Peter Myers Contracting Services

From functional to elaborate we will build you a quality deck .
We build our decks using a variety of materials . Pressure treated wood , cedar , composite materials as well as incorporate aluminum and glass railing systems .
When considering a deck project , there are a number of options that will affect the price . Composite material will cost more to build , but has very little maintenance .
The size of your deck . What is the function of your deck ? Do you want it covered ?
Do you want trellis work above it ? What type of railing ? Do you want storage under it ? Would you like planters to compliment your deck ? Do you require privacy from your railings or just the opposite ? Just a few of the questions to think about when considering your deck project.

From great design to quality workmanship , we set standards. We meet and exceed our building codes .
Anyone can build a deck . We however, are professionals and stand behind our work . As with a house , your deck starts and stands on its foundation . We install footings and sauna tube ( down 4 feet ) to ensure frost does not shift your investment . This creates a deck that will stay true and level for years to come .
If you choose us as your deck builder , we will offer you a 5 year warranty.

We offer 3D imaging . You can see your deck project before we build it . This gives you options to make changes before we start . ( Railings , privacy , stairs , planters area for a hot tub , etc....)

Call today to discuss your new deck . 830-1516
contracting@eastlink.ca
or follow the contact us from the left menu.

Garden Retreats, Gazebos, wood pavilions and pergolas .

Types of Structures

There are several types of outdoor structures we can build for you :

a pavilion is a roofed, outdoor room with open sides.
a garden retreat is a structure you can use for meditation, artistic pursuits or getting-away-from-it-all.
a gazebo is usually a structure used for shelter and viewing the garden.
a pergola is covered walk in a garden, usually formed by a double row of posts or pillars with joists above and covered by climbing plants.
an arbor is a shaded structure often covered with shrubs, vines or branches

Design Elements

The style of your pavilion or hideaway is created with design and construction components. By changing these key design elements and details, you can create a specific style or a totally unique design:

post size
beam size
overhead pattern and complexity
finishing touches (corbels, decorative beam end cuts, post caps and finials)
wood texture, color and finish
metal work
lighting

Matching Your Pavilion or Garden Retreat to Your Home & Garden
Your pavilion should harmonize with your garden landscaping, as well as the architectural style of your home:

a formal structure for a formal garden
a classic design for a classically laid out garden
a flowing design for a garden with swept paths and flowing planting borders

The overall dimensions should also fit with the proportions of your garden, home and other outdoor structures. The final color should compliment the colors used in your landscaping. If you want to blend into the landscaping, the natural color of the wood or browns and greens work well. If you want the structure to stand out or highlight nearby plants, strong colors like white or black can be used.

Design Criteria & Location Considerations
Use ~ The first step is to determine all the ways you plan to use the structure. That will help determine design requirements and the right type of structure to build.

Roof support strength

Ceiling patterns (open beam, patterned, lattice or trellis)

Decking patterns (of different wood color, concrete or stone)

Railing styles

Built-in activity features (benches, storage, fire pits, and barbecues)

Utilities (electricity for lights, outlets for stereo and appliances, gas for heaters, and water for cleanup)

Size & Shape ~ The minimum size will be determined by the activities and furniture you want under it (or nearby). The design will also be influenced by the need to keep it in proportion to the size and spaciousness of the surrounding structures and garden. The shape can be customized to fit and compliment natural features in your garden, such as wrapping around or enclosing a tree, reflecting the curve of a stream or conforming to a rock formation.
Access ~Stairs, pathways, doors and gates should be designed to provide convenient access to and from the house, garden and other key areas, such as the driveway, pool or tennis court.
View ~Determine the garden and house views you want, and if any views need to screened off for privacy. Framed openings can be created to enhance viewing of special garden features like ponds, herb gardens, or flower gardens.
Sunlight ~The amount of sunlight and heat exposure can be a factor in orienting the structure and its roof design. Consider where furniture and appliances should be placed to catch the sunlight or shade. Also consider if you want to install temporary overhead shading during the summer months.
Water ~Excessive moisture (from sprinklers and deep shade) can lead to premature aging, musty smells and structural damage from rot. The structure should be designed to shed rain and dew readily and dry out well, especially if it will be covered by vines or plants. Good drainage away from the area is also required.
Wind ~In areas with high winds or gusts, you may want to create an area protected from the wind. Strong or regular winds may require a more substantial design to handle the force or building it in a more protected area.

Wood, Hardware & Design Options
Materials ~Your pavilion can be built of redwood, cedar, pressure treated or other woods. More expensive woods can be used for accenting joints, pegs and trim. The substructure framing should be built of pressure treated wood for durability.
Finishes ~Heat and light contribute to weathering, so a UV protection finish is very important. If it will eventually be covered with hard to remove plants, applying a through coating is critical. Stains (clear, tinted, or solid) and paint are popular finish choices.
Custom Touches ~Decking patterns can create paths of wood within the flooring and define activity areas. Multiple levels and privacy nooks add drama and functionality. Decorative end beam cuts can echo those used on the house. Post caps and finials can match those used on fences, gates and other structures. Post feet can be boxed with decorative trim. Access panels for utilities can be inset or trimmed with molding. Open beams can be notched and stacked for additional strength and visual interest.
Built-ins ~Consider how built-in features can enhance your usage. Benches (with built in storage) can be added to follow or curve along railings. Cabinets can enclose food preparation and stereo equipment. Fireplaces can add romance and warmth to increase usage during the evenings and winter months.
Metalwork ~ Blackened, wrought iron or copper post braces, lanterns and accents can add style, and strength and functionality.
Lighting ~The placement and type of lighting can evoke both a style and a mood. Lanterns hung from ceiling beams, side mounted sconces, track or spot lighting or a central chandelier all create and immediate sense of style. Low mood lighting can softly illuminate pathways and steps as well as create a romantic atmosphere.

Prices for Custom Garden Furniture, Builtins & Accessories
There are three price ranges for custom garden furniture: Basic pre-made, high end pre-made and custom.

Basic pre-made furniture is what you see for sale at popular home and garden stores. For an idea of the prices, visit one of them or go online.
High end pre-made garden furniture is sold by fine garden furniture markers, who charge 150% - 400% above the basic prices. These costs reflect higher quality materials and craftsmanship, more complex or stylish designs, and fine finish details.
At the custom level, the price matches or exceeds the cost of high end pre-mades in order to cover the cost of designing and building to meet your specific needs. A unique design can offer additional functionality, meet custom size requirements, incorporate special materials, be an exact replacement, or become part of an existing structure (such as handrail).

Pavilions, Garden Retreats & Accessories
I show a few photos so you can get an idea of the variety of pavilions and garden structures I can build. I specialize in creating client inspired designs. So if you see and example of exactly what you want (or something close), we can use that as a starting point for your design. Or you can let me create a custom design that matches your home's architectural style.
If you need ideas and inspiration, clip magazine pictures, look through your vacation photos and keep an eye out for what you like in the neighborhood. The more you know about what you like and don't, the easier it is to create and build something you will be delighted with for years to come.