Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/821808
IT'S SAFE TO SAY THAT EVERYONE WHO LIVES IN MANITOBA EMBRACES THE WARMER SEASONS. SUMMERS ARE CELEBRATED, APPRECIATED, AND CHERISHED. OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE BECOMES A THING OF GREAT VALUE. AFTER A LONG WINTER THERE'S A LONGING FOR ALL THINGS GREEN AND AN EAGERNESS TO GET OUT AND ABOUT UNDER A BIG BLUE SKY. B irds, squirrels, geese, frogs and crickets, rainstorms and warm breezes have been coming back to remind us of why we love our Prairie summers. Having a deck can dramatically facilitate everything from social and family gatherings to more intimate quiet dinners, and provide a place to get a little closer to nature. A typical deck used to be just a rudimentary structure of wood planks in the backyard to hold a barbecue, maybe a table and chair set. Nowadays, a deck can be a world unto itself, from extravagant to practical, with multiple levels, awnings, attractive tempered glass inserts, the all-important bug screens, pergolas, even a bar. Accessories are countless. Possibilities are endless. Creating an inviting space outdoors is big business, and more than ever people are looking for easy, low-maintenance, long-lasting materials and structures. Fortunately, high-quality, waterproof, scratch- and UV-resistant materials with multi-year warranties are readily available, and esthetically pleasing at the same time. For 35 years, Mel Dueck of Windeck Ltd. has dedicated his time, skills and passion to helping people bring to life the kind of outdoor living space they envision. "We can build what they dream," Dueck says. Whether it's residential, cottage or commercial property, more and more people want stunning decks, Dueck says. With the various options for lighting, clear and tinted glass inserts, privacy walls, dry storage space, stairs and other elements, a good deck can easily evoke a mood- enhancing ambiance and add great visual appeal and value to a home. Dueck, at the helm of the multi-generation family-owned business, sees his role as one of selling livable space. "We work with architects, designers and engineers. We can coordinate any colour with your home," he says. With prices ranging from $6,000 to $250,000, and an average custom-deck price of $10,000- $30,000, building a deck is an investment, but for anyone who appreciates design and a lifestyle that allows for lots of time outdoors, it's one that pays you back with every moment spent breathing in the warm air of summer. For the do-it-yourselfer in the family, the resources are there to help create the outdoor space you want, exactly the way you want it, while saving some money along the way. A visit to Olympic Building Centre is one good place to start. Jeff Gostick has extensive building and contracting experience and says he can coach anyone with an interest in creating their own deck. "This is something you can tackle and build with confidence, do it once and have it last 30 years," Gostick says, although it helps if you have previous building experience. Whether you choose to build a deck from wood, or longer-lasting composite or PVC materials, Gostick encourages customers to do some research. They should have a clear idea of what they want, and talk to neighbours, co-workers and friends about what works for them so they can get excited about their own building project. Trending in decks now are grey tones and inserted lighting, which add to visual appeal. Customers are also looking for decks that are easy to maintain. They want a space that is a natural extension of their indoor home. There's a vast range of colours to choose from so colour coordinating is easy. Whether you want it covered or not, with or without railings, equipped with a fireplace, a barbecue, an eating area, a swing, an elegant layout to include a sofa and chair set, a hot tub, or just a little bistro table to sit at in a cozy spot to meditate on life and enjoy refreshments with friends, tend to the flowers and read a book, the design options are limitless. The deck is a place synonymous with comfort and relaxation. Rain or shine, a deck can be the best refuge right in our own backyard, whether at home or at the cottage. Supplies and resources are available to create your ideal unique and personalized outdoor space. So why not start imagining an expansion of indoor space into the great outdoors? 'Tis the season, and on those warm summer nights, you'll be glad you made it happen. - 05 GARDEN Home 2017 & ALL DECKED OUT MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR BACKYARD LIVING SPACE By Janine LeGal CREATING AN INVITING SPACE OUTDOORS IS BIG BUSINESS, AND MORE THAN EVER PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR EASY, LOW-MAINTENANCE, LONG-LASTING MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES.