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9 tips to remember when using a contractor
Get Involved & Stay Involved – even if it is walking the job on a daily basis the more you are involved the more input you will have to ensure the job is going to meet the same expectations. Your level of involvement in the project will determine the outcome of the project. Researching Your Contractor – avoid using discount and free sites like Craigslist and Angie’s List. We have found in some cases that these contractors are unlicensed, uninsured, and underqualified. You really want to look at each company’s website and review previous jobs that they have done. Those that have invested to create a good quality website typically do good quality contracting work. You also want to understand who is going to be doing the work. We find that Owner-Operator companies are the most reputable and the highest quality since they will be doing the work themselves. TIP! – These people are not available two weeks out. You need to be booking with them a few months in advance. Get Everything in Writing – verbals Can Kill – sign off and initial on the plans as well as any changes to the plans. Again, ensuring that everyone has the same expectations. Also, ensure that there is a schedule. Weather Happens – so make sure that you build out your schedule in milestones, not just a beginning and end date. Before issuing a deposit check make sure you have a contract, a schedule and schematic of the project. Choosing Quality Materials Is Key – don’t take the low-end route. Low price almost always means low quality and while it sometimes looks good in the showroom that is something completely different than how it holds up to the elements. Pay more now and less on repairs later. For decking products consider composite materials over traditional wood materials. They are UV stable, don’t warp, swell, they retain their color, are slip-resistant. The only downside really is that they heat up. We recommend Trex as one of the top products on the market. Accessories and Originality – customizing your project with your own unique touches keeping your deck from looking like your neighbors. DEKOR offers a multitude of different lighting and deck railing options like post caps, balusters, etc, make sure to differentiate. Lighting, Lighting, Lighting! – the most important part of the project because you can provide a beautiful ambiance for the space you’re in. If you’re comfortable in a space you’ll be more likely to spend more time there. Controls – hopefully you took our advice on point number 6 and added lighting, now it’s important to understand how to control those lights. DEKOR offers a multitude of different options including handheld controls, smartphone and smart devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Control4, and more through the DEKORKONNECT WiFi-enabled controller. We also offer products like the EZ motion sensors to automatically light your space to provide safety and security. Closely Check for Issues/Flaws – make sure that your contract includes a note that final payment is due upon your satisfaction. Develop a punch list of tasks that need to be completed prior to signing off. Do not get pressured into doing this in a short amount of time. Take a weekend to develop this list and use another set of eyes if available. Then go through this with your contractor. Warranties – warranties protect you against unexpected happenings. Reputable contractors will typically have a warranty on labor and workmanship for at least a year. Material warranties will be carried by the manufacturer and those are typically carried for 5-10 years. Make sure that the warranty is in writing. Lastly, get a ‘lien release’ from the contractor and subs. An example is 6 months after your job is done by a subcontractor that wasn’t paid by the original contractor and now they can put a lien on your house for non-payment of the work. Please contact our Customer Care team for questions about products, installation tips, and more.
Read more2020 Summer Contest
The results are in! We had some really great submissions for our second contest of the year. Our customers were asked to enter into the following categories: Best COVID-19 Quarantine Outdoor Lighting Project Best Before & After Lighting Project Best Overall Design After much deliberation, we selected the winners and are sharing them here to highlight the endless possibilities of DEKOR LED lighting kits. Thanks to all that submitted to our Summer Contest. Best COVID Quarantine Project – Inspired Decks Best Before & After – David Howe Best Overall Design – Jim Trenta Best Overall Design – Jim Smeeding Best Story Through Pictures – Joe Loya
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New Colored LED Lights For Decks, Docks, Landscaping and Hardscaping
DEKOR Lighting has expanded your outdoor lighting options with colored LED landscape lighting. Our Dek Dots, Dock Dots, Yard Dots, and Paver Dots are now available in red, amber, green and blue. These new lights use the same robust housings and familiar Plug-N-Play connector system as our traditional white lights, and are built with vibrantly colored CREE LEDs instead of a lens or filter to guarantee fade-free shine for the lifetime of the installation. Stargazer Red Spectral Spread: 620nm to 630nm Our eyes have rods and cones that help us see under varying light conditions. Red light primarily activates cones but not rods, allowing our pupils to stay dilated in the dark while providing enough illumination to read. In addition to minimizing the adjustment time that you’d experience switching between white light and darkness, red lights help your eyes maintain better peripheral vision than if you use a white light in the dark. Great for: Illuminating the area around your telescope or star-gazing deck Fences and walkways near open, wild-life heavy areas like forests or open space Leading pedestrians back towards higher illumination levels from a dark area Sea-Turtle Safe Amber Spectral Spread: 585nm to 595nm When it comes to keeping beaches safe for adult female sea turtles to lay eggs and hatchlings to successfully find the ocean, the rule of thumb is “Keep it long; keep it low”. The latter portion refers to using fixtures that keep the beam angle low to the ground, and the former refers to the wavelength of light. Sea turtle lighting is considered any illumination source with the majority of light emitted at a wavelength of 580nm or longer. DEKOR’s amber lights use natively colored LEDs, not a lens over a white light, to keep the vast majority of the light around 590nm. Great for: Beach walkways, pathways, and beach-front decks Areas with heavy insect populations – amber and yellow lights attract fewer bugs Anywhere you want a very warm light color experience High-Visibility Green Spectral Spread: 510nm to 530nm Green light has tactical uses because the human eye is most sensitive to wavelengths around 525nm, but we simply love the beautiful color! Whether used as a year-round accent under trees or to spread some holiday cheer, these crisp green lights are sure to dazzle. Great for: Seasonal and specialty accent lighting Showing off contrast in materials such as marble in an unconventional way Pairing with red lights to indicate port and starboard on a dock Brilliant Blue Spectral Spread: 460nm to 470nm As with green, pure blue light can be linked to a variety of specialty use cases, but you don’t need a special reason to add Brilliant Blue to your landscape or hardscape. The beautiful, short-wavelength blue is just as at home around the pool as it is piercing through the fog at the end of a driveway. Great for: High-visibility needs, such as a driveway entrance that visitors tend to miss Aquatic hardscaped areas like pools and ponds Using natively colored LEDs in our products guarantees the purest possible colors will illuminate and accent your installation without compromising the consistence of the beam angle. While the beautiful colors will be right at home in any seasonal display, these rugged lights are designed to the same quality standards of all DEKOR products. Whether in red, white, or blue, we believe in lighting for life. Colored LED Stair Light Kit – Indoor From: $94.33 USD Colored LED Stair Dek Dot Light Kit From: $243.37 USD Colored LED Stair Dek Dot Light Kit – Outdoor From: $313.33 USD Colored LED Stair Dek Dot Lights Starting At: $27.36 USD Colored LED Recessed Up/Down Light Kit – Outdoor From: $354.87 USD LED Colored Yard Lights – Yard Dots Light Kit From: $327.21 USD Outdoor LED Colored Paver Lights – Paver Dot Kit From: $362.65 USD Colored LED Dock Dot Light Kit From: $329.13 USD Colored LED Dek Dot Light Kit – Outdoor From: $313.33 USD
Read moreDEKOR Winter 2020 Photo Contest
One of our favorite things at DEKOR is seeing the creative ways our customers use our LED lighting. In January we ran a contest for the most creative uses of our products and the results were simply amazing. After much deliberation, we were finally able to name the winners. We wanted to showcase the best of the entries and we’re sure you’ll be as impressed as we were! First Place – Adam Odeh DEKOR Products: Yard Dots, Radiance Lights, Petite Post Lamps Second Place – Andy Henley DEKOR Products: Dek Dots, NOSEEEM Lights Third Place – Don Walker DEKOR Products: Down Lights, Rope Lights Most Stunning – MCM Construction DEKOR Products: Recessed Stair Lights, Down Lights Most Stunning – Don Smith DEKOR Products: Recessed Stair Lights, Radiance Lights Most Unique – Marty Foery DEKOR Products: Solar Post Cap Light Most Unique – Shawn Vernon
Read morePlug-N-Play™ Technology: Our DIY-Friendly, Waterproof Connector System
If you can charge your cell phone, you can install our products. Duane McCall President and CEO of DEKOR® DEKOR® now designs the majority of our products Plug-N-Play™. We listened to the feedback from our customers, and simple, user-friendly installation was top of the list. Our Plug-N-Play™ Connector System is completely self-sealing, removing the need for stripping wires and wire nuts. Plug-N-Play™ takes the guess-work out of installation; no need to track the polarity (red and black wires) because DEKOR connectors are keyed to plug in the correct way. With the introduction of the new EZ Plug-N-Play™ Splitter, you can now junction up to 4 lights into one device streamlining the whole installation process. Do you DIY? If so, you’ll love the ease of installation. If you’re a professional, you will love how Plug-N-Play™drastically cuts installation time and cost. Advantages of the DEKOR® Plug-N-Play™ Connector System: Waterproof, IP 67 minimum Easy, tool-free connection No cutting, stripping wires, wire nuts All connectors are pre-assembled and individually tested Simply “plug male into female connectors” Self-sealing connectors fit perfectly Keyed connectors –polarity is determined by the connector Can be connected or disconnected while under load Low voltage safety ETL Certified.
Read moreBrighter, better…NexGen™ LED Lights by DEKOR®
When our customers asked for brighter lights in our current small fixture footprints, we rose to the occasion. With some clever design choices and even higher efficacy LEDs, we achieved a new peak in LED lighting. We call this product line “NexGen™” as they represent the next generation of DEKOR’s LED lights. The light output is a dramatic increase over our standard product offering from the same light fixture footprints. This NexGen technology is an option for our recessed lights, Post Cap Lights, and many other product lines. All lights still use our standard Plug-N-Play cable system, making installation simple. NexGen™ lights are perfect for soffit lighting in the house, on walkways, docks and even decks where that added punch of light is needed. If you have an application where you need much more than mood lighting, then this product is just what you need. High efficacy CREE LEDs Industry-leading warranty Manufactured in the USA Dimmable Featured Benefits Up to 3x light output vs standard LEDs 3200K neutral white color temperature Wide beam angle High (90+) CRI for realistic colors NexGen LEDs Testimonial I have a 1500 sq ft house, I installed 24 NexGen down lights in my aluminum soffits, one Forstner bit required, they look great! I get many compliments. I had the soffit installer lay 14ga wire on the soffits as he worked, I came after he was finished, drilled holes, fish wire through hole w/coat hanger, made connections. Dimmer and transformer are installed in attic, the new wifi/app controlled dimmer w/scheduling is a welcome addition to Dekor products since I don’t use a photocell. I no longer have spaces on the sides of my house that are in total darkness. The NexGen down lights function as enhancement lighting as well as security lighting. Thanks! Scott S.Odessa, TX We take great pride in our innovations in LED technology. The NexGen product line showcases our dedication to delivering the best possible LED products for our customers.
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DIY Deck Remodel: A Summer Project and Backyard Retreat
Gallery From Ken: This DIY project in Hamilton, Ontario was fully designed, constructed and detailed by myself over the course of this past summer, including 850+ square feet of Covington interlock patio, a Triple H Concrete product. The maintenance-free deck is approximately 360 square feet of Solstice Decking, coordinated in two-tone color to match both the high-end Jacuzzi J-420 spa, as well as the two-tone interlock. As you can see, I have creatively utilized a DEKOR® Perfect Panel within my project to illuminate the step up onto my second tier deck. The powered electronics are also quite unique within this project, as they are located within a weatherproof utility box beneath a 24-inch slate inlay that enhances the center of the lower deck. This panel is easily lifted up to access the electronics if required for service. Coupled with the low voltage LED step lighting, as well as the halogen soffit lighting from above, this outdoor oasis has certainly added great value and aesthetic appeal to my backyard retreat. The last photos detail the use of the glass Perfect Panel. DEKOR® Products featured DEKOR® Dek Dots LED Deck Lights DEKOR® Perfect Panels Glass Panel
Read moreA Kitchen Remodel by Punta Gorda, Florida's Simply Cabinets
Gallery This is Bob from Simply Cabinets in Punta Gorda, FL. … I wanted to give you access to a series of hi-resolution photos of a small kitchen remodel that we recently completed where we used your De-Kor LED under-cabinet lighting for the 1st time. Our client was so amazed by both the quality and uniqueness of the De-Kor Lighting product. The client especially loved the idea that the lighting is remotely dimmable. We now have 5 additional projects in the works where we will be using your product. One of which will contain over 15 under-cabinet lights and our new mobile showroom . Bob from Simply Cabinets, Punta Gorda FL, March 29, 2012 For more information call: SIMPLY CABINETS Punta Gorda, Florida P. 941-505-5502 C. 239-826-4066 F. 866-593-6764 www.simplycabinets.net Find Simply Cabinets on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SimplyCabinetsFL
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A Fantastic Dock by Chattanooga, Tennessee's Dr. Dock
Gallery We recently completed a dock that the client allowed me to be creative from design to completion details. Once I found your products online and did my research. It was quickly apparent that your attention to detail and quality was second to none. Please take a look at what I was able to do with your products. I am very proud of the outcome as I am sure you will be as well … Thanks again for such a great product! Scott Anderson, Dr. Dock, Chattanooga, TN, April 18, 2012 DEKOR™ Products Used In This Dock Project Pier to dock: 20 – 5 1/2″ Post caps lit 4-sides (Antique Metal Black) Dock corner step down: 8 pack – Recessed stair lights Dock roof Columns: 22 – Recessed down lights (Hidden above each column in custom bracket) Second Level Sundeck: 11 – 3 1/2″ Post caps lit 4-sides (Antique Metal Black) Illuminations Balusters, inside Cumeru handrails with Lit Open basket Balusters in diamond pattern About DR. DOCK Inc. Scott Anderson, licensed contractor, and owner of Dr. Dock Inc. specializes in dock building. We Custom design each dock to our clients needs and wishes. From a small pier to a fully customized dream dock. We are here to make your dream dock come true. Take a look at our docks and you will see the difference. Only the best Quality, responsive services, creative ideas … that is Dr. Dock Inc. For more information call: DR. DOCK Chattanooga, TN P. 423-236-5455 C. 423-619-9055 F. 423-236-5455 www.drdock.net
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Deck Remodel by Straitline Features Innovative Design and Spectacular Lighting
Gallery This Greenwood Village, Colorado project was a complete facelift. The existing deck consisted of boring square lines and rotting floor joists. The small staircase was poorly positioned and the grill resided in a corner against the railing. Our remodel consisted of new composite Moistureshield decking throughout and a new radius curve between pillars. The new portion of the curve is supported using custom timber post and beam work, complemented by matching knee braces. The stairs were expanded and reshaped for better and more comfortable use. The existing grill was replaced with a new built-in Wolf 30” cooktop set in a custom leathered finish granite countertop. Below the grill sits a matching Wolf warming drawer and to the side, storage doors. Supporting the grill area is more custom timber work. The underside of the deck was outfitted with a Colorado Deck Drain Experts water removal system, allowing dry space below, even in the heaviest of rains. What really set this deck apart was the lighting. Using DEKOR™ riser lights paired with DEKOR™ post caps, ample soft light is provided. In the late evening, this project shines, thanks to DEKOR™ lighting! About Straitline Decks, Inc. The Straitline companies started in 1994 when owner Don Rasmussen founded Straitline Framing. He began building quality homes all over Colorado’s Front Range with the mission statement: A professional framing company that doesn’t follow industry standards, but instead sets standards in which everyone else is measured. Services include: single family and custom homes, commercial and multi-family units, and remodels and exterior trim. After Straitline Framing grew into a successful business, Straitline Timber was formed. Utilizing the best craftsmen in the business, the timber division offers services of: custom timber trusses, design and engineering, millwork services, and construction services. With a broad range of skills and abilities, Straitline Custom Decks and Outdoor Living was formed. Combined with our framing and timber services, the deck division offers complete start-to-finish services which start with an initial conceptual design using industry standard software. Once we have drawn the conceptual plans to your satisfaction, we then produce final drawings for city/county approval. After your project has a permit, our in-house employed craftsmen build your project quickly and efficiently to your complete satisfaction. We are your one stop shop! Additionally, our wide range of abilities allows us to incorporate exciting and different elements into your project to make each outdoor living space tailored to meet each client’s specific needs. Utilizing our showroom, we allow you to not only see but also touch materials you are considering for your project. No surprises! Visit www.straitlinedecks.com and call 303-565-1535 today for your free consultation! We look forward to designing and building your next outdoor living project! For more information call: STRAITLINE Custom Decks and Outdoor Living Evergreen, Colorado O. 303-670-0322 P. 303-565-1535 www.straitlinedecks.com Serving Denver, Boulder, all Colorado since 1994
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A Custom Work of Deck Art in Portland, Oregon
A Portland, OR homeowner created a custom work of art by upgrading their cedar deck with DEKOR balusters. Gallery Homeowner’s quote: “The deck Luke built for us far surpasses our vision and expectations! Luke listened to our ideas and had many suggestions to make the deck more attractive. His attention to details made the end result a work of deck art! Having a construction team at your house on a daily basis can feel like an intrusion, but Luke and his workers were professional and pleasant and made the experience very positive. We would certainly hire him for future projects!” Materials Pre-stained ( natural cedar ) 2×6 Tight Knot Ultra Deck Clear cedar rails with DEKOR Antique Metal Black LED Balusters Stainless steel fasteners About Luke Swayze Construction, Inc. Luke Swayze Construction, Inc. has been a well established Construction company since 2006. We design and build custom decks creating some of the most exotic you’ll find on the market. We are qualified and trained to install all DEKOR products. For more information call: Luke Swayze Construction, Inc. Portland, Oregon O. 503-841-0777 F. 877-777-1954 www.lukeswayzeconstruction.com Serving NW Oregon and SW Washington
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The Wood Craftiness of Ohio's Custom Railing Inc.
Gallery Cincinnati homeowners replace their old deck railing with something special. Cincinnati homeowners decided to enhance their deck and already beautiful outdoor area with new deck railings and deck lighting. Impressed by the craftsmanship of our wood handrail and railings and intrigued by the lighted baluster and post cap samples Custom Railing had on display at the home show, they contacted us to design, build and install the deck upgrade they wanted: custom wood handrail and deck posts in exotic hardwoods (massaranduba), DEKOR aluminum balusters with lights, and DEKOR post cap lights The new balusters, lighting and gorgeous hardwood elements made a tremendous difference – warm, inviting, and beautiful. The selections dramatically enhanced the homeowners outdoor living space; it was beyond what they were hoping for! About Custom Railing Custom Railing has been crafting custom wood railings, wood posts, wood handrail, and iron railings for customers in Ohio and the Tri-State area since 1997. We design, build, and install custom stair railings, balconies, deck railings and more. Our custom crafted products are investments that hold up over time and offer you the satisfaction of owning a uniquely beautiful addition to your home. For more information call: Custom Railing Inc. Cincinnati, OH O. 513.367.6700 F. 513.367.6777 Serving Cincinnati, Dayton, Louisville, Indianapolis, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and the Tri-State Area.
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