How to Remove Ice From a Wood Deck

deck covered with snow - how to remove ice from wood deck

For many, the idea of the winter season is synonymous with warm feelings: happy holidays, time spent indoors with family and friends, and warm, cozy nights cuddling next to the fire. The most wonderful time of the year! For others, however, winter conjures dread at the idea of shoveling endless amounts of snow from walkways, […]

How to Treat Timber Decking

Cropped image of hand with a brush shows on how to treat timber decking.

There are a few different ways you can treat your hardwood decking to preserve it and accentuate its natural beauty. Many people go with decking stains to customize the look of their deck, while others prefer an oiled approach to enhance the wood’s natural textures. There are no right or wrong approaches here; it really […]

When Is the Best Time to Stain a Deck?

When is the best time to stain a deck

Keeping your deck looking great can feel like a battle against Mother Nature. Rain, snow and direct sunlight can all diminish the quality of your wood. A poorly maintained deck also invites mold, mildew and pests that can destroy your decking and ruin your investment. You should stain your deck on a regular basis whenever […]

How to Insulate a Sunroom

Image showing on how to insulate a sunroom in a luxury home

Keeping your sunroom warm throughout the year is a priority for most. Sunrooms benefit from warm solar gain throughout the warmer months, but from November through March, you might need a little help to keep cold air from getting in. Sunroom insulation doesn’t just benefit you by keeping you cozy; it also makes the room […]

How To Restore Faded Composite Decking

How to restore faded composite decking and keeping the surface at its best.

Composite decking is durable and low-maintenance and looks stunning. However, like anything worthwhile, composite decking requires a little TLC to keep the deck surface at its best. If you’re faced with faded trex decking — or you’re simply looking for ways to prevent your Trex deck from fading — we’ve got the answers. A custom composite […]

How to Decorate a Screened-In Porch on a Budget

View of back deck and screened porch

You don’t need to spend a fortune to decorate your screened-in porch. In fact, armed with the right knowledge, you can spend next to nothing on home decor and still get a trendy, sophisticated finish. DIY projects, refurbishment and thrift stores are just a few of the ways you can inexpensively redesign your screened porch. Read on to find out more about how to decorate a […]

10 Creative Ideas for Adding Privacy to Your Backyard

evergreen garden trees flowers and retro gate giving home privacy

When the weather’s warm, who doesn’t want to spend as much time as possible outdoors? You can soak up the sun’s rays, work on your tan and enjoy all the health benefits of spending time in nature. However, the last thing you want is to feel like you’re on stage in front of your neighbors […]

5 Ways to Cover a Patio So You Can Say Cool During Summer

Happy family eating dinner on patio

Outdoor living spaces have reached new heights of popularity in the last couple of years. One of the most important features of any outdoor space is the patio, but you need to make sure it’s usable all year round. During the height of summer, you don’t want to swelter under the direct heat of the […]

Homemade Deck Cleaner And How To Use It

A man pressure washing timber deck

No matter how diligent you are about cleaning your composite or wood deck, it’ll accumulate debris and eventually show signs of weathering. However, using an organic homemade deck cleaner, you can significantly prolong the lifespan of your deck by giving it an annual scrub and applying a sealer. Harsher stains and mildew might necessitate the […]

How to Transform Your Deck Into a Sunroom

Home with outdoor sunroom aerial view

If you’re looking for a new addition to your property that’s beyond the scope of DIY, consider turning your deck into a sunroom. Provided you have the correct building permit and understand the local building codes, creating a three- or four-season room from your existing deck is easy. One of the hottest design trends is […]

10 Insider Tips to Help You Choose the Best Outdoor Deck Furniture

how to choose outdoor deck furniture

Whether you’re envisioning classic rattan furniture frames or modern wrought iron or cast aluminum laid out on your new deck, we’ve got some tips to make sure you choose the best outdoor deck furniture for your outdoor living space. Every year, it seems as if there’s double the amount of products to choose from online and in stores. With so […]

10 Tips on How to Keep Sunroom Warm in Winter

Outdoor Screen Room with White

Wondering how to keep a sunroom warm in winter? Keeping a three- or four-season sunroom warm throughout the entire year might seem like a challenge, but there are some simple fixes you can apply, as well as more complex ones to keep the warm solar gain throughout the year. From harsh winter weather, to quick […]

10 Simple Deck Ideas to Make a Relaxing Backyard Paradise

patio installation for fresh air installed by PWHI

One of the best feelings in the world is throwing open the patio doors at the end of a long day and reclining out on the deck. Just having the outdoor space with some chairs to sit on is enough to transport you into another world — but why stop there? You can fine-tune your […]

The Top 8 Trendiest Ideas for Deck and Patio Privacy

Screened in Deck

In Virginia’s glorious summer sunshine, it’s crucial that you can unwind in your yard without feeling exposed to your neighbors. Nobody is intentionally trying to pry into each other’s outdoor space, but being aware of random people can shatter the illusion of your private backyard oasis. Thankfully, there are plenty of creative ideas for deck […]

Add Depth to Your Landscaping With a Retaining Wall

Retaining Wall

You’ve probably seen thousands of retaining walls in your lifetime, but you might not have ever considered what one is. Businesses, schools, and homes take advantage of its ability to improve and protect landscaping. If you’ve ever wondered about retaining walls and their purposes, read on to get the details. Plus, learn how one of […]

15 Innovative Deck Shade Ideas for a Delightful Summer

Deck Shade Ideas

At PWHI, we love getting creative with deck shade ideas for your brand new Trex Composite Deck. Now summer is here — time to start a new project! With more reason to spend quality time together than ever before, you and your loved ones should make the most of your outdoor space. In the hot […]

Six Ways an Outdoor Enclosed Patio Helps to Improve Your Home

patio enclosure on back of the deck

Sometimes, we get so caught up in trying to take care of everyone else that we lose sight of the importance of pampering ourselves. Investing in an enclosed patio is an excellent step towards taking self-care seriously and enhancing your leisure time. The benefits of including an area where you can enjoy the outdoors from […]

Do You Need to Prepare Your Deck or Patio for Autumn?

Patio Brick Design

The heyday of summer is quickly passing, and autumn will arrive before you know it. That means prepping your outdoor deck or patio for the elements, as well as ensuring comfort and functionality as cooler weather closes in. Here are a few things you might want to do in the upcoming months to get your […]