Decks by Kiefer and SG Construction Take NADRA Honors
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12" wide top rail in the curved section where the homeowners and their guests could enjoy a cup of coffee or glass of wine and take in the beauty of the vista.
"Ipe is the best decking product available, and we buy entire containers of FSC certified Ipe," Kiefer said. To complement the Ipe decking, Kiefer used a thermally modified, laminated bamboo product known as aMbooo for the bar top. Kiefer Oil, a unique in-house product initially formulated as a bamboo finish, gives a glossy sheen and offers long-term protection to both the aMbooo surface and the hardwood decking.
Decks by Kiefer also took 2nd place in this year's NADRA competition for Wood Decks Over $50k. This project came about during COVID when indoor gathering restrictions were in place. "COVID was, in fact, a big driver for the decking business. Public health regulations meant that everything inside moved outside," Kiefer explained.
The setting for this capacious Warren, New Jersey, outdoor living and entertainment area was a driver of the design. Due to its southerly orientation, it needed to be sheltered from the sun. The homeowner also specified inclusion of an outdoor kitchen and bar, a fireplace, a TV viewing area, and a dining area. Kiefer's solution was to design a covered veranda that shaded 80% of the 900-square-foot deck.
The structure's arresting Ipe flooring sits on a conventionally treated lumber frame. Above it, a vaulted vented cupola shelters the seating area. The cupola was fashioned from Meranti Red Balau, giving it a look that evokes the rich beauty of mahogany and complements the Ipe floor underneath. A paddle fan within the cupola provides cooling ventilation and helps ward off pesky mosquitoes.
San Francisco-based SG Construction garnered the 3rd place award in NADRA's Wood Decks Over $50K category. This spectacular deck was the centerpiece of an expansive undertaking to update and remodel an outdoor living space and provide a smooth transition from the home to the pool.
"A deck needs to complement the structure and architectural style of house and not look like an addition or an afterthought. We also take care to integrate our decks into the surrounding landscape to create a holistic picture."
— Bob Kiefer
Frequently asked questions
What decking material does Decks by Kiefer use and why?+
Decks by Kiefer uses FSC certified Ipe, purchased in entire containers. Bob Kiefer considers Ipe the best decking product available.
What is aMbooo and how was it used on the award-winning deck?+
aMbooo is a thermally modified, laminated bamboo product. Kiefer used it for the bar top to complement the Ipe decking, finishing it with Kiefer Oil for a glossy sheen and long-term protection.
How did COVID impact the decking business?+
COVID was a major driver for decking projects because indoor gathering restrictions pushed activities outdoors. As Bob Kiefer explained, everything inside moved outside due to public health regulations.
How did Decks by Kiefer address the sun exposure on the Warren, New Jersey deck?+
Because of the deck's southerly orientation, Kiefer designed a covered veranda that shaded 80% of the 900-square-foot deck. A vaulted vented cupola shelters the seating area, and a paddle fan provides ventilation and helps ward off mosquitoes.
What wood was used for the cupola on the Warren, New Jersey deck?+
The cupola was fashioned from Meranti Red Balau, which evokes the rich look of mahogany and complements the Ipe floor beneath it.
Who won 3rd place in NADRA's Wood Decks Over $50K category?+
San Francisco-based SG Construction won 3rd place. Their deck was the centerpiece of a project to update an outdoor living space and create a smooth transition from the home to the pool.