You just had a new deck installed at your home and you are trying to find the perfect excuse to show it off to all your co-workers, neighbors, family and friends. Well, the weather is starting to heat up, meaning… Read More
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There are deck posts, and then there are deck posts.
As our YouTube video demonstrates, not all posts for decking and outdoor porches are created equal. A general rule of thumb is that if a deck is higher than 24 inches off the ground, the posts that support it should have some heft — that is, some weight or bulk that will prevent the deck from looking awkward. A high deck on 4 x 4 posts would tend to look flimsy. That’s why we use 6 x 6 lumber for deck posts.
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Getting to know MAD Fence
Another video on YouTube that may interest you is our expanded about us video. Our own Bruce Beauchamp narrates the video and explains our commitment to quality and service. The video also provides more images of our showroom as well as our completed projects. A couple of our more exciting products are also featured.
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Winterize your deck now
The weather’s turned cold, and we’ve already had significant wind and rain storms. It won’t be long until the white stuff returns. If you haven’t already, you’ll need to take a few steps to prepare your deck for winter’s onslaught. This article summarizes those steps, but here are the main points.
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Do you like MAD Fence yet?
With the traditional start to the holiday season this week, we’re getting into the giving mode with a little sweepstakes. It’s a little thank-you to our customers, friends, and family.
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What’s a deck worth?
When homeowners consider adding a deck to their homes, one factor that often comes up is the how the deck will affect the resale value of the home. It’s nice to have the additional living space and the ability to enjoy the outdoors. It’s even better if the deck can pay for itself when the home sells.
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Stairway to deck heaven
I’m often amazed by the number of homeowners who overlook adding a staircase to their elevated decks. A well-designed, well-built staircase adds to a deck’s aesthetics and says to guests, “welcome to our home.” Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to deck stairs.
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Railing on railings
With all the attention to deck accessories, lighting, and sound, it’s easy to overlook one of the most essential components of a deck – it’s railing. In most jurisdictions, you’re required to have a railing if your deck is 30 inches or higher off the ground. But a railing is far more than just a safety feature
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The right privacy for your deck
Everyone knows what a deck is. Most people are familiar with structures to cover a deck whether they are awnings, pagodas, or roofs. What may be less well known is that many homeowners add walls to their decks, and no, we’re not talking about screened-in porches. These are wall without roofs that primarily provide additional privacy for those on the deck. Here are some the options homeowners have with deck walls.
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Low-voltage vs. solar lighting
In our last post we talked about adding lights to your decking project. These days, homeowners have several options when it comes to outdoor lighting. Among the most popular choices are solar and low-voltage lighting. These eco-friendly options can save homeowners money on their electric bills. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but for your deck low-voltage lighting might be the best way to go.