Is your deck faded, weathered, or ready for a refresh? Ed Murphy of Murphy & Company helps homeowners in Bel Air, MD and Harford County restore outdoor spaces with professional deck refinishing, staining, and painting. Discover design ideas, ways to protect your deck from Maryland weather, and how a beautiful refinished deck can help you enjoy the final days of summer and prepare for the seasons ahead.

I’ve known the Murphy family for a while, and one of the things I’ve always appreciated is the pride they take in their work and where they came from.

There’s something familiar about those Irish and New England roots. I was born in New England myself, and I still have those ties — including the sports teams I’ll always cheer for. There’s a certain mindset that comes from that part of the country: work hard, take care of people, and let the quality of your work speak for itself.

Maybe that’s why I’ve always connected with the Murphy story.

My own dad worked in construction, so I’ve always understood the value of a person who knows how to build something with their hands. There’s a level of pride that comes with that kind of work — the idea that what you leave behind matters.

That’s what I see in Ed Murphy.

Ed’s story grew out of the foundation built by his uncle Bob Murphy’s company. He learned from that environment, saw the importance of treating customers right, and eventually carved out his own path by specializing in the work he truly enjoys and has mastered.

Over time, Ed developed his own focus around glass block windows and refinishing work — two areas where experience, patience, and attention to detail make all the difference.

And I think that’s becoming rare.

These days, it seems like everyone does everything. But there’s something different about someone who chooses to become exceptional at a craft. Someone who understands the little things that separate a job that’s simply finished from a job that’s done right.

I’ve seen Ed’s work, and that’s what stands out. It’s solid. It’s careful. It’s the kind of work where you can tell someone took pride in the process, not just the final result.

Glass block is a perfect example.

For years, people thought glass block might fade away. It felt like something from another generation — something you saw in older Baltimore homes and basements and didn’t think twice about.

But now people are looking at it differently.

Homeowners are rediscovering glass block because it brings together things that matter: natural light, privacy, security, and character. It has that vintage architectural feel that gives a home personality while still working perfectly in modern renovations.

The same goes for refinishing projects. A lot of the time, homeowners don’t need to start over. They need someone who knows how to restore what they already have and bring it back to life.

That’s a skill.

That’s craftsmanship.

And that’s what I think makes Murphy & Company special. The company carries those old-school values forward while continuing to evolve with the way people live today.

The roots may go back, but the work is very much part of Maryland now.

After all, a home isn’t just built from materials.

It’s built from the people who care for it.

One of the best parts of the work I do isn’t just seeing the finished project — it’s meeting the people along the way. I’ve always enjoyed working with homeowners in Bel Air, Fallston, and the surrounding areas because there’s a real pride people take in their homes.

People here care about the little things. Keeping the house looking good, making the backyard a place everyone can enjoy, and having a comfortable spot to relax when the weather finally turns nice. Around here, the deck becomes part of everyday life. It’s where you have your morning coffee, grill dinner, watch the kids run around, or sit outside and enjoy a quiet evening.

But after years of Maryland sun, rain, and changing seasons, even a well-built deck can start to look worn. Boards fade, stains peel, and the wood loses that fresh look it had when it was new. A lot of homeowners start searching for deck refinishing near me or wondering if they need a whole new deck — and many times, they don’t.

With the right deck restoration, deck staining, sealing, and repairs, an older deck can be cleaned up, protected, and enjoyed again for years. I like taking the time to look at what a deck really needs and give homeowners an honest answer.

I’ve always believed good work comes down to doing things the right way, treating people fairly, and leaving a home better than I found it. That’s what I try to bring to every project.

So if your deck needs a little attention, or you’re looking for a reliable deck contractor in Bel Air or Fallston, I’d be happy to help.

— Ed Murphy

I've always been a fan of glass block, and maybe that's because it's one of those products that just makes sense. If you've ever walked into a basement and thought, "This place could use some light," glass block is the answer. It lets in plenty of natural light, gives you privacy, adds security, and has a clean look that never really goes out of style. That's why so many homes around Baltimore and throughout Maryland were built with glass block windows in the first place. These days, I'm seeing more homeowners choose glass block again because it solves a lot of problems without a lot of fuss. Sometimes the old ideas stick around for a reason.