Getting your deck in shape feels good

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/07/2018 (2629 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Recently on this page, I was bemoaning having to stain my front deck/veranda, yet again, in the never-ending challenge of trying to keep it protected and looking good.

I hate staining. All that prep, applying the stain, trying to keep the cats from walking on it till it dries. Humbug, I say. I’ve been looking for a more permanent solution — and I may just have found it.

A few days ago while sauntering around a spectacular home called the Winchester that Hearth Homes is building in the Taylor Farm development here in Headingley, I spotted a gorgeous elevated deck coming off the back of the house.

Accessible by a stairway to heaven of sorts, I, of course, had to have a look.

Let me bring you up to speed on this superb deck material, then we’ll chat about a couple of this home’s other unique features, including the outdoor fireplace that brings a very warm feel to deck life.

I called the fine folks of Hearth Homes and was informed the deck covering is Arctic Quartz Composite Decking manufactured by Duradek, and the material for this project was acquired through Windeck Limited here in Winnipeg.

I checked Duradek products on their website and was happy to learn that not only does this material come with a 10-year warranty and provides “permanent waterproof protection,” but also that once installed it can be used immediately. So, no worry about the cats staining their paws on it, which they would no doubt immediately transfer to the living-room sofa.

Curious about what it might cost to do my front deck, which desperately needs attention, I called Windeck and was informed that my six-by-26-foot deck area would ballpark in the area of $2500 plus tax, which includes expert installation.

Not bad, considering you’ll never have to look sandpaper or stain in the face again. I’ll definitely be exploring the idea further. This material might also make a great covering to put on the deteriorating roof of my old CNR caboose. Gotta do something — it’s not healthy.

No doubt, there are numerous other similar products to check out from other manufacturers and businesses — always worthwhile educating oneself — but this is one very encouraging find. Hope lives.

As promised earlier, a quick look at a couple of other interesting Winchester House features. The first, the fabulous double-sided gas fireplace that opens on both the interior and exterior of the home, the exterior side facing on the deck, adding a dimension to the deck area that makes it an extra special place to kick back on those cooler Manitoba days, even mid-winter if so desired. Ceramic glass nullifies any condensation concerns.

Who has an outdoor fireplace on their deck? My outdoor fireplace is a 170-litre drum out in the backyard. Nowhere NEAR as classy or romantic. Still, you work with what you’ve got.

Another cool feature to tell you about is a concrete “bunker” built under the tandem garage extension, giving you a bombproof/tornado-proof storage room to keep whatever you want in, including you if some calamity comes along. Now that is a unique room to have as part of your house. Great place for company to stay, if you ask me. Certainly want to keep them as safe as possible.

For a good look at an already existing version of this country castle, Google the Winchester — Hearth Homes.

My cats would absolutely love living there and probably wouldn’t even mind if I moved in with them.

It’s hard to get good help these days, but I seemed to have met their approved servant standard. So proud.

Comments or feedback, love to hear from you!

lmustard1948@gmail.com