- 28 October, 2002 -

The kids are back in school. The hectic summer schedule has subsided. And the fall weather is almost as beautiful as the changing leaves. 'Tis the season to deck out your deck for autumn outdoor activities. According to Rick Provost, President of Archadeck, now is the time to begin deck improvements. Since late fall and winter are slower seasons for many contractors, builders can break ground on most projects in half the usual time. "Some customers think we take a five month vacation from October to February, but that's not the case," says Provost. "Most people don't realize we build year-round." Archadeck custom designs and builds decks, screened porches, sunrooms, gazebos and trellises/arbors all across the United States. Provost offers six suggestions for enjoying outdoor living through the fall. Shed a little light on the subject. With the days getting shorter, strategically placed lighting can make your deck safer and more enjoyable. More and more building codes require lighting at stairs and level changes, since it's important to see where you're going. Use decorative illumination - or lightscaping - to draw attention to plants, exterior focal points, or other attractive items. Sit for a spell. Plan first where to place a bench or other seating option. If you have a great view, position the bench to look outward instead of toward the house. If the view isn't what you're after, have benches face one another to allow for comfortable conversation. Good fences make good neighbors. When the leaves fall, trees aren't the only ones exposed. You may be losing your privacy. In areas where houses are built close together, a privacy fence offers an attractive visible barrier between you and your neighbors. It can also block sound from a nearby roadway. Add a splash of color. Who says flowers belong in the garden? Bring some beauty and color even closer to home by adding planters to your deck. Use them to create entryways on a flat deck, or to section off areas for separate activities - such as grilling. Create space and save energy. Add a trellis, a decorative and attractive outdoor structure, which can turn an otherwise simple patio into a new outdoor living room. A trellis can function as a privacy screen or shade cover. Wooden slats provide light shade, which is often increased by growing vines through the slats. Lattice panels give medium shade, and fabric covers provide full shade. Besides offering a convenient place to hang plants, the shade produced by a trellis can help cool down the new space, as well as a nearby room overheated from southern exposure. Don't fence yourself in. Tired of having your beautiful view partially blocked by deck railing? Consider installing a narrower picket/spindle which allows enhanced vision since it doesn't block as much of the view. Aluminum is a popular material for spindles, because it's lighter than wood and comes in a variety of colors. For an even clearer view, try glass railing. In addition to being transparent, it can extend the season for many outdoor plants by shielding them from the wind and elements. To learn more about deck-building options for fall, contact the Archadeck Marketing Department at 800-722-4668, ext. 301. About Archadeck Founded in 1980 in Richmond, Virginia, Archadeck was ranked #1 in Decks & Porches by Qualified Remodeler magazine (Sept. 01), and has designed and built more than 45,000 projects across America, including decks, screened porches, sunrooms, gazebos, trellises, arbors, and many other outdoor structures.

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