TERRA FIRMA

It went beautifully, over all. After extensive discussion about our tastes and life-style, Tim Smith and John Lyon presented us with detailed drawings which were tweaked until they met our needs. The existing deck was quickly resurfaced so that we could enjoy the summer evenings as work proceeded on the more complex circular extension. They even went to the hot tub showroom to measure to insure that the opening would be cut to precise dimensions. Everything is low maintenance TimberTek with the exception of the cedar posts and mahogany benches. One bench on the circular deck doubles as a counter that accommodates two stools on the lower rectangular deck. The posts accommodate copper tubing instead of wood railings and the benches are curved to match the curve of the circular extension. The copper railings will eventually weather to a verdigris finish. All screws are capped with cedar plugs and surfaces were sanded smooth to take a stain sealant. It is a major improvement over the original structure.

In 2005, our front steps were crumbling and were connected to a cement path that was completely inaccessible from the driveway. As a result, no one used the path or the front steps. Terra Firma designed a truly Zen path up a steep grade from our driveway to the front door. It is a combination of pavers and cedar decking in several levels to accommodate the grade, with a curved railing that wraps around a 50 foot oak tree. There is even a small stone patio and custom mahogany bench for visual interest. They used quality materials and the design is the talk of the neighborhood. They finished the project off with appropriate deer-proof plantings and ornamental trees and created curved planting beds with stone borders. Their pricing was extremely fair and they were wonderful to work with so much so, that this year they are redesigning our existing back deck and extending it to accommodate a hot tub. They take real pride in their work and delivered more than we could have imagined.