majestic oak.

Sunset Hills before
Backyard before we began the project. Notice the majestic old oak tree.

The reasons the homeowners wanted to save the aged oak tree were twofold. One, the tree served a dual purpose of providing shade and adding charm to the backyard. The other reason was cutting the old giant down would be costly with a price tag of $8,000. We were able to take all these factors into consideration when we designed their new outdoor space.

Greensboro 3-Season Room Adds Beauty and Function

Greensboro NC 3 and 4 season room builder -
Notice how the new design incorporates the majestic oak an an aesthetic feature of the new space.

Our design began with a 3-season room complete with aluminum framed, vinyl glazed windows. The choice to use this window system took the space from a screened porch to a room they could use for extended outdoor living. The 3-season windows allow the homeowner to choose how much protection they want in their space. This innovative system consists of high quality vinyl glazed windows on a convenient sliding panel system. The sliding panels allow homeowner’s to utilize as much or as little window as they want, allowing them to take advantage of fresh air on a hot day or slide all the windows into place for protection on a cooler day. The addition of these 3-season windows brings versatility to many outdoor room designs.

A Greensboro NC Deck Design with Purpose

Part of the design of this space includes a bridge walkway that begins at the door of the 3-season room. This walkway was designed with the purpose of saving the oak tree. It extends 7 feet past the tree to the newly designed deck.

Greensboro NC 3 season room with stamped patio
We added square footage to extend the existing patio, and installed a new stamped concrete patio with brick border to tie all the design elements together.

An existing patio increases the outdoor living area, which we extended and added stamped concrete. The 3-season room also includes a cozy electric fireplace. The space is built with both safety and beauty in mind.  The interior walls and ceiling are covered in stain-grade Ply-Bead and the outside is finished with cement lap siding, which ties into the existing house. The window frames are white, which contrasts beautifully with the beaded Ply-Bead.

Greensboro deck,patio and outdoor room combinations
This backyard is improved with three distinct living spaces, beautifully and thoughtfully planned to accommodate the homeowners’ needs.

The Greensboro, NC homeowners are elated with their new space. Where other contractors did not want to take the time or make the effort to incorporate the tree into the final plan, we did! The moral is to never settle for second best in your outdoor living space. Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad will make every effort to make your vision work. We specialize in designing creative ways to address unusual circumstances and challenges.

Contact Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad today to learn more about our unique outdoor living structures and how we can enhance your lifestyle and your backyard at the same time. Call us today for a free consultation (336) 664 – 1332 or email us at piedmonttriad@archadeck.net.

Also read: 3-Season Room Builder Shares Value of Custom vs. Kit

Greensboro NC 3-Season Room Does Triple Duty

This Greensboro NC 3-season room by Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad provides triple the function and pleasure to these satisfied clients.

What is your ideal outdoor room? Many structures can serve the purpose of an outdoor room, but our 3-season outdoor rooms are preferred throughout the Greensboro area. That’s because multi-season spaces are perfectly suited for our climate. It’s also because our outdoor room designs are beautiful and high quality. This three-season room in Northwest Greensboro is the epitome of what an outdoor room should be.

Greensboro NC 3-season room
This Greensboro NC 3-season room adds character and fluidity to the rear of the home.

A New 3-Season Space for Transplants from a 4-Season Locale

These new homeowners had very recently transferred to North Carolina from Florida. Their vision was a space that completed the look of the back of home and maintained the structural and aesthetic integrity of the existing space. They also wished for a protected space, which allowed them flexibility of use throughout the year. This 3-season room will protect them from insects and inclement weather when needed. On warm days, they can open the windows for fresh air and sunshine.

Greensboro 3 and 4 season rooms
Beaded vinyl walls and aluminum windows and frames make this outdoor space a low-maintenance dream.

A New Roof Design to Accommodate the Existing Roofs

The home’s twin gables presented a challenge for this project. Our final gable roof design flows effortlessly with the lines and details of the existing home, and even appears to be original to the home. The use of the gable roof offers fluidity in the overall design and adds loads of character to the rear of the home.

NW Greensboro 3 season rooms
The existing porch and twin gables presented an interesting challenge to overcome.

We finished the space with low-maintenance materials, such as beaded vinyl walls and aluminum doors and frames. These will greatly diminish maintenance requirements. This means these clients will spend more time enjoying their 3-season room than working to maintain it. The interior also boasts ceiling fans for added comfort while the homeowner’s enjoy their space.

This Greensboro NC 3-season room provides the perfect spot for these homeowners to relax or entertain. Their new outdoor room can be used for most of the year in North Carolina. They can extend their time with a space heater if they wish to use the space on cold days. Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad has brought the outdoors to them.

Trust the Experienced 3-Season Room Builders at Archadeck for Your Outdoor Room

Your ideal outdoor living room awaits! If you long for a custom outdoor space for your family, friends, and guests to enjoy, Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad can help. Our experienced team is ready plan, design and build the perfect outdoor room for your home and lifestyle.

Contact us for a free consultation today (336) 664 – 1332
piedmonttriad@archadeck.net.

Also read: What do you call an outdoor living room?

Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad reminds you that deck safety is no accident

Piedmont triad deck safety
Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad reminds you that deck safety is no accident.

If you are one of the 40 million homeowners in the United States that are still using a deck that is over 20 years old it is time to take a step back and assess the general safety of your deck. According to NADRA, The North American Deck and Railing Association, deck failures that result in injury are increasing at an alarming rate. Most of the reason for this is the number of decks still standing that are over 20 years old and in dire need of retirement. Outdoor living trends began to escalate during the mid-1980’s and as a result homes were almost always built with a deck. The most prevalent material used on all those decks was pressure treated lumber. Without regular maintenance, pressure treated wood will rot, cup, warp, split and become a dangerous liability for you and your family. A deck that is in bad shape is like a house or cards. You never know which time or event will push your tired deck over the edge resulting in a failure. Though a deck may look alright from the top, the skeleton of your deck is the glue that holds it all together. When one part of your deck’s substructure begins to fail, it is only a matter of time before other problems arise. Many of these problems go unnoticed because they involve the portion of the deck that most homeowners rarely see on a regular basis.

Azek deck with floating benches
Azek deck with floating benches

To ensure your deck is safe and structurally sound Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad urges you to have a licensed deck professional thoroughly inspect your deck.  As a proud participant in the Archadeck “Be Safer” deck safety program we also recommend that you follow a few tips and suggestions on the home front to make sure your deck is safe.

  • Check the decking boards – over time most wood decks will show some cracks and splits, the main concern with the decking boards is splintering and rotting. A deck that is not safe to walk on is a safety hazard.
  • Check the connections – a properly constructed deck is built with fasteners and other metal hardware connectors to make your deck stable from the bottom up. Check the fasteners to make sure they are in good working order, or are in need of replacement. You would be surprised at the calls we get from homeowners whose deck is missing pieces of vital hardware that were never properly installed when the deck was initially built.
  • Check the structure – check the posts, beams and joists if visible for inconsistencies. Check to see if there is any noticeable sagging between any of the supports.
  • Check the attachment to your home – the area where the deck attaches to your home is called the house band and this is where most deck failures can occur. Inspect this portion of the deck to make sure all screws and bolts are present, nails should never be used in the house band. Upon inspection also make sure the area is flashed properly to aid in water protection from this important connection site.
  • Check the foundation and footings – foundations and footings are important because they support the weight of the deck. A sinking footing can cause a dangerous separation of a column from a beam and must be addressed immediately.
  • Check the exits – check the stairs that are used for exits from your deck, make sure they are in good working order and structurally sound. It is very possible to have a deck that is sound only to have a rotting staircase that could endanger you and your guests upon entry and exit to your deck.
  • Check the rails– always make sure the railing is secure and that the pickets and balusters are fastened properly. Keep in mind code dictates that rails should be spaced no more than four inches apart, a deck with non-conforming railing is a danger because small children and even pets can sometimes fall through the railing and get hurt.

    Composite deck with custom rail
    Synthetic decks such as composite and PVC require less maintenance than a wooden deck.

Within a six-year period in the U.S., 33 people were killed from deck failures and 1,122 were injured. Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad offers a thorough deck safety inspection for a modest fee. We can also provide a free consultation on what would be involved with replacing your deck with an updated design that meets or exceeds all building code requirements and complements your outdoor living objectives. When it comes to keeping you and your family safe from a deck disaster, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Contact us to schedule your deck safety inspection today. Instilling the expertise of one of our deck experts will give you peace of mind in knowing you can enjoy your deck this season without worry. (336) 664 – 1332
piedmonttriad@archadeck.net

Winston Salem gazebo taking shape

One of the reasons I love being a builder is watching projects take shape from the first design meeting through to the finishing detail. During the design planning, we listen to the homeowners’ wants and desires and translate those into structures and roof shapes, materials and finishes. When we hear things like “I don’t want to paint and stain every year”, we begin to think about the myriad of synthetic materials that are available and which best fit the homeowners’ aesthetic and functional needs. When we hear things like “We want a bright and airy room”, we begin to think about roof shapes, open gables, room positioning on the house and possibly skylights.

Looking for a Deck Builder Winston Salem?  Call Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad!

AZEK Morado deck Greensboro Triad NC Archadeck
This deck in Winston Salem is being built with AZEK Morado PVC decking for the ultimate in performance and low maintenance.

This project in Winston Salem’s Buena Vista is just beginning to take shape so you can see how it’s coming together. These homeowners were looking for an elevated gazebo so they could enjoy the view of their backyard while enjoying relief from the sun. They wanted low maintenance materials so they can clean up easily with water or soap and water. Their new deck that also runs under the gazebo is made of AZEK Morado. AZEK is a PVC decking board that has all the performance characteristics of composite decking but in addition will not fade or stain. The Morado color is very popular because of its warm chestnut color.

As this project is in construction, the gazebo and rails are not yet in place. The rails will be powder coated aluminum and the gazebo columns will also be wrapped in a low maintenance material.

One thing you will note from this picture is the varying direction of decking boards. There are a few reasons why we do this. One reason is it adds a great deal of visual interest. In addition, there is a constraint to the length of decking boards. If you close your eyes, you can conjure up a vision of where decking boards are laid end to end leaving an unsightly gap where one board ends and the next begins. A creative solution for abutting boards end to end when one board isn’t long enough is to use what’s called a parting board. You can see a parting board in the forefront of the picture to the right. The parting board separates boards where they would come together in a beautiful and visually interesting way.

2nd story AZEK gazebo Greensboro Winston Salem High Point
This second story gazebo is coming into shape

In this next in-progress picture, you’ll see the way the octagonal structure is coming together. The gazebo shape is carried through on both levels and the gazebo will be situated under the vaulted roof on the second story. In this picture you can also see the beautiful warm chestnut brown color of the AZEK decking.

This project is nearing completion and I look forward to sharing the finished pictures as soon as we’re done.

Hire an experienced deck builder for your Winston Salem home!

If you’re considering adding an outdoor living area to your home, give us a call for a free consultation. We’ve been building decks, porches, outdoor rooms, pergolas, gazebos, pergolas and other outdoor living areas in the Greensboro/Winston Salem/High Point area now for over 20 years. That experience goes a long way both in tested and true design ideas and also in giving you confidence that you’re choosing a builder that will still being in business long after the economy improves.

Another important reason to choose Archadeck is our warranty. Not only do we guarantee project completion, we also provide one of the top warranties in the industry.

Give us a call today for your free consultation at (336) 664 – 1332 or send us an email at piedmonttriad@archadeck.net.

Visit our website for literally hundreds of pictures of our work in the Piedmont Triad area. We look forward to your call.

The deck is the glue that holds your outdoor living area together

When you imagine the perfect outdoor living structure what comes to mind?

Do you think of only a deck? Most would agree that no backyard is complete without a one. Decks have been around a long time. They have become the epicenter of spending time with family and friends. Decks have the capability to transform your mood and offer a place to relax and rewind.

Have your deck and screen porch too!
This deck and screen porch create an outdoor living oasis.

What if we told you that decks are more often a part of a multi-space outdoor living design?

Most of our customers opt to build decks with other outdoor living structures such as porches, patios, and even pergolas. For example, a screened-in porch, like the one above, wouldn’t be complete without a deck to spill onto for grilling out. A pergola looks perfect paired on a deck to offer shade on a hot sunny day. We build custom decks using a myriad of materials based on what fits with your individual needs but one material that is perennially popular is composite or synthetic decking.

Composite decks in Greensboro are here to stay.

TimberTech AZEK composite deck with floating bench
Custom features such as this floating bench design make your deck a true outdoor living room.

Composites come in all grades, colors, and price ranges. Tried and true is AZEK composite decking. AZEK is made from cellular PVC material and stands the test of time. It resists scratching, stains, splitting, is mold and mildew resistant and resists insects that can invade wood decks and destroy them. Their color choices are vast and they even make railing that is designed to complement your deck perfectly. It is also backed by some of the most comprehensive warranty in the industry.

Save on your deck construction project with a deck renovation.

Azek deck with aluminum picket rail
This AZEK deck with aluminum picket rail is a beauty to behold, and enjoy.

You may feel like composite is out of your reach because of the cost. Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad wants you to know that if your existing deck is structurally sound adding a low-maintenance material when re-decking, refurbishing or upgrading your deck may be more economical than you might think. The payback in the long run to using a material such as AZEK pays for itself quickly without the added cost of replacing boards and painting. With a composite or cellular PVC deck from us you will be sitting pretty on a beautiful, low-maintenance deck for many years ahead.

Deck Builders in Greensboro NC Since 1991

Contact Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad to learn more about our incredible outdoor living designs. We have been in business for since 1991, and have the expertise to make sure your backyard is your own outdoor oasis.

Call today for a free consultation : (336) 664 – 1332
piedmonttriad@archadeck.net

Also read: Can I add a screen porch to my existing deck?

Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad explores the many facets of the pergola

archadeck greensboro winston salem white pergola
This octagonal white pergola in Winston Salem, NC features roman columns and delivers an elegance into this unique design.

Pergolas have been around for many hundreds of years. We can trace the origins of the pergola all the way back to the 1654 when it was borrowed from the Italian word, pergula, meaning a projected eave. Of course, the Italians were assumed to use the pergola from a functional standpoint for growing grapes and other climbing vegetation. The modern pergola has moved out of the vineyards and into the backyard as an elemental design piece that is not only beautiful but also multi-functional.

Pergolas come in all shapes and sizes and can be built from many different materials. They can be outfitted with accoutrements such as hammocks, benches, and even swings as well as wired for a ceiling fan or even speakers. It’s also a great shade structure. We can even install a tinted polycarbonate to further block the suns harmful rays, if these are installed on a slight slant they will allow water to drain properly.

archadeck-greensboro-shade-pergoa
A fine example of what a chameleon the pergola can be, here in Greensboro it serves as a patio cover offering shade and solitude.

Another innovative use is the pergola that doubles as a stylish patio cover or deck cover. This adds not only charm and beauty and function to your deck or patio, it offers shade and sun protection as well. Depending on how closely the upper portioned slats are constructed will determine how much of each the pergola will offer. the pergola also makes a perfect companion spa or poolside and offers a certain degree of privacy within the structures individual design. As you can see, the list of function the pergola can serve homeowners in their backyards is endless.

The posts of the pergola can even be decorative or wrapped to match the architecture and style of your home. This ensures a one of kind pergola custom-built just for you

greensboro winston salem archadeck deorative free standing pergola
This freestanding pergola is the perfect spot to take in the beauty of nature with someone you love.

Pergolas are a cost-effective way to add character, style and function to your yard. Contact Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad to learn more about our stunning custom pergola designs today. Call for a free consultation: (336) 664 – 1332 piedmonttriad@archadeck.net

March is the time to prepare for outdoor living!

The month of March;  when March comes in like a lion it goes out like a lamb, mad as a March hare, beware the ides of March, March madness and my favorite March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers.   Almost everyone is ready to celebrate the arrival of Spring on March 20 and we at Archadeck are ready to help you get that great outdoor structure you need to make sure you get the most out the beautiful spring and summer days that lie ahead.

Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad is your choice Winston Salem and Greensboro area deck builder.

Archadeck can help you in a variety ways.  We custom design and custom build.  We can help you get some shade with one of our pergolas.  Stay away from the pesky bugs with a screened porch.  Replace that tired old deck with a new one build out of a variety of choices such as composites or tropical hardwoods.  Jazz up your deck with custom rails, benches and planters.  We also can add a patio with an outdoor kitchen.  How about waterproofing the underside of your current deck and making it in to a screened room?  There are numerous options and our designers are ready to help you realize your dream for more outdoor living.

Let’s get started soon so we can help you  be ready to relax and enjoy the great outside.  Contact us and one of our design consultants will be happy to work with you and yours to get your outdoor dream realized. We will look forward to hearing from you soon.

September and Fall Outdoor Living.

Supposedly the calendar reads September but with exception of the cooler nights and the yellowing of the poor trees looking for a little rain not much seems to have changed weather wise.  Yet we are only 1 week away from the official Autumnal Equinox.  This started me musing about the equinoxes both Spring and Fall and that twice yearly 24 hour span of equal amount of  night and day.  In Autumn the days then become shorter and obviously the nights become longer. There are lots of folks who begin to vocally dread the coming of fall and then worst winter; perhaps they are thinking of being trapped indoors in the colder months. I, however, embrace the beginning of the shorter days for many reasons; the sky is much bluer with wispy clouds and cool breezes.  Mother Nature starts her last arboreal fashion show with all the gorgeous yellows, oranges, and reds she will dress her tree children in.  Sunsets are stunning in the fall, the best of the year, and the night stars seem to twinkle and sparkle with glee.

There is still plenty of time for outdoor living this year.  We humans have become oh so inventive and creative with all things to keep us warm and cozy outside on chilly nights.  Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, chimineas, and decorative propane table top heaters all add warmth to the surroundings.  Lots of options exist for specialized outdoor lighting.  The list goes on and for all the ways you can continue to experience the glorious days remain this year.

The also good news is if you have a deck, screened porch, covered porch, pergola with a polycarbonate roof or sunroom you can make it cool weather ready with the addition of some type of heater and enjoy in the fall.  Plus there is an added bonus in it is much easier to sweep those leaves rather that rake then.  More time to enjoy outdoor living.  See you on the deck  looking at that amazing sunset.