Swab the decks! Below Deck alum Kate Chastain may not appear on the Bravo reality show anymore, but she knows a bad crewmember when she sees one.

The Florida native sat down with Us Weekly to promote Below Deck Galley Talk and revealed which Real Housewives stars she thinks would make the best and worst crewmates.

Gizelle [Bryant], I think, would make a great second stew. I think shes very supportive. I think shed be fantastic at the job. Also, Sonja Morgan would just make me laugh, Chastain, 38, explained in her interview with Us. I dont really think shed be amazing at the job, but man shed make me laugh.

As for the worst, it was a no brainer for Chastain.

I definitely think that we can all agree that Ramona Singer would not be great. She would probably not want to unpack the luggage for other people. She doesnt even like to do it for herself! the reality TV personality joked.

Chastain also shared her dream crew with Us, sharing that in a perfect world shed work with Captain Lee Rosbach, Eddie Lucas, Rachel Hargrove, Josiah Carter, Courtney Skippon and Connie Arias.

I dont really care about the rest of the deck crew, she noted, adding that she probably [doesnt] talk to them very much since quitting the show.

She does, however, stay in close contact with Josiah, though she admitted living in different time zones has been a challenge. Chastain told Us she recently reached out to the British steward to celebrate a new addition to his family.

Hes [in] a different time zone in Mallorca or Manchester, but they did just get a dog him and his lovely partner Michael so I kind of sent him a little message from my dog saying, Cant wait to meet you!' she said.

One notable Below Deck alum not mentioned? Hannah Ferrier. The former friends are no longer on speaking terms, according to a December 2020 interview with Us.

I have not spoken to her since she had a baby, but she looks happy, Chastain said. Im so happy for her.

In November 2019, Chastain shocked Below Deck fans when she revealed that she and the 34-year-old Below Deck Mediterranean alum were no longer friends.

Over the years, watching Hannah, I could just always tell we had very different styles of being a chief stew, but I just wanted to be supportive, she told Us at the time. But now, were not really friends because I heard she was talking poorly about me behind my back.

Ferrier, who left the Bravo series after being fired from Motor Yacht Sienna in an August 2020 episode, welcomed daughter Ava Grace in October 2020 with her fianc, Josh Roberts. She confirmed the news in a statement via Instagram days later, writing, Josh and I are so happy to welcome to the world our little girl Ava Grace Roberts. Born on the 26th of October. She is already a little menace that has captured our hearts forever.

With reporting by Christina Garibaldi.

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Below Deck Alum Kate Chastain Says This RHONY Star Would Make the Worst Crewmember - Us Weekly

If youve ever wondered why yachties always say someones name twice when theyre attempting to contact them via radio on Below Deck, youre not alone. On the February 15 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, a Below Deck fan was eager to learn more, and cast member Eddie Lucas helped him out.

Whats the deal with the Eddie, Eddie, Nate, culture on the walkie talkies? I loved it. Im an assistant principal at a high school, so I started doing it with all of our staff, but Im curious where that started, asked the viewer, whose name is Nate.

So, if I was calling you, Id say, Nate, Nate, Eddie, the bosun explained. And so, I say it twice to get your attention because Im saying it over the radio, and then Im letting you know who is calling you. Its just the kind of proper radio etiquette. They do it on all of the shows, they do it on a lot of yachts. Thats a normal thing. Its just a way to get attention twice, and that stems all the way back to proper VHF use.

Eddie then explained that VHF is Maritime radio, and provided another example for anyone curious about communicating on yachts.

If Im calling from ship to ship, Ill be like, Ohana, Ohana, this is My Seanna, come back, over. And its just a way to get attention twice, then let them know, said Eddie.

Want moreBelow Deck? New episodes air every Monday at 9/8c or catch up on every episode ever through theBravo app.

The Daily Dish is your source for all things Bravo, from behind-the-scenes scoop to breaking news, exclusive interviews, photos, original videos, and, oh, so much more. Subscribe to The Daily Dish podcast, join our Facebook group, and follow us on Instagramfor the latest news hot off the presses. Sign up to become a Bravo Insider and be the first to get exclusive extras.

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Eddie Lucas Explains the Radio Calls We Hear on Below Deck - Bravo

BRAVO'S "BELOW DECK" JOINS "WATCH WHAT HAPPENS LIVE WITH ANDY COHEN" FOR A VIRTUAL REUNION ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, AT 9PM ET/PT

Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen" "Below Deck" season eight virtual reunion premieres Monday, February 22 at 9pm ET/PT.

Host Andy Cohen joins the My Seanna crew, Captain Lee, Eddie Lucas, Francesca Rubi, Rachel Hargrove, Elizabeth Frankini, Ashling Lorger, Izzy Wouters, James Hough, and Shane Coopersmith, as they revisit the dramatic highs and lows of a charter that included navigating outrageous guests and their demands, changing crew members, and a "boatmance."

For a sneak peek at the reunion, please visit: https://www.bravotv.com/below-deck/season-8/videos/the-yachties-ditch-their-uniforms-and-bring-the-drama-for-the-below-deck

Coming up on the reunion:

Captain Lee and the crew come together to rehash a shocking season aboard superyacht My Seanna. After a rough charter at sea, Shane allows his crewmates' criticism to rattle his core. Chef Rachel recounts her decision to leave, is put to task for abandoning her crew, and addresses her drunken behavior. With their boatmance causing tension this season, Elizabeth and James air out their differences and answer whether it was all worth it. Meanwhile, Izzy doesn't hold back when discussing her frustration with how she was treated by the deck crew. In a final showdown between Elizabeth and Francesca about how Elizabeth's firing was handled, Elizabeth makes an accusation toward Francesca and Ashling that takes both women by surprise.

Catch up on all previous seasons of "Below Deck" on Peacock now.

"Below Deck" is produced by 51 Minds with Mark Cronin, Courtland Cox, and Lauren Simms serving as executive producers. Tania Hamidi, Cristina Lopez, and Rebecca Henning are co-executive producers.

About Bravo:

Bravo is the premier lifestyle and entertainment brand that drives cultural conversation around its high-quality, interactive original content across all platforms. The network has a diverse slate of original programming that includes the scripted anthology series "Dirty John," along with unscripted favorites such as Emmy Award-winning "Top Chef" and "Project Runway," "Vanderpump Rules," "Below Deck," "Southern Charm," and the popular "Million Dollar Listing" and "Real Housewives" franchises. Bravo also boasts the only live late-night talk show on television with the critically acclaimed "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen," which has become a nightly destination for A-list celebrities. Available in 87 million homes, Bravo is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Watch Bravo anywhere: on demand, online, or across mobile and connected TVs. Bravo has been an NBCUniversal cable network since December 2002 and first launched in December 1980.

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Breaking News - Bravo's "Below Deck" Joins "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen" for a Virtual Reunion on Monday, February 22,...

To the Editor:

Lost Pets of The Villages had a deal with AVID that we could call them and get information on the owners of found pets. We NEVER had to use another entity to get this information. I spoke to Josh at AVID several years ago and explained who we are and what we do. On the 10th I received a call on a small four-pound mix that was chipped with an AVID chip. I called AVID and the AVID rep gave me the name and phone number of the owner before she realized she wasnt supposed to give me any information. She told me there was a note in the file that they were not to give any information to LPOTV or to me, Angie Fox.I was surprised and shocked since we have been able to get the information in the past. I learned later that other members of LPOTV have been having to use other rescues they work with to get this information.I called AVID that evening and spoke to Ramone to learn that AVID received a letter from Richard Baier (district manager of The Villages), copying Bradley Arnold (Sumter County administrator), and Gary Lester (The Villages), to NOT give LPOTV or Angie Fox any information on any pets that we get chip numbers from so we can get them home.This is probably the most despicable thing The Villages and Sumter County has done so far. Or is it? This directly affects the pets in The Villages and surrounding areas and our ability to get these pets home.Richard Baier made a directive previously if any of the employees gave residents information about Lost Pets of The Villages to help a pet, they would lose their jobs. In fact one employee didnt know about the directive and called us to pick up a dog at 3 a.m. after being told to put it on the street. She got three days without pay for her efforts. As an explanation to what it means when Richard Baier, Bradley Arnold and Gary Lester sent the letters to AVID and possible other chip companies to prevent LPOTV from getting information to find the owner. Instead of the chip companies giving us the information so we can find the owners, they instead will contact the owners and give them our information. The problem with that is, that many if not most of the people here have not registered their pets to the new phone number or address. In fact many people have NEVER registered their chips at all.The dog we worked on the 10th had a phone number that is no longer in service. The owner was listed as deceased. While they wouldnt give us all the information we did get enough before the AVID rep realized she wasnt supposed to give us information. I went home to research to find the owner. Another LPOTV volunteer was at the ready and went to the owners home to assure we had the correct information, (we found the husband) and the dog was safe with Kathy Bork in a home and NOT in the shelter in a cage with a bunch of other dogs barking all around her. Had we not gotten ANY information we would not have been able to find the owner. Had the pup gone to the shelter, they would not have done what we did to find the owner and considering the dog was blind and deaf, she may have been considered not a healthy dog and euthanized. Anyone who follows LPOTV might remember Max. Max wasnt registered to the current address but when we got the call, we were able to find the owner and get Max home. Max got out again and we didnt get that call. Max went to the Sumter County Shelter. They didnt do the background like we do and after five days Max went to Lakeland Humane Society. We drove to Lakeland to get Max back home. We got lucky with Max, he could have been adopted out and there would have been no way to get him home. He would have been gone forever, even though he was chipped. What it amounts to is The Villages AND Sumter County put a lot of effort into keeping LPOTV from getting YOUR pets home.There are so many pets that would not be home if we couldnt get the information to find the owners. How despicable can these men be to go out of their way to keep the pets away from their families?

Angie FoxLost Pets of The Villages

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Lost Pets of The Villages believes deck has been stacked against them - Villages-News

Below Deck fans have learned that the latest charter guest, The Queen of Versailles, was warned by production multiple times not to talk.

Below Deck fans have learned that the latest charter guest, The Queen of Versailles, was warned by production multiple times not to talk to Captain Lee about his son. Fans will recall the old sea dog who lost his son to a drug overdose last year. It remains a sensitive topic for the captain.

Below Deckfollows the crew of megayachts as they serve guests on private charters and fulfill mostly all of their desires. The show is filmed in tropical holiday scenes, but this year the crew has had to deal with long periods in close quarters due to the coronavirus. Jackie Siegel of The Queen of Versailles, as her sash read, has been on the Bravo series twice. Fans enjoyed her but found her two sons were spoiled brats.

Related: Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 2: The Trailer Has Dropped

The Queen recently sat down to chat with the Behind the Velvet Rope with David Yontef podcast, where she divulged some interesting facts about her episode. Fans watched last week's show as Jackie, her husband, and the captain bonded over the loss of their children to drugs, but according to the guest, she was warned by production not to bring up the subject.

Jackie revealed during the interview that Bravo production crew told her to steer clear of the subject, saying, "They tell us the one thing, the only rule that we have is to not mention anything to Captain Lee about the death of, you know, the loss of his son is that that's the only thing, you know?" According to the story, her husband was touring the boat and bumped into the captain. The charter guest immediately said, "I'm so sorry about your loss."Even though they were told not to bring up the subject, the two businessmen still talk to this day as they have bonded as friends.

The Queen and her king may need to work on their children's rudeness, but it seems that they really have a friend in Captain Lee. Each night the captain ate dinner with the family, and the two men were able to provide comfort to one another through such tragic stories. Jackie also revealed that they tried to poach chef Rachel Hargrove, but they are still working on convincing her. Fans can follow the captain's saga tonight as the crew finally realizes they are in trouble thanks to the worldwide pandemic that is about the hit the islands.

Next: Below Deck: What To Know About Guest Jackie Siegel, Queen of Versailles

Source: Behind the Velvet Rope

90 Day Fianc: Big Ed's Weight Loss Wins Praise (See Before & After Pics)

Jennifer is an avid Reality TV follower and is fluent in all Real Housewife drama along with the ups and downs of 90 Day Fiance sagas. When she is not writing she enjoys traveling the world in search of the best beaches! Jennifer has been writing for over 15 years and would like nothing more than to have a proper sit down with the women of the RHONY to 'Make It Nice.'

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Below Deck: Why The Queen of Versailles Was Warned By Production - Screen Rant

Its hard to imagine Below Deck set in the cold waters. But it could happen. A spin-off series could be in the works unless it switches locations. Casting agents are working behind the scenes to make this happen.

From the beginning, the show shot in picturesque locations shot in warm locations. The popularity of the show led to the spin-offs of Below Deck Mediterranean and Below Deck Sailing Yacht. The crystal blue waters and tropical islands was desirable to aspiring yachties. Now, casting agents are looking for those who have an interest in cold water yachting.

As a result, it could film in a colder climate.

According to the Charter Guest Casting website, casting agents are looking for potential charter guests to apply for their chance to be on the reality series. Below Deck is looking for charter guests for a fun filled luxury cold water yachting and adventure experience! the announcement on the website reads.

Interestingly enough, the casting call sounds similar to previous ones. It revealed an opportunity for jet-setters who love the lavish lifestyle and want to travel to various exclusive destinations above a luxury super-yacht at discounted rate! Charter guests who appear on the show dont pay full price. Instead, they save money and get to be on television. A win-win for everyone.

The announcement then added that: You and your guests will be wined, dined and participate in adventurous excursions all while yachting through majestic waters!

Look who is coming back March 1! #BelowDeckSailing on @BravoTV https://t.co/ZESPk9XNw2

Captain Sandy Yawn (@CaptSandyYawn) January 22, 2021

Casting agents want to interview potential guests. Expect to get questions like, Why do you want to be on Below Deck? The agents will also ask the charter guests if they have been on a previous charter in the past. Additionally, they may ask if the guests are celebrating a special occasion or milestone.

The interview process may be more stringent due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Guests will have to hold a valid and up-to-date U.S. passport. Plus, casting agents need to know how many people will be included in the party. However, there is no information on the casting for crew members.

In December 2020, Bravo After Thoughts leaked a Below Deck Med Season 6 guest call sheet. The information first appeared on the cult pop culture account, Deux Moi. According to the casting call sheet, guests pay between $40,000-$45,000 for their charter vacation and to appear on the series.

We have two charters that will be 2 nights, 3 days for the discounted price of $40,000, the charter sheet reads. There are 5 charters that are 3 night, 4 days at $45,000. The charter fee covers round trip economy airfare to/from Malta for everybody in the group (maximum of 8 total guests), hotel accommodations the night before and the night after your charter (maximum of 4 rooms), all food and beverages on the yacht and a personalized itinerary while on charter.

Any @BelowDeck fans who want to be on #BelowDeckMed with @CaptSandyYawn you will love this insight into the application terms and conditions and its coming from Malta #BelowDeck @capthlr @BelowDeckMedFan @BelowDeckFans @belowdecks_sot @BelowDeckMedTV @belowdecktv pic.twitter.com/xRHC9U4Y2z

Johnny Seifert (@JohnnySeifert) December 29, 2020

Of course, the tip is not included in the final price. The charter group is responsible for paying a tip at the end of their trip. Most guests pay between $15,000 and $22,000. The show has a mix between heavy hitters and cheap charter guests.

What are your thoughts on this Below Deck spin-off series? Sound off below in the comments.

Chanel Adams is addicted to reality TV. But more importantly as a Catholic, she is finding out the truth of a story. When she's not watching TV, she can often be seen reading, practicing yoga, or spending time with friends.

Originally posted here:
Is Another 'Below Deck' Spin-Off Series In The Works? - TV Shows Ace

COR 36 | Studio Borlenghi

Team New Zealand's lowered deck has allowed them to drop the mast and produce more power from the bottom zone of their mainsail.

Team New Zealands designers have produced another piece of magic that could prove highly influential to the defence of the Americas Cup.

As the Kiwi boat Te Rehutai goes through the final phase of its development ahead of the start of the Cup match on March 6, plenty of attention is focusing on the sails in all three boats left in the regatta.

While Team New Zealand unveiled their new-look batwing mainsail earlier last week - a sail that has the top section narrowed considerably to produce less drag in high winds - its what has happened further down that has given the defenders a decided point of difference.

Team New Zealand have cleverly worked a way to produce more power at the bottom of their mainsail.

READ MORE:* America's Cup: Italians are being Machiavellian, says furious Ainslie * America's Cup: Some businesses miss out as Prada Cup goes ahead in alert level 2* America's Cup: Challengers face reality - Team New Zealand are 'really fast'

They have achieved that by lowering the mast rotation point on the deck.

Under the rules, mast lengths cant change and all boats must have the same length.

But Team New Zealands move with their second generation boat to lower their actual deck significantly, giving the appearance of having their cockpits higher, has allowed them to have their mainsail operate significantly lower than either Luna Rossa or Team UK, the teams racing the Prada Cup challengers final to see who will take on the Kiwis.

A lowered rig and larger sail area closer to the water translates to more power and, crucially, a better righting moment.

That is significant on these foiling monohulls, allowing the Kiwis to get up on their foils quicker. In light winds, it could be a real bonus.

STUFF

Stuff's Duncan Johnstone and Todd Niall on the day when TeamUK halted Luna Rossa's Prada Cup Final run .

Crucially, there will be no opportunity for their opposition to copy this.

Respected Americas Cup analysts Mozzy Sails in Britain, picked up on the Team New Zealand feature as they looked at the sail systems of the teams, saying the Kiwis had spotted a hole in the rule and exploited it. They felt the rival syndicates would be kicking themselves they hadn't come up with the idea.

All the teams have been working on ways to seal their mainsails as close as they can to the decks to reduce cross flow and turbulence and maximise the power of the giant double-skinned soft wingsail used for the first time in the Cup.

COR 36 | Studio Borlenghi

The red lines on the deck under Luna Rossa's mainsail won't be simply a stylish paint job.

The Italians and Team New Zealand are operating boomless systems that sweep the sail very close to the decks. Team UK are operating a more traditional boom that doesnt appear as neat or efficient.

There are suggestions the Italians may even have engineered a magnetic system between the bottom of the mainsail and the deck to increase the efficiency of their system.

They will be looking at every way they can to outwit Team New Zealand with Luna Rossa skipper Max Sirena this week admitting, unfortunately at the moment, especially in a certain wind range, they are really fast.

Teams are able to shape the top and bottom zones of the sails during racing.

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America's Cup: Another genius Team New Zealand design move - Stuff.co.nz

We arent quite to March, but were starting to get some of the Vibes of March (dang, I think I need to trademark that! Im sure its been said, but for this lets pretend I came up with it). Teams are starting to separate themselves from the pack, teams are dealing with injuries, Covid, and ultimately, teams are trying to improve their seedings going into March Madness. Heres a quick look back at the Hawkeyes win over Nebraska and a look ahead to contests against Penn State and Indiana.

Coach Lisa Bluders team improved to 11-6 (7-6) by winning on the road against Nebby. Caitlin Clark was ridiculous scoring 39 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out 7 assists. It was Clarks 7th game of 30 points or more this year. Here is Caitlin Clark from downtown vs Nebby.

Below is a defensive rebound by Caitlin Clark, an excellent outlet pass to Tomi Taiwo and a layup before the buzzer. This is the type of play that leads to winning basketball games.

McKenna Warnock played great with 19 and 7. Monika Czinano added 17 points in the winning effort. As a team, the Hawks hit on 50% of their three point shots, and 80% from the free throw line. When the ball goes through the hoop at that rate, youre usually in pretty good shape. The Hawkeyes won the rebounding battle 40-34, despite Nebraska having a height advantage. Nebraska has some nice players in posts Isabelle Bourne (16 points) and Bella Cravens (12 points), and Sam Haiby (28 points) is an exceptional basketball player and fun to watch.

Penn State sits at 8-9/5-8. The Lady Lions come to Carver Hawkeye Arena and the Hawks are looking to add to their win total with a big rematch looming on the schedule. Penn State is coached by Carolyn Kieger. On a personal note, Coach Kieger was coached in high school by one of my best friends. Its not a surprise to see her coaching at this level. Obviously back then she was an exceptional player, but you could tell that she understood the game at a very high level. Small world. Good luck to her, with the exception of 2 hours on Thursday.

Penn State plays a little slower than the Hawks offensively, and they also make teams work to score the basketball. The Lady Lions are averaging around 75 points while also giving up the same. Conversely, Iowa is scoring at a clip of 87.4 points per game while allowing 80.8.

Coach Kieger has three players averaging over 14 points per game. Kelly Jekot (15.9), Johnasia Cash (14.9), and Makenna Marisa (14.5) are a pretty formidable triumvirate to contend with. Iowas Big Three of Clark, Warnock, and Czinano will need to match this scoring while defending and staying out of foul trouble. I expect the Hawks to prevail, pulling away in the fourth quarter.

Iowa travels to Indiana on Sunday, February 21st. The Hoosiers are an impressive 13-4, 11-2. Iowa lost the first meeting at home 72-85. The Hawkeyes competed and stuck with the Hoosiers, but the Hawks couldnt get enough defensive stops and took a loss in a winnable game at home.

In the first meeting between these two teams Indiana outrebounded the Hawkeyes 42-35. The Hoosiers got to the paint too easy, scoring 50 of its 85 points in the lane. Thats a losing recipe if youre a Hawk fan. The Iowa defenders need to do a better job this time around against Mackenzie Holmes (25 pts), Ali Patberg (23), Nicole Cardao (17), and Grace Berger (15).

Now the Hawks must go on the road to get one back. It will be a very tough challenge. In order to win Iowa needs to get offensive production from Clark, Warnock, and Czinano and one other player needs to get 10-plus points. More importantly, Coach Bluder needs to get get better defensive production/effort/execution from her squad in order to get a road victory. If the Hawkeyes could steal one in Bloomington, that would go a long ways in improving its seeding for the Big Dance.

Read more:
Iowa Womens Basketball Wednesday: Hawkeyes Beat Nebraska, PSU and IU on Deck - Black Heart Gold Pants

Not with this one, though. Designer Valerio Rivellini of Studio Tecnico Rivellini unveiled a new superyacht concept that puts all Transformer cars to shame. Its a shape-shifting, 184-foot (65-meter) vessel thats part superyacht, part explorer, and all pure luxury.

Here is the aptly titled Extended Explorer.

The highlight, though, is the expanding stern. This isnt the first time that Rivellini tries something like this. In fact, back in 2015, the studio penned another concept that had an expanding cockpit. Extended Explorer applies the same idea, but to a more striking effect: thanks to a single lowerable platform on each side, both the upper and the main deck expand outwards at the same time.

The result is nothing to scoff at:

In addition to opening up both decks at the stern and thus erasing physical barriers between guests and the surrounding elements, there is a more practical consequence to this. The available on-deck space nearly doubles, which renders it perfect for a variety of new uses, whether for entertainment or exploring.

For instance, the studio notes, the stern of the upper deck could serve for sunbathing and/or a relaxation area. Chaise-lounges would fit laterally, a conversation area would be located towards the stern, while al fresco dining would be possible in an expansive area in the center. Now expanded, the main deck could fit an outdoor gym and an extra sunbathing area, in addition to the already generous beach club. Stairs leading from the beach club directly into the water would offer easy access to water.

In the end, though, the use of this readily-available space would be entirely up to the owner. Everything about Extended Explorer is customizable, the studio says, depending on individual taste and, of course, the kind of sailing it would be used for. No sense in decking it out with chaise-lounges if youre going to sail it on Arctic adventures.

The interior would have customizable layouts but the same choice of fine, sustainable materials. The overall feel is elegant, relaxed, timeless, and luxurious but in the most simple form. In keeping with the idea of offering an authentic relationship with the sea, the marine inspiration would be obvious in the choice of nubuck leather fabrics in blue shades and white lacquer.

The owners suite occupies most of the entire upper deck and comes with super-panoramic views, including of the wheelhouse. Rivellini does not detail the other suites available or, for that matter, the guest capacity of this new project.

Link:
Extended Explorer Concept With Expanding Deck Is a Different Kind of Transformer - autoevolution

After nearly a year of spending more time at home, are you daydreaming of a new outdoor space to enjoy the fresh air and relax, or to safely congregate with friends and extended family? Wintertime may not seem like the obvious time to start planning such a project, but the months before the weather begins to turn warm provides plenty of time to consider all the optionsfrom layout and style to materials and cost. If youre contemplating a new deck, TimberTech capped polymer and composite decking products check all the boxes: looks, variety, durability, and sustainability.

This penthouse apartment in Chicago comes with a dreamy rooftop that is clad in TimberTech AZEK capped polymer decking. An expansive overhang provides shade for the dining area and outdoor kitchen.

Views from the rooftop also overlook the world-famous Chicago skyline, including sights such as the 100-story skyscraper at 875 North Michigan Avenue, colloquially known as the John Hancock Center.

Thanks to recent product enhancements, the market for composite decking has been growingwith even more interest throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. "This was a trend that began even before the pandemic but were continuing to see increased interest in outdoor living design, including decks, as people seek places to escape and, in general, want to spend more time outdoors," says Bethany Sanker, VP of Integrated Marketing at the AZEK Company, the group behind TimberTech decking. "Our contractor partners reported stronger than normal demand throughout 2020 and indicate they expect this to continue in 2021."

Along the opposite side of the rooftop, a seating area is topped by a large pergola. TimberTechs composite boards are manufactured using a multi-stage color blending system that adds subtle highlights and low-lights to convincingly recreate the look and feel of real wood.

Depending on the scale and location, it can sometimes take up to six months to design and build a deck, factoring in time for the initial research and material selection, as well as the extended lead time many contractors and designers now require. "Construction typically occurs in warmer months, which makes winter the perfect time to start the process so you can enjoy your deck as early as spring," Sanker adds.

Whether youre renovating an outdoor space or creating it from scratch, consider this: even a consistently maintained wooden deck has a service life of around 15-20 years. In comparison, TimberTech AZEK's low-maintenance capped polymer deckingwhich bears a striking resemblance to real woodcomes with a lifetime warranty and wont rot, warp, or splinter like traditional pressure-treated wood. All of this is possible even as each decking product is engineered with majority recycled material, which allowed the company to utilize nearly 400 million pounds of scrap and wastesuch as sawdust and plastic bottlesin their manufacturing process just last year.

For this project, the designers selected boards from the TimberTech AZEK Vintage Collection in English Walnut. The Vintage Collection also includes a variety of other sizes and colorsfrom Weathered Teak to Dark Hickorywhile the alternative TimberTech PRO and TimberTech EDGE product lines provide additional options.

Wondering where to get started? Sanker first suggests considering whether you can tackle the project yourself or need to hire a contractor, whom youll want to involve during the design phase as well. "TimberTech offers a project checklist, which covers the major steps from design ideas to scheduling your deck installation," she explains. "Our free online deck design tool also allows you to review 3D plans and templates or create a virtual model from scratch."

TimberTech AZEK products utilize industry-leading technology for better slip resistance and fire safety, as well as exterior finishes that help to keep the boards cooler to the touch.

Other tips from Sanker include considering multi-width boards to mimic wood flooring inside your home or adding a perimeter board in a different color to provide an accent. "Popular trends for the new year also include distressed and weathered finishes that recreate the randomness of wood grain as compared to composite boards in a repeating pattern," she says.

At night, lights along the rooftop create a cozy atmosphere for observing the cityscape.

"Ultimately, its important to remember that youre building an outdoor living area, not just a deck," Sanker adds. With a variety of colors, wood grain finishes, and sizes, TimberTech offers a myriad of options for creating your own dream space. If youre feeling inspired, go ahead and order free samples to see the colors, materials, and textures in person and get a sense of how they look in your space.

Take a Dual-Application ApproachUse TimberTech Composite Boards as Cladding

For those already working on a composite deck installation, the time couldnt be better to integrate deck boards into premium-performance exterior cladding as well. TimberTechs wide range of boardsavailable in various widths, colors, grain patternscan also be used to create durable and eye-catching accent walls along your homes facade. Not only would the cladding be low-maintenance just like your new deck, but the dual-application approach can also boost the overall curb appeal of your home.

Visit the TimberTech website to learn more about their products or locate a contractor.

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From Rooftops to Backyards, Now Is the Best Time to Design Your Dream Outdoor Space - Dwell