Beautiful Inside and Out
Using integrated design, the team at Amazing Decks can take the heart of the home and extend it to the backyard with a stunning, usable outdoor space.
design is crucial. It has to be inviting; people want something that feels personal and something that will help them relax.”
To achieve this goal, Amazing Decks puts a great emphasis on the planning stage. While some potential customers will ask for estimates over the phone or through email, it is important for the designers to personally visit the site and get to know the homeowners.
They will ask questions regarding the size of their family, how often they entertain, whether they plan to add a pool, etc.
As they approach their 34th year in business, it would be easy for Amazing Decks co-founders Bill Wilson and Keith Fry to become complacent in their work or to rest on their accomplishments from three decades in the industry.
But anyone who encounters the pair soon realizes that the opposite is true. They continue to be passionate about designing and building backyard oases that their customers can enjoy for years to come, and they can draw on their vast experience to avoid common pitfalls.
“When you’ve been in business this long, it becomes easy, because we’ve already made the mistakes and we’ve learned from them,” Wilson says. “We were part of this industry long before it became
what it is now. We watched it change from people just having a simple wood deck to now adding a space that can be amazing. It’s a lot of fun and we love helping people out.”
The philosophy at Amazing Decks centers on the idea of integrated home design. This comprehensive approach aims to extend the heart of the home to the outside, creating a large, livable space that can be utilized for everything from a big graduation party to a simple family get-together.
“There’s a fine line between a project that gets used and a project that never gets used,” Wilson says. “It would be heartbreaking at the completion to have a homeowner say, ‘I wish we would have done this or that.’ That’s why the
plantings, outdoor low-voltage lighting, grilling stations and fireplaces. Shade is huge as well— every outdoor project should have some sort of roof structure for people to sit under and get shielded from the sun.”
As one of the first companies to install maintenance-free composite boards, Amazing Decks has a longstanding relationship with Trex, perhaps the most wellknown name in the industry.
“We’re interviewing them just like they’re interviewing us,” Wilson says. “Our initial meeting is very easy-going. We get to know the client and find out how they’re going to use the space. Then we’re able to tie everything together and design something in the backyard that they’re going to use. It doesn’t have to be expensive; it just has to be designed right.”
Amazing Decks has often been called upon to fix mistakes by other companies that did not design a backyard space properly. Wilson and Fry are determined to design a space that will not only work now, but in the future, should the homeowners want to add to the space or decide to sell the home.
The many successful jobs the company has completed also tend to stand out in the neighborhood.
“Our designs are unique,” Wilson says. “We do a lot of curves—we have the equipment to curve boards, so a lot of our decks are free-flowing curves. We also integrate other materials, like paver patios or bluestone. Maybe the backyard doesn’t just call for a deck; maybe it calls for a combination of the two. Even though we’re a deck company, we have to be honest with the customer and tell them what will work best.
“We can do patios, walkways,
“That’s not to say we won’t work with another manufacturer, but we are primarily a Trex dealer,” Wilson says. “We’ve been using Trex ever since we started the business. They always come out with new products, but the product we’re using now is approximately 11 years old, the Trex Transcend line, and it doesn’t seem like anyone has ever been able to compete with it.
“I like how durable it is; you can drag a chair across it and it won’t scratch. If you spill something on it, you can just wipe it off. Some products will scuff and scratch, but Trex doesn’t. If you look at a Trex deck that’s five or six years old, it looks like we just installed it.”
With the right materials and the right design, a deck built by Amazing Decks can make a major difference, both now and in the future.
“We had a customer who just bought a new house, and we had put the deck on his old house,” Wilson says. “There were four other houses on his street for sale, so he was nervous about putting the house up. But it sold within two weeks of hitting the market. He had offers from every person who saw the house, and they all said it was because of the deck. That was a proud moment. It wasn’t extravagant, it was just designed right.”
WITH SPRING IN BLOOM, homeowners across the country are preparing to spend the coming months in their own backyards, and chances are they would like to invest in some updates. Our annual landscape directory connects our readers with local resources to consult on any project related to the outdoors. This
comprehensive list includes companies that can create an oasis with a pool, patio or deck, not to mention hardscaping, water features and shade elements; or professionals who maintain landscaping, provide furniture or install fences and much more. No matter what you need, your outdoor space is in good hands.
AWNINGS
GREAT VALLEY AWNING
Sunesta retractable awnings installed by Great Valley Awning are the highest quality awnings on the market. Our awnings and screens are fully customizable with sizes and fabrics made to your specifications, right here in the USA. We offer the best warranty which includes a lifetime warranty on the frame, along with professional installation. We enjoy a 4.9 star google rating and an A+ BBB rating. 610-889-3104 greatvalleyawning.com
MARYGROVE AWNINGS
For over 85 years, Marygrove has offered the best retractable awnings on the market. Choose from a variety of sizes, fabrics and options to create your backyard oasis. All of the awnings come standard with free LED lights and are backed by
an award-winning service team. 800-44-AWNINGS marygrove.com
Paul Construction & Awning 610-287-1623 awningsdeckspatios.com
DECKS
Amazing Decks 833-774-8646 anotheramazingdeck.com
Archadeck of Delaware 302-455-2426 delaware.archadeck.com
Archadeck of NW Philadelphia 484-275-2032
archadeck.com/northwest-philad elphia
Carranza Roofing & Remodeling 610-671-3747 carranzacontracting.com
Deck Craft Plus 610-273-3317 deckcraftcustomdecks.com
Deck Guardian 908-332-8577 deckguardian.com
Decks-R-Us 717-407-5623 deckconstructionpa.com
E & E Contracting, LLC 717-442-4814 eecontractingllc.com
ELA Outdoor Living 215-794-2400 elaoutdoorliving.com
Ferris Home Improvements 302-998-4500 ferrishomeimprovements.com
First State Building & Design 302-803-5082 fsbd.co
Get Decked 302-897-0302 getdeckedinc.com
Hynes Construction 610-896-6388 hynesconstruction.com
Keystone Custom Decks 717-936-9590 keystonecustomdecks.com
Mayse Painting & Contracting 302-388-1747 mpcpaints.com
My Deck 908-713-1000 mydeck.com
Sequoia Out Back 215-918-DECK (3325) 866-993-YARD (9273) sequoiaoutback.com
Water Dog Construction 215-317-4261 waterdogconstruction.com
DECKING MATERIAL
Brandywine Building Supply 610-273-3817 brandywinebuildingsupply.com
Sequoia Out Back 215-918-DECK (3325) 866-993-YARD (9273) sequoiaoutback.com
FENCING
Ace Fence and Gates 215-364-7875 gvfence.com
Great Valley Fence & Gates 215-264-7875 gvfence.com
Progressive Fence and Railing 609-449-8079 progressivefenceandrail.com
GRILLS/FIREPLACES/ OUTDOOR KITCHENS
Colonial Marble & Granite 215-543-7077
610-537-8918 colonialmarble.net
ELA Outdoor Living 215-794-2400 elaoutdoorliving.com
First State Building and Design 484-276-1225 firststatebuilinganddesign.com
Gas Works 610-296-3557 4gasworks.com
Sequoia Out Back 215-918-DECK (3325) 866-993-YARD (9273) sequoiaoutback.com
HARDSCAPING/PAVERS/ RETAINING WALLS/ CONCRETE/ASPHALT Architectural Concrete Design 866-956-2816 877-843-4373 acdconcrete.com
Burke Asphalt 484-228-1776 burke-asphalt-paving.com
DiCenso Landscaping 267-450-4236 dicensolandscaping.com
Dutchies Stoneworks, LLC 717-407-2235 dutchiesstoneworks.com
ELA Outdoor Living 215-794-2400
elaoutdoorliving.com
First State Building and Design 484-276-1225 firststatebuilinganddesign.com
Marrazzo’s North River 215 598-1412 marrazzosnorthriver.com
Santangelo Contracting LLC 215-646-4959
santangelocontracting.com
Schnatz & Rohrer Landscaping 610-696-5108 schnatzandrohrerlandscaping.com
Sequoia Out Back 215-918-DECK (3325) 866-993-YARD (9273) sequoiaoutback.com
Smucker’s hardscape & Outdoor Living 717-940-2376 Shoutdoorliving.com
HOT TUBS & SPAS
Ordini’s Best Fiberglass Pools 215-602-3485 ordiniswim1day.com
Royal Billiard & Recreation 215-997-7777
royalbilliard.com
IRON WORK/STAIRCASES
Lomonaco’s Iron Concepts & Home Décor 856-740-1071 liciron.com
LANDSCAPE DESIGN/ IRRIGATION/PONDS/ WATER FEATURES
DiCenso Landscaping 267-450-4236 dicensolandscaping.com
ELA Outdoor Living 215-794-2400 elaoutdoorliving.com
Holly Days Nursery, Garden Center, & Landscaping 215-283-3228 sales@hollydaysnursery.com
Landesign Hardscapes & Masonry LLC 610-368-6446 ldhmbusiness.com
Marrazzo’s North River 215 598-1412 marrazzosnorthriver.com
Nickett Landscaping 215-345-1385
nickettlandscaping.com
Ponds by George 215-396-7500 pondsbygeorge.com
RONNI
HOCK GARDEN & LANDSCAPE
Eleven-time “Best of Houzz” recipient. Ten-time “Best of House & Home” 2015-2024. A premier design/build company serving Central New Jersey and Bucks County for over 17 years. Ronni is personally involved with every phase of design and installation. 609-844-0066 ronnisgarden.com
Santangelo Contracting LLC 215-646-4959 santangelocontracting.com
Schnatz & Rohrer Landscaping 610-696-5108 schnatzandrohrerlandscaping.com
Smucker’s Hardscape & Outdoor Living 717-940-2376 shoutdoorliving.com
LANDSCAPE LIGHTING/ OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURES/ELECTRICAL Bright Services Group 215-357-3058 brightservicesgroup.com
ELA Outdoor Living 215-794-2400 elaoutdoorliving.com
Marrazzo’s North River 215 598-1412 marrazzosnorthriver.com
LAWN CARE/TREE SERVICE/MAINTENANCE All the Above Tree Service 215-645-1379 alltheabovetreeservice.com
Nickett Landscaping 215-345-1385 nickettlandscaping.com
MULCH/STONE/SOIL
Victory Gardens, Inc 215-443-5665 victorygardensinc.com
OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Barlow Tyrie Outdoor Furniture 856-273-7878 btusastore.com
Country Lane Furniture 717-867-5701 countrylanefurniture.com
Royal Billiard & Recreation 215-997-7777 royalbilliard.com
The Buxton Complex 609-771-0274 thebuxtoncomplex.com
Sequoia Out Back 215-918-DECK (3325) 866-993-YARD (9273) sequoiaoutback.com
Tropicraft by Pavillon du Soleil 610-645-5400 tropicraftpatio.com
OUTDOOR GAMES
Royal Billiard & Recreation 215-997-7777 royalbilliard.com
OUTDOOR KITCHENS
Dutchies Stoneworks & Outdoor Living 717-407-2235 dutchiestoneworks.com
OUTDOOR STRUCTURES/ SUNROOMS/SHEDS/ PATIO COVERS/ PERGOLAS/GAZEBOS
Amazing Decks 833-774-8646 215-654-1886 anotheramazingdeck.com
Archadeck of Delaware 302-455-2426 delaware.archadeck.com
Archadeck of NW Philadelphia 484-275-2032 archadeck.com/northwest-philadel phia
The Buxton Complex 609-771-0274 thebuxtoncomplex.com
ELA Outdoor Living 215-794-2400 elaoutdoorliving.com
Get Decked 302-897-0302 getdeckedinc.com
First State Building and Design 484-276-1225 firststatebuilinganddesign.com
FOX COUNTRY SHEDS
A Lancaster County-based manufacturer of quality, custom-built sheds, crafting durable and stylish structures for over 25 years. Design and order your shed online with the 3D Customizer, choosing from a variety of styles and options, or visit the manufacturing facility.
Family-owned, fully insured, and licensed. Buy direct from the manufacturer for expert craftsmanship and lasting backyard storage solutions. 717-626-9560 foxsheds.com
The Louvered Roof Company (610) 310-0429 thelouveredroofcompany.com
Mainline Outdoor Living 717-858-2425 mainlineoutdoorliving.com
Magnolia Home Remodeling Group 855-624-6655 magnoliahomeremodeling.com
Riehl Quality Storage Barns, LLC 717-442-8655 riehlquality.com
Sequoia Out Back 215-918-DECK (3325) 866-993-YARD (9273) sequoiaoutback.com
OUTDOOR SPEAKERS/TV/ AUDIO SYSTEMS
Shore Sound & Cinema 609-645-1300
s2cinema.com
OUTDOOR WINDOW
TREATMENTS & UPHOLSTERY
Blinds, Shade and Shutter Factory 215-398-6886
blindsshadeandshutterfactory.com
PAVERS
Dutchies Stoneworks & Outdoor Living 717-407-2235 dutchiestoneworks.com
PAVING/ASPHALT
Burke Asphalt 484-228-1776
burke-asphalt-paving.com
Go Direct Paving 610-714-1439 godirectpaving.com
S & M Paving 800-778-6977 smpaving.com
by Lindsey Getz
A Deep Dive
From aesthetics to functionality, regional experts provide advice on how to transform a pool into the outdoor living space of one’s dreams.
by CARLY MURRAY
Having a personal pool is the best way to achieve both luxury and amusement in an outdoor living oasis totally customizable for each household—but like everything worthwhile, it takes planning, time, education, options and upkeep. Modern options can take a pool to the next level with exciting colors, lighting, designs, shapes and add-on features. The variability within and surrounding a pool is what expands it into much more than a place to swim.
It is that stark distinction between personalized pools across the region that makes them so impressive. By starting fresh, or by updating an already existing outdoor living space, homeowners can expand their home to the backyard with every member of the family’s unique preferences. It might even be the favorite hang-out spot all summer long to encourage fresh air, staying active and spending time away from screens.
House & Home Magazine spoke with local pool and deck specialists to learn more about “taking the plunge” into pool designs, installation and maintenance.
What are the most popular pool options that homeowners have incorporated within the past year?
“Recently, people with smaller backyards are putting in large wading pools that are not deep, more for relaxing and having cocktails. They are also using low voltage lighting for a more relaxing atmosphere.”
—Donald
Panetta, owner of D. Panetta Contracting, LLC
“Water purification systems, salt water systems, quartz ozone systems, and water features like waterfalls and raised walls with waterfalls coming off of them [are
most popular]. Then, blossoming into landscape items like a poolside cabana, a bar area [or] sun lounges. Probably about 60%-65% of the pools that we build have sun lounges in them. …[In addition,] we offer fire features, a swim-up bar area, outdoor kitchens and cabanas. There’s a wide spectrum of choices out there, it just depends on what's going to fit into everybody’s wants and budgets.”
—Dominic DiCesare, general manager of Blue Haven Pools & Spas
by Calvitti
How does one decide what styles and features are best for them?
“First, we discuss the goals of the customer and I try to get an understanding of the type of person the customer is. If the customer’s home has a flow that should be continued in the yard, I steer the customer toward a freeform [pool] that has curves that can accentuate the existing flow. If the customer likes lines and geometric shapes and the house reflects this style, I steer the customer toward a rectangle pool that will continue the existing aesthetic of the property. This is not a definite process for all customers because some rectangles have the features that a customer is looking for, but the property has a flow that would lend itself to a freeform. If this is the case, I make suggestions for hardscaping and landscaping that will shift the sharp angles of the rectangle pool toward a flow of green space and curved pavers and deck space.”
—Derek Blasker, owner of Pool Designs
What are some features that can transform a pool into an outdoor living space?
“There are many elements or features that can transform your pool area into an out-
and charm of natural wood with the durability of concrete.”
—Steve Abel, managing partner of Architectural Concrete Design
How should deck design vary between the different areas of an outdoor living space?
“Many of our clients are extending their pool decks into full backyard living spaces with outdoor kitchens, dining areas and fire features. In those cases, we often use complementary designs to help visually zone each area. For example, we
might use a slate pattern around the pool and transition to a wood plank look under a pergola or outdoor kitchen. In some cases, we use the same pattern throughout but shift the coloring or finish to create contrast. These layered designs make the entire space feel cohesive and intentional.”
—Steve Abel
What is the best pool water system?
“We've been [offering] salt water for about 20 years—we’re 100% salt water. …It’s much
healthier. You're [converting] natural salt into chlorine, but it's more user-friendly. It's less irritating to the skin, to the eyes— especially for people who have skin conditions, it's a lot better.”
—Dominic DiCesare
How do you balance functionality with aesthetics when it comes to customization?
“I believe the outside should be an extension of the home’s architecture, but also of the owners’ personalities. If someone has a large enough yard and is more of a creative energy, they might want a freeform pool with natural flowing curves and unique features. You can add features to any pool, but the freeform or kidney-shaped pools allow for really interesting additions. …[Fiberglass pools] offer lots of different shapes and sizes and are customizable to a certain extent with waterfalls, slides, lighting, coping options and the pool deck.”
—Keith Frederick
RESOURCES
Architectural Concrete Design
Levittown, Pa. (866) 956-2818
ACDConcrete.com
Blue Haven Pools & Spas by Calvitti Serving N.J., Pa. & Del. (800) 219-2141
BlueHaven.com
D. Panetta Contracting, LLC Randolph, N.J. (973) 659-9374
DPanettaContracting.com
ELA Outdoor Living Doylestown, Pa. (215) 794-2400
ELAOutdoorLiving.com
Pool Designs Yardville, N.J. (609) 257-2279
PoolInADay.com
BLUE HAVEN POOLS & SPAS
Karen Frederick, Owner
