Decking Designs – Materials For Your New Deck
Are you planning on building your own deck? In finding your ideal decking design, perhaps you will have come across many different types of materials for your deck. Homeowners of the past were only limited to cedar, redwood or pressure treated wood. Today though, a wide range of building materials are available and this includes the whole range of domestic lumber right up to recycled plastics. In making your selection, you need to weigh the relative advantages and disadvantages of the materials you are considering in relation to having a certain look for your new decking design.The following are useful materials used nowadays:
Hardwood
Hardwood decking is long lasting if they are installed properly and well maintained over its lifetime. However, hardwoods are by nature quite expensive, and they are thus used only for visible surfaces on decks such as the staircase or as the wooden floorboards. One of the most popular hardwoods, red cedar, has traditionally been used in decking designs over the last 50 years due to its beauty and durability. Natural oils in cedar withstand most rotting and insect attack attempts though, as all woods, cedar does not tolerate moisture very well. The average lifespan of cedar is about 25-30 years. In recent days, higher costing hardwoods such as mahogany and various types of tropical hardwoods like the balau are becoming more popular in decking design because they have a longer lifespan (up to 40 years).
Yellow Pine
Yellow pine is mostly used for invisible surfaces such as the posts, beams and joists of your deck due to its low cost. If used for visible surfaces, you can stain the wood in some of the most unique colors in order to create an individualized decking design. The average lifespan of yellow pine is about 15 years. Pretreatment is highly recommended if you are planning to include yellow pine in your decking design. Otherwise, yellow pine needs to be treated against water every two years. However, pretreatment of yellow pine involves the use of highly hazardous chemicals, thus, you need to take the necessary precautions for its disposal.
Composite Decking
Many arguments exist in favor or against composite decks. Two types of composites exist on the market: wooden composites and PVC composites. Wooden composites are created from a mixture of recycled plastics and wooden pulp. Proponents of composite decking design claim that this type of decking design is very environmentally friendly as it is made out of recyclable materials. However, cleaners for this deck are harmful chemicals which strip the finish and are hazardous. PVC composites are much better than wooden containing ones, though, PVC is easily damaged by ultraviolet rays. Composite decks are also quite expensive, have a questionable warranty, and cannot be refurbished but can only be replaced.
Thus these are the usual materials used for decking designs at the present time. As technology advances, more and more decking material will appear on the market, for the benefit of the consumers. It is therefore, up to you to choose which material you wish your deck to be, with regards to the cost, your purposes, and the amount of time you are willing to spend to maintain your deck.
Renjer Marco is a decking design enthusiast who wishes to help homeowners make the right decision about their decks. His website http://edeckingdesigns.com is loaded with free tips and articles to improve your decks and the exterior of your home. Some woodworking plans and advice is occasionally provided as well for those who want to DIY their own decks. Visit his website http://edeckingdesigns.com now to find out more.
Filed under Patios & Decks | Tags: composite decking, decking designs, decking designs materials, designs materials, yellow pine | Comment (0)Expand Your Outdoor Living With Fire Pits
With the fall and winter seasons quickly approaching, many of us want to continue to enjoy the outdoors including our back yard and patio, but it is just a little too chilly to really relax. Over the summer time you may have added patio furniture to your back yard or deck, and had lots of parties and get togethers over the grill. You want to continue to create a sense of design and function at your home with your outdoor living space to continue to maximize it and enjoy it for years to come. By giving the same kind of attention and consideration to your outdoor living area that we do with our indoor spaces you will find yourself spending more time outside, especially if there are heating elements to keep you warm all winter long.
There are many different styles of outdoor and patio furniture with entire collection sets in metals such as aluminum and steel, as well as treated outdoor wicker furniture collections. Just like there are different materials in patio furniture collections, there are also different materials used to compliment in outdoor fire pits and heating elements. When selecting a wicker fire pit, there will typically be stone tiles or a stone countertop to help protect the heat from the wicker and to give a more elegant and sturdy appearance. The center of the heating element can have red lava rocks or glass stones in the center to offer an authentic appearance to your yard.
There are other metal fire pits that have intricate designs on the perimeter sides of the unit. The unit can come in shapes along the base like a circle, pentagon, or octagon depending on your design preferences. The metals used many times is aluminum or copper or a blend of different types of materials to give an attractive look. Similar to the wicker fire pits, the center can also have red lava rocks or glass in the center. Traditionally all these fire pits are gas operated to offer a cleaner burning look and to help prevent the constant addition of wood to the center. Because of this the fire pits tend to be a bit larger than your typical campfire to hold the propane tanks, which is good since it provides great warmth in your back yard and allows many family members and friends to gather around without feeling constrained.
If more warmth is needed to enjoy your back yard this season, there are also gas operated heating lamps and table top heating urns that come in decorative styles to keep you warm and add a bit of flare to the design of your yard. The urns also come with glass rocks in the center that look very attractive when they are headed up. Don’t let the colder weather stop you from firing up the grill or hanging out at night and watching the stars in the winter time. Just explore the many options available to add heat and fire pits to your back yard and it will give you memories that will last a lifetime.
Jessica Peloski is highly knowledgeable in the online outdoor furniture industry. For more information on fire pits, please visit http://www.buyoutdoorfurnitureonline.com
Filed under Patios & Decks | Tags: fire pits | Comment (0)Simple Tips For Building a Brick Patio
A brick patio is simply beautiful. Not only would the new patio provide you with more outdoor space but also the brick would enhance the home’s aesthetics and add value. When finished, you could add to the installation with new outdoor furniture, creating a space for everyone to enjoy. In addition, if wanted you could look at ideas for covers such as those designed to retract, which would allow the patio space to be enjoyed even during the hottest part of the day or while raining.
The great thing about using brick for your patio is that there are so many design options. Of course, with a little ingenuity, you could come up with your own designs. Although there are several considerations to make sure the installation of a brick patio provides the desired results, two in particular are critical to the project. Even though doing the job yourself would be cheap compared to the cost of a professional, there is still an investment of money, as well as time and effort so you want to do all you can to make sure you end up with an amazing outdoor space.
For starters, no matter the design chosen, you need to prepare the area properly. Additionally, regardless of the type of brick you will be laying, preparation is critical. For this, you want to frame the area for the patio installation using untreated timber and string. Then, the dirt would be removed until you get down to where the dirt is packed. Using a shovel, the area would then be leveled. One important note is that when choosing a design using loose bricks, place a layer of plastic weed blocker down so you would not have an ongoing issue of weeds pushing on the mortar, causing damage and an unsightly patio.
Next, to build a patio with brick the right way, you want to choose the right method. If laying bricks using the loose brick technique, it would be important to place three inches of sand onto the dirt in the prepared area. After leveling it out, use the garden hose to mist the sand. Let the sand dry, spray, allow it to dry again, and then spray one more time. You would then lay the loose bricks, keeping them about one-quarter inch apart and using whatever design preferred such as crisscross, checkerboard, staggered rows, etc. Spread more sand over the brick so it gets into the cracks. Again, use the hose to wet the sand down, allow it to dry, and then enjoy your amazing new patio.
Another excellent method for building a patio of brick is to use mortar. In this case, you would spread one inch of thick mortar over the dirt in the prepared area, followed by smoothing it out. Again, lay the brick on top of the mortar, mist the brick with the garden hose and after soaking through, spray the brick again. After drying for three days, you would need to apply mortar in between the bricks and with a grout trowel, push it into the cracks. Once again, hose down the brick and then once completely dry, your new design would be ready to use.
Dave Stevens writes more about building a patio at: http://www.hubpages.com/hub/Building-A-Patio
Filed under Patios & Decks | Tags: brick patio, building a brick pation, building a pation, concrete, diy patio, lay, technique | Comment (0)Patio Umbrellas For Your Garden Improvement
You must have heard quite a lot about solar power and green living, but how can that be appropriate for you? Well, you might not be aware of it, but there are outdoor solar umbrellas charging while you are enjoying your patio.
Imagine you could get electricity for free. With your outdoor solar umbrella you could use your PC outside and enjoying the outdoors in the same time.
Solar outdoor umbrellas have a strong aluminum pole with robust polyester canopy. They are equipped half way up the pole with a wall outlet where to plug a standard power cord. These umbrellas have an incorporated inverter keeping power up to four hours long. Even more, if you want to use it more than four hours, just stay plugged in and it will continue to charge.
If you are indeed determined to improve your life, benefit of the outdoors and also save some money, invest in an outdoor solar patio umbrella. As these umbrellas are entirely movable you can take them with you to the beach or on to your camping trips.
A solar patio umbrella could be extremely useful for you, as it can charge different devices, such as laptop, iPod, Blackberry or any other electric device and easily charge them while you are enjoying the outdoors. You could easily work outside, or just sit and relax in front of your computer connecting with your online friends.
When it comes to improving your home or backyard, a solar outdoor patio umbrella is a valuable addition to your patio. Additionally, it also allows you charge various electric devices for free.
Need an umbrella for the patio in the garden, then go to our website patio umbrella stands to find the ideal patio umbrella bases.
Filed under Patios & Decks | Tags: patio umbrella, patio umbrellas, solar patio umbrella | Comment (0)Resin Patio Furniture Is Your Choice of Durable and Maintenance-Free Furniture
When it comes to the things that are often expose to elements outside especially your patio furniture, you must choose the pieces that are made from durable and weather-resistant materials. Synthetic resin is one of those durable materials used to make patio furniture.
Resin patio furniture is the kind of furniture you can leave outside your house without worry. Yet, it is advised to cover it or bring it in the covered place during the extreme weather like snow. Aside from that, your resin patio is free to be left outside. This is to contrast to the old belief that plastic or synthetic made furniture are cheap and easily damaged.
Less maintenance is required in taking care of your resin patio furniture. it don’t need to be refinish or repainting once or twice a year since from the construction of the furniture, it is already colored impregnated and the color will not fade even during prolonged exposure. Moreover, cleaning the furniture is as easy as washing your plates since you only need water and mild soap to wash off the dirt and dust that have accumulated the furniture.
At first look, you might say that it is made of woods since it resembles the wooden furniture and there are many resin patio furniture to choose from. Every piece of furniture is available in resin construction.
Resin patio furniture is cheap indeed, not with the quality but with the price. It is much affordable than the expensive wooden furniture.
Using resin furniture is also a way to be involved in saving the world. Unlike with the other materials, synthetic resin is recyclable and it can be used over and over again without anything to cut down from the forest just to make new furniture.
So, don’t be left behind with the latest trend in furniture. Grab one of the set available in the market and enjoy the outdoor living while comfortably sitting in your resin patio furniture with nothing to maintain yearly and enjoy the durability and affordability of the furniture.
Visit my website to know more about outdoor furniture and teak furniture.
Filed under Patios & Decks | Tags: outdoor furniture, resin patio furniture, teak furniture | Comment (0)How to Install A Walkway For Your Patio
If you have a home with a patio, you will need a walkway which keeps the place clean and neat at all times. Having a walkway and a patio gives a homey and welcoming feeling when you return from work every day. Also you will notice that the curb appeal of your home will be greatly enhanced by this.
Some of the best materials for your walkway are pavers and bricks. Depending on the time and budget you have available, you can either hire a professional to do the job for you, or you can attempt to do it on your own. If you want to learn to do it on your own, it is not difficult but you do need to learn a few basics in order to get you started. There are various preparation steps that need to be done and some things that you need to take into account.
First of all you need to know about the types of bricks so you know which one is best for your own walkway. There are some that are more suitable for a structural function, while others are made mostly for decorative purposes. There are also some that serve both functions equally.
It is important to realize that a patio with a brick walkway adds that extra layer of elegance to your home that many homeowners only crave. Also the home entrance will have an unmatched quality to it which no asphalt can give it. There are several colors of bricks and pavers that you can choose from, in order to make a best match with the rest of your outdoors and home exterior.
Also it is important to start with a plan that will give an idea of the final result. Once the plan is made, you need to take measurements so you know how much material you actually need.
The next step is to prepare the space and you can do this by digging out the area that will be used for putting in the bricks in place. This will allow for a strong initial base that will make your work durable and long lasting. Dig about one foot deep for best results.
Once the place is excavated, place about 3/4″ gravel stone and then stamp down on it. Then spread around some sand and then stamp on the place some more.
Once the base is laid down properly, set some guides using various pipes as this will be your guide. Then you need to install borders that keep the actual shape of the walkway in place. There are various plastic brick borders that can be easily installed for this.
Finally the last step is adding the bricks. You might need to cut these as they might not fit initially. Just make sure to avoid damaging the bricks while cutting.
These are the basic steps to lay down a brick walkway on your patio. Some of these steps need more refinements, however if you have down the basics, the rest is simply a matter of doing it.
To make your patio even prettier, your patio doors need to be elegant and modern. Check out these patio door window treatments to get more ideas.
Filed under Patios & Decks | Tags: brick walkway, patio walkway, patio walkways | Comment (0)Experience the Warmth and Comfort of Outdoor Electric Fireplaces
The backyard might seem to be a casual place for gatherings and family activities. What others don’t realize is that this simple area can totally transform into something that can be the prefect setting for a romantic dinner or a quiet time with your loved ones. Creating a lovely atmosphere can be as easy as purchasing a few scented candles and flowers to accentuate the place. The challenge lies when the change of weather comes in, during winter time people would still love to go out and spend time outside. The popularity of outdoor electric fireplaces is constantly rising every moment. Most homeowners prefer this type rather the conventional models because of its convenience and its specialized features.
This product is preferred by consumers because it is weatherproof and can be installed anywhere around the area. All you need to do is to select the perfect spot where you would want to install it. It also eliminates the hassle of having to buy wood in order to start a fire since it works through electricity. Woods can be quite expensive and at the same the process can be messy as it leaves ash and char which needs to cleaned right away. There are also some smoke emission laws that are being implemented, several communities also has some restriction about fireplaces which is why an electronic type is considered to be a much better alternative. A wide variety of designs and sizes are available making it easier to find one that is right for your home.
Most outdoor electric fireplaces come with a remote control which provides easier access for users to regulate its features. Another great thing is that it is easier to maintain and clean as it depends on the type of material that was used. There is no need to spend a lot of money because there are some models that are very affordable.
If you are familiar with Joshua, you know that he already has a home improvement site about flooring. If not, check out some of his flooring articles for more information. Outdoor cooking is his favorite outdoor activity, however. To visit his outdoor cooking site please click on one of the links. In this article he talked about outdoor electric fireplaces and how they can benefit you and your family.
Filed under Patios & Decks | Tags: electric fireplaces, fireplaces, outdoor cooking, outdoor electric fireplaces | Comment (0)Creating Outdoor Spaces
Most homeowners love to shop for furniture to decorate and redecorate their homes. Most of the time, it is the interior of the home that receives the most investment. This is so homeowners can easily relax and distress from their everyday work.
But wait a minute.
How about extending to the outdoors for a change? Why spend so much money travelling and enjoying the outdoors when you can do that for a fraction of the price by designing a beautiful resting haven right in your own backyard. Having well-placed outdoor furniture on your patio, porch or deck can turn your available space to a soothing one that you and your family can enjoy.
There are so many outdoor furniture items that you can choose from. Outdoor chairs can include benches, chaise lounges, bar stools, deep seating sets, sofas and Adirondack chairs. Outdoor chairs that offer smooth gliding movements include rocking chairs, porch swings, and gliders. For table options, you can have wrought-iron coffee tables, picnic tables, outdoor dining tables and high-top tables.
With so many items to choose from, you can quickly create any functional theme for your outdoor space. You can opt to have an extended living room, dining room or both. You can also go for outdoor reading areas or play areas with your friends and family.
When you go shopping for your outdoor furniture, choose comfortable and stylish items and always go for things that are of high quality that will be able to stand up to environmental stresses.
Visit these site to buy some beautiful outdoor furniture
Filed under Patios & Decks | Tags: outdoor furniture, patio furniture | Comment (0)An Electric Outdoor Heater Adds Versatility and Efficiency to Your Patio Area
If you are one who wants to own only the most versatile and effective home and garden products, then an electric outdoor heater is for you. These type of patio heaters are preferred by a lot of people, one of the reasons being that they do not emit any smoke at all, and therefore can be used inside or outside. This type of patio heater works by heating objects around it and not the air, so no heat energy is lost in the process. Now, if you are one of the many people who prefer to buy this type of heater, then read on. Here are some of the tips that you need to consider before buying this particular heater.
Know The Length OF The Area and The Mounting Height of The Heater:
This is extremely important as this will let you know about the energy that this type of patio heater will likely need to produce heat. This means that the larger the area and the higher the mounting height, the more energy the electric outdoor heaters will need to provide enough warmth to the area. On the other hand, this will also allow you to determine the energy consumption of a particular heater. Having said this, a heater that is mounted very high in a very wide area requires more energy therefore you will consume more energy than normal.
Look For The Clearance Requirements:
Each type of electric outdoor heaters has a clearance requirement which is just the dimension of the maximum length of the area that the heater can heat. This also includes the heat coverage and other factors that can heat up the entire environment. The clearance differs from one product to the other thus it is extremely important to choose the electric outdoor heaters that offers maximum clearance requirement for your patio. This is also another factor that determines the price of the heater
Determine The Cost of The Heater:
As mentioned earlier, a cost of the heater is determined by the energy consumption and the clearance requirement. For this reason, you need to make sure that your electric outdoor heaters are sold at reasonable prices in order for you to get the best value out of your money.
Greg has been writing articles for over 4 years. Please visit his latest website about outdoor heaters at Patio Heating, with information on finding the best Electric Outdoor Heater products, and other patio-related ideas and discussions that any home improvement enthusiast would be interested in.
Filed under Patios & Decks | Tags: electric outdoor heater, electric patio heater, heat patio, outdoor heater, patio heater | Comment (0)Caring For Your Porch Swing
A porch swing can give hours, even years, of relaxation and good times for you and your family. It is a functional piece of furniture that allows you to be outdoors and not have to sit on the ground with the bugs and other creepy crawlers. There are lots of other reasons why a porch swing might appeal to you. Regardless of what those reasons are, you need to know how to care for and maintain your swing.
Most man made materials will show signs of wear and tear as they are subjected to the ravages of weather, the sun, and general use. You should not be upset if your porch swing is starting to show signs that it has been used. You just need to know what to do about it.
First of all, what do you do when your wooden porch swing starts to look faded, gets checkered spots or splinters on it, or gets flimsy? Well let’s address each one of those common situations in order and see just how easy it is to keep your porch swing operating the way it was intended to.
- Fading – A faded swing means it has had the sun working on it. The UV rays of the sun can do lots of damage over time. If the oxidation in the wood is bad enough you may have to take a sander to it before staining it again. When staining, be sure to apply a quality stain that has UV protection. This will give added protection. Paint is another good option that covers the wood completely. If your porch swing is painted and needs to be redone, just scrape and/or sand it before painting it with a good outdoor paint.
- Checkered or splintered wood – when this happens to your porch swing, it can become dangerous so make absolutely sure that you attack these problems with diligence and care. Sand away the bad parts. Don’t be shy about it either. If you have to sand deeply that’s okay. If the contour of a little section of the swing has to be changed slightly that’s okay too. Stain or paint will cover up your work and most people will hardly notice where you had to sand anyway.
- Flimsiness – A flimsy porch swing means that it may have loose joinery or hardware. If the cross pieces, slats, arm rests or stand are bolted together you can just tighten the nuts and bolts. This seems obvious, but I am constantly surprised that people don’t think to tend to this basic maintenance task. If the problem is the wood joinery, it may require a bit more work to fix. Joints that get loose can usually be fixed by injecting more adhesive and then clamping. In some cases (usually rare) it may be necessary to take the joint(s) completely apart to clean up the edges and then re-adhere and clamp.
MJ is a freelance writer for Clickshops, Inc. where you can find the perfect porch swing for your home or garden at leisureporchswings.com.
Filed under Patios & Decks | Tags: garden swing, outdoor porch swing, porch swing, wooden porch swing | Comment (0)