Spring is the best time to awaken your dormant yard and embrace the season of resurgence.  There are many ways to get your yard ready for Spring while keeping the pollinators top-of-mind. 

Prepare to welcome buzzing bees, vibrant butterflies, and delicate hummingbirds by transforming your outdoor space into a haven for pollinators. Here are a few activities to try in your backyard:

1. Build a Pollinator-Friendly Garden:

Constructing a garden with a fence serves as an excellent way to create a designated space for pollinators while protecting your plants. Choose a sunny spot and plant a variety of native flowers like lavender, coneflowers, and bee balm. These blooms provide a rich source of nectar and pollen, attracting bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators to your garden haven.

Do not build a garden if you’re not going to protect your plants with a fence. Ask our team for more information about having a custom garden fence built in your yard.

Decks are great for relaxing with family, or hosting your neighbors for a barbeque. In order to build an outdoor living space that is safe and up to code, it may require adding a railing around it. Many people fear that adding a railing will take away from the deck’s visual appeal, but when done right, railings can actually be just what’s needed to pull the whole deck together.

Selection of the railing requires careful consideration of factors like your style, the height of the deck, and building codes, among other factors. Here are five types of popular deck railings to consider that are functional, stylish, safe, and modern:

Wooden Railings

As one of the most common types of railing used on decks, wood is a popular choice among homeowners. It’s loved for its versatility in design, and its beautiful natural finishes. The price of wood deck railings varies depending on the type of wood used.

Composite Railings

Composite railings have grown in popularity over the years as they’ve become more natural looking, like wood. Composite is very low maintenance, pocket-friendly, and works perfectly with most decks. There are many options to choose from, so you’ll be able to find something that matches your deck’s look and feel.

Metal Railings

Using metal railings is an affordable way to add a stylish look to your deck. Most of the popular metal railings we see are made of iron, steel, or powder-coated aluminum. Often combined with wood, these railing systems are pretty averagely priced, easy to maintain and make for a beautiful, rustic look.

Cable Railings

Cable railing systems have become a top choice for homeowners that want to add a modern appeal to their decks. Their open design allows a view and a breeze into the deck. Cable rails are among the most expensive, but their durability compensates for the hefty price.

Glass Railings

Glass railings are a popular option if the view from the deck is simply unbeatable. Glass panels can have decorative etchings or even tinted with polished edges for safety and a sleek appeal. Railing systems made of glass are quite expensive and require a significant amount of maintenance but for the views, it might be worth it!

Choosing any of the above types of railing systems depends on your budget, personal style, and deck functionality. Our project consultants are always ready to guide you through the process of selecting what’s best for you and your home – contact us today for a free consultation 617-969-4900.

The timing of a deck build project is dependent on various factors. The project’s timeline is established based on the style, size, and scope, amongst other factors – but sometimes, things come up. Knowing what affects the timing of a deck project will help you ask the right questions when meeting with a project consultant.  It’s good to have an understanding of these factors before starting a project so you don’t end up surprised if one of these applies to you!

Materials & Lead Times

Nowadays, deck materials take longer to be delivered, so ordering your materials as soon as you can is crucial. Many contractors buy materials as they go, elongating the project when they have long lead times. At Tom Curren Companies, we don’t start any projects until all of the materials have been delivered to our workshop. Although it may delay the start a bit, you won’t be left with a half-built deck that ends up taking months to complete.

Building Permits

A building permit is a requirement before beginning any construction. This permit is vital to ensure that your deck is built to code standards. Application of a permit involves processes and planning that may affect the time needed for a deck build project. Building permits are submitted through the town, so, unfortunately, sometimes it takes a little while for them to approve the permits because they get so many.

Foundation Issues 

A deck that is safe, firm, and everlasting needs a strong foundation. Before the deck boards go on, it’s important to take the time to set the footings and work on the foundation. If this is something that can be seen during the estimate phase, your project consultant will account for it in the estimate. Foundation issues happen for a variety of reasons, but can always be easily solved if it’s caught.

Uncovering Wood Rot

Finding wood rot can be serious and costly, depending on how much there is on the deck, and possibly on the house. If wood rot is discovered, repairing it should be your highest priority. Ignoring wood rot is ultimately going to cost you more in the long run, so it’s important to fix the root of the problem when you find it. Of course, this usually adds more time to the job than anticipated.

Deck Demolition

If you have an old deck where your new deck is going to be, then the first step is demoing the older one. Depending on the foundation & structure of the deck, some pieces may stay intact. Demoing a deck before building a new deck certainly adds time to the project, versus starting from the ground up.

Coordinating Electricians (For Lights or Outlets)

Many of our high-class decks are fitted with lights and electrical outlets. These features make your outdoor living area a truly enjoyable space. Adding these features in your deck requires more time, as it requires the coordination of an electrician. If you’re planning on having electrical functionality on your deck, plan for the added time of getting an electrician involved.

Inclimate Weather

Because deck building is an outdoor project, the weather is a factor to consider as far as timing is concerned. Deck season is most popular in New England when the weather is warmer, but we are slightly more limited when it comes to the snowy winters. There are certain things we can do during the late fall and early winter for decks, but sometimes the erratic weather delays the project a day or two.

When it comes to building a deck, there are many variables that you can plan ahead for, and some that arise mid-project. The more planning and coordination that is done upfront, the easier it will be to have a smooth-running project. For a free estimate on your new deck, or deck repair, give us a call 617-969-4900.

So you want more outdoor living space, but you aren’t sure what kind of space best fits your home and budget? Let’s get clear on what your options are:

Porches: Attached and Covered

While there are quite a few types of porches, what they all have in common is that they are attached to your house or building by a roof. Here’s how they differ: 

• Open porches and farmer’s porches typically extend across the entire length of the front of a house. An open porch, as the name suggests, is completely open to the outside environment. A farmer’s porch, on the other hand, uses support beams, columns, and railings to create an entertainment space for larger groups of people to congregate.
• A front entry porch is much smaller than the porches mentioned above, only a few feet wider than the front door of a house, and usually a step or two up from the front walkway. You may also hear this called a portico, which is a specific style of front porch using support columns.
• A screened-in or 3-season porch is often attached to the back entrance of a home and is entirely enclosed by screens. It’s larger than a front entry porch, and can even act as an additional living space as it is protected from the elements. 

Patios: Ground-level and Uncovered

Whether at the front or the back of a house, a patio is a ground-level paved area typically used for outdoor dining, lounging, and late-night marshmallow roasting. What makes a patio unique is the material you choose.

• Concrete patios can be formed into nearly any shape you please and can be stamped to look like uniform tiles, naturally worn flagstone, brick, and even wooden deck boards.
• Paver patios can be made out of an assortment of concrete or brick and laid into interesting patterns. Check out our outdoor living project highlighting a beautiful new deck and a paver patio!
• Flagstone patios embrace the natural look of stone and are often laid so their organic, irregular shapes are paid off. While more expensive to install, natural stone weathers well and needs little upkeep.
• Gravel patios are gaining popularity in the US. They are inexpensive to install, and often homeowners can do it themselves. They are also naturally good for drainage. 

Decks: Up, Down, and All-Around

Usually made out of lumber, decks are uncovered flat surfaces around the outside of a home. Decks aren’t necessarily attached to the house, though many typically come off the back of the house and allow for an entertaining space. Decks are also common around pools, and on balconies and rooftops. There are even multi-level decks. The most popular choices for decking materials in New England are: 

• Cedar, Redwood, and other pressure-treated woods, which are inexpensive and last for decades
• Ipe, Tigerwood, and other Exotic Woods which are more expensive, but highly durable and add a beautiful flair
• Composite, which is a durable material made of wood particles and polyethylene and costs about the same as vinyl

Perhaps the hardest part of adding a porch, patio, or deck onto your home is knowing what to call the look your want. Is there a roof on your outdoor extension, or is it open to the air? What’s the material underfoot? Answer these two questions, and you’ll be on your way to building the outdoor space of your dreams. 

Give us a call and we can discuss all options, and point you in the right direction 617-969-4900

The New England elements can be especially hard on the woodwork around your home. Sunlight breaks down the natural lignin polymer that holds the wood together,  allowing water to seep into your boards and shingles, leaving them susceptible to rot. As a homeowner, you can prevent this damage by giving your exterior wood a coat of quality stain. A stain is different from paint – it’s a liquid substance used to protect and color wood.  This description could also theoretically apply to paint. However, there are some key differences between wood stain and paint.

What is Paint vs. Stain?

Both substances are made up of the same ‘ingredients’ — a pigment and a vehicle. The main difference between the two is that paint remains on the surface of the wood, whereas stain is absorbed into it.  Paint tends to be thicker than stain, so it can be applied in fewer coats. However, because paint stays on top of the wood, it covers up any details in that wood that may make your home more attractive. Painting wood is also more expensive than staining it.

Stains are designed to be absorbed into the wood, so it doesn’t obscure the grain while coloring it. It’s easier to apply stains than paint, as well as to re-coat any surfaces when they need it. You don’t always need to prime the wood before applying stain, so it’s faster than painting, as well. Also, unlike paint, wood stains are not subject to chipping. However, because wood stain is thinner than paint, it wears away faster and needs to be reapplied more frequently. There are also fewer colors to choose from in stains, as the purpose of a wood stain is to present an enhanced wood color rather than a bold color such as yellow or green. 

Popular Types of Natural Wood Stain

There are various kinds of wood stain to choose from. The two major types are semi-transparent and solid. A semi-transparent stain is ideal for structures where you want to see the details of the wood grain for a more rustic or natural feel. Solid stains are similar to paint in that they leave a solid coating of pigment that can obscure the details of the wood, though not to the same degree as paint. 

Beyond texture, your wood stain could be water-based, oil-based, or varnish-based. 

Advantages of water-based wood stains:

• Do not produce fumes
• Non-flammable
• Easier to clean up
• Maintains color for a longer time

Advantages of oil-based wood stains:

• Smoother finish
• Permeates the natural wood deeper for greater protection
• Less maintenance 
• More resistant to fading or damage from the elements

Advantages of using a varnish-based wood stain:

• Provides a clear and transparent finish
• Maintains more of the natural color of the wood
• Dries quickly

The type of stain you decide to use is generally dependent on the kind of wood you are working with, as well as your own preferences for color or grain visibility. 

How Often Should You Stain Your House?

Much like paint, a wood stain has to be reapplied after a certain point. Usually, when you notice your wood starting to become dull, dry, or turning a grayish tint, it’s time to reapply. However, coats of wood stain applied before you begin to see damage are ideal. 

The amount of time between reapplications is also dependent on the type of stain you used. If you’ve used a semi-transparent stain, you can go 3-5 years between reapplications. With a solid stain, because it’s thicker and more resilient than the semi-transparent style, you can reapply it every 5-10 years depending on the elements your wood is exposed to. 

Natural materials have offered beautiful home aesthetics for years. In order to protect those aesthetics, you should maintain your wood with a quality stain, which is something our professionals know a lot about. To talk to paint and carpentry experts about how to keep your home looking beautiful, or for any home improvement project that you want to undertake, get in touch with us today!

Massachusetts has some of the most beautiful and historic homes in the country. Owning a home in Massachusetts means you get to be part of that history and enjoy the beautiful state all at the same time! Massachusetts sees harsh weather and varying temperatures throughout the year, so having great siding on your home is essential. Siding helps to protect against weather, maintain internal temperature of the home, keeps pests out, and more. If you’re not sure where to start or what type of siding is the best fit for your Massachusetts home, we’re happy to help! 

Classic Clapboards 

Clapboards scream New England and fit perfectly with the architectural design of many homes in the area. Paul Revere’s home even featured classic clapboard siding! Clapboards are made of wood and provide crisp, clean lines along the home’s exterior. Clapboard is great at withstanding harsh Massachusetts winters and look truly timeless. They do require regular maintenance to have a long lifespan, so choosing clapboards for your home is a commitment, but it’s all worthwhile when you see how great they look on the home! 

Low-Maintenance Siding 

If the maintenance involved in classic clapboards isn’t something you want to take on, you’re not alone. Low-maintenance siding options have continued to gain popularity in recent years. Composite siding products, like vinyl, are nice because they don’t need to be painted, stained, or sealed. The cost of installation is typically cheaper too. Composite siding doesn’t bring the same personality to a home that wood does, but it does come in almost any color you can imagine! 

Fiber Cement Siding 

Fiber Cement siding is the best of both worlds for many homeowners. It has a fire-resistant surface that is much safer than wood siding or clapboards. It can be purchased in a variety of colors, but it can also be finished to look just like real wood siding! Your home will have the street appeal of wood siding with the convenience, safety, and low maintenance of a composite siding. 

Look into the history of your home and speak with neighbors to learn more about the siding that was originally installed on the home. The architect that designed the home likely had a specific vision in mind, and the more you stick to that vision the better your home should look. To learn more about siding on your Massachusetts home, contact Tom Curren Companies today! Rather your current siding is in need of maintenance or you’re looking to invest in new siding, our team can help. We are proud to serve the residents of Massachusetts and help maintain the historic beauty of the area while bringing a modern vision to life! 

A deck is a valuable home addition to your home’s architecture. But you can’t identify the advantages until you install one in your house. Who can deny the extra square footage that adds value to your house in terms of real estate? Let’s take a look at some common benefits of adding a deck to your home.

• Additional square footage
• Increased functional and live space
• Enhanced aesthetic appeal of the house
• Family get-together and parties hosting area
• Low maintenance, yet, more comfort and opportunities to relax
• Cheaper than other home additions

What is a Composite Deck?

You can pick from a wide variety of different decks. Choosing one that best suits your needs is critical to prevent the loss of time, energy, and even your money.

Composite Decks are a convenient option among homeowners. As opposed to a traditional wooden deck, composite decks consist of a few materials besides wood. Below are some reasons to choose a composite deck for your house.

Why Choose a Composite Deck?

Expensive in the Short-run, Cheaper in the Long-run

This is one of the primary differences between a traditional wooden deck and a conventional composite deck. Due to the use of certain materials in building a composite deck, they are more expensive than wooden decks.

However, they provide a significant return on investment in the long-run. The composite material in the deck can withstand different weather conditions, insects, molds, mildews/ fungus, and other sorts of wood-damaging problems to a great extent. Hence, they offer extreme durability and longevity.

Low-Maintenance

As earlier, composite decks are not susceptible to the effects of wear and tear. In fact, they do not require hefty maintenance like painting, staining, or taking care of any splinters (which is common in wooden decks). An additional feature in some of the latest composite decks makes them slip-resistant. Now, you can enjoy the rains with your family while sitting on the deck.

Varieties

You get plenty of variety when selecting a composite deck for your home. The colors will suit your home’s unique style. The texture and the grain of the composite deck provide the appearance of a traditional wooden deck. At the same time, it retains robust durability and longevity.

Conclusion

Besides the task of choosing a composite deck, you will have to consider the process of installing it. Of course, you cannot do it all on your own. You should hire highly-trained and knowledgeable professionals. Tom Curren Companies can help people improve homeowners improve their property’s interior and exterior. Contact us today to get started.