 Ready for that backyard facelift? Enjoy your deck this summer and every summer for years with vinyl decking. Here is everything you need to know before you make the final decision: Vinyl vs. Wood and CompositeVinyl decking, wood decking, and composite decking are typically the most common options people consider when renovating their deck. If you’re considering any of these options, we have some recommendations! To start, we would suggest going with a vinyl deck over a wood deck any day of the week, here’s why: lumber prices have been skyrocketing over the last few years, and vinyl decking is the best way to reclaim space underneath the deck. If you have a walkout deck, which many people do in British Columbia and Alberta, it gives you that little bit of extra space that you already paid for. With wood plank decking, it tends to get beaten up with the unfriendly Canadian climate, whereas vinyl decking is built to handle the harsh Canadian temperatures. Now, when it composite decking vs. vinyl, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend one over the other. What matters most is what you are looking for out of your deck. Their different purposes are; composite decking is excellent for letting water through your deck, so you will never get any pooling or build-up; vinyl decking is waterproof and protects anything underneath of the deck. Vinyl decking is much more cost effective on general, as well. How much does a vinyl deck cost?Now, to the important stuff: how much is this thing going to cost? Vinyl decking can range in pricing depending on the flashings, adhesives, and the vinyl you’re looking at; typically speaking, it is around eight to sixteen dollars per square foot. Pricing can also change depending on the thickness of the vinyl membrane you choose, the product warranty, and the required preparation to install it. Please keep in mind that these prices may change due to market fluctuations. What is the BEST vinyl membrane?The answer for this one will range depending on who you ask, different companies, installers, whose opinion. At Canada’s Best, we believe that one of the best products for the smooth back is Dec-Tec. It is a walkable, decorative, and durable roofing-grade membrane. For felt back, we use a few different products; however, it all depends on what is desired by the engineer. However, all vinyl decking membrane is all minimum 60 mils thick. How long does vinyl decking last?Vinyl decking can last up to twenty, twenty-five years. However, it can depend on the pattern you choose. If you have glass rays magnified through glass railings onto your vinyl and then glass windows reflecting rays onto your vinyl, it’s going to take a beating, especially if you are South or South West Facing. However, if you are North facing with picket railing, it will typically last longer. How do I maintain a vinyl deck?You won’t believe how easy it is! The best way to maintain your vinyl deck is to make sure that you don’t use any harsh chemicals when it comes time to clean your deck. We highly recommend using a garden hose, warm tap water if it is extra dirty, and a push broom. If you feel that isn’t doing the trick diluting non-toxic dish soap, like Dawn, is also safe. Washing off your deck each spring and fall is the best way to maintain it; always make sure to give it an extra scrub if you have used any sort of rock salt or ice-melting chemicals on it throughout the winter. Lastly, make sure to always clean up any spills on your vinyl deck before the sun comes out, potentially “baking” the stain into your deck.
 At this point, it’s apparent to everyone that local restaurants have experienced a ton of fluctuations in their industry within the last year due to regulations consistently changing. We hope that everyone has learned how important supporting local businesses is, even more so now. As a local business in the Okanagan, we want to do something special for our local restaurant owners. We want to see the Okanagan Get Decked Out! We want to help the restaurants within our community by offering our labour to create and set up patio extensions to maximize space while following social distancing regulations. As a local business ourselves, we know the importance of our community supporting us, and that is why we are so eager to help in the best way we know how to! If your restaurant could use a patio extension revamp or if you know of a local restaurant with who we can help, please send an email to [email protected] with the subject “Okanagan Gets Decked Out.” Who are we?We are Canada’s premier provider and installers of vinyl membrane, liquid coatings, aluminum and glass railings, as well as privacy walls. We are a locally owned and run family company that cares about our community. What are we offering?We’ve created a community service campaign called Okanagan Gets Decked Out, through which we are providing necessary materials for patio extensions at cost and donating free labour for the patio measurements and installation. We will get as many done as possible between now and May 31st, and we are offering this on a first-come, first-served basis. Let us help you! Who are we looking to help?We are looking for businesses in the Okanagan that need to create outdoor seating areas to have their business thrive through the COVID-19 restrictions. We are offering this service throughout April and May so that companies are ready for the summer. They must have proper permits and prepared space for the outdoor seating areas. How can business owners who need help reach us?Think our services could help your business? Know of a restaurant that could benefit from this offer? Reach out! We would love to help. Please email: [email protected] and put “Okanagan Gets Decked Out” in the subject line. Words from Landon Ashby, our great CEO!“The key to keeping the local economy strong is supporting locally-owned businesses. We have to support local if we want our Okanagan community not just to survive this crisis but thrive through it. We came up with the idea for this campaign while chatting with a friend who is a restaurant owner down in the US who has seen their business flourish through this crisis by having ample outdoor seating that allows for social distancing. We believe we can save this economy by working together, volunteering to help wherever possible and not giving up.”   Sunrooms are the perfect addition to your home for adding square footage, enjoying nature in every season, and enjoying the sun glistening through while you drink your coffee and read your favourite book! Convinced yet? Same here. However, if you are currently thinking about adding a sunroom addition to your home check out some information you should think about before you take the plunge! What is the goal of your sunroom?Maybe it is as simple as adding square footage for entertaining, maybe it is just for leisurely activities, with all this work from home lately, maybe you want to make it your office. The use of your sunroom is the first place to start when thinking about getting one designed. Another key point to think about it, how often do you want to use it? Will you want to use it year-round, three seasons, or just in warm weather? How often you want to use it will change the options available. Year-Round SunroomHoping to get used to your sunroom all year round? The answer is a four-season sunroom or a solarium. A four-season sunroom offers added security features, a sleek door handle, and an advanced weather lock with interlocked sashes. The great thing about a four seasons sunroom is that they are designed to be heated in the cold weather and cooled in the heat. Making it so that you can enjoy it all-year-round! A solarium will maximize the view of your surroundings thanks to its glass walls and roof. Each solarium is manufactured without 1-inch thick double pane insulated glass to improve heating and cooling performance. Three Season SunroomA three seasons sunroom is less expensive than a four-season sunroom or a solarium, but they are not engineered to be heated and cooled every day of the year. However, depending on your area of the country, a space heater like an electric fireplace or portable fan may be all you need to stay comfortable. Some of the features of a patio enclosure three-season room include added weather protection and a dual-point locking system. A three-season room’s draft and weather resistance will allow you to spend more time in your enclosed space, while the locking system provides security. The perfect place in the warm weatherA sunroom is such a perfect place to hang out, relax, and visit with family and friends during the warm months. You can enjoy the outdoors without leaving the comfort of your own home, and without being pestered by mosquitoes and other insects. In the warmer months, a screen room is also a perfect option for those who like to be one with nature. An added benefit - Make your plants happyGreen thumb? Or at least wannabe green thumb? An added benefit of Sunrooms is that they provide a great place to grow your plants year-round - especially tropical ones! Some of the most popular plants to grow in a sunroom include hibiscus, passionflower, orchids, and an Easter / Christmas cactus. Hanging plants such as a Boston fern or a spider plant is also very happy in a sunroom environment, and provide the perfect decorative touch.   Looking for the ultimate outdoor entertaining space? Trying to expand your living space? And increase the value of your home? Your answer is an outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens provide so many benefits to homeowners; to name a few, check some of the points alone! Expand Your Living and Entertaining SpaceOne of the most significant benefits that come with an outdoor kitchen is how it expands your living space, and of course, entertaining capabilities. You can also extend your fun outdoor entertaining season by getting heaters, coverings, and shelter from snow and rain. Consider Your SurroundingsAs we brainstorm your dream outdoor kitchen design, we always consider your home's exterior to choose colours and textures that can complement what you already have and continue your current style. Planning Your LayoutThe layout is essential in an outdoor kitchen as it is for an indoor one. For many reasons, L-shape designs are the most common, leading to room division for the area. Another critical point in consideration of your outdoor kitchen design is the placement of your appliances, considering the best locations for hot and cold zones, and ensuring that you have enough food preparation space. Deciding What Kind of Appliances You WantThe layout design is the best time to think about what types of appliances you are looking for in your outdoor kitchen. We encounter the most popular appliance choices: grills, smokers, refrigerators, a kegerator, and an ice maker. Choosing MaterialsAn outdoor kitchen needs to be just as effective as your indoor kitchen; however, it also needs to hold up to the ever-changing extreme weather conditions we experience in Canada. Selecting durable materials that can withstand the elements while still being low maintenance is a top priority. Stainless steel is a material that is frequently chosen for countertops and appliances due to its durability. This will look sleek while holding up to the elements and remaining easy to clean and maintain. Whereas natural stone countertops can require sealing regularly. Styling Your Outdoor KitchenOnce you have the bones of your layout and design, it's time to pay attention to the details. Adding in garden decorations, potted plants, cushioned seating, and maybe something to emit heat during the cooler nights. With cushioned seating and upholstery, choose a fabric that is moisture-resistant and that resists fading from the harsh sun. Selecting accessories that are sturdy and durable is the most important thing. Creating AmbianceAdding lighting is something you can add-in for both practicalities and for ambiance. You can incorporate different types of lighting for maximum effect. You can also consider options for mixing in some music and other forms of entertainment to your space. This could provide the perfect space for game nights! With the warm weather coming, everyone is looking to truly enjoy their backyard and finally invest in the backyard of their dreams. However, it is essential to start looking around for your outdoor kitchen designer right away so that you can design, build, and enjoy your new space for the summer.   Nothing beats the aroma of burgers on the barbecue, sipping sangria, enjoying the last bit of sunshine for the day, all while sitting in your backyard oasis. Your deck space becomes a place of gathering, comfort, and relaxation during the warm summer months. Choosing the right furniture for your vinyl deck will add to your enjoyment and entertainment possibilities in your backyard. However, before splurging on your outdoor furniture goals, here are the top five design factors to take into consideration: 1. Weather Conditions in Your AreaIf you purchase patio furniture, you need to know how it will hold up with our fluctuating Canadian seasons—thinking wicker? This option is not the best for areas that experience frequent moisture, humidity, and rainfall—experiencing dry and hot conditions during the summer? It could crack or splinter wood furniture. Whatever your weather is, choose materials that will be durable enough to handle our Canadian climate. Additionally, putting away your patio furniture or covering the furniture in the wintertime will help maintain your furniture condition in the long term. 2. Sketch Out Your IdeasThink about what you want out of your patio and deck space. Do you want to create a private oasis? If so, think about investing in plants, hanging a small hammock, or building privacy walls to provide a more personal effect. If you want to host large groups, a sectional couch with a fire pit will create a comfortable environment and inspire interaction. Are you looking to reclaim space and create storage space underneath your deck? If so, vinyl decking is one of the most popular options. Waterproofing the surface of your deck will provide you with the ability to store away items underneath safely. Whatever you are looking for, drawing out how you want your area to look and understanding what you want to use your patio and deck space will help you decide what items you need. 3. Consider Your Traffic FlowWhen thinking about furniture placement, think about the different spaces you want to create, such as dining, lounging, cooking, or mingling. Also, consider how many access points you have on your deck. Creating a nice flow with the designed spaces and number of entry points may affect the size of furniture you choose. Creating the ideal flow will help create an open and spacious feel for your family and party guests! 4. Try Out EverythingBefore you purchase anything, try it out to make sure it is comfortable and meets your expectations. Most retailers have a sample of the patio furniture they're selling. If you like it, consider what extras you'll need to complete the look. Does the couch need cushions? Will you need a coffee table? 5. Feng Shui Your Outdoor SpaceNow that you have an idea of the type of furniture or items you want to buy, it's time to figure out the perfect way to style it. Here are some tips to ensure that your patio furniture is appropriately placed on your vinyl deck. · Find Ways to Incorporate the Elements – The five elements of Feng Shui include water, earth, metal, fire, and wood. Plan your furniture around these elements. For example, incorporate a waterfall to contain water or greenery to integrate the earth. · Create Natural Boundaries – Use your patio as an oasis and shield from negative energy. Create a wall of plants or hedges to create a natural boundary in your outdoor space. · Create Conversational Spaces – Pull some lawn chairs or patio furniture together to optimize connection and conversation between your group of friends and family. Try to face your furniture in a semi-circle for optimal results. · Keep it Clean – One of the foundations of Feng Shui is to rid yourself of clutter. Clutter will change the flow and energy of your space. Consider keeping your decorations minimal and remove any dead plants, faded cushions, or broken planters. · Decorate with Color – Use the colours of good fortune to decorate your outdoor patio, including red, purple, and yellow shades. Adding green can bring peace and freshness to space, while blue brings growth, life, and money. Connect with Us to Upgrade Your Patio  Ready to plan your outdoor patio space? It all starts with choosing the proper deck solution. If you're ready to upgrade your outdoor patio space, contact us to learn more about how we can help you create design and building your outdoor oasis.
 Are you wishing for winter to end so you can get back to enjoying your margaritas on your deck? Same! However, in the meantime, while we wait for the cold wintry nights to change to that warm summer breeze, it's important to make sure your deck is shown some love. Did you know that there are ways you can protect the vinyl and foundation while the snow is falling to maintain a pristine long lasting deck? Here are our top 4 tips for maintaining your deck during the wintertime: 1. Clear Snow From Your Vinyl Deck RegularlyEven though we may not use our decks very much in the wintertime, maintaining a shovelled deck is still essential regarding its quality and lifespan. As we know, Canadian winters bring snowfall and often fluctuations between melting and freezing. Ensuring that we shovel our decks in the winter can prevent bending and warping the vinyl membrane from the added weight the snow may bring. This also includes avoiding snowdrifts and piling the snow to one side of your deck. 2. Use a Plastic ShovelWe always recommend using a plastic shovel, opposed to metal when it comes to your vinyl deck. Especially when considering an icy deck or heavy snow pile up, the edges of a metal shovel can result in scratches and possible long-term damage to the vinyl membrane. 3. Store Your Deck Furniture Elsewhere Although we take pride in our vinyl decks being durable and a great alternative to combating Canadian weather fluctuation, the hibernation of furniture on your deck could be damaging come spring. Like that ring on your table from your favourite coffee mug, your deck furniture may have similar effects come springtime. Moisture from snow or rain can create a divot or ring around where your furniture or plant pots mat sit. There is also the potential for patio furniture to leave a mark on your vinyl, should they be weighed down by snow. To ensure this does not happen, we recommend storing your furniture elsewhere over the winter months. 4. Use Your Vinyl Deck Year-Round, Enclose It!Want to enjoy your deck year-round? Look at enclosing your patio by converting it into a sunroom enclosure. It has excellent weatherproof qualities, no snow touches your deck, and you get to enjoy your outdoor space a little longer through those cold months. Got a need for heat? That's perfectly fine! Small space heaters won't damage the vinyl. In fact, vinyl deck and coverings hold heat exceptionally well, so you won't need to worry about a raise in your electrical bill! Find these tips helpful? Feel free to reach out about our services and vinyl deck solutions. Both Dec-Tec and DeckRite PVC membrane offers many advantages over composite and conventional wood sundecks.  |
AuthorAllison Wheeler, Marketing & Communications Coordinator Archives
May 2021
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
What Our Clients Are Saying...
"We are so thrilled with our vinyl deck! It looks amazing 3 years later and we literally haven't had to do anything to maintain it looking great. Thanks so much for helping us make a selection that we absolutely love and for being perfectionists in your work." ~ Mark F.
"Wow! What else can we say? We absolutely love our vinyl deck and the new glass railings! We spend as much time as we can outside and now we have the outdoor dining/living space we dreamed of. No maintenance, no staining, no nothing. Just awesome. Thanks so much!" ~ Sarah J.
"Highly recommended contractor for vinyl decking, vinyl membranes and handrails. Professional team namely Roger and Landon. A contractor who puts client satisfaction first is, without any doubt, a successful contractor and will have a sustainable business for sure. This is what Calgary Best Decks demonstrated on my vinyl deck and handrail project at my house. The guys even upgraded my vinyl membrane to the premium quality membrane at no additional cost to me just because they believed it’s better from construct-ability point of view." ~ Raed S.
"These guys were such a delight to work with. From the quote, to the completion, they were great! Excellent communication and we ended up with exactly what we wanted. I wasn't sure about having our deck done in the winter, but it worked out great. The weather even cooperated! It turns out they work all winter here in Kelowna. We had vinyl deck installed, topless glass railings and an outdoor kitchen. They had it done very quickly and we're so excited that our deck is ready for when spring hits! I highly recommend Canada's Best and their purple team!" ~ Chloe S.