Your deck isn’t just wood and nails, it’s the place that you and your family will make memories for years to come. Many life experiences happen while enjoying the outdoors on your deck, which is why it is so important to keep it clean and maintained so that you can use it for years to come. Here are some tips to use when maintaining your deck to keep it pristine so that you are able to use it for years to come!

Clean Your Deck Regularly

Many people think that nature is enough to keep their deck clean, however just relying on the wind and rain is not enough of a wash to protect your deck. Power washing your deck once a season will help to keep the color of your stain healthy, as well as wash away excess dirt and stones that can scratch your deck or hold moisture that can damage the wood.

Replace Damaged Wood

It is inevitable over time that some of the wood on your deck will go bad, whether due to rotting or simple wear and tear. Make sure to check your deck every time you wash it, looking for loose or weak boards. Keeping fresh and even boards on your deck will not only improve its look, but will also keep everyone safe!

Stain Your Deck

Staining your deck is one of the most important parts of maintaining your deck over time. Staining not only gives your deck an attractive hue, but protects the wood from moisture, insects, and weather. Make sure to re-stain your deck at least once a year to maintain its quality.

We hope these tips help you maintain your new deck so that it can facilitate all your needs for the life of your home. Are you looking to add a deck to your home? Call us at (703) 263-9634 today for a free consultation. Distinctive Deck Designs is a dynamic team of distinguished and proven professionals with over 20 years’ experience in home building and the construction of outdoor living areas. We will help design the perfect deck for your needs!

Best Pick Reports, a trusted consumer reports guide by EBSCO Research has named our company, Distinctive Deck Designs by Mark Shriner Contracting, a “Best Pick” Honorable Mention in Fairfax County! After years of service to people in the Northern Virginia area, our customers spoke for our high quality of work and excellence in the field of Deck Building and Maintenance.

We are proud to have been included in this years research findings, and are overwhelmed by the support of our customers.

Here are a few reviews from previous customers:

“I thought they were fantastic. Every deck company I had come out wanted to build the deck they wanted to build, and Distinctive offered me any material, basically, that I wanted. They let me design my own concept, came out a couple of times to measure, and the proposal, bidding, and pricing were consistent throughout. I thought they were awesome.”

“The work was really fast. The workers were extremely friendly. They did everything that we asked them to do. We’ll use them again. They deserve an A.”

“We’re very happy with Distinctive Deck Designs. They were very responsive and did what they said they were going to do. They even did a little bit more. They went above and beyond.”

If you would like to read more reviews or see information on our award, please visit the Best Pick Reports website (http://www.bestpickreports.com/deck-building-and-maintenance/northern-virginia/fairfax-county/distinctive-deck-designs).

Thank you to all of our past customers for your loyal and continued support.

A growing number of homeowners are dining out, and not at a fancy restaurant — but in the comfort of their own backyards. The trend toward outdoor kitchens and dining spaces enables people to head “out to dinner” any time they want.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to have an estate or a seven-figure salary to be able to construct an outdoor kitchen in the yard. The work area can be designed around how much or how little space there is and be customized to different budgets.

The outdoor entertaining space is growing in popularity every year. In 2009, the Property and Environment Research Center found that 43 percent of homeowners in the Northeast reported having an outdoor room. In the Midwest, West and South, it’s 32 to 34 percent. The concept of an outdoor kitchen is nothing new. The outdoor or “summer” kitchen has become a viable component of Mediterranean living for centuries. The heat of the summer drove many people outdoors to shady spots where they could cook on grills or stoves while enjoying a nice breeze. The outdoor kitchen also marries entertaining with meal preparation for the ultimate social occasion.

The outdoor kitchen of today can be as intricate or as simple as homeowners desire. There are some elements that can set the space apart, which can be customized depending on design style and budget.

* Grill:Instead of a simple grate over some coals, think about investing in a grill that has multipurpose cooking aides. These can include a side burner, a rotisserie turner and various temperature-control features. A grill should boast the conveniences of an indoor range and stove with the added benefit of a grill surface.

* Pergola: The outdoor kitchen should be comfortable, and that means having an area outside of the immediate elements. A pergola or awning can offer a shade source under which cooking is much more agreeable. Plus, you can then install a fan or overhead lighting to the pergola for even more comfort.

* Sink: Washing produce or washing up is much easier if there is a sink nearby. The closer the outdoor kitchen is to the actual house, the easier (and less expensive) it will be to run plumbing.

* Counters: Whether butcher block or an expanse of granite, having a work space available for food prep or as a serving surface can make an outdoor kitchen more convenient.

* Fireplace: When the weather turns chilly, a fireplace will be a focal point and also a source of warmth. If a fireplace is beyond budget, consider a chiminea or fire pit instead. Placing an outdoor sofa or some reclining chairs by the fire creates an intimate, and cozy place to congregate.

* Garden: Herbs and vegetables can grow adjacent to the outdoor kitchen. This enables pick-and-cook possibilities. Also, consider a compost pile or bin in proximity so that scraps can easily be turned into rich fertilizer.

* Refrigerator: Some homeowners choose to install a small refrigerator or wine cooler to keep items chilled for use. This helps promote safe cooking and serving practices.

* Entertainment: When installing electrical components for lights, consider installing surround-sound speakers that connect to a music player or home theater. Those with larger budgets can explore the options in televisions that can resist some outdoor weather and provide a different ambiance for watching movies.

The outdoor kitchen is not a new concept but it’s growing more popular among homeowners.

This Fall, from September 23rd to September 25th, you can come visit us at the Capital Home Show! Would you like to see a sample of our work? Would you like to speak with us in person? Well come visit us at the Home, Show Booth 136. You can also visit our Interactive Exhibitor listing at the Home Show website here.

We hope to see your there!