11 The Hidden Dangers of Old Garage Doors Jammer Doors discusses the potential safety risks with older garage door systems.
12 Pool-Proof Summer Fun
Before you add a pool to your backyard oasis, there are things to consider to maximize enjoyment.
19 Built to Last Exteriors by Global Home and James Hardie offer siding solutions that stand the test of time.
20 Be Inspired! Sequoia Outback helps turn backyard dreams into a reality.
22 House & Home Annual Landscape Directory Sponsored by Architectural Concrete Design
27 Improve Your Landscape Drainage Nickett Landscaping offers homeowners peace of mind.
28 Extended Relaxation How modern deck designs are bringing the comforts of home to outdoor spaces.
PUBLISHER
Edward P. McCartney
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Peter Proko
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Hank Alspach
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Brian Mikulski
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Eileen Pullia, Lisa Zollinger
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Darlene Versak
SALES DIRECTOR
Lindsay Gonzalez
SALES MANAGER
Jim Romano
NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPER
Chuck McKane
MARKETING CONSULTANTS
Nicole Corabi, Kristine Di Nardo, Rochelle Dodge, Lori Vorgang, Amy B. Weiss
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Max Haggerty
STAFF ACCOUNTANT
Karmal Pritchett
DIGITAL MEDIA DIRECTOR
Leigh Stuart
PUBLISHER EMERITUS
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EXECUTIVE PARTNERS
Gerry Haggerty, Edward P. McCartney
HOUSE & HOME
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Doors, garage doors and windows can make a huge impact on not only both the external and internal appearance of a home, but also its overall safety as well. Having been in business for more than a century, the folks at Jammer Doors are more aware of this than most.
The Hidden Dangers of Older Garage Doors
Jammer Doors has been in the same family for 106 years, and wants homeowners to be aware of the potential safety risks of older garage door systems.
Founded in 1920 by Laura and Louis Jammer, Jammer Doors has evolved in the more than 100 years it has been in operation, starting out as a weather stripping company and growing to include garage door sales and maintenance.
“It’s been in our family for 106 years. It started out as a weather stripping company in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, and then they started selling and servicing garage doors. That morphed to entry doors, windows and storm doors, patio doors, and to what it is now,” says Sarah Jammer, a member of the family who works in the business.
Most recently, in October of last year, the company opened a 5,000-square-foot showroom in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, allowing customers to make an informed choice on what materials and designs they are selecting for their home.
“Customers can come see full-sized operating garage doors, operating entry doors, windows and more. [There is] a whole bunch of products, so that way they can really get involved and see what we are offering to help with their decision making in picking out a door that fits their home,” says Jammer. Besides offering the products and materials needed for updating windows and doors, they also have employees staffed to help with installation, repairs, maintenance and replacements. All of the technicians are trained, hired and kept in-house, meaning that Jammer never has to use any outside
By Abigail Twiford
contractors to get their products into homes.
“We use no subcontractors, and that’s something that we really like. We’re really proud of that.
We know that our customers are getting somebody trustworthy and reliable they can depend on, because we depend and rely on them,” says Jammer.
For repair and maintenance services, all technicians are also certified by the garage door manufacturers they sell, in order to further offer reliable service to customers.
Jammer Doors also highlights the importance of having these technicians on hand for repairs, especially for older garage doors, due to the dangers these dated models can pose, many of which homeowners don’t even realize.
For those with photo safety sensors especially, sensors can break, stop working at the bottom, become misaligned or dirty, or fail for any number of reasons, leading to the door potentially shutting on something it’s not supposed to.
“They’re there to make sure that nothing is in the way when the door is shutting, so gosh forbid, there was a person underneath it, or a car or an expensive item. The door could shut on that, so the outdated safety sensors can cause a risk,” says Jammer.
Springs can become fatigued, weaken and eventually break, which can make the door drop quickly and unexpectedly, make it very difficult to open, or make the door become
misaligned, uneven or slip off its track, presenting further safety issues.
In order to prevent these dangers in the homes of their customers, Jammer Doors encourages those with garage doors of any age or type to get routine maintenance done at least annually, if not every six months.
“We always recommend annual preventative maintenance, and that way it kind of just stretches out the longevity of the door and operator, so that way you’re not having to replace either your operator or garage door earlier,” says Jammer.
Jammer also mentions that it’s important for homeowners to know what can be repaired and what needs to be entirely replaced in a garage door system.
“If you’re replacing the same type of item on the garage door more frequently, if your operator doesn’t have safety sensors at the bottom, that’s something that should definitely be upgraded and replaced rather than just repaired. It’s actually something that we don’t repair because of the safety issues,” says Jammer. “And if you’re replacing something keeps breaking, when does it get to a point where it would be financially more beneficial to get a new system.”
Jammer Doors looks forward to continuing to serve the community and provide a range of services to its customers just as it has for the last century.
“The 106 years we’ve been in business as a reputable company, that’s something that we’re very proud of,” says Jammer.
Pool-Proof Summer Fun
Before homeowners put in a pool, there are many details of the design and installation that have to be pondered.
By Abigail Twiford
Swimming in a backyard pool is one of the quintessential summer activities for kids and adults alike. A swimming pool can create a centerpiece for homeowners to entertain around, giving families, friends and neighbors a convenient way to gather for summer events.
As several homeowners may be considering taking the plunge and adding a pool, there are multiple factors that need to be taken into consideration before they can officially dive in.
Besides the pool itself, many people try to create a cohesive outdoor space with features like outdoor kitchens, patios or decks.
“When homeowners talk to us about adding a pool, the conversation almost always comes back to the same thing: They want to create space in their backyard where their family can actually spend time together and truly relax. …. They want a place where everyone naturally gathers and enjoys each other,” says Andy Bari, owner of Westrock Pool & Spa.
That’s why it’s important that homeowners consider their lifestyle and how they envision the pool becoming part of the equation. This gives contractors a better idea of how the pool design will complement the backyard layout to ensure the best longterm result.
Other key factors to take into consideration include both budget as well as what state and local regulations are in place.
“In New Jersey, there’s a lot of impervious restrictions where you can only have a certain percentage of your property covered by something that water doesn’t penetrate, like your concrete walkway. We run into a lot of times where people can’t do everything they’re looking for because the town won’t allow them to. But if they have the budget and they have the coverage, it’s very popular for people to [add] outdoor
kitchens, pergolas, fire pits or grottoes,” says Derek C. Blasker, owner, Pool Designs.
The shape, size and style of pool also impact the budget, as well as being subject to different trends as things ebb and flow in and out of fashion. Semi-inground pools, installed mostly below ground and partially above, can reduce the price of a project by up to 50% of the cost of a fully inground pool.
Sport and cocktail plunge pools are also rising in popularity. Sport pools give families, especially those with young children who may not yet be able to safely swim on their own, a wide, open play area with water depths ranging from three-and-a-half to no more than six feet. Cocktail plunge pools are smaller and more intimate bodies of water that work well for cooling down, sitting with friends or lounging on a pool float.
As for shape, according to Dominic DiCesare, general manager of Blue Haven Pools & Spas by Calvitti, rectangular pools have been making a splash as of late.
“We see that everybody’s looking for more of that rectangular looking pool. … We still do a fair amount of free forms, it depends on the yard, but the trend seems to be more rectangular pools now,” says DiCesare.
Trends in the finishes of pools have also changed, with more homeowners opting for a higher-end look.
“We’re seeing a lot of clean, modern designs with geometric shapes, darker finishes and integrated spas,” says Sam Waddell, owner of SLS Landscaping, Inc.
Keeping pool water clean and clear is no easy task,
meaning the sanitation system chosen is one of the most important factors when considering a pool. While manually added chlorine is the traditional method, saltwater pools has been the most popular option, being easier on the skin and eyes, and requiring less overall maintenance.
“Saltwater pools are still very popular because they’re easier on the skin and require less maintenance. That said, we guide clients based on their preferences and how they plan to use the pool,”
says Waddell.
Other systems and methods that are becoming increasingly popular are ozone systems and UV light, with ozone allowing for less chlorine due to the oxygenation of the water, while UV’s ability to kill bacteria itself allows for a reduction in needed chlorine as well.
“We’ve been installing saltwater systems for the last 10-plus years. It’s still chlorine (generated from salt and electricity), but the water feels soft and silky on your skin—
no more red eyes or dry skin. We also add ozone systems that oxygenate the water and dramatically reduce the amount of chlorine you actually need, keeping everything crystal clear and healthy,” says Bari.
Accessories, both necessary and luxury, are a major part of any discussion around adding a pool to a home’s backyard. Lights and heaters ensure the pool remains comfortable and safe while actively in use, while a safety cover keeps people and pets safe
during the off season.
“A safety cover is generally a must have, especially when you have a large portion of your backyard that’s a pool. If it’s snowing outside, you can’t see the difference. If you have pets that are going to run out into the yard, they’re not going to know where the pool and the cover are, you would want to have a safety cover there so that they don’t fall in,” says Blasker.
Some of these accessories can add significantly to the
price of the project, like stormwater management systems which ensure rain runoff does not damage the structure of the pool, flush debris into it or raise the water level, potentially adding anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 to the project.
“You have to get an engineer involved to get the whole thing started. So they’re spending money, and they may not be able to get what they want based on the town they live in. It makes it a little more challenging to educate the customer on what they could do in their backyard,” says DiCesare.
However, this additional cost helps to reduce the risk of needing expensive repairs or replacements down the line, protecting the investment.
Accessories can also add to the luxury and convenience of the pool area, even if they are not necessities. Automated cleaners give owners an easy, low-maintenance way to keep the pool clean. Sun decks or tanning ledges, bubblers, water features like waterfalls, built-in benches and therapy jets allow for a more resort-like backyard
environment and offer more ways to relax while spending time with family and friends.
Homeowners should also take into account not only what design and features they would like in their pool, but also be careful in choosing a reliable contractor who has the skills to install the pool fully and correctly.
“Find someone that has the experience, get the references and look at their reviews. Make sure that they’re going to come back and finish the job. Never give them all the money on the first day. There’s a lot of trust involved, and you need to trust who you’re dealing with,” says Blasker.
RESOURCES
Blue Haven Pools & Spas NE, By Calvitti Hatfield, Pa. (215) 996-0660
BlueHaven.com
Pool Designs Hamilton, N.J. (609) 257-2279
PoolInADay.com
SLS Landscaping, Inc.
Lumberton, N.J. (609) 518-5263
SLSLandscape.com
Westrock Pool & Spa
Nanuet, N.Y. (845) 623-3844
WestrockPools.com
Built to Last
Exteriors by Global Home and James Hardie combine to provide homeowners with siding solutions that look great and stand the test of time.
When Exteriors by Global Home was founded 25-plus years ago, the company set out to work with only the best manufacturers in the industry. Whether homeowners are investing in roofing, windows, siding or gutters, they can rest assured that Exteriors by Global Home stands behind the products they install.
Over the course of the two decades Exteriors by Global Home has been in business, one manufacturer has stood above the rest: James Hardie Siding. Built for real protection, not just looks, James Hardie Siding is engineered to handle everything your home faces. This is especially important in the Northeast, where homes deal with humidity, freezing winters and temperature swings.
“You’re not just upgrading appearance— you’re protecting your home long-term,” says Adam Parnes, marketing director.
The fiber cement siding that James Hardie produces gives homeowners the look of real wood without the maintenance. In addition to the authentic wood-grain texture, the siding’s long-lasting ColorPlus® factory finishes resist chipping and fading. What’s more, there’s a wide range of styles available from lap, shingle, and board and batten.
Recently, Exteriors by Global Home was named a 2025 James Hardie ALLIANCE President’s Club Award winner as well as a James Hardie Service Excellence Award recipient—a rare and elite dual honor that places the company among the top James Hardie siding contractors nationwide.
“With this dual recognition, Exteriors by Global Home stands out as one of the most trusted, capable and highly rated James Hardie dealers serving New Jersey and Pennsylvania,” says Parnes. “Homeowners searching for the best James Hardie siding installer can choose with confidence—backed not just by product excellence but by proven performance and satisfaction documented by James Hardie itself.”
Why James Hardie is leading the way
Beautiful siding can enhance curb appeal and reflect a homeowner’s style. Here are some of the ways James Hardie siding is helping to set the trends.
Wood look without the maintenance. Homeowners want warmth and durability and James Hardie’s new TimberHue collection delivers a look that mimics cedar or oak, but without rot, fire risk or the need to repaint.
Bolder exterior style. People who want their home to stand out are opting for styles that pope. One popular choice is board and batten which is versatile and can match any home style with its vertical lines creating a distinguished accent look.
Mixing materials for a high-end look. James Hardie siding works perfectly as a base material when combining with stone, metal or other accents to create depth and architectural interest.
Performance-driven materials. Homeowners today care most about weather resistance, energy efficiency and longevity. Fiber cement continues to outperform vinyl and wood in all three areas.
Key Benefits of James Hardie Siding:
Exceptional Durability. Hardie board siding resists moisture, pests, and impact damage. It’s also non-combustible, which may help lower your homeowners insurance rates.
Versatile Styles. Choose from lap siding, board and batten, or shaker to match your home’s architectural style, whether you live in Springfield, Maplewood, Trevose, or Bensalem.
Fade-Resistant Colors. Enjoy a vibrant, custom look for your exterior with James Hardie’s ColorPlus® Technology, designed to maintain its beauty year after year.
Affordable & Long-Lasting. Fiber cement siding offers the ideal blend of affordability and longevity, giving you excellent value for your investment.
by Lindsey Getz
It’s safe to say that the pandemic has taught us to appreciate the outdoors even more. While backyard outdoor living areas have been soaring in popularity for years now, for many, the stay-at-home orders and the experience of being stuck indoors for so long have made homeowners absolutely crave these spaces more than ever. They are truly a must-have—a fact that’s been increasingly evident at Sequoia Out Back, where owner John Keller says that he’s seeing even more people come into the showroom than ever before.
Set Up Your for
Space Summer
At Sequoia Out Back, customers can find endless inspiration for their outdoor dreams.
From the moment that homeowners walk through Sequoia Out Back’s front
doors, the experience is really unlike any other. The 30,000-square-foot showroom has everything you could want for your personal oasis on display so that you can envision it in your own backyard.
When you walk through a typical
patio store or a big-box store, items aren’t usually set up or paired together the way they would be in your backyard so it can be difficult to visualize your finished space. At Sequoia, you can see an entire outdoor living space the way that you might set it up on your own patio. It inspires so many ideas.
The goal of the showroom has always been to make homeowners feel like they’re stepping into a real-life outdoor space. This helps homeowners to make the best choices when it comes to furniture and decking supplies that will work for their own projects.
Pair these gorgeous displays with the knowledgeable and helpful team members who are ready to assist—and homeowners can really appreciate the showroom visit experience. Customers always leave Sequoia with a lot of great ideas and information.
In general, inventory has been a major issue since the start of the pandemic. Homeowners who have tried to purchase furniture and deck-
ing may have noticed limited stock. But, Sequoia Out Back has been fortunate to be able to keep a lot of inventory in stock thanks to its relationship with manufacturers and its purchasing power, as well as having a large quantity from the start. With so many people coming through the doors, now is the time to start planning for the spring while inventory is still available.
Before you know it, the weather will be consistently warm, and we’ll all be spending even more time outdoors. Homeowners want to make sure their space is ready now.
“The sooner you can start planning, the better,” urges Keller. “The number of visitors coming to the store right now is higher than ever for this time of year. It’s definitely not too early to start thinking about setting up your outdoor space.”
As you start planning, Sequoia Out Back has all of the amenities that you might want to consider. This includes firepits, patio furniture
and all of the material supplies including decking and railing, and hardscaping. Sequoia works with all of the leading manufacturers including TimberTech, Wolf, Trex, Zuri and Fiberon—all of whom continue to offer innovative products.
Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or someone who was sent by their contractor to look for materials, Sequoia’s showroom can accommodate everyone.
It’s all about making the experience as easy and as enjoyable as possible for homeowners. As the true outdoor living experts, Sequoia and its team are ready to help make homeowners’ backyard dreams come true.
“Outdoor living has been a trend for a long time but it’s hotter than ever,” Keller sums up. “I think we’re all ready to start spending more time outside.”
Directory 2026 LANDSCAPE
WITH SPRING IN BLOOM, homeowners across the country are preparing to spend the coming months in their own backyards, and chances are they would like to invest in some updates. Our annual landscape directory connects our readers with local resources to consult on any project related to the outdoors. This comprehensive list includes companies that can create an oasis with a pool, patio or deck, not to mention hardscaping, water features and shade elements; or professionals who maintain landscaping, provide furniture or install fences and much more. No matter what you need, your outdoor space is in good hands.
AWNINGS
MARYGROVE AWNINGS
For over 90 years, Marygrove has offered the best retractable awnings on the market. Choose from a variety of sizes, fabrics and options to create your backyard oasis. All of the awnings come standard with free LED lights and are backed by an award-winning service team. 800-44-AWNINGS marygrove.com
DECKS
Amazing Decks
833-774-8646 anotheramazingdeck.com
Archadeck of Delaware 302-455-2426 delaware.archadeck.com
Archadeck of NW Philadelphia 484-275-2032 archadeck.com/northwestphiladelphia
Rolf Schroeder General Contractors 215-672-0829 rolfschroedergc.com
Sequoia Out Back 215-918-DECK (3325) 866-993-YARD (9273) sequoiaoutback.com
The Buxton Complex 609-771-0274 thebuxtoncomplex.com
The Louvered Roof Company 610-310-0429 thelouveredroofcompany.com
OUTDOOR SPEAKERS/TV/ AUDIO SYSTEMS
Shore Sound & Cinema 609-645-1300 s2cinema.com
OUTDOOR WINDOW TREATMENTS & UPHOLSTERY
Blind Builders 215-322-5855 blindbuilders.com
PATIO DOORS
Jammer Doors 215-493-7709 jammerdoors.com
The Window Place Plus 856-216-1888 windowplaceplus.com
PAVERS Dutchies Stoneworks & Outdoor Living 717-407-2235 dutchiestoneworks.com
PAVING/ASPHALT
Burke Asphalt 484-228-1776
burke-asphalt-paving.com
Go Direct Paving 610-714-1439 godirectpaving.com
S & M Paving 800-778-6977 smpaving.com
POOL DESIGN/ INSTALLATION/RENOVATE
Blue Haven Pools & Spas NE by Calvitti 800-219-2141 bluehaven.com
Fiberglass Pool Designs, LLC t/a Pool Designs 609-257-2279 poolinaday.com
Keystone Outdoor Living 717-271-POOL (7665) keystonepools.com
Ordini’s Best Fiberglass Pools 215-602-3485 ordiniswim1day.com
POOL SERVICE
Spa Hearth & Home 856-234-7799
spahearthandhome.com
POWER WASHING
Bright Services Group 215-357-3058 brightservicesgroup.com
SWINGSETS
Country Tyme Sheds 267-834-0211 countrytymesheds.com
The Buxton Complex 609-771-0274 thebuxtoncomplex.com
ask the expert
INickett’s Landscaping
MPROVE YOUR LANDSCAPE DRAINAGE. NICKETT LANDSCAPING PROVIDES EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR HOMEOWNERS. While spring is certainly a time for homeowners to get excited about digging into their gardens and spending more time relaxing in their backyards, it is also a season that brings a lot of rain to our area.
Rain threatens not only your outdoor picnics and barbecuing habits, but also your lawn and home if not properly drained. House & Home spoke with Scott Nickett, owner of Nickett Landscaping, about the damages of poor drainage in lawns and how best to fix them.
WHAT PROBLEMS CAN POOR DRAINAGE CAUSE FOR THE AVERAGE HOMEOWNER?
Water from poor drainage can cause all kinds of problems, from property damage/loss due to a flooded basement or living space, a yard you cannot cut for weeks, muddy dog paws and children’s footprints all over the house, and standing and sitting water that can kill your shrubs and trees. After 43 years of creating drainage resolutions for customers, we have seen and heard almost everything related to water issues at home and in the yard. There are a lot of homeowners concerned with standing water as it can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Scott Nickett, Owner
HOW CAN HOMEOWNERS BEST ADDRESS POOR DRAINAGE ISSUES AND STANDING WATER IN THEIR LAWNS???
we will create a solution unique to your specific needs. Our crews will protect the lawn, driveway and other areas with plywood and tarps to keep your property as close to the way it was before we showed up. Most often you will not even notice that we were out to perform the work. Our crews take pride in leaving the property and lawn intact so you can go right back to using your new, drier lawn.
Every house needs a full assessment to see if water can be diverted away from the area of concern or if a drainage collection system is needed. Hydrostatic pressure can build up along the foundation and cause water to drip or pour into the home. These issues usually need a drainage collection system to alleviate that pressure and take the water away from the affected area. Sometimes the addition of stone and soil can solve issues in the driveway and lawn.
HOW CAN NICKETT LANDSCAPING HELP?
We use our 43 years of drainage experience to take away the mental stress of staying up all night worrying about the heavy rain that has been forecasted. We will come out to meet with you and see how your water issues are affecting your family and home. Afterwards,
HOW EXTENSIVE IS INSTALLING A LAWN DRAINAGE SYSTEM? ABOUT HOW LONG DOES IT
TAKE?
Each property will have a full evaluation to determine the extent of the needed solution. Most of the time we focus on finding the vast majority of concerns and then we can add into the system in the future if needed. Most of our projects are completed in one day and we can build the right size crew in order to limit the disruption to the home and family life.
WHAT OTHER SERVICES DOES NICKETT LANDSCAPING OFFER?
We offer all outdoor services to be a “onestop shop” for all of your exterior needs. We provide spring clean-ups, bush trimming, lawn mowing, lawn applications, fall cleanups, hardscaping on patios, walkways, steppers and walls, landscape lighting, planting and design, landscape renovation, lawn renovation, monthly hand weeding and gutter clean-outs and more.
COMFORT
Extended Relaxation
What was once considered a seasonal add-on, today’s decks combine outdoor living with the comforts of the home’s interior and are dynamic spaces designed for daily use, entertainment and relaxation.
tional rather than separate.”
DESIGNING FOR USABILITY
To help homeowners better understand modern deck designs, House and Home spoke with experts to learn more about how design, features and materials are changing the possibilities for outdoor enjoyment.
OUTDOOR LIVING ROOM
Modern deck designs focus on creating continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing homeowners to feel like they’re sitting comfortably inside. “Homeowners are looking for decks that feel like a true extension of the home,” says Joe Oakes, owner of First State Building and Design. “That means creating a smoother transition from inside to outside through coordinated materials, complementary color palettes, wider door openings and layouts that feel inten-
Currently, homeowners want to focus on usability just as much as the look. Deck layouts are becoming more intentional with how they want to use the space. “Some of the most effective improvements are not always the most dramatic,” Oakes mentions.
“Replacing worn or dated deck boards, upgrading railings, improving stair design and adding better lighting can immediately elevate the overall appearance of the space. These kinds of updates make the deck feel cleaner, more current and more integrated with the home.”
INCREASE IN OUTDOOR FEATURES
As decks take on the role of outdoor living rooms, the
How modern deck designs are bringing the comfort of the interior home to outdoor spaces.
By Giana Scafide
request for additional features continues to expand. One popular feature that homeowners gravitate toward are outdoor kitchens, especially with areas made for dining and storage.
Grilling itself has evolved into more of a personalized task for homeowners, with better ways to fit their needs.
“Everything from pizza ovens to smokers—it’s definitely a trend, a higher-end grilling,” says Bill Wilson, co-owner of Amazing Decks. “It doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money, but you have to have someone who knows how to design your space.”
Features designed for entertainment are also popular among modern deck designs. Televisions, sound systems and even integrated LED lighting all contribute to the finalized space, making it just
as enjoyable for the homeowners as if they were inside. Levi Esh, owner of Pencroft Ridge Construction, says, “People have been doing a lot of things to enhance that area like screening [the deck] in and putting a TV out there. If it’s a covered one, the screenin idea has really become [very popular] because it protects you from the insects and gives you a little bit more privacy as well.”
INTERIOR STYLE TO THE EXTERIOR
One thing homeowners should keep in mind when designing a deck is how to incorporate the same design choices that are seen on the interior. Materials, colors and furniture choices all come into play when making a deck feel like an extension of one’s home.
“We find that instead of matching the siding color, many customers choose a decking color similar to their home’s flooring,” says, Jarrod Coburn, owner of Archadeck of Mt. Laurel. This change can help visually connect the interior space to the exterior deck, providing a sense of continuity.
Esh adds, “The color options are almost endless. Most of what we use is manufactured by AZEK, and they themselves have a wide variety of colors and styles. That is something that has really expanded in the last 15 to 20 years.”
Furniture choices are just as important. Rather than treating the deck solely as a functional area, homeowners are recreating the feeling of an indoor living space.
“You want to be able to
create the deck space like an outdoor living room set up, so people can hang out there. They can feel like they’re sharing that heart of the house with you,” says Wilson.
SMALL UPGRADES FOR EXISTING DECKS
For homeowners who want to update their deck into something more up-to-date, improvements don’t necessarily require a full remodel. Replacing worn-out decking, changing the railings and enhancing the lighting can better fit appearance and safety.
“If they’re upgrading their deck design, you have to be very realistic,” Wilson states. “When you’re getting rid of pressure-treated lumber, you have to use the composite material. It’s become an industry standard, but sometimes people aren’t convinced because
they have to spend a little bit more money. You have to spend it very wisely and get something that you can maintain that you don’t have to constantly replace.”
DESIGNS MADE FOR EVERY SEASON
While not every climate allows for consistent use of a deck, certain design considerations can help extend its use into each season. “Shade, screens and windows will
change an outdoor space from something you use once in a while to something you will use as much as your living room. We’re also seeing more and more roof structures or louvered pergolas,” Coburn says.
Features like automatic roofing are also turning outdoor areas into spaces that can be used for the majority of the year. “A TimberTech deck covered by a roof with a white tongue-and-groove
AZEK ceiling finish or a StruXure motorized pergola provides people with a new living space usable for most of the year,” Coburn continues.
Oakes says, “Shade structures such as pergolas, covered sections or retractable canopies help keep the space comfortable during the warmer months, while features like fire pits, mounted heaters, privacy panels and outdoor curtains can make the deck far more enjoyable in
cooler weather.”
Modern deck designs continue to evolve and expand upon the home’s existing interior. Through specific layouts, reliable design choices and features made for comfort, today’s decks allow that connection to be formed. The result is an area that doesn’t just look good, but brings the heart of the home to your outdoor living space.
RESOURCES
Amazing Decks Ambler, Pa. (833) 774-8848
AnotherAmazingDeck.com
Archadeck Of Mt. Laurel Cherry Hill, N.J. (609) 245-6530
Archadeck.com/Mt-Laurel
First State Building and Design First State Building and Design Chadds Ford, Pa. (302) 803-5082
FirstStateBuildingandDesign.com
Pencroft Ridge Construction Quarryville, Pa. (717) 786-4124
