Kyla Fentanes

2023 Colors of the Year

: A picture of Sandstone Envision decking with Redend Point as a background

Envision Products That Go with 2023 Colors of the Year

Every year, major paint brands release their “Colors of the Year.” Chosen colors typically reflect each company’s interpretations of the latest trends and the public’s collective mood while helping spark inspiration among potential customers. Emerging from the pandemic, it’s not surprising that the 2023 Colors of the Year are split between invoking feelings of relaxation and bold design.

How do these trends reflect on the exterior? Here’s a breakdown of a few colors of the year for 2023 and the Envision Outdoor Living Products that are natural complements to them.

: A picture of Sandstone Envision decking with Redend Point as a background

Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year 2023: Redend Point

Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year for 2023 is all about adding some warmth into the home. Redend Point sports an earthy and natural tone that’s reminiscent of clay you might find while exploring the trails in deserts out west. This color is a great choice for home interiors that are going for a calming atmosphere without being overbearing.

Redend Point Pairs Perfectly with Sandstone in the Ridge Premium Collection

If you’re looking to carry the relaxing and intriguing vibe of Redend Point into an outdoor living space, composite decking color Sandstone from our Ridge Premium Collection is a perfect choice. Sandstone has a natural balance of sandy and honey hues to create an inviting light brown color. With both colors using inspiration from the desert, the interior and exterior of any home can deliver inviting warmth.

Behr’s Color of the Year 2023: Blank Canvas

We’re sticking with the relaxation trend with Behr’s 2023 Color of the Year, Blank Canvas. The company describes it as a welcoming white that’s a great option for anyone looking to create restorative spaces in a home. Behr also says that the comforting nature of Blank Canvas is a natural fit for living rooms, hallways, and entryways. Blank Canvas has no problem being the focal of a design or acting as a supportive foundation for another look.

Alpine Fog Takes the Comfort Outdoors

With Blank Canvas setting the tone in living rooms and entryways, Alpine Fog from our Ridge Premium Collection takes that welcoming feeling outdoors. A light grey composite decking, Alpine Fog offers a cool blend of silver tones, that is soothing for homeowners who want to unwind and enjoy relaxing outdoors.

PPG’s Color of the Year 2023: Vining Ivy

With its 2023 Color of the Year, PPG is looking to make a statement with Vining Ivy. It’s described as a deep aqua color with a flourish of turquoise mixed in for a paint that works for almost any interior or exterior space. This color of the year also takes its inspiration from nature a little further by blending in perfectly with wood tones.

Warm Metals and Deep Wood Tones Complement Vining Ivy

If Vining Ivy is used for an outdoor living space, the versatility of the color sets up a variety of Envision Outdoor Living products for success. Adding a warm metal like the A210 textured bronze aluminum deck railing from our Fairway Collection is a strong choice. Rustic Walnut composite decking from our Distinction Collection features multiple shades of brown that can take any nature-inspired look to the next level.

A picture with white V110 Vinyl Railing with Raspberry blush.

Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2023: Raspberry Blush

Raspberry Blush, Benjamin Moore’s 2023 Color of the Year is all about making a statement with a bold, charismatic hue. It’s a shade of pink that reminds you of what coral looks like when hit with the sun through the water. Raspberry Blush is for anyone who wants their color palette to showcase more confidence.

White Vinyl Railing Helps Shine the Spotlight on this Bold Color

Benjamin Moore mentions that neutral accent colors can really help Raspberry Blush shine. That’s why the classic look of V110 white vinyl deck railing from our Fairway Collection is a natural fit. The smooth lines of the railing can guide attention from the outdoor living space to the bold home interior.

Find Inspiration with Envision Outdoor Living Products

If you’re looking for more inspiration, Envision is here to help. From requesting samples to exploring our idea gallery, it’s our goal to offer products to turn your dream outdoor living space into a reality.

The Fairway Railing Collection Difference

Fairway composite railing in an outdoor living space.

The Fairway Railing Collection Difference

When it comes to deck railing, there’s a wide variety of brands out there to choose from. Most of the options only offer a few different materials and infill options that often look very similar to each other. This fact is one of the reasons why it can be challenging to learn what makes one deck railing different from the rest.

At Envision, our deck railing products are Designed for Style and Built for Performance. Let’s take a closer look at what sets our Fairway Railing Collection apart from the other options on the market.

Broad Scope of Deck Railing Options

One of the most distinguishing factors of the Fairway Railing Collection is the broad scope of products it includes. While some brands only have a few options, Fairway has one of the most comprehensive deck railing offerings in the industry. With aluminum, vinyl, cellular PVC, steel, composite, and tri-layer railing offerings along with a variety of infill choices, you have a depth and breadth of materials and styles from which to create the perfect look for your outdoor living project.

Fairway composite railing in an outdoor living space.

Backing Up Safety with Trusted Product Testing

The main purpose behind any deck railing should be safety. Our railing products go through an extensive amount of testing to give homeowners and pros confidence our deck railing will keep them safe.

Many deck railing products carry AC174 certification, which means they can hold a 50-pound load with a 200-pound design load on the interior. This is the reason why you’ll see railing products say that they meet or exceed AC174 standards. But while AC174 is sometimes considered industry norm, there’s a higher safety standard deck railing can reach.

Our railing is sent to a third party, Intertek, for safety testing. Deck railing that passes Intertek tests means that the top rail passed a 1,000-pound load test, a process that every Fairway Railing product goes through. This means that compared to deck railing that only meet the AC174 standard, our railing products have a safety factor that’s roughly 2.5 higher.

Fairway Railing Products are Designed for Easy Installation

There’s a variety of products in the Fairway Railing Collection that are user friendly and easy to install. All our railing is packaged in convenient kits with well-thought-out instructions that provide clear steps for DIYers and pros to install their chosen deck railing with confidence. Some railing options, like mesh infills, are more labor intensive and require a higher familiarity with outdoor living products. 

Whether it’s aluminum, composite, steel, or vinyl-PVC deck railing, every Fairway Railing Collection product comes with a guide you can follow to bring your project vision to life.

Deck Railing That Brings Beauty to Your Entire Project

We can’t talk about what makes the Fairway Railing Collection unique without discussing aesthetics. While choosing the right composite decking is a critical component to an eye-catching deck, railing ties the whole design together. The right railing can beautify the space by pulling the view, decking, and elements of the home together. Plus, the durability of Fairway Railing helps ensure that your one-of-a-kind design stands the test of time with minimal maintenance.

Make Your Outdoor Living Space Stand Out with Envision

To round out this deep dive into the Fairway Railing Collection, it’s time to get hands-on with the products. Find a dealer or request a quote to get your outdoor living project started. If you’re looking for composite decking to pair with a railing, head over to our idea gallery to find design inspiration.

Complete Guide to Cable Deck Railing

An image of an Envision deck with cable deck railing.

Your Complete Guide to Cable Deck Railing

For homeowners and pros, finding ways to add value to outdoor living spaces while capturing a unique style is often at the top of the to-do list. This is one of the reasons why cable deck railing has been growing in popularity over the past few years. Cable deck railing offers a slim profile and unobstructed views of the surrounding scenery.

Even though this type of deck railing infill has a wide variety of benefits, there are many aspects to consider. To help you get the most out of the product, we’ve put together a complete guide on cable deck railing.

What Is Cable Deck Railing?

Cable deck railing is made up of posts with stainless steel cables that run between them and are tightened into place. Cables offer a clean modern aesthetic and are often paired with railing posts made of aluminum, wood, composite, or vinyl. While many traditional railings block the surrounding view, cable rail’s narrow profile and gray coloring make an outdoor living space’s beautiful scenery easier to appreciate.

An image of an Envision deck with cable deck railing.

The Strength of Cable Railing

Cable railing is known for its strength and is commonly required to carry a load of at least 200lbs. Under the ICC, cable railing infills need to pass a 500lb load test to meet code acceptance. If you’re considering cable railing for an outdoor living project, it’s important to check with your local residential codes. Many cities have a specific strength requirement for deck railing systems. Using cable railing may help meet these requirements—the top rail can stand up to light impacts and the cable infills are able to withstand pulling force.

How Far Apart Should Cable Railing Posts Be?

As with any railing system, it’s important to install posts the correct distance apart. Outdoor living experts agree that posts should be no further than eight feet apart with a baluster every four feet to meet the code requirement for most areas. In addition, openings between the cables themselves should not be larger than 4 inches to comply with common building codes.

It’s worth mentioning that when cable deck railing is properly installed, the system is very safe and reliable. Since the overall structure is partially dependent on the tightness of the cable infill, following the right installation process is crucial.

Tips for Installing Cable Deck Railing

The first step to proper installation of cable deck railing is to install all the posts first. Then get a detailed look at the manufacturer instructions for running the cable infill. Every cable railing system has their own unique sequence for the tightening process. As you’re looking through the instructions, pay close attention to the drawings to get an idea of where all the parts will go. These drawings will also give you an idea of the cable railing dimensions that act as a guide for the installation process.

It also helps to start by installing the corner and end railing posts first. After they’re in place, be sure to level the tops and sides of all the posts to help streamline the process. Next, install the intermediate posts. To see if all the railing posts are even, run a string across the top of all the posts. Once the posts are even, start by threading a line of cable from one end of the deck to the other. This is an opportunity to ensure that all the openings on the posts are aligned.

After each line of cable railing is installed, it’s important to add tension; keeping each cable infill line tight, helps maintain the safety and aesthetic of the space. Use a tension meter tool to help ensure that all the cables have the same tension. The manufacturer’s instruction will have guidelines on the best tension level for the railing system.

How Much Does Cable Deck Railing Cost?

On average, the cost of cable deck railing ranges from $65 to $160 per linear foot. It’s worth mentioning that some of that cost includes installation, which can take a fair amount of time since each cable line needs to be threaded through every post. Even though cable railing can be slightly more expensive than other options, its benefits make it a worthwhile investment.

The Top Benefits of Cable Deck Railing

The benefits you can expect with cable deck railing include:

  • Cable railing is very versatile by nature. It can be incorporated into almost any outdoor living space design.
  • Cable railing helps preserve views of the surrounding area. Plus, cables require less maintenance than other infill materials like glass.
  • Cable railing systems are a great investment since they can have a positive impact on the value of the home.

Find Quality Cable Railing at Envision Outdoor Living

At Envision Outdoor Living Products, it’s our goal to help turn your deck vision into a reality. That’s why our Fairway Railing Collection has products that complement almost any style, including reliable cable infill for multiple railing systems. Request a quote for your cable railing project, and head over to the inspiration gallery to get your project started.

Drew Barrymore Celebrity IOU Recap

A picture of the deck Drew Barrymore and the Property Brothers built for this project.

Property Brothers, Drew Barrymore Create Stunning Outdoor Space on Celebrity IOU

We’re back with another Celebrity IOU project recap. While last time the focus was on Kate Hudson, this episode saw actress, talk-show host, producer, and director Drew Barrymore work with the Property Brothers to create a stunning renovation for her best friend and makeup artist Deb.

Since Deb gives Drew support on and off the stage, there was no one more deserving to have their kitchen, outdoor living space, and dining room transformed. With the deck being one of the favorite elements of the home, Drew and the Property Brothers used a thoughtful approach to choose products that reflected Deb’s amazing sense of style. 

A picture of the deck Drew Barrymore and the Property Brothers built for this project.

A Beautiful Outdoor Living Space with Limited Upkeep

In the episode, we learned that Drew and Deb are both single mothers, a foundation for their friendship. Deb has always wanted an exciting outdoor space where her son could have friends over but doesn’t have time for a ton of upkeep. That’s where Envision Outdoor Living Products’ composite decking came in to help. Drew and the Property Brothers chose Spiced Teak from Envision’s Distinction Collection, delivering a deck that emulates the natural beauty of exotic hardwoods without tedious maintenance.

Since Deb’s favorite place in her home is the deck, it needed to be expanded for Drew’s creative vision to be realized. By pushing out the space towards the backyard and alongside the house, Deb’s dream of hosting guests became a reality.  Thanks to Envision’s EverClip Hidden Fasteners, the installation was easy, and the visual aesthetic of the space remained seamless.

The rich blonde highlights in Spiced Teak provide the perfect backdrop for the stunning furniture that Deb and her son will use to host guests.

A picture of the deck Drew Barrymore and the Property Brothers built for this project.

Fairway A310 Aluminum Railing Ties the Whole Space Together

Going into this project, Drew and Property Brothers knew that the right deck railing is essential for beautifying the entire outdoor living space. Deb loves to enjoy the view in her backyard, which made Envision’s A310 aluminum railing with cable infill the perfect choice; not only is aluminum durable and fits Deb’s need for low maintenance, but the cable infill also offers safety without blocking the view.

The A310 deck railing is also known for its sleek and modern aesthetic, which is bound to spark appreciation from Deb’s guests.

With the same level of craftsmanship and quality products being used in the kitchen and dining room, Deb has a home that will stand out for years to come.

Watch the Full Episode to See Envision Outdoor Living Products in Action

If you’re interested in getting a front-row seat to Drew’s full journey with this project, head over to the Property Brothers site for more details on the products used and info on where you can catch the episode.

Alternate Uses for Composite Decking

Envision composite decking being used as cladding on a diner.

Alternate Uses for Composite Decking

When the term composite decking is mentioned, it’s easy to think about how it’s used to create picturesque outdoor living spaces. Even though it’s most commonly used as a decking surface material, that application only scratches the surface of composite decking’s potential.

At Envision Outdoor Living Products, our decking can go beyond traditional uses to help you turn your unique design into a reality. Consider these alternate uses for composite decking boards.

Using Composite Decking as Cladding

If you’re looking for a unique way to tie an outdoor living space together with the rest of a home or commercial building, using composite decking as cladding is worth considering. Called “open-joint cladding,” composite decking in this application offers a robust hardwood look similar to  mahogany cladding. There may be some instances where composite decking is a more cost-effective option versus high-end materials like stone. Plus, brands like Envision Outdoor Living Products have decking that’s known for its lasting durability.

Using composite decking as cladding also adds a layer of flexibility to the project. Most notably, it can be combined with other siding materials to create popular multi-textured facades; open-joint cladding on one wall or section. It’s also easy to install.

Envision composite decking being used as cladding on a diner.

Create More Memorable Planter Boxes

One of the most popular outdoor living trends is homeowners having their own gardens, including by creating raised planter beds.  Using composite decking boards helps create planter boxes that are resistant to rot, splintering, and cracking.  

Unlike traditional wood planter boxes, ones built with composite decking have the benefit of complementing the look and design of your deck.

Build Beautiful Pathways

If you’re a pro working on commercial projects, composite decking boards are a great material for walkways. The boards are not only durable but capture the beauty of nature that’s sure to catch the eye of anyone walking on them. Certain composite decking brands have some built-in advantages for this type of application. Envision composite decking boards all have a deep, non-repeating grain that is etched into each board for an authentic look. This also helps give anyone walking on the pathway a better grip.

Hot Tub Decks

Many outdoor living spaces serve as a relaxing oasis where people can escape the stress of daily life. It’s part of the reason why hot tubs are often a star attraction of backyard decks. If you’re looking to make the hot tub area more inviting, composite decking can help you reach that goal. With composite decking boards, you can have a deck around or below the hot tub, giving you some design flexibility.

With a hot tub, traditional wood decking needs a lot of maintenance and regular upkeep to help prevent rot and warping. Composite decking boards are more durable and are much easier to clean when the material on a hot tub deck needs it.

Get the Most Out of Composite Decking with Envision Outdoor Living Products

If you don’t want to compromise when it comes to the quality of composite decking for your next project, choose Envision Outdoor Living Products. Our composite decking collections have options for almost any style and budget. Contact our team today to see how we can help turn your vision into a reality.

Envision Outdoor Living Products Case Study: City Harbor

A picture of the completed City Harbor waterfront entertainment center in Guntersville, Alabama.

City Harbor Brings Waterfront Entertainment to Small-Town Alabama

The southernmost point of the Tennessee River winds through scenic Guntersville, Alabama, where a dam forms the Guntersville Lake before the river continues its way back to Tennessee. As you crest the southbound Veterans Memorial Bridge your eye can’t help but catch the area’s latest entertainment destination, City Harbor, a 55,000-square-foot on-water venue featuring dining, shopping, live music, and hospitality.

City Harbor is the vision of Patrick Lawler, a Guntersville native who has lived in Fort Worth, Texas, for most of his career as a residential and commercial developer. Lawler had been spending more time in his hometown, including developing the Reserve at Lake Guntersville residential community, and knew the parcel of land at the tip of Guntersville’s geographic peninsula was a special spot to create a crown jewel for the town.           

A picture of the completed City Harbor waterfront entertainment center in Guntersville, Alabama.

A few years later and the completed City Harbor is a hub of activity for locals and visitors alike. Restaurants with indoor and outdoor eateries include a steakhouse, Mexican fine dining, a brewer’s co-op, and a brunch café. Other businesses include a cigar room, retail, a 6,000-square-foot event space, and a hotel, all with scenic views of Lake Guntersville.

City Harbor stretches linearly out onto the river, with a series of modern-rustic-style buildings connected by elevated walkways and an expansive deck. At the end, an open area offers space for gathering and music, and an attached marina provides easy access for boaters to stop in for a bite to eat.

Durability and Beauty Underfoot

The 50,000 square feet of boardwalk was made with Envision Outdoor Living Products’ Distinction Collection composite decking. At the event center, 3,000 square feet of patios feature the same decking in a different pattern to add differentiation and visual interest while still blending in.

A picture of the completed City Harbor waterfront entertainment center in Guntersville, Alabama.

Lawler had planned to use ipe for much of the dock, but ran into supply challenges getting the material from South America. When approached by his local Envision rep about Distinction decking, Lawler saw that the material and the Spiced Teak hue provided the high-end look he wanted, with rich, variegated color like that of exotic wood. And with U.S. manufacturing, he was able to secure the large quantity of material without further delay.

Perhaps most importantly, Distinction decking can withstand the rigors of the new venue. Distinction decking is made with Envision’s proprietary Compress Technology™, which uses tremendous heat and pressure to squeeze out air pockets, physically bonding the cap and EverGrain Core™ together, and press its signature non-repeating grain into the cap. The decking offers a full 25-year commercial warranty alongside durability and stain resistance suitable for the setting.

A picture of the completed City Harbor waterfront entertainment center in Guntersville, Alabama.

Cable railing along the length of the deck and the elevated walkways adds to the industrial design while maintaining a streamlined look to preserve water views.

In the end, the finished decking helped fulfill Lawler’s aesthetic vision. “I’m really happy with the product and durability, and I’m pleased with the finished result,” Lawler says. “We get tons of compliments on it.”

Your Guide to Metal Deck Railing

An outdoor living space with Fairway textured bronze steel deck railing.

Your Guide to Metal Deck Railing

Homeowners and pros have no shortage of options when it comes to products for outdoor living spaces. In fact, every choice from the composite decking to the furniture is often carefully considered. Deck railing is no exception to this trend, with a wide variety of materials and technologies that can help bring your vision to life.

In this post, we’re going to take a closer look at metal deck railing technologies and highlight some of the top reasons why it’s worth your consideration.

An outdoor living space with Fairway textured bronze steel deck railing.

What Are the Benefits of Metal Deck Railing Systems?

Metal deck railing systems bring a variety of benefits to your outdoor living project, including:

  • Durability: Metal deck railing like steel or aluminum is known for being able to stand up to wear and tear. Unlike traditional wood railing, you don’t have to worry about warping, splintering, cracks, and rot. Metal is a material that can stand the test of time with some minimal cleaning throughout the year.
  • Weather Resistance: One of the main benefits of metal deck railing is how it’s built to last in a variety of weather conditions. Whether there’s snow, rain, or humidity, metal deck railing can handle it. Plus, a powder-coated finish, like that available with the Fairway Railing Collection, adds an extra layer of protection that also helps prevent rust.
  • Modern Aesthetic: While there are plenty of deck railing systems that are nice to look at, metal has one of the most modern aesthetics. Both steel and aluminum boast clean lines and sleek profiles that lend a contemporary vibe while streamlining views. When you factor in the variety of color and infill choices, there’s an option for almost any style.
  • Easy to Maintain: Unlike some other deck railing options, metal is easier to maintain. Instead of having to stain or scrub the railing like you would with traditional wood, wiping down the metal railing with a clean cloth is all you need.

The Differences Between Aluminum and Steel Deck Railing

When it comes to metal deck railing, aluminum and steel are the two material choices that stand out. Which is the best choice for your outdoor living project? Some of the main differences between aluminum and steel deck railing include:

  • Aesthetic: Both aluminum and steel deck railing are known for having a sleek and modern look. However, it’s worth noting that over time steel that is not powder coated is more prone to rust in certain climates. Unless the steel railing is maintained, small orange rust spots could start to develop, lending a more rustic look. Aluminum deck railing can have the same issue, but many brands work around it by offering a powder-coated finish. For example, the powder coating on aluminum railing makes it more resistant to the salt and moisture found in the air in coastal climates.
  • Durability: In terms of overall durability, aluminum and steel both have their own unique advantages. Steel deck railing is a stronger material and is able to endure harder impacts without denting. Aluminum railing might not be as strong as steel, so it might dent in high-traffic areas, but the material is more flexible and malleable. If your project involves a railing design that’s more curved, aluminum could make the building process easier
  • Cost: Aluminum and steel deck railing are very close in cost, but from a raw material standpoint, aluminum tends to be more budget-friendly. The cost of deck railing also depends on the type of infill you choose. It’s also important to consider the installation process when thinking about the cost of metal deck railing.
  • Installation: The installation process tends to have a few unique considerations for aluminum and steel deck railing. For steel railing, you have to plan ahead since the material is heavy and often requires some extra muscle to install. Aluminum railing might be more lightweight, but it will take some time to manipulate or curve the metal to match your design.
An outdoor living space with Fairway textured bronze aluminum deck railing.

Is Aluminum or Steel Railing the Best Option for My Project?

If you’re looking for the best metal deck railing, the ideal material is going to differ based on the unique details and design of the outdoor living space. Whether you’re a homeowner or a pro, Envision Outdoor Living Products can help you find the best metal deck railing for your project. Contact our team today or request a sample to help keep your project moving forward.

2023 Outdoor Living Trends

The Top 2023 Outdoor Living Trends to Know

As 2022 comes to close, outdoor living has not lost an ounce of popularity. Homeowners and pros across the country are planning projects to create more outdoor retreats once the new year hits. Whether it’s updating an existing space or breaking ground on a new project, knowing what’s going to be trending in 2023 can help complete your vision. Join the experts at Envision Outdoor Living Products as we break down some of the top trends to know in 2023.

Home Gardens

Throughout this year, gardens have been growing in popularity with homeowners. Gardens not only can provide homeowners with a source of fresh fruits and vegetables, but it’s also a great hobby the whole family can enjoy. In 2023, it’s safe to expect home gardens taking root. With hanging gardens and window boxes, even homes with limited outdoor space are getting in on the trend.

A deeper look into this trend shows that more people are turning to raised gardens beds. With raised garden beds, it’s easier to take care of the plants, and the surrounding box is an opportunity to showcase your own personal style. Composite decking is one go-to option to build garden beds because of the material’s natural aesthetic and durability.

Outdoor Living Rooms

When the weather is nice, many people want to spend as much time as they can outside. That’s the essence behind the next outdoor living trend that’s slated for a big impact in 2023, outdoor living rooms. With options ranging from cozy to upscale, there’s plenty of design freedom that comes with creating an outdoor living room. To get the design process going, it helps to think about what the space will be primarily used for.

If the goal is relaxation, comfortable outdoor furniture and natural colors could be a great place to start. It also helps to know exactly how much space you have to work with. In some cases, your outdoor living room design plan could incorporate updating an existing deck.

Modern Zen Gardens

With relaxation becoming more of a focus for professionals who find themselves working from home, modern zen gardens are set to be a big backyard trend in 2023. Not only do they add an extra layer of stress relief to outdoor living spaces, but their minimalist design helps declutter almost any space.

All you need for an outdoor zen garden is a flat area filled with sand or gravel that can be gently raked into some type of pattern. From there, you have freedom to add in rocks, plants, and any other calming décor to truly make the space your own.

Outdoor Stone Ovens

In 2022, one of the biggest trends that took shape was having an outdoor kitchen. For 2023, an extension of this outdoor living trend is the stone oven. While outdoor kitchens are exciting, the cost of installing all the appliances can be a major roadblock for some homeowners; stone ovens are an opportunity to get the experience of a kitchen at a lower price point.

One of the great aspects about outdoor stone ovens is their versatility for cooking—they’re suitable for everything from a pizza cookout to roasting meat and vegetables. You’re the stone oven also adds a natural centerpiece that catches the eye for you’re the outdoor living space as well.

Heating and Cooling Systems

For many people’s outdoor living spaces, comfort is one of the top priorities. That notion is what’s fueling the popularity behind heating and cooling systems. With heat, homeowners have a variety of options including fire pits and pellet fired stoves.  Adding a fire table can add warmth and ambience with less commitment. Infrared heaters also are growing in popularity and are becoming available in a greater diversity of design and installation options.

If you’re interested in staying cool during hot weather, misting fans have been popping up on more decks. Misting fans are surprisingly affordable and can be set to have you’re the preferred level of cooling. Also, why not add some shade to your outdoor living space with a vinyl pergola?

Envision Outdoor Living Products Helps You Stay on Trend

Whether you’re a pro or homeowner, Envision Outdoor Living Products can help you stay on trend in 2023. With composite decking and Fairway railing that are “Different by Design”, we’re help to help transform your vision of outdoor living into a reality. Request a sample or contact our team today to get your project moving.       

Case Study: The House Judge 

An outdoor living space with Vintage Oak from Envision Ridge Premium Collection.

Wraparound Deck Helps Transform Wisconsin River Cottage

James Judge has lived in Arizona for a number of years, making a name for himself with beautiful home remodels he shares with TV audiences and hundreds of thousands of followers as @thehousejudge on social media. But his memories of summers as a kid in Wisconsin have never faded, and when the opportunity arose to buy a cottage down the road from where he grew up, Judge jumped at the chance to make it his own.

The home’s location on the Biron Flowage of the Wisconsin River creates a serene lakeside quality, and it’s surrounded by thick forests and looks across to an island full of eagles, herons, beavers, and other wildlife. “It’s the perfect escape for us in the summer,” Judge says. “A Wisconsin summer could be one of the best locations to be. From the weather to the temperature to just the natural beauty of the greenery and the seasons. It’s a really special spot. It definitely took me leaving to understand how great it was.”

Judge knew that a two-story structure that close to the lake and including a boat house was a rare find (and something you can’t build new today); he bought the property sight unseen in 2021 and designed the remodel in his head before even laying eyes on it. He and his partner drove 30 hours and embarked on a full-house renovation the following summer.

Judge knew that a two-story structure that close to the lake and including a boat house was a rare find (and something you can’t build new today); he bought the property sight unseen in 2021 and designed the remodel in his head before even laying eyes on it. He and his partner drove 30 hours and embarked on a full-house renovation the following summer.

An outdoor living space with Vintage Oak from Envision Ridge Premium Collection.

Merging Three Designs

What Judge eventually discovered was that the cottage was three homes in one—the original fishing cabin built in the 1930s, a two-story addition from the 1960s, and a 1980s remodel that shifted the frame from a flat roof to a gabled roof. “The house was having an identity crisis,” the designer says, noting that many architectural elements simply didn’t make sense. “My goal was to unify the house and give it a new identity.”

Inspired by the gabled roofs, Judge settled on a Craftsman-style exterior, with header and footer trim, specialty gable vents, and large columns made with river rock. A new navy-blue-and-white color scheme on the home’s original siding offers a slight nautical nod.

The home’s jumbled origins created both visual and functional challenges for the outdoor living areas. A hodge-podge of concreate slabs, pavers, a broken patio, and an unlevel hardscape, along with exits at odd levels and a 35-foot slope down to the water, had created unsafe and unappealing conditions overall.

To overcome and eliminate these issues, Judge designed a wraparound deck then adjusted the existing doors and windows accordingly—including changing the living/dining room window to a sliding door, swapping the kitchen door for a window, and terminating doors at the lowest levels—to create a single-level outdoor space that was safer, aesthetically cleaner, and highly functional. For the sloping backyard, the deck extends out and, absent of railings, evokes the feel of an infinity edge floating over the water.

“The design made an incredible impact to create an indoor-outdoor lifestyle,” Judge says, noting that careful furniture selection, not always a high priority in that area, also played a key role in ensuring the deck felt like an extension of the home.

Because of Wisconsin’s harsh weather swings, Judge built the deck with composite decking from Envision Outdoor Living Products. “The quality of the Envision decking is incredible,” he says. “Wisconsin is a tough state. It gets all four seasons and all four seasons hard. Everything is an extreme—between temperature changes and weather changes and the proximity to water. With so many elements all the time, having such a durable product is everything because it’s going to have the longevity.”

Judge chose Envision’s Ridge Premium decking in Vintage Oak. The decking is made with Envision’s proprietary Compress Technology™, which uses tremendous heat and pressure to squeeze out air pockets, physically bond the cap and EverGrain Core™ together, and press its signature non-repeating grain into the cap. “I’ve used a lot of decking products,” Judge says. “Envision is a really incredible product—the way the color has variation results in an authentic look.”

An outdoor living space with Vintage Oak from Envision Ridge Premium Collection.

The outdoor living space continues on the second floor, where Judge changed out the existing, and slightly dangerous, foam rooftop deck over the kitchen to a screened-in porch. He used Envision decking here, as well, thereby creating a seamless, unified look as the eye moves down.

The future dock, which will moor the designer’s childhood boat, also will feature Envision decking. Like many Wisconsin lake houses, the dock surface will be designed in sections that pop out at the end of the summer season for storage in the boathouse during the winter.

“Whenever I look at renovating a house and figuring out an identity, I want it to be an identity that would last a lifetime. I want them to walk in and think this has always been a Craftsman,” Judge says. “And the decking does that too; it’s not an afterthought—it looks like it was made to be a part of the house.”

Kate Hudson Celebrity IOU Recap

A picture of the completed outdoor living space created by Kate Hudson and the Property Brothers.

Kate Hudson and the Property Brothers Show Off the Beauty of Envision Outdoor Living Products

A picture of the completed outdoor living space created by Kate Hudson and the Property Brothers.

On the Property Brothers show Celebrity IOU, celebrities build beautiful spaces for a loved one who means the world to them. In this episode, actress, entrepreneur, producer, and star of the film “Glass Onion” Kate Hudson creates an outdoor living space for her future mother-in-law Melissa.

Melissa is a retired educator who always puts her family first, so Kate wanted to pay her back for her selfless and supportive way of life. Throughout the episode, Kate and the Property Brothers transform Melissa’s backyard into a relaxing oasis where she can spend quality time with her grandkids for years to come. Let’s take a closer at look at the Envision Outdoor Living Products that helped bring Kate’s vision to life.

Building a Beautiful Outdoor Deck

Kate’s future mother-in-law Melissa has always wanted an outdoor deck that’s connected to her bedroom. In the episode, you’ll see the Property Brothers and Kate replace the bedroom window with French doors for easy access to the deck that spans the entire back of the house. To turn this dream into a reality, the Celebrity IOU team turned to Rustic Walnut from the Distinction Collection.

A picture of the completed outdoor living space created by Kate Hudson and the Property Brothers.

Rustic Walnut is a composite decking product that features a blend of brown tones from light to dark. This decking captures the beauty of natural hardwood with its deep non-repeating grain. And with minimal maintenance,  Melissa can wake up each morning and enjoy the view without worries.

The rich colors and bold highlights of Rustic Walnut complements all the other standout design elements of the project including the outdoor Bocce court, raised garden beds, and more.

Framing the Space with A310 from the Fairway Collection

For an outdoor living space of this level to be truly complete, you need deck railing that complements its surroundings. When figuring out the space design, Kate and the Property Brothers decided to go with our aluminum deck railing in matte white. As a material, aluminum is durable and requires minimal maintenance, which is the perfect fit for Melissa.

The A310 deck railing from the Fairway Collection sports modern lines that’s perfect for framing gorgeous outdoor views. You’ll also notice that the railing used for this project has a horizontal cable infill that gives Melissa a clear view of her lush and relaxing backyard space.

Check Out the Full Episode for an Even Closer Look at Envision Products

If you’re interested in seeing Kate’s full journey of creating a dream outdoor living space for her future mother-in-law, head over to the Property Brothers website for details and information on where you can watch the episode.

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