Thursday, March 29, 2012

Custom Sunroom and Patio in Potomac, MD

This sun room and patio design for a Potomac, MD homeowner features a round sun room with double casement windows.  The conical roof extends above the gable 'walk through' and provides a wonderful space for our clients to enjoy meals and entertain friends.  A flagstone patio complete with sitting wall and a fire pit provide our door living space.  After some landscaping this back yard will be complete.

 

Sun Room Potomac, Maryland

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Sunroom, Deck, and Patio in Great Falls, VA

Sunroom, Deck, and Patio Design Great Falls, VA

 

This design features a Sunroom, Patio, and multiple decks.  A flagstone dry laid patio connects the driveway to the sun deck.  Round stairs on the sun deck emulate the arch windows of the sun room.  Mahogany flooring will be installed in the sunroom that also features cedar tongue and groove ceiling, crown molding, recessed lights, and over sized skylights.  This space can double as a screen room when all the windows are opened, but can also be used throughout the window months.  A Mitsubishi mini split HVAC system will heat and cool the sunroom.  Sun decks are located on both sides of the sunroom for overflow seating.  This project has it all with patio space, 500+ square feet of deck space, and a four season sun room.  

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Build a Waterproof Deck

Nearly every part of Maryland receives approximately four inches of rain per month, while the annual rainfall in our state ranges from 35 to 45 inches. The average winter snowfall for our area exceeds 20 inches. If you’re a Maryland resident, this isn’t news to you – our state is one of the wettest.

All of this precipitation can lead to calamities of nature that damage your home. Not to mention it can be downright depressing to be cooped up in your house day after day while rain and snow take their toll and hamper your ability to breathe in some fresh air.

There are two additions to your outdoor living space that bring with them multiple solutions to weather problems: a covered deck and ascreened-in porch. Both of these options allow you to utilize your exterior space during rainy days and, if you’re happy to bundle up in the bitter cold, enjoy being out on snowy days as well.

The advantage of being kept dry by your deck roof prevents you from being a slave to the Maryland weather – you won’t have to cancel a gathering or move it indoors because of rain. You can read, relax, work, or play with your kids on your screened-in porch, rain or no rain. A deck roof also protects you from the sun, which many of our customers want so they can still appreciate being outside without worrying about harmful rays.

As for wintertime, you know those snow piles that look so soft and fluffy white at first can turn into a slushy, melting mess. A deck roof keeps snow that could have built up on your deck away from doors, minimizing any chances of interior water damage.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Great Falls, VA Sunroom and Deck Design

Sun Room Design Great Falls, VA

 

This Great Falls, VA home owner required a large four season space for entertaining and enjoying meals.  This deck and sun room addition combination provides over 1000sqft of living space.  The sun room features Mahogany tongue and groove flooring, vinyl sliding windows, low maintenance vinyl trim on the exterior, and custom trim details on the interior.  Faux columns and scalloped arches make this room different from others in the neighborhood.  Azek low maintenance decking is installed on all exterior sun decks.  Azek designer handrail system keeps family and friends safe.  A separate grilling area and stairs access the rest of the backyard.  

Sunroom & Deck Design Great Falls, VA

Sun Room Design Great Falls, VA

 

These Great Falls, VA home owners required a large four season space for entertaining and enjoying meals with friends and family.  This deck and sun room addition combination provides over 1000sqft of four season and outdoor living space.  The sun room features Mahogany tongue and groove flooring, vinyl sliding windows, low maintenance vinyl trim on the exterior, and custom trim details on the interior.  Faux columns and scalloped arches make this room different from others in the neighborhood.  Azek low maintenance decking is installed on all exterior sun decks.  Azek designer handrail system keeps family and friends safe.  A separate grilling area and stairs access the rest of the backyard.  

 

www.DecksInNorthernVirginia.com

 

Friday, February 24, 2012

Build an Environmentally Friendly Deck

Recommendations for Building a Green Deck

If your goal is to minimize your carbon footprint but maximize your outdoor living space, there are environmentally friendly decking materials that will allow you to enjoy your deck while also protecting the earth.

For clients who want a true green construction, we recommend Trex Transcend, a high-performance decking made with a unique combination of materials that are 95 percent recycled or reclaimed from wood and plastic and contain no toxic chemicals or preservatives. In fact, Trex Company created the composite decking category, revolutionizing the decking industry.

As for Transcend, it could be said that this composite blends with nature because it isn’t negatively affected by sunlight, harsh weather, or insect damage – some of a deck-owner’s biggest concerns. The two components of the composite itself – plastic and wood – work in conjunction to shield each other from the elements, UV rays, and pests, therefore preventing rotting, warping, cracking, fading, staining, and scratching.

If your outdoor space includes a pool, spa, or hot tub, Trex decking resists moisture and mold, making it an ideal counterpart to your H2O pursuits. And you can feel safe relaxing in your bare feet as the smooth, slip-resistant composition of this decking eliminates worries about splinters or falls.

Often, using green products limits your ability to be creative with your design. But Trex offers natural-looking, rich earth tones in a wide range of colors and finishes – from tan to dark brown, you can create a realistic hardwood appearance or go for subtle elegance with shades of gray. The distinctive wood grain patterns can be mixed and matched to create a truly unique design and matching rail and trim options are available. Another advantage: The decking, though very strong, can be bent to create patterns and curves that are not possible with wood.

Ultimately, everyone wants a quality deck that is going to have longevity – though wood products have a lower upfront cost, Trex wood-alternative products pay for themselves in less than six years because there is minimal maintenance required. Using this weather-resistant decking, you will be free from having to sand, stain, or paint your deck. Only periodic cleanings are recommended to keep this material looking fresh.

So your biggest job? Get outside, soak up the sun, and enjoy your beautiful, environmentally responsible deck.



Design Builders, Inc.

8315 North Brook Ln. #205Bethesda, MD 20814

(301)875-2781

http://www.DesignBuildersMD.com Decks in Maryland by Design Builders Inc.

Custom Round Decks in Northern Virginia