Doublemint Gum wasn't kidding when they said "Double the pleasure, double the fun!" Especially when it applies to a double decker dock (as you've probably seen on our blog before). As if one level wasn't great enough, our client decided they wanted two levels of dock-tastic action. Constructed from pressure-treated pine, this project included a second story for ultimate lake viewing. Afraid of heights or falling off? No worries! The 8-straight stainless steel cable will keep you safe (while looking "très chic" in the process). All in all, we were beyond thrilled to take on another double decker and hope to see more in the future!
Balcony Life
Although we're known as Summertime DECK and DOCK, we tend to take on a fun deviation every now and again. You know, to keep things fresh. This pressured treated pine balcony was a fun challenge that combined a lot of phenomenal embellishments. If the spiral staircase doesn't draw you in, then you're more than welcome to gape at those fiberglass columns, or curved metal balusters. You can't go wrong with this balcony, my friends. And neither did our client!
Picture Perfect
One of the best feelings in life is when something works out the way you want it to. Docks are especially nice this way. Let it be known that there's a lot that goes into building them - from the earliest stages of conceptualization to the finishing touches - and when they turn out juuust right, it makes the end result more than worth it. This beauty here combined Fiberon pro-tect composite decking with a rustic chestnut color to create a woodsy, lakeside getaway. Embraced by a picture frame border, which really gives the dock a 'squared away' look, the walkway leads onto a platform covered by a classy L-shaped roof (to protect against those pesky Florida elements; we're looking at you, thunderstorms!).
The Simple Things
While we love a good challenge, we also love the simpler things - or docks - in life. 100ft of cabin colored walkway leads onto a square platform that overlooks Lake Drawdy, granting any curious spectator a sturdy place to stand (with an excellent view to boot!). Fiberon composite decking was our client's choice, which gives the dock its smooth, even look. This sort of dock proves that you don't always have to be "big and bad" to enjoy a peaceful piece of the lake.
Kicking Back Lakeside
Through the hustle and bustle of downtown Orlando, it can be hard to take a breather sometimes. So why not kick back, relax, and admire the natural beauty of Lake Rowena? Replacing an older deck was this brand spanking new one comprised of yellow pine decking and post lights. We also worked with our client to include a built-in bench to achieve ultimate relaxation after a long day of city life.
Pergola, Arbor, or Trellis?
We field calls regularly from clients looking to have an overhead shade structure installed in their yards. Some people refer to them as pergolas. Other people call them arbors. And still others call them trellises. Are these three terms truly interchangeable? We know what you mean, but technically, each of these terms has it's own unique definition.
A pergola is what is most often sought by our clients. It is an overhead shade structure that is usually supported with some form of columns. Oftentimes, they are attached to a home, resulting in the need for less support columns than a free-standing variant. A pergola's primary intent is to provide a means of shading an area while still allowing for sunlight to enter the space. The distinguishing feature of a pergola is the use of wood members laid horizontally to create parallel lines of overhead, open, and exposed rafters. Most pergolas have the ends of the rafters cut with some ornamental shape or design to give it a pleasing and distinguished appearance. The pictures below are of a pergola we constructed recently for a client.
An arbor, while still being overhead, is typically not as large in size as a pergola. An arbor traditionally has the shape of an upside down "U" (or a lowercase "n"). It is typically covered with lattice to provide means for vegetation to grow and cover the structure. Think of an arbor as more of a "doorway". Unlike a pergola being a destination, an arbor acts as more of a transition between two distinct areas.
A trellis typically relates specifically to lattice mounted vertically for the purpose of allowing vegetative growth. A trellis may be mounted on the side of a home or it may be more of a free-standing vertical wall. A trellis can be combined with a pergola, resulting in a more enclosed space.
As designers and builders get more and more creative, these terms will continue to expand and overlap each other, so don't get frustrated trying to figure out and use the proper terms. Any experienced builder will know what you mean and provide you with your desired end result.
Sun and Fun for Everyone
This project on Alligator Lake had clearly outlined requirements. A slip for the boat, a slip for two jet skis and lots of open deck area for lounging. The resulting dock met the requirements, and then some. The boat and jet ski slips were covered and the open deck area is large enough for you and 15 of your closest friends to enjoy. The tile roof on the dock matches that of the home, while the composite decking ensures that there is minimal maintenance and no splinters for years to come. It was a pleasure working with this family and we hope that they enjoy this dock to the fullest.
Double the Fun
There's long. And then there's looooong. This double-deck dock required a 500 foot walkway just to get to a small dredged clearing. To get to open water would have easily been another 400 feet. At least the platform at the end of the walkway is worth the walk. The platform has an upper deck viewing area to allow for "panoramic vistas" of East Lake Toho. It also has a launch platform off of the front face to allow for easy boarding during the low water time of year. The orientation of the stairs provided a superb storage area for a dock box and other items, resulting in a clean usable deck area. The stainless steel cable railing provides a strong barrier without the look and view obstruction of a traditional wooden picket railing. All in all, this dock is the perfect start to a great day on the lake, or a late afternoon round of cocktails to wind down.
No Roof, No Problem
This dock was constructed in the Vizcaya neighborhood on Big Sand Lake. At the time of construction, the Vizcaya HOA did not allow roofs on boat docks (the rule has since been changed). The dock was constructed with a standard overhead lift system, which is typically mounted to the headers of the roof structure. There are alternative ways to mount a lift, but as we were confident that the HOA would change their opinion on roofs, we wanted to construct the structure in a way that would allow for the roof to be added without any additional work. The decking is Trex Transcends Tropics (Spiced Rum) with a matching picture frame border. We also used hidden fasteners on this project, affording the dock as sleek a look as possible. Given the square footage constraints, the usable area was maximized while still allowing access to all portions of the slip (to those with cat-like balance!). Try not to be too envious of our work boat shown in the pictures!
Now You See Them...Now You Don't
The location of this project is definitely unique. Nestled on it's own private ski lake in Deland, the project could not have been more peaceful and secluded. Quite the natural environment. After initially constructing the dock a few years back, we were asked to come back and give the dock a "modern" feel. That's easier said than done. Below are two pictures - one before and one after. You can see that we cut the pilings below deck level and added a picture frame border to give the dock clean, modern lines. The furniture also got an upgrade and a new flat screen TV was installed under the roof to complete the overhaul. Happy skiing!
Too Many Toys, Not Enough Dock
This project was an overhaul of an existing dock. Our client had a bowrider, three jet skis, two kayaks, a canoe and a paddle board. We we tasked with ensuring that each one of the "vessels" had a permanent home. "Oh, and while you're at it, add a dock box and see what you can do to pretty up the dock." So, we removed all of the old decking and installed Trex Transcends Tropics capped composite decking with a picture frame border (two-tone color scheme). We also added illuminated post caps to give the dock a finishing touch. At the end of the project, everything had a home and we had a satisfied client. Enjoy the water!
Green with Envy
Canal-front boat houses are the definition of function. There isn't room for oversized seating areas or for multiple slips. The dock is constructed with one purpose - to store and protect your boat. This project fulfilled the purpose, but did it in style. The green metal roof contrasts beautifully with the southern yellow pine decking, giving the dock tremendous visual appeal. We added a small walkway along the shoreside face of the boat house as well as a staging area at the nose of the slip. With these features, the needs of our client were met, giving them exactly what they needed at a price they could afford.
Going Above and Beyond
This project was exciting for us, as it is not something that we do often. The clients had an above ground pool that they wanted to wrap with a deck area. The primary goal was to provide access to the pool for an elderly family member by means other than a ladder slapped on the side of the pool. As you'll see in the pictures below, the stairs we constructed are deeper (three boards deep instead of two boards) and not as high per step. This provided a much easier and more gradual climb. As an added bonus, there's now plenty of lounging area to hang out on while enjoying the activities of the pool. While we would have preferred to curve the perimeter of the deck, we had to trim the edge using straight faces to match the other half of the pool that had the top of the pool frame still visible and exposed. These clients could not have been more hospitable. A unique project that resulted in a great result.
A New Spin on a Balcony
We were called out to provide a proposal for replacement of a set of stairs leading to the apartment above the garage area. The set of stairs was approximately 20 feet in height and looked more like a fire escape than the primary access point. We suggested moving the primary entry to the inviting set of French doors overlooking the main deck area. After some intensive design and deliberation, we were given approval to make the transformation happen. The new balcony provides a great vantage point for viewing the lake while adding a bit of intrigue with the spiral staircase. We overhauled the railing on the main deck area to match that of the balcony and we added a "grand" set of stairs leading to the backyard and lake area. The area went from run-down and dilapidated to being the focal point of the residence and adding great value to the home.
Fun in the Sun
The weather during the construction of this dock was absolutely perfect. It was a great time to be outside enjoying the great Florida weather. Our clients felt the same way - the dock was immediately put to use as soon as we backed out of the driveway. Nothing could make us happier.
