DeckAndPatio_Blog

Residential Snow PlowingSnow Removal in Dix Hills Huntington Long Island 631 549 8100

Bill Renter — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 12:00:28 +0000

Residential Snow Plowing in Dix Hills 631 549 8100

Residential Snow Removal In Dix Hills

Deck and Patio Company in Dix Hills, Huntington Long Island, New York has an established Residential Snow Plowing and Snow Removal company, dedicated to the highest quality service available. With each passing season, our objective is to remain an industry leader. Through the use of a modern facility, late model vehicles, and state of the art snow moving equipment, we are able to adapt to our ever-changing environment and progress closer to achieving our goals.

With each and every snowfall, our in-house fleet of 6 snow-clearing units is deployed. In the event of blizzard, we have two additional reserve sub-contracted units on call. By utilizing multiple vehicles across Dix Hills and Hintington Long Island New York, our customers can be confident that when an emergency occurs, we are only a few minutes away.

Deck and Patio Company in Dix Hills, Huntington Long Island, New York is not limited to just the standard snow plowing service. We go above and beyond the competition by also offering snow shoveling services and ice management solutions. Some of our most popular shoveling services include, but are not limited too:

Front Walkway Shoveling
Side Walk Shoveling
Clearing of Cars
Mailbox Clearing
Path Shoveling (to an oil fill tank, for example)

We also offer application of salt/sand as well as calcium chloride for proper ice management. Come experience what Deck and Patio Company’s Residential Snow Plowing Division has to offer. Place your winter snow clearing confidence in us, and I can assure you, you will not be let down.

Residential Snow Plowing in Dix Hills

Residential Snow Removal In Dix Hills

Contact us 631 549-8100

Thank You!

Artistry Underfoot- Deck and Patio Advice for Pool Patio

Bill Renter — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 13:01:43 +0000

Artistry Underfoot
Modern materials and clever installations make decks a significant part of pool projects

By Julie Phillips Randles | 8.20.2006

Homeowners seeking to create a backyard retreat often focus their attention on the design of the swimming pool, while the surrounding decking is treated as more of a necessity than an aesthetic opportunity. Times are changing, say pool builders and installers who work with an assortment of popular decking materials.

What used to be the backdrop for a pool project now is the focus, as decking materials take on a more significant role in custom projects.
“The deck aesthetically is as important as the pool to the total identity of the backyard,” says Ron Coker Jr., president/COO of Master Pools by Artistic Pools Inc., a Pool & Spa News Top Builder in Atlanta.

A look at the latest trends among the assorted specialty decking materials shows that pavers, stone, decorative concrete, wood and composites are being used in new and innovative ways.

PAVERS
Pavers are available in essentially two categories: rectangular bricks made from shale or clay, and concrete varieties. While traditional bricks have their advocates, concrete pavers are dominating much of the market nowadays. (Click here to view a project using pavers.)

“They are strong, dense and the color lasts, and they come in multiple sizes, shapes and patterns,” says Bill Renter, owner of The Deck & Patio Co. in Huntington Station, N.Y.

Here are three key reasons pavers are attracting attention:
• Versatility
Pavers are available in a variety of sizes, which allows for the creation of random, intricate patterns. Rather than long, repetitious lines of bricks, you can achieve a natural, free-form look by using three to six brick sizes.

“We can meet most people’s expectations with this product,” Renter says. “They can be laid down in different ways, and they have a smooth side and a pickled side.”

• Instant age
Pavers have been engineered to emulate the aged, rough-hewn look that is trendy right now. The newest pavers give a nod to this look with their tumbled edges and earthy colors. The most popular hue is a blend of gray and tan, which serves as a universal, rustic color.

• Weatherability
The use of stabilized joint sand during installation offers a trio of benefits and has effectively eliminated some of the negatives formerly associated with pavers. Using this compound means less moisture between pavers, thus less deck heaving in freeze-and-thaw climates. Grass and weeds can’t grow in the joints once the sand hardens. And, the use of joint sand prevents ants from tunneling through the sand base.

WOOD/COMPOSITES
While not always the first choice around water, many installers like the look of wood or wood composites for their decks. Traditionalists tend to take the natural wood route.

However, low-maintenance, slip-resistant wood composite products are significantly outselling natural cedar and redwood decks at Deck Masters in Arlington, Texas, says Eric Snyder, company president. Nearly 80 percent of his business is from composite wood decking.

Snyder says he used to spend about an hour in each customer’s home attempting to upsell them from wood to a composite. Now, homeowners use the Internet to do their own research on composite products and come to the bargaining table already interested in synthetic options. (Click here to view a project using wood/composites.)

Current trends feature the look of exotic woods from around the world. A favorite in wood and composites are the dark, rich Brazilian hardwoods such as Ipe (pronounced ï-pay). Other popular preferences in the wood-composite deck market include:

• Texture
Natural wood grain textures and mottled colors are “really changing up” the composite market, Snyder says. While the first wood composite products were smooth and gray, the product now is available in hues and finishes that more closely resemble natural wood.

• Curves
Upper-end composite decking projects are incorporating curves. “The deck boards are heated and then bent to create designs and inlaid curves within the deck,” Snyder says. This allows for sweeping patterns in addition to popular linear designs.

• Concealed hardware
Many composite manufacturers have introduced hidden clip or fastener systems, which eliminate exposed fasteners between boards on the deck top. While these systems have been available for nearly six years, they have become more popular with customers of late, despite the additional cost of $1 or so per square foot.

STONE
Natural quarried stone comes in an assortment of colors that can complement the exterior of almost any home. As a decking product, stone gives a project an air of lavishness or, in a more rugged form, can emulate a natural environment. (Click here to view a project using stone.)

“Our decks are getting more free-form, just like pools,” Coker notes. “These decks are as creative as the pools themselves.”

Builders seek stone for numerous reasons. Some examples:
• Multipurpose material
Natural stone is currently being used to unite the elements in backyards because of its horizontal and vertical versatility. Stone products can complement the masonry on a home’s exterior, unite horizontal decks and walkways, and be used vertically on fireplaces, seat walls and retaining walls.

• One-of-a-kind patterns
When working with a natural product, free-form designs that reflect the outdoors are second nature. Many of Coker’s clients want to create a “pond-type atmosphere” that reflects real-life outdoor environments. This look can be achieved by using assorted hues of irregular-shaped stone.

For Atlanta’s traditional style homes, however, he selects natural stone that is cut in geometric shapes and installed in formal patterns.

• Durability
While many installers place flagstone on a concrete sub-base, Coker has turned to using a fine particulate form of granite. This M-10 granite dust is forgiving in freeze-and-thaw climates, but becomes nearly as hard as concrete.

“The flagstone can sort of float on this 6-inch sub-base and doesn’t heave as concrete would, even with expansion joints,” he says.

DECORATIVE CONCRETE
Just as pool designs have advanced, so have the techniques, patterns and colors used when installing decorative concrete. (Click here to view a project using decorative concrete.)

“I think that concrete is becoming the icing on the cake,” says Jay Tucker, owner of Swim World Pools Inc. in Gallatin, Tenn. “People are wanting to do more patterns. We’re giving projects character with borders and saw cuts.”

Here are some favorite trends:
• Mixing it up
The leading trend in stamped concrete is pattern mixing. Stamped herringbone patterns are being paired with slatelike brick designs. Saw-cut score lines are used to give dimension to stained and sealed concrete.

“The same patterns and colors get monotonous,” Tucker says. “We’re using stone-look cuts in the concrete or mixed textures.”

• Natural palette
When it comes to color preferences, neutral bases are leading the way. Homeowners are coloring the concrete in tones of brown or gray, then adding a contrasting border in a band form around the edge of the deck.

• Added details
Taking a cue from inlaid wood flooring, which is popular with homeowners, Tucker has created inlaid concrete “area rugs” within larger decks.

“We recently formed up an area that was a rectangle and had a different pattern and design than the rest of the pool deck,” he explains. “The client put a rectangular table on it. It breaks up the deck and gives it some uniqueness.”

Stormwater runoff informative video

Bill Renter — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 22:41:37 +0000

Fresh water is important to everyone. But sometimes, our water is polluted through excess nutrients — nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers running off farm fields and suburban lawns. There are plenty of things that the average person can do to help keep our freshwater clean. Jeff Opperman, a senior freshwater scientist for The Nature Conservancy, offers some tips.

Thinking of a pond? Want low maintanance?

Bill Renter — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 11:51:39 +0000

Interested in a pond. We use proferrional grade Aquascape skimmers and biofall. Take a look at thi informational video.

2007 Award winning pond (Silver Medal) in Cold Spring Harbor New York

Bill Renter — Mon, 30 May 2011 11:45:48 +0000

Award winning pond designed and built by the Deck and Patio Company in Huntington Station New York. This pond is 16′ X 25′ with a 35′ stream around the back. It was built in Cold Spring Harbor New York. The pond features all Aquscape products including and grande biofall and grande skimmer, a 10,000 gph ADI pump, 3″ plumbing, 45 mil liner with underlayment, all Moss rock pond stone and waterfall, and river gravel. This pond is an ecosystem, and requires very little maintanance. To see more award winning ponds, pool and waterfalls go to http://deckandpatio.com/awards/Awards2007.html

May Is National Deck Safety Month let the Deck and Patio Company check your deck!

Bill Renter — Fri, 06 May 2011 14:43:41 +0000

Don't let this happen to you

The Deck and Patio company is concerned about old and poorly built decks. Decks are the perfect place to enjoy warm weather with friends and loved ones. With May upon us, the days are getting longer and it’s not too hot or too cool to go outside to spend time relaxing, firing up the grill, or throwing a party on the deck. For many, this time is generally spent on decks.

After the winter months, when snow and ice have hit hard, decks can develop trouble spots. Some of the common reasons a deck will collapse ranges from age of the deck, poor maintenance, exceeding its load capacity to improper building methods.

Below are some common tips to check:

Deck with proper connections

Substructure – Check several different areas of the deck to be sure the wood substructure is still sound. This includes the ledger board (where the deck attaches to the house and a common source of deck failure), support posts and joists under the deck.

Railing and Balusters – These should be secure. Push on them to be sure there is no give.

Stairs – Check any railings or handrails to be sure they are firmly held in place; check also the risers and stringers to be certain they are securely attached. Keep stair pathways clear of planters, decor, toys and other items that can present a tripping hazard.

Lighting and Electrical – Clean any light covers to allow maximum light to shine through and trim any plants or trees limbs that may be blocking light. Be sure all electrical outlets, appliances and features are up to code, in good condition and childproof if children are present. Watch that any electrical cords do not present a tripping hazard.

Cleaning and Maintenance – Clean away any leaves and debris, since they can be slippery.

Outdoor Furniture and Storage – Test all outdoor furniture to be sure it is sturdy. Avoid placing seating right at the edge of the deck. If you have a swing or hammock installed, test the chains and ropes to be sure they are secure.

Surrounding Trees – If you have trees overhanging your deck, make certain there is no danger of decaying limbs breaking free and falling from trees surrounding the deck.

There are things you should do in your hot tub and things you definitely shouldn’t do…

Bill Renter — Sun, 01 May 2011 22:39:36 +0000

The great thing about hot tubs is that everyone can enjoy them – whether you’re old or young, anyone can find an escape, relaxation, and pure happiness in the swirling warm water with massaging jets. Ahhhhhhh!

That said, there are certain hot tub activities that are approved and others that are nothing but trouble; the list of “hot tub dos and don’ts below is both your guide to bathing bliss and a warning against, well, stupidity.

DO: Rest and Relax

The single most significant benefit to any hot tub is its ability to offer unparalleled rest and relaxation. Whether it’s stress, headaches or a lack of sleep, the warm water helps to release endorphins that naturally reduce stress and increase circulation. If ever you’re high-strung or simply feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders, DO soak in a hot tub and let the warm water wash away your worries.

DON’T: Fall on Your Face

If you’ve done too much relaxing in the warm waters, you might find that your muscles are so loose that they won’t work as fast as your brain would want them to. If your body is in a deep state of tranquility, mind your motor skills when getting out and DON’T fall on your face!

Natural Pools: Safe for swimming?

Bill Renter — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 10:40:47 +0000

Natural Pools: Safe for Swimming?

By James Robyn

Natural Pools

We’ve been conditioned in the United States to think that the only safe water is water that has been sanitized by powerful chemicals and/or devices using ozone or ultraviolet light. In fact, it seems that our industry has promulgated a doctrine that we need to kill everything in the pool (except for swimmers).

While it is certainly true that disinfected water is safe for swimming, we need to keep in mind that we mammals evolved on our planet over millions of years both drinking and swimming in water that was clarified and purified naturally in ponds, streams, rivers and freshwater wetlands.

This makes it interesting to speak with prospective clients about the benefits of natural swimming pools — that is, pools in which biological processes treat the water in place of familiar chemical treatments — and to describe to wary homeowners how plants and microbial activity actually work to make the water perfectly safe for swimming.

Originally a skeptic myself, I have spent a tremendous amount of time understanding the science behind natural swimming pools and observing their operation in the field. Fortunately, the science at the heart of the natural swimming pool concept is well-established. Indeed, it stands at the core of how all healthy freshwater systems work in nature (at least on this planet).

Natural Pool with Bog regen zone and rainwater harvesting storage area

Nature’s Waste-Management System

These days, few of us consider that humankind developed and thrived without knowing how to apply chlorine, ozone or any of the other chemicals or devices used to treat water.

Our ancestors spread across the planet drinking natural water from a variety of sources without much trouble at all. And the waterborne diseases that eventually required chemical water treatment didn’t become a problem until cities became densely populated and the detritus of human occupation contaminated local water supplies. Similarly, the copious quantity of fertilizer used in farming has made its way into water systems, polluting them and knocking them out of their natural ecological balance.

The science behind the biological water treatment in natural swimming pools is called limnology, which some refer to as the “oceanography of fresh water.” It is the study of biological systems present in the fresh water we’ve relied on since the dawn of man. The idea behind natural swimming pools is an extension of this science, bringing common natural processes to manmade systems.

By mimicking the natural processes in a specially constructed and controlled environment, we are able to clarify and purify pool water without the use of chemicals and/or devices. The key to all of this is the nitrogen cycle, which might be best described as nature’s waste-management system.

Here’s how it works: Organic matter made up of debris and detritus enters the water in the form of all the compounds associated with human bathing and other sources (including leaves and fertilizer). These compounds give rise to microbial growth and algae that, since early in the 20th century, we have sanitized and oxidized using chlorine and other substances in our chemically treated pools.

In natural swimming pools, by contrast, beneficial agents called heterotrophic bacteria break down these compounds and convert them to carbon dioxide (CO₂) and ammonia. Next, another beneficial bacteria known as nitrosomonas bacteria converts the ammonia into nitrites (NO₂). Finally, in the third step of this elegant process, nitrobacter bacteria convert the nitrites into nitrate (NO₃).

Nitrate is the compound that makes up the bulk of the fertilizer we buy to feed plants. In traditional swimming pools, this material can be a major problem, as nitrates are the primary food for algae. In a natural swimming pool, however, nitrates are removed by aquatic plants that we place in what we call regeneration zones.

In effect, the detritus that would otherwise require oxidation is instead used to grow plants, and the plants removing the nutrients from the pool water results in pool water that is perfectly clear.

Natural Pool with vanishing edge and rainwater harvesting storage area

Regeneration Zones

Again, in achieving this effect we are relying on ecological relationships that exist in natural bodies of water. In this context, bacteria are essentially “reducers” that take detritus and transform it into oxygen and nutrients for plants and phytoplankton such as algae. The phytoplanktons and oxygen are then consumed by a host of tiny animal species categorized as zooplanktons.

Natural swimming pools include the abovementioned regeneration zones (or what some call constructed wetlands) to harbor these biological processes and make the water safe for swimming. And that is just one application of this approach: In fact, the “wetlands effect” is now being used with great success to treat mass quantities of wastewater and to restore natural bodies of water to healthy, balanced conditions.

(In fact, one of my friends has successfully used constructed wetland technology in lieu of a septic system at a number of homes in the Colorado Rockies, and many municipalities are now planning systems that use constructed-wetland technology for municipal sewage and wastewater treatment.)

The conceptual foundation for all of this is the nitrogen cycle as it’s applied in closed-loop systems. Here, the compounds that might otherwise engender growth of harmful pathogens instead wind up inside the plants, which we can harvest and remove from the system. Through this harvesting, we actually reduce the volume of nutrients carried by the overall system — although once the nutrients are bound up in the plants, they no longer are a source of potential problems.

Harvesting is just one of the tactics we use to control the nutrient burden. Another key detail of these systems is the fact that the plants in our constructed wetlands are not rooted in soil; instead, they grow in gravel in a hydroponic system. The only place these plants can gather nutrients is from the water itself, so they’re very hungry.

Not only do these concepts make sense, they can be applied with just a few variations on the techniques that are already used to build conventional swimming pools. These natural systems, for example, require proper hydraulic design with respect to flow rates, turnover rates and pump/plumbing sizing — just as is the case with their chemically treated cousins.

As for differences, there are two main ones, both of which are related to the design and construction of the regeneration zones. First, the gravel must be right for the job; second, the system must be set up so the aquatic plants stay hungry — meaning we are sure to eliminate any surface runoff into the pool that can carry fertilizers, pesticides or other organic compounds into the water from the surrounding landscape.

Additionally, the water plants must be able to out-compete the algae for the nutrients in the water, thereby limiting the amount of algae that can grow in the system.

It also bears mentioning that proper regeneration zones will attract animals in the form of amphibians, insects, birds and other species that thrive in natural wetlands. A family of happy frogs living in a regeneration zone is a good indication that the system is in equilibrium. In fact, we use skimmers that are frog-friendly; instead of finding bleached-white dead frogs in our skimmer baskets, the frogs are able to easily escape.

Setting Accurate Expectations

In speaking with clients about these systems, we’ve come to recognize that it is extremely important to set accurate expectations.

Most of us have had the experience of swimming in natural bodies of fresh water in the form of rivers, streams, lakes and ponds — and we survived with little concern about the presence of plants, microbial life forms, biofilm and other animals. Nonetheless, once you start talking about a “swimming pool,” all sorts of suppositions about how that body of water will look and how it will perform crop up almost instantly. The natural swimming pools that I have seen — designed and built correctly, of course — all had water that was transparently clear, and I was perfectly able to see right to the bottom of the deep end.

We never make any bones about it: The inescapable fact is that natural swimming pools teem with life, and the distinction we work to convey is that the nitrogen cycle our clients’ children are learning about in their science classes is what makes that water safe for swimming.

We also point out in some cases that our own bodies teem with microbial life. In fact, every healthy human body plays host to trillions of microbes of perhaps a thousand different species. The list of those that are harmful is infinitesimal compared to the vast majority that are beneficial. We couldn’t survive without them. Indeed, our bodies host about 10 times more bacteria cells than human cells — so all in all, we’re about 90 percent microbes!

Ultimately, we keep coming back to a simple fact: The processes we use to keep the water safe in natural swimming pools are akin to the reliable set of enduring biological relationships that enabled our ancestors to flourish around the globe without ever giving a passing thought to the plants and microbes that keep us safe.

Deck and Patio Company has Cedar decks that last 20 years and more!

Bill Renter — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 19:59:00 +0000

Last night I met with an old client from 20 years ago at their home in Bayside queens. We built his 2 level cedar deck 20 years ago. This deck is a classic! It has our famous “slat” railing, wrap around steps (we still do this today) wrap around bench and raised planter. I’m happy to announce the deck is still level and strong, but the are 2 holes in the deck surface from rottting cedar decking. Most cedar decks that I see last about 15 years before they start to deteriorate. We may just replace 15-20 boards, but I think the may choose a new low maintainance decking material like Trex Transcend or Timbertech XLM. Look for new photos of this deck in the next month or so to see if they went for the easy care decking.

: Deck and Patio Company 20 year old cedar deck

: Deck and Patio Company 20 year old cedar deck

Deck and Patio Company builds vanishing edge Pools Ponds and Spas

Bill Renter — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 12:43:20 +0000

Vanishing edge pond

If you are fascinated by the the reflections in water as I am, you may want to concider building a body of water with a vanishing edge (also known as negitive edge). Ever since I saw my first vanishing edge pool on a tour in Las Vegas, I was hooked on the idea that the water appears to just falls of the edge of the pool. What makes that happen? It is an effect that tricks your eye and brain to think that the water is defying gravity. Most times the reflections in the water cover the structure or tile that is underwater so all you see it the water ending.

This effect is not limited to swimming pools, nor does it have to be at a waterfront application. You just have to have a beautiful background for the edge to vanish into. It could be a valley, or a mountain, or a natural setting, even a field of flowers.

Vanishing edge pond

Our latest vanishing edge project was supposed to be a swimming pool, but the building codes and it’s close proximity to a bluff prohibited it. However with a cleaver plan, and a loophole in the code which excluded pond for this restriction, we were able to create this breathtaking vanishing edge pond. It turns out that ponds don’t require a building permit in this town as long as they are not intended for human emersion.

In conjunction with the vanishing edge pond, we have designed a stream, another large pond, bog filtration, and 3,000 gallon rainwater harvesting collection area which also serves as filter/ skimmer for the whole system.

The two ponds are powered by two incredibly energy efficient “intelliflow” pumps manufactured by Pentair water. They run 24/7, are extremely quiet, and are variable speed so they can be ramped up to increase the flow over the weir edge or in the large pond’s waterfall.

This whole project fits in well with the natural surronding of the site, we even have a tree in a peninsula in the pond.

Large pond with tree peninsula

For more information about pools and pond please the Deck and Patio Company; builders of vanishing edge pools, spas and ponds- aslo composite decks, paver patios, outdoor kitchens, waterfalls, landscaping, water features, Bullfrog Spas and hot tubs, Homecrest furniture, landscape plans, and master plans. Our website www.deckandpatio.com or call 631 549 8100

We are located at 189 Broadway Huntington Station New York 11746

Pond builder pool builder deck builder patio builder, landscape designer.

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Pond with bog and rainwater harvesting pondlessLarge pondVanishing edge pond

More photos of vanishing edge pond in Huntington New York

Vanishing edge pond

Large pond in Huntington New York

Large pond