At any rate, we’re now working with them again on a whole-house renovation.  It’s a design that began with the deck and transformed into a totally integrated space, one that brings the outside in and the inside out.

My clients are fabulous.  A few days ago, they grilled me some fish for lunch that I can easily say was the best fish I’ve ever had.  I’m going to get the recipe from them and share it on the blog.  It must be shared; it’s that good.  These folks are part of a gourmet cooking club; they’re foodies.  And they’re always cooking.  And they’re always feeding me.  (Honestly, It’s to the point that they are almost motivating me to blow-up the build schedule so I’m forced to hang around longer to partake in their culinary gifts.)

I can’t count the number of meals I’ve been prepared while at their home.  In the spirit of sharing, the “Grilled – Medium Rare” category of the blog will be the forum in which I offer up some ideas of what to put on the grill.  From a deck builders standpoint, while hamburgers are great; they’re like a lot of cedar decks, basic, yet functional.  They serve a purpose.  As I’ve spent many years designing and building decks and outdoor living environments, I’ve come to learn that, while I like a good burger, I love something that is a little more custom.

See you soon. . .

Azek is the world’s largest manufacturer of PVC building products; they began with exterior trim products, and entered into the deck building arena with the acquisition of Procell Decking Systems in February, 2007.  Initially Azek sold decking under the Procell brand; by late August of 2007 they were selling decking as “Azek Deck, made with proprietary Procell technology.”  This ends the history lesson. . .

4 Quarters Design & Build has been implementing Azek PVC products into our deck design and deck building for  nearly 4 years.  We’ve done so because PVC products perform.  Period.  Taking into consideration the climate in Minnesota, this says a lot about the properties of PVC.  My time in Scranton, visiting two of Azek’s manufacturing facilities, shed some light on why these products work for us.  Simply stated, Azek expends considerable human, financial, and technological resources to ensure the quality and performance of their products.  What I learned will only solidify the relationship between 4 Quarters Design & Build and Azek Building Products.

Every time I design a deck, or consider deck building, and the materials, techniques, and processes that go into deck construction, I consider Azek.  This is, of course, considering we’re talking about low-maintenance deck construction.  There are a number of other products in the market that claim to fill the role of low-maintenance building products.  I know better.  As I should; I’ve been around long enough.  As we race into the 2012 deck building season, I can say, without hesitation, that Azek PVC will continue to be a staple product in the low-maintenance deck design and construction performed by 4 Quarters Design & Build.

The first new color release is Harbor Stone.  It’s been on the ground at the distribution level since late November/early December.  It’s base tone is similar to the RiverRock, though it appears darker due to the variegated solid PVC cap.  The variegated cap is what you would expect if you are familiar with Desert Bronze, which no longer exists and has been replaced with Harvest Bronze, and RusticBark.  It’s a very nice looking plank and will be an easy choice for anyone interested in the gray color palette.  It should be a big deal in the northeast region of the U.S. market.

The second new color release is Walnut Grove, which won’t be available until May 2011, at the very earliest, so I’m told.  The fact that I was born and raised in Minnesota makes it difficult for me to talk about TimberTech XLM Walnut Grove without Laura Ingalls and the Little House on the Prairie theme music springing into my brain.  I guess I’ll have to get over it, which won’t be easy, because I can assure you that the moment the color name crosses my lips, the prospective client I’m talking to will immediately make reference.

The sample pieces I’ve seen of XLM Walnut Grove are quite nice.  I’ve been asking TimberTech for this color in an XLM plank for about two years now, and I have archived blog posts to prove it.  (While waiting, I was fortunate that Azek brought Acacia to market so I had a walnut-colored PVC deck plank for my clients. . .we’ll see how the two compare side by side when I can view whole planks rather than sample pieces.)  I love the deep, rich color, and I’m excited for this product to finally arrive.  It will be a winner, especially for the 4 Quarters client.

The new venue is the Minneapolis Convention Center.  The event will be held January 14-16.

4 Quarters will be exhibiting products and materials related to deck building and outdoor living.  I don’t know our exact booth location as I’ve yet to see a floor plan for the show.

My hope is that L&L Exhibition Management, the company that produces the show, has been able to tap the necessary advertising and PR channels to get the word out.  As the first show of the season, the Home & Landscape Expo has been held at the Metrodome for many years and is directly associated with the venue in the public eye.

One thing on our side is the fact that every year the show’s schedule is heavily dictated on the performance, (ahem!) and sometimes the lack thereof, of the Minnesota Vikings.  The show is always scheduled for two weekends, and depending on the NFL playoff schedule, we end up with one, the other, or both.  So, the public is forced to pay some attention every year to simply know the Home & Landscape Expo event schedule.  This year, they’ll have to do the same, along with finding a new place to park.

Regardless of public attendance, I’ll be at the Minneapolis Convention Center January 14-16, ready and able to talk about deck building products, deck design and deck construction, and outdoor living.  4 Quarters has a lot going on for 2011, about all of which I’m very excited!  We’ll see you out there!

I am happy to lead a team of dedicated individuals whose primary objective is to build the finest decks in the Twin Cities market.  NADRA promotes similar ideals on a national level for the betterment of our industry.  In conjunction with 4 Quarters Design & Build’s national membership, we are actively involved in the formation of the Minnesota Chapter of NADRA.  We at 4 Quarters look forward to playing a significant role in developing our local chapter, and promoting the ideals set forth by NADRA on a national level.

More on the Minnesota Chapter of NADRA will follow as the organization continues to take shape.  As the Twin Cities premier deck and outdoor living designer and builder, 4 Quarters is committed to improving our industry on behalf of the consumers who need our talent and expertise.

• View the WCCO-TV video segment

I discussed a few of the elements that may have caused the deck to separate from the home, causing the accident.  Proper fastening with the right hardware is an obvious one, but also proper water management can also factor in.

As this unfortunate story shows, you can’t place enough emphasis on proper deck construction.  4 Quarters Design & Build ensures that every step of your deck’s construction process is done right, avoiding these types of accidents down the road.

Contact us for more information on our deck building services or to discuss possible concerns with your deck.

Come down and see us on the main floor in booth numbers 212 and 213.