Choosing the Right Materials for Your Deck Design in Maryland, Virginia or DC

Planning on building a new deck in Maryland, Virginia or Washington, DC? The biggest factor influencing a deck's longevity, apart from the design itself, is the decking material used in its construction. What the material is and how its maintained, whether its stained hardwood decking or low-maintenance deck boards, determines the difference between a deck that lasts decades and one that shows its age after only a few years.

Design Showcase: Capitalizing on a Large Outdoor Space in Fulton, Maryland

Whether you’re living in an older home on acreage or a more contemporary space with ample square footage, designing an outdoor living space for a large area can actually be quite overwhelming. After all, when you have a lot of space, you have a lot of options, and that can quickly go from liberating to paralyzing. If you’re currently in this conundrum, here's an ongoing project in Fulton, Maryland, that demonstrates one way a large space can be turned into an ideal outdoor living area.

How do You Build a Round Portico in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.?

One of the most dramatic and elegant touches that can be added to an entryway is a round portico, as seen on this Clifton, Virginia home. Before implementing the desirable design element, however, there are some considerations to note. From railing style limitations to column placement, the key to a successful portico is planning and forethought as well as some industry knowledge about what can and can’t work with a round portico system, or even within your local regulations.

Low-Voltage Lighting Packages: What's Best for Your Outdoor Space?

Lighting is an excellent way to increase the visual appeal and functionality of any outdoor living space. This design project illustrates that principle well, as the various lighting installations were often done with both goals in mind. The lighting additions span the entire outdoor area, incorporating everything from recessed, low-voltage light to uplighting.

Common Materials You Can Use in Your Next Outdoor Patio Project

When you’re starting to examine your options for building a patio, it can feel overwhelming trying to sort through all the potential materials you could use. How do you know which one is right for your Maryland patio? Keep reading for a basic breakdown of some of the most common materials used for this purpose and a few considerations to keep in mind before committing to that material.