Pool Surrounds

Overcoming Difficult Challenges To Adding a Pool
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Overcoming Difficult Challenges To Adding a Pool

Take heart if you want a pool, but you’ve been told it’s impossible. Even if you’ve been turned down more than once, it’s worth it to keep asking. The happy owners of this pool, for example, called our Outdoor Living Expert, Bill Renter, to renovate their deck from natural wood to Trex, and had decided to ask one last time about the possibility of a pool. To their surprise, he told them it wasn’t impossible at all: it would just take a bit of innovation.

The major issue with their property was that it inclined toward the house. Other impediments were restrictive town setbacks. Deck and Patio tackled these issues by setting the pool mid-grade, and building risers up to the pool height.

In addition, we built the attractive water feature behind the pool to deal with the rising higher grade, as well as to screen out the neighbors — all while maintaining a natural and beautiful scene.

Free-form Pool

Vinyl-lined pools can be constructed in any shape, curve, or angle due to the advanced computerization of liner fabrication. The concrete walls of vinyl-lined pools have a lifetime guarantee. With such a pool, the homeowners are not stuck with unattractive white interior stairs that do not blend with the rest of the pool, nor do they sacrifice a smooth bottom for the swimmers’ feet.

Pool Surround:

This pool is surrounded by a patio created from Cambridge’s Round Table pavingstones. The pavers’ dimpled, embossed surfaces gently roll into soft, beveled edges on four straight-sided Cambridge Shapes with ArmorTec. The pavers were laid in a modified herringbone pattern.

Stepping Stone Paths:

Bluestone stepping stones skim across the backyard sod and connect the pool patio to the deck and patio at the house, which is also home to the outer kitchen area, complete with BBQ and refrigerator. The entire project was finished off with the installation of lush colorful landscaping and low voltage lighting.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:47-05:00May 1st, 2014|Ask the Experts, Backyard Escapes, Backyard Resorts, Backyard Upgrades, Creative Design, Design and Build Experts, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Surrounds, Pools & Spas, Vinyl-lined Pools|0 Comments

When an Outdoor Oasis Includes More Than a Pool
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When an Outdoor Oasis Includes More Than a Pool

These clients had five children under age of six, and they were seeking a vision that would suit their large young family. They knew they wanted a pool, but because of the topography, the pool would have to located far away from the house. Therefore, any pool would become a “destination” pool, with an outdoor kitchen, bathroom, living room area, changing room, etc. nearby.

However, as Deck and Patio’s Outdoor Living Expert, Bill Renter, looked up the hill from the designated pool area, he felt: yes, it was nice, but it was also a great opportunity to create something spectacular. The clients loved his complete vision that included the pool area, plus a meandering stream that would cascade down the slope into a new koi pond.

However, there was one major concern. How could they enjoy the waterfall and stream from the house and upper patio area? It seemed they would have to be down at pool area to enjoy it.

We ended up creating an additional waterfall at the top of the slope that faced the house-kitchen area. That way, they could see a waterfall, and the beginning of the stream; from slightly beyond that vantage point, the stream takes an abrupt U-turn, and flows down through five separate cascades, before ending in the lower area pond.

Destination Pools:

Because of the topography, the pool had to be located far from the house, down a steep grade. Our vision included adding beautiful creeping ground cover and boulders, so that even the property’s challenging raised grades were turned into benefits. Also, by installing enough retaining boulders and plant materials, we coaxed Mother Nature’s own gravity into pumping water naturally into a pond.

Attracting Wildlife In Backyards:

Not just humans appreciate a pond water feature. Birds and butterflies will be attracted as well. Birds love gently moving water. Just provide a place for them to land, such as rock platforms, or design a shallow end as part of the feature. And by keeping the water circulating, this will also help prevent mosquito larvae from hatching.

Backyard Water Features:

Our vision was to take advantage of the steep property grade to create a beautiful slope with five cascading waterfalls, moss rock boulders, evergreens, perennials and annuals, plus a series of stairs and landings to bring them down to a new lower pool area.

Backyard Ponds:

A properly-designed pond will not attract mosquitoes, as mosquitoes prefer stagnant water to produce their offspring. Most backyard-ponds have constantly moving water because of the stream feeding it. Additionally, any mosquito larvae that manage to hatch will either be sucked into the pond skimmer, or eaten by the fish.

Picture-Perfect Waterfalls:

We ended up creating an additional waterfall at the top of the slope that faced the house-kitchen area. That way, they could see a waterfall, and the beginning of the stream; from slightly beyond that vantage point, the stream takes an abrupt U-turn, and flows down through five separate cascades, before ending in the lower area pond.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:47-05:00April 10th, 2014|Ask the Experts, Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Surrounds, Pool Upgrades, Steps, Unique Ideas, Updating Landscape|0 Comments

Backyard Retreat In Keeping With Natural Surroundings
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Backyard Retreat In Keeping With Natural Surroundings

The Deck and Patio Company won major awards for this beautiful backyard retreat

This property’s residence was carefully designed and built amongst mature oaks, maples and pines. Deck and Patio’s outdoor living expert, Bill Renter, and his team, also took great care to preserve as much of this as possible when we added the various water features: a concrete, vinyl-lined pool, raised spa, stream, waterfalls, and koi pond.

To accomplish this, many site-related factors had to be considered: topography, solar exposure, soil conditions, existing trees, property size, active and passive use areas, as well as the style of architecture.

We have found, in fact, that recreating water and nature is an art form that takes a trained eye, many years of field experience, extensive knowledge of hydraulics and plant material, a true passion for nature, and, most importantly, an understanding of how to balance the relationship between architecture with its natural surroundings.

In recognition for all we accomplished in the design and installation of the pool, spa and water features, this back yard retreat garnered two prestigious awards from NESPA and APSP in 2007.

Freeform Concrete Pool:

Vinly-lined pool was nestled into landscape with careful consideration for existing trees and mature shrub root systems. From spa, clients can view koi pond and waterfalls while relaxing. (Note: Waterfall spilling into the spa acts as a delightful massage.)

Multi-tiered Waterfall/Stream:

5’-high multi-tiered waterfall and 35’ meandering stream discharge into 10’ x 15’ freeform Koi pond. The surrounding moss rock and plantings help create a natural look.

Koi Pond:

Pond was built with much consideration for the fish since natural predators exist in and around the locale. The pond’s small cave provides a hiding place where koi can lay dormant during winter months. Plus the pond is fed fresh water continuously from the waterfall/stream.

Pool and Spa Design:

This beautiful lagoon-like free-form pool and spa were designed to be “organic” with natural surroundings; they capture very essence of clients’ desire for harmonious body of water in keeping with residence, patio, outdoor kitchen, and new waterfall, stream and pond.

Pool Landscaping:

Vibration flowers and fragrance — known to bring out the peace within — are represented here in many varieties of perennials, evergreen and deciduous plantings that also offer robust successional color throughout pool season.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:47-05:00March 27th, 2014|Awards, Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Resorts, Backyard Upgrades, Concrete (Gunite) Pools, Concrete (Gunite) Spas, Creative Design, Design and Build Experts, Koi Ponds, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Living, Plantings/Pondscapes, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Surrounds, Pools & Spas, Spillover/Custom Spas|0 Comments

Enjoying a Tropical Holiday Every Day
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Enjoying a Tropical Holiday Every Day

After returning from a holiday in Costa Rica, which is bordered on one side by the Pacific, and on the other by the Caribbean, these homeowners wanted to keep enjoying the tropical experience they so enjoyed there.

The first challenge facing Deck and Patio Company’s outdoor living expert, Bill Renter, was to meet the expectations of both the husband and wife: he wanted a place to take full advantage of the sun; she wanted a cool place to relax with friends.

The solution was (1) to position the pool in the sun, in order to gain the most sun exposure during the day and, (2) for congregating in comfort, create a shady pergola, over a granite swim-up/walk-up bar and patio.

The second challenge was developing a plan that would fit in the 12-foot elevation change from the rear of the home to the back of the property. To alleviate this, we built a raised patio, with a wide, wrap-around stair, leading to the pool, patio, and sunken swim up bar patio.

We did all this without using rails and fences, which would obstruct views of the natural stone waterfall and vibrant landscaping. By designing wide stairs, multi-level stone walls and generous planting beds, we were able to create a colorful buffer between the upper and lower levels.

Both husband and wife were delighted with the design, and the property’s most difficult challenge — its rising elevation — was turned into a benefit. The main thing, is they both feel like they’re back in Costa Rica, every single day.

This project won several GOLD MEDAL awards from the several design awards awards from the NSPI and NESPA.

Techo-Bloc’s “Elena” in Sandlewood:

Techo-Bloc’s Elena/Sandlewood, with its warm gray and tan earth tones, in random sizes, creates welcoming, spacious patios.

Patio Landscaping:

Matching steps, walls, coping and moss rock add elegant finishing touches to the Techo-Bloc patios.

Pool-Side Bar:

This 32-foot, U-shaped swim-up granite-topped bar, in cultured stone and rock facing, curves around to be enjoyed from patio as well.

Vinyl Pool Swim-Up Bar:

For the ultimate in outdoor socializing, guests can walk up to, or swim up to, this U-shaped bar and sit on patio or in-pool stools.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:48-05:00March 6th, 2014|Awards, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Outdoor Bars, Patios & Decks, Pergola, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Surrounds, Pools & Spas, Updating Landscape|0 Comments

Two “Winter Friendly” Construction Products For Your Backyard Retreat
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Two “Winter Friendly” Construction Products For Your Backyard Retreat

Deck and Patio’s Outdoor Living Expert touts two favorite construction materials that stand up well to Northeast winters

Renowned for his talent in creating glorious backyard retreats, Deck and Patio’s outdoor living expert, Bill Renter, has earned many accolades for his expertise in the “hows and whys” of construction materials and landscape design. This enables him to create beautiful retreats that will endure. Considering the weather changes the Northeast faces from season to season, year to year, Bill Renter has come to value construction products for their durability as well as aesthetics. Today our blog is sharing two of these products.

The first is Techo-Bloc pavers. Engineered in Canada where they require extra strength due to the country’s extreme weather changes, these pavers can well handle the freeze/thaw that occurs in our corner of the Northeast. Our outdoor living expert adds that as long as these pavers are properly installed, the stones will remain adaptable, even, and stable for years. The joints between the pavers create flexibility, which avoids cracking, while still allowing subtle movement. Techo-Bloc pavers are nearly three times stronger than poured concrete, having a minimum compressive strength of 8,000 psi and a maximum of five percent water absorption.

Deck and Patio’s outdoor living expert has found that just like concrete and asphalt pavements, Techo-Bloc pavers can be plowed and shoveled. Actually, the edges and joints around the pavers assist in melting snow and ice, explains their manufacturer. Using de-icing salt (sodium chloride or calcium chloride) to remove snow and ice will not harm these paving stones they say.

Another reason Deck and Patio’s outdoor living expert loves these paving stones is they look so natural. Instead of one-sized bricks being placed throughout an entire patio, retaining wall, or driveway, a Techo-Bloc kit — with its varying shapes — ensures an attractive design, whether “random” instead of straight lines and flat images or in a “running block” pattern.

Winter-Friendly Techo-Bloc Pavers:

Using de-icing salt to remove snow and ice will not harm Techo-Bloc pavers, driveways, or retaining walls.

For the following Deck and Patio’s project, just outside the house on the upper level of the property, our outdoor living expert replaced the old decking with a new raised Techol-Bloc patio. In addition to a new outdoor kitchen, he added wide wrap-around stairs, and a portable spa that appears to be built into the patio.

At the pool level, our outdoor living expert used a new Techo-Bloc product called “Inca” — a concrete slab that looks remarkably like natural stone. Of course, it is much less expensive than say, bluestone, and doesn’t retain heat in summer like other natural stone products, making it great for use around a pool.

Five-Level Patio:

Deck and Patio’s outdoor living expert created five different patio levels around this pool — all comprised of winter-friendly Techo-Bloc.

The second “winter-friendly” product our Deck and Patio outdoor living expert loves is “vinyl-lined” pools. In winter, when seasons change and the ground goes through expansion and contraction, in some cases water can get underneath a swimming pool and push the swimming pool up out of the ground and while Deck and Patio certainly designs and builds gunite pools, we find that a vinyl pool resists damage due to such ground movement better than concrete pools.

The base construction of a vinyl pool is the same as any other, however. “Vinyl” simply means the method used to line a pool’s interior. The vinyl-liner pool arrives at the pool site as various components, produced in a factory and assembled onsite. After the pool site is excavated, footings are poured and panel walls are assembled and fastened together supported by the footings.

Once the walls are in place, which are a solid 8″ thick concrete, with double steel reinforcement, a vinyl liner is spread out over the interior and connected to the panel walls. If you consider that all the large buildings and bridges in the United States are built with steel and not just concrete and rebar, you can understand why our outdoor living expert believes so much in the product and process.

Of course it’s not just the durability of the vinyl-liner system that is so attractive. Our outdoor living expert finds that many of our clients prefer the padded, smooth, soft feel of vinyl. Plus, the wide range of liner colors can create breathtaking effects — some suggesting grottos or lagoons. In fact, there are reports that there are now more vinyl pools worldwide than any other combined group.

Vinyl pools’ poured steel reinforced concrete indeed stand up to weather changes. The real challenge is measuring and accurately cutting and welding the various pool liners, particularly if you are including stairs, benches, in-pool bar stools, spas etc. Fortunately, Deck and Patio’s outdoor living expert deals with professionals who can handle well such complicated projects.

Pools With Stairs, Bar Stools, Benches, and Spas:

The real challenge for vinyl pools is measuring and accurately cutting and welding the various pool liners, particularly when including stairs, benches, in-pool bar stools, spas, etc.

The following vinyl pool was designed with the intent to be “organic” with its natural surroundings. The 24’ x 42’ freeform concrete wall, vinyl lined swimming pool and raised 8’ diameter vinyl-lined spa with spillway captured the very essence of the clients desire to have a body of water that would be harmonious with the residence existing patio, outdoor kitchen area, waterfall, stream and koi pond (below).

Vinyl-Lined Pool:

The water feature also included a 5’ high multi-tiered waterfall and 35 feet meandering stream which discharged into a 10’ x 15’ freeform Koi pond. The pond was built with much consideration for the fish as natural predators exist in and around the north shore locale. A small cave was constructed for the fish to hide and to lay dormant during the winter months.

It’s a comfort to know that when the koi are hibernating, your concrete steel reinforced vinyl pool is managing through the winter just as well.

Koi Pond Near Pool

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:48-05:00January 16th, 2014|Ask the Experts, Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Resorts, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Koi Ponds, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Surrounds, Pools & Spas, Spillover/Custom Spas, Uncategorized|0 Comments

The Best Designed Outdoor Retreats Come From a Passion For the Outdoors
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The Best Designed Outdoor Retreats Come From a Passion For the Outdoors

With a special passion for the outdoors, Deck and Patio’s Outdoor Living Expert, Bill Renter, designs and builds spectacular award-winning outdoor retreats

A good deal goes into creating a wonderful outdoor living space. This is true for any artistic endeavor, including something as simple as baking a great loaf of bread. You start with basic ingredients. Then something special is added to make it all rise. For bread, that something special is yeast: in landscape design, it is a passion for the outdoors.

When he’s not working 14 hour days as owner of Deck and Patio in Huntington Station, Bill Renter enjoys spending time at his second home in the mountains of upstate New York. There, he enjoys quiet times hiking the mountainous landscape where streams flow into breathtaking natural waterfalls, wild flowers break out of crags and cover expanses. In this still beauty, he takes time to study how the water, plants, soil, and rocks live together. He says that with each such nature walk some fresh inspiration comes to him on how to design and build a new natural looking outdoor space.

However, Deck and Patio’s outdoor living expert also understands that passion on its own isn’t enough. Design/build expertise, and depth of experience, is essential (see tips for choosing qualified design/build firms below). In addition, the particular ingredients for each project must come into play: budget considerations, property size and gradations, and the preferences and tastes of homeowners.

Once you have all of this working for you, you probably will end up with a very nice backyard retreat. However! If your designer/builder also brings a deep passion for the outdoors, this special “yeast” will raise the routine waterfall to the glorious and a conventional pool surround to the acclaimed.

Spectacular Backyard Water Features:

Deck and Patio’s outdoor living expert designed and built this stunning man-made waterfall to appear as if it had been created by Mother Nature herself.

Harmonious Pool/Spa and Surround:

This elegant geometric pool and spa, with a linear pattern surround ideal for entertaining and sun bathing, was designed by Deck and Patio’s outdoor living expert to be in perfect harmony with each other.

An avid skier and hiker, our outdoor living expert, Bill Renter, has said: “Experiencing nature is life to me.” And despite all the awards Deck and Patio has received for grand projects, much of our work at is done in regular backyards, in phases, and within a modest budget. You don’t have to be on a bluff overlooking Long Island Sound to inspire Bill Renter to create a thrilling outdoor living space that you will want to be in all the time.

Backyard Retreats Are For Everyone:

Bill Renter can create a sublime vanishing edge pond overlooking Long Island Sound; however, most of his work is in creating spectacular outdoor living spaces in regular backyards.

Are You Ready To Begin Creating Your Own Paradise?

One of the most important steps in achieving your goals for a pool project is to contact the proper type of contractor, warns Bill Renter. He offers here some helpful hints on what to take into consideration when approaching the bidding and design process.

Note: You can also call or email us for a copy of Deck and Patio’s book: 10 Things You Should Know Before Hiring a Landscape Contractor.

Landscapers: 10 Things You Should Know:

Deck and Patio’s outdoor living expert offers a free book on choosing the right design/builder for your backyard retreat.

Bill Renter’s Tips

Starting early is the best way to get all your ducks in a row. This gives you a chance to plan effectively, square away any variances needed, secure permits and finalize plan details.

Another important thing to consider, he adds, is choosing a designer/builder that have insurance and are licensed to work in your area. Ask to see this license and contact your local licensing bureau to make sure it has not been revoked.

Ask any designer/builder how long they have been in business. Remember, you are not being overly cautious by requesting this information and your contractor should not hesitate to fulfill your request.

Call or meet with three different designers and see how they respond. Unanswered phone calls may indicate poor management or the inability to get someone to respond when an issue arises in the future. Compare bids and pay close attention to details. Many times a cheaper bid is missing many important aspects of the job that when added in will equal the high priced bid. Make sure all specifications, including size, shape, color, brand and quantity are detailed for you.

Insert Photo of Bill w/Client

Caption: Choosing The Right Designer/Builder: Call or meet with at least three different designers to see how they respond; compare bids and pay close attention to details.

Many contractors utilize the services of subcontractors. Ask your design/building contractor for details about the subs. For example: Are they licensed and insured? Who will be responsible for any repairs necessary for the duration of the warranty? Ask who will be responsible to coordinate the subs and get them on site when the time is right. A good design/build firm will take on the responsibility of coordinating the subs. Find out if you will be responsible for the payment of these subcontractors. Many contractors prefer you deal directly with their subcontractors when it comes to payment and they will step in to coordinate the work for you.

Town codes and zoning can be complicated. Make sure your contractor has these guidelines in mind prior to finalizing the design process. Some design/build firms such as The Deck and Patio Company can put you in touch with an expeditor to assist you with the permit process.

Inquire about the company you are intending to sign with before going into contract with them. Check their references and ask them how the contractor performed. Ask about job supervision. Find out how many crews you can expect and how many crew leaders and/or project managers will be on the site. Find out how long their crews have been working for the company.

Review the contract carefully before you sign it. Make sure all your warranty information matches what you were verbally promised. If anything is unclear ask them to be more specific.

These tips, along with our companion book on how to choose the right landscape designer, will help you not make any serious mistakes for choosing a reputable designer. Finding one who also has the “yeast” — or the passion for the outdoors and creating scenes as they appear in nature — is harder. If you can, view some of their previous work, but be sure to compare apples with apples. Someone who creates lovely lawns and flower beds might not know how to make a waterfall appear as it comes from nature or a koi pond look like it was always there.

With the right designer/builder, you will not need to limit yourselves as to what’s possible. Any backyard, with the right inspiration, can be turned into something spectacular. Indeed, a “regular backyard” (see third photo above), in the hands of Deck and Patio’s outdoor living expert, Bill Renter, became the following South Sea-style paradise, complete with “lagoon” vinyl freeform pool, natural looking bonfire, multi-level waterfalls, slide, and colorful lush plantings. You can almost hear the steel drums.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:48-05:00January 2nd, 2014|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Resorts, Design and Build Experts, Infinity Pools, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Surrounds, Pool Upgrades, Pools & Spas, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Functional Outdoor Living Spaces Beautifully Defined
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Functional Outdoor Living Spaces Beautifully Defined

Updated 7-13-23

In their “Homes” issue last fall, Forbes listed their top landscaping trends of 2023. One category stood out to us — “defined outdoor spaces.”

“As homeowners spend more time outdoors,” says Forbes, “they have a new need for their outdoor space to feel more functional and complete.”

“While Deck and Patio has many projects that could highlight this landscaping trend,” says our own Dave Stockwell, “considering recent weather, the following upgrade is particularly special to us. It was a waterside property restoration where we were called in after a massive storm.

Long Island has been an outdoor playground since the Revolutionary War. However, space can be at a premium for many of its waterside properties. By creating multi-tiered decking, we were able to define functional as well as beautiful spaces: a large pool deck with dining space, lounge area, water-side fire table for peaceful viewing and conversation, and an upper-level dedicated to a hot tub lounge area. The pool is a stunner, too, if we say so ourselves.

At the end of this blog you’ll see a ‘before photo’ of the property as we found it after the storm.

The Reconstruction

Sometimes property restorations and upgrades are forced on us when purchasing a home; other times, as in this project showcase, outdoor living spaces are ruined by storm or time. In other cases, properties simply look dated and tired. And, occasionally, the motive is simply to replace decks and patios that require constant care with more maintenance-free materials and designs.

In the case of this special waterside project, both time and storm had torn away the vinyl fabric and foundation of an existing pool. The surrounding landscaping also needed restoring, as, indeed, did the expansive backyard decking. Taking advantage of all this new work being done, the homeowners decided to enjoy the “full water experience.” Beyond the wonderful dock/water access they already had on a charming Long Island canal, and the pool they were restoring, they wanted a new hot tub/spa to complete a new backyard oasis.

Upgraded Pool and Surround:

Our design and build team restored damaged pool, deck, and landscaping to create an enviable waterside oasis.

Refurbished Pool

Our design for the pool kept the straight lines of the previous geometric vinyl pool but as an upgrade we chamfered the corners; we replaced the previous liner with a lagoon/grotto style that is so in demand today. Of course, before adding the new liner, the bottom and sides of the pool needed restoration. In fact, our vinyl pools also have steel reinforced concrete walls, which are thicker and stronger than a typical gunite pool. Vinyl liners simply soften the feel of the pool by offering a top layer of comfortable padding.

The only challenge with vinyl is measuring and accurately cutting and welding the liner to fit perfectly over the concrete base. Deck and Patio’s team works with the very best experts who can do even very complex projects such as vinyl pools with a “vanishing” or “infinity” edge.

Geometric Vinyl Pool:

The only challenge with vinyl is measuring and accurately cutting and welding the liner to fit perfectly over the concrete base. This requires expertise and experience.

New Multi-tiered Decking

When designing expansive decking and pool surrounds, it is important that the chaise lounge, dining, and outdoor patio areas are all large enough for furniture and offer enough room to walk around. It is equally important not to over-build or “hardscape” the whole space.

For this project, in consultation with the homeowners, our design team installed three levels of capped composite decking that begins at the back door and leads down to their canal-side dock.

The upper level has room to relax and enjoy the water views; this level is flanked by two different sets of steps. On the left, the stairs lead down to the new hot tub/lounge area. The stairs on the right lead down to the larger pool level. At the water’s edge, we provided a fire pit/sitting area that, along with the hot tub, dramatically extends the outdoor living season.

Waterside Ambiance:

Deck and Patio provided a fire pit/sitting area that, along with the hot tub, dramatically extends the outdoor living season.

Deck and Patio and the homeowners chose strong “capped composite” decking because of the natural beauty of the material and its durability. It offers the look of wood but is warranted against staining and fading. No nail holes or wood knots to contend with, and certainly no staining or painting. Framing the entire area is lovely vinyl railing which also delivers durability as well as beautiful, sturdy and safe surrounds. The “capped” part of this quality composite decking acts like a veneer, or cap, for extra protection of the underneath composite materials.

In sum: the new three-level deck’s clean lines give a more modern and polished look to this lovely waterside outdoor space while also being extremely maintenance-friendly.

Decking design/build:

The new deck’s clean lines offer a modern and polished look while also being very maintenance-friendly.

Hot Tub/Loung Area

Completing the “full water experience,” a new hot tub is just steps down from the backdoor where it has been set into the deck for a pleasing “built-in” appearance. The hot tub’s cover can be left upright to provide additional privacy and also easily dropped down to cover the hot tub when not in use.

Deck and Patio includes a hot tub cover with almost all of its packages. We feel this is important because when the wind blows and dirt and leaves fall, they throw off the balance of the water quality by affecting the sanitary conditions of the water. We have learned from experience that clients will use the cover more regularly if it’s easy to open and close and if it is attractive and suits the hot tub model. Such is the case for this hot tub’s cover which fits the hot tub’s size, design and where they wanted it placed.

Backyard Restorations:

The owners of this Long Island waterside home wanted a pool and deck restoration/upgrade to what time and storm had destroyed.

By June Sullivan|2023-07-13T12:43:43-05:00November 21st, 2013|Ask the Experts, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Bullfrog Spas, Composite Decking, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Pool Surrounds, Pool Upgrades, Pools & Spas, Vinyl-lined Pools|0 Comments

The Deck and Patio Company Replaces Pool and Deck After Hurricane Sandy
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The Deck and Patio Company Replaces Pool and Deck After Hurricane Sandy

Beautiful new 3-tier Trex deck and freeform vinyl pool replaces what was lost in hurricane

The Northeast has just marked the first anniversary of Hurricane Sandy which devastated our shores. And no area was harder hit than Long Island’s South Shore. However, home-by-home, what was lost during that horrific super storm is being restored or replaced and our firm is honored to be part of this on-going resurrection.

The following deck and pool project is an example of we have been using our design/build expertise to bring back the joys of waterside living for families shaken by loss, but who are also strong in their desire to rebuild.

Beautifully situated on a bay off the Atlantic, the backdoor of this home is set high above ground. In order to bring the outdoor space up to the same level as the home, our design called for three deck levels leading from the door down to a new freeform vinyl pool and beautiful deck surround.

As always, when we build a deck, we take into consideration proper space planning to allow room for tables, chairs, barbeques, food pep areas and other features that make outdoor living so enjoyable. In addition, we create a design that takes into consideration the size of the property and the ability to maintain views. Considering the beautiful vistas open to this home, maximizing views was an important factor in every part of our design.

Elegant Multi-Level Deck and Freeform Pool:

In order to bring the outdoor space up to the same level as the home, our design called for three deck levels leading from the door down to a new freeform vinyl pool.

Maximizing Views/New Decking:

Considering the beautiful vistas open to this home, maximizing views was an important factor in every part of our design.

Deck and Patio’s design brought the deck up to the back door. Stepping out onto tits first tier, the homeowners enjoy a deep seating/lounge area that boasts panoramic views of the bay’s inlet. Without obstructing the view, sophisticated drama was added by framing their deck with attractive vinyl railing which like the composite decking could last for years needing little or no repair.

The deck itself is made of composite decking — composite being deck materials manufactured with wood fiber and a mixture of plastic or other materials. Being a composite fabrication, there is no cracking, rotting or splitting. And because it requires no sealants the composite materials are also protected from UV rays, and allows no damage from insects, water, or sun.

The composite decking we used is available in a variety of colors and is durable and low maintenance. The decking can be configured in a variety of patterns to match the individual style of any home. In fact, at Deck and Patio’s new design and display studio our clients can see the various choices available and how it will look on your deck.

Slip-Resistant Pool Decking:

We also feel the particular decking we chose is a good choice to use around pools because this manufacturer’s product provides a stable, firm, slip-resistant surface – wet or dry which meets the American Disability Act’s non-slip standards.

Custom Outdoor Kitchen:

Just steps from the seating area, level two of the new deck offers a custom outdoor kitchen/eating area. Here, a new grill, refrigerator, and smoker/cooker are set within curved custom cabinetry with raised bar that mimics the decking. The white vinyl railing offers dramatic framing to the warm wood tone of the outdoor kitchen and deck.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:49-05:00November 7th, 2013|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Composite Decking, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Outdoor Kitchens, Patios & Decks, Pool Surrounds, Pools & Spas, Uncategorized|0 Comments

3 Backyard Escapes To Lift Anyone’s Mood
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3 Backyard Escapes To Lift Anyone’s Mood

Design/Build Showcases: Three different families – three different dream backyards

Creating Resort Feel in Backyard:

Our design/build team constructed this resort-style backyard by adding a vinyl pool with sweeping curves, interior stairs and love seat; a white pergola with 10”-round columns adds room-like feel to the patio.

Moss Rock Waterfall:

This eight-foot-high moss rock waterfall was built to ensure a perpetual resort feeling; a large berm has been planted with lush landscaping to add the right touches of color.

Above 2 photos:

The owners of this Long Island property asked Deck and Patio’s design/build team to give their new pool area a “resort feel.” First, our team, under the leadership of our outdoor living expert Bill Renter, designed a vinyl pool with sweeping curves, interior stairs and a love seat.

In addition, an eight-foot-high moss rock waterfall with two-horsepower pumps, that move 250 gallons of water per minute, were added to ensure a perpetual resort feeling. A large berm, complete with lush landscaping, added the right touches of color.

The client’s new patio made of tumbled pavers gives the look of natural stone while staying cool in the warm months. A white pergola with 10-inch-round columns adds a room-like feel to the patio while adding height to the once flat looking backyard.

The project was finished with landscape lighting which adds a sculpture appearance during the day while providing indirect lighting at night.

Elegant Multi-Level Deck:

Our expert team created an elegant multi-level deck to maximize the view of this new pool area.

Geometric Vinyl Pool:

This project’s geometric vinyl pool was created with interior steps, love seats, an acrylic spill over spa, tile walls, and a multi-level patio.

Above 2 photos:

To maximize the view of the new pool area, for this showcase, our outdoor living expert and his team created an elegant multi-level deck which also enhances the traditional look of the sloping property.

In order to match the gray siding on the house, we used a special splinter-free and slip resistant composite decking material in a similar color. Stairs, rails, benches and planters were also made from the same material, which offered the added benefit of not requiring preservation treatments.

The spacious wraparound wide stairs were positioned to maximize the view of the pool area. The geometric vinyl pool includes interior steps, love seats, an acrylic spill over spa, tile walls, and a multi-level patio. An aluminum estate fence winds around the property, blending with colorful evergreen and perennial plantings.

To complete the outdoor experience for these clients, an accessible cedar barbecue cabinet with a built-in stainless steel weber grill was installed close to, but out of the view from, the kitchen doors.

Stellar landscaping was also well planned to enhance the property’s scenic views. Bluestone stepping stones provide a delightful meandering pathway to the pool area.

Gunite Pool Upgrade:

For this project, we upgraded an existing 22-year-old gunite pool and replaced uncomfortable grass with a new stone-like patio.

New Retaining Wall, Spa, Moss Rock Waterfall:

We replaced a non-functioning waterfall and wood retaining wall, upgraded an uncomfortable existing spa with an acrylic spa and beautified the landscape with bright lush plantings.

Above 2 photos:

We were contacted by local clients who wanted their 22-year-old gunite pool upgraded. They also had a non-functioning waterfall, and were very unhappy with their backyard’s uncomfortable spa; an uncomfortable expanse of grass also badly substituted for a patio.

The first step our design/build team took was to demolish the existing spa, waterfall

wood retaining wall, and rock coping. Next, a new, and very comfortable, acrylic spa was installed. To retain the sloping woodland behind the pool and also to beautify the area, our team added a seven-foot-high moss rock waterfall and boulder coping.

Because of the property’s natural setting around the pool, we gave careful consideration to which patio material should be used. Our designers suggested a tumbled pavingstone and wall system made from Techo-Bloc. The color of the patio, which has the look of natural stone, is a blend of tan and natural gray, which ties in beautifully with the color of the boulders used. The patio remains cool even on hot summer days and has the durability of a paver patio. The new technology behind the paving and matching wall systems ensures a lifetime of easy care for these surfaces.

The final touch was a lush and colorful landscape which was successfully accomplished despite the challenge of a mostly shady woodland setting.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:49-05:00October 24th, 2013|Backyard Escapes, Deck and Patios, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Living, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Surrounds, Pool Upgrades, Pools & Spas, Retaining Walls, Spillover/Custom Spas, Updating Landscape|0 Comments

Landscape Update To Freshen Home’s Exterior
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Landscape Update To Freshen Home’s Exterior

Design/Build: 1980s’ yard is updated by Deck and Patio into new millennium landscape

Our foyers and entrance halls make strong first impressions of the interiors of our homes. We sometimes forget, however, that the true first impression is happening outside. If our yards are outdated — even when the inside is fresh and up-to-date — the first welcome our home makes is not what we intend.

Landscape, then, can — and should be — fresh and modern. When the owners of this Long Island home approached our outdoor living expert, they were looking for an innovative and modern outdoor look for their property. Our finished custom landscape brought their outdated eighties’ exterior landscaping into the new millennium. www.deckandpatio.com

New Decking

The homeowner’s initial thought was to only replace their backyard’s old decking with something more modern that suited their busy schedules; in other words, the new deck couldn’t be “high maintenance.” Our design/build team planned and executed the removal of the existing pressure-treated deck and replaced it with sleekly-designed Trex Accents composite decking, in “Saddle.” This new decking offers the warm, natural look of wood, but without the maintenance. Indeed. Trex being a composite fabrication, it eliminates the cracking, rotting or splitting natural wood is known for. It also requires no sealants which saves lots of regular maintenance hassles. These composite materials also protect from UV rays, and allow no damage from insects, water or sun.

In sum: the new deck’s clean lines give a more modern and polished look to their outdoor space and are extremely maintenance-friendly.

Maintenance-friendly Deck:

The new deck’s clean lines give a more modern and polished look to their outdoor space and are extremely maintenance-friendly.

As the new deck was being completed, the design and build capabilities of Deck and Patio made a strong impression and we were asked to make a complete renovation of the remainder of the backyard as well as the front of the home.

Pool Surround

The patio surrounding the pool was given a fresh style by replacing the old tan Chanford brick pavers with the more modern and elegant look of Techo-Bloc’s “Hammered” tan pavers. Where there once stood a moss rock waterfall, we installed a sophisticated and elegant fountain style water feature with three spilling sheets of water. An old-fashioned, straight lined railroad tie wall was removed; it was replaced with a tan Allan Block wall, laid out in sweeping curves that don’t just define the space, but also soften the lines of their new relaxation spot. Deck and Patio’s outdoor living expert chose these blocks because Allan blocks look like natural stone; also they combine a rustic and modern aesthetic that result in an attractive contemporary look. In addition, they are also “dry-stacked” so there was no need for footings, mortar or connectors in the building process because the blocks stay in place once they are stacked together — — a real boon for cost-savings.

Fountain Style Water Feature:

Where there once stood a moss rock waterfall, we installed a sophisticated and elegant fountain style water feature with three spilling sheets of water.

Allan Block Wall:

An old-fashioned, straight lined railroad tie wall was removed; it was replaced with a tan Allan Block wall, laid out in sweeping curves.

Techo-Bloc “Hammered” Pavers:

We gave a fresh style to the patio surrounding the pool by replacing the old tan Chanford brick pavers with the more modern and elegant look of Techo-Bloc’s “Hammered” tan pavers.

Front Driveway/Steps

With the backyard completely finished, the front required a bit of a makeover as well. The old, crumbling asphalt driveway needed serious attention. The Deck and Patio Company’s design required removing the old driveway and replacing it with durable tan Techo-Bloc. The asphalt walkway was also extracted and a series of graceful Techo-Bloc stairs and landings were installed.

The beauty of the newly installed step and landing were subtly accented by a decorative circle kit giving a charming and aesthetically pleasing finish. Made of interlocking paving stones, the design offered warmth and charm in a design that perfectly suited the design of their home.

Light Piers

Two final “hardscape” additions were the two sets of masonry light piers. The first set was installed at the end of the stairs creating a welcoming feature that would show off the fine details well after the sun went down. The second set of piers was set prominently at the end of the driveway to merely hint at the beauty of the property beyond.

Now a matching driveway — up to the front door of the residence — offers a wonderful “first impression” that is fresh, new, and inviting.

Techo-Bloc Driveway:

In the front yard, our design required removing the old driveway and replacing it with durable tan Techo-Bloc; the asphalt walkway was also extracted and a series of graceful Techo-Bloc stairs and landings were installed.

Steps and Landings:

The beauty of the newly installed step and landing were subtly accented by a decorative circle kit giving a charming and aesthetically pleasing finish.

Gardening and Water Features

Finally, when it comes to updating a home, fresh gardening can raise a home’s value almost instantly and is the least expensive improvement you can make. For example, if your plantings are over 10 years old, they are probably way overgrown; any original landscape design has long faded when plants have grown practically into trees.

For this project, our new “hardscape” design was tied together with lush, colorful perennials throughout and two specimens of green lace leaf maples standing alongside the light piers at the end of the driveway.

In addition, a new pondless waterfall alongside the deck and pool area creates a luxurious and soothing highlight — an added bonus to their outdoor living experience.

Great Curb Appeal:

Beautiful Water Features:

We also created a second lovely water feature area that appeals to the homeowner’s sense of sound as well as sight.

When all the craftsmen packed up upon completion of the project, the homeowners were pleased with how their dream and the vision of their designer’s came to be a reality.