Railings - Adding Safety And Style to Your Home!

What do balconies, staircases, decks, and viewing areas have in common? They all have railings. Without railings, these structures are not only bland and unmarked but downright dangerous. Railings are very important for high balconies and viewing areas, in particular. People often enjoy seeing as much as possible when they are at these high vantage points, and railings provide this for folks by allowing for a secure, safe area to lean on. Without railings, some more daring people may try to lean forward regardless of the danger, potentially causing grave harm to themselves.

Railings are important for staircases as well, but for a slightly different reason. The act of going up or down stairs can throw many people slightly off balance, so the presence of a railing both provides a handhold and also a straight line that the eye can follow up or down, aiding in maintaining balance. Unless they are very high up, railings are not as necessary for decks, safety-wise, unless the presence of small children is likely. In this case, the presence of a visible barrier can help kids stay on the deck.

Railings are also a very easy way to lend an architectural style and beauty to a structure or building. In fact, some cities are well known for their beautiful balcony railings, such as New Orleans stateside and Paris internationally. A building does not even have to have a balcony in order to benefit from the architectural beauty that railings can provide. False or "Juliet" balconies, so named after Juliet of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet for the balcony she stood on while her lover courted her, are very narrow balconies that cannot reasonably fit an adult, but can provide a place to lean out of a window and keep flowerboxes. These balconies can have railings just as ornate or grandiose as those of full balconies.

Window railings are a further reduction of your standard balcony, and they are precisely what the name indicates-railings that go across the window at around chest height or lower, depending upon the proportions of the window. These too can easily lend interest and beauty to the appearance of a building. Deck railings are typically made of wood and limited, design-wise, to the capabilities of wood (unlike iron, which can be shaped into ornate designs including filigrees, flowers and vines). Sometimes iron can be combined with the wood to add extra visual interest.

Staircase railings can be either wood or iron, or other metals, or even glass, depending upon the designer. Since most staircases are located indoors, this makes choosing materials much easier-no need to consider the weather!

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Hang a Deck Gate - How Tos and Expert Tips

GATE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Tools Required:

Power Drill/Driver Screwdriver Pencil Awl Center Hole Punch or Centering Drill Bit (optional) Plumber's Level and/or a 24" long Level Styrofoam block length to support gate (included)

STEP 1 (Clean Working Area):

Using the Gate box and/or Styrofoam packaging material as a cushion, place the deck gate on your deck floor (being careful not to scratch or mar the finish).

STEP 2 (Install Hinge to Gate):

Make certain that you have purchased a good quality outdoor gate hinge and hardware of sufficient size and weight-grade to support a gate weighing at least 35 pounds! Also, be certain to use all of the screws that are provided by the manufacturer. Before continuing, determine the orientation needed for the hinges purchased so that the gate opens from the correct direction (inward or outward).

Place your first hinge just about even with the bottom of the Top Rail in a vertical alignment that is square/perpendicular to the edge of the gate. If available, have a second person hold the hinge in place for you.

(Note: Depending on the hinge product used, a small Plumber's Level may be helpful to ensure that the hinge is plumb & aligned properly.)

Use a Center Hole Punch or an Awl to mark the center of the screw holes. Using a Centering Hole Drill Bit will be more accurate and will allow you to skip this step.

Using a drill bit that is smaller in diameter than the screws being used, pre-drill the hinge holes to a depth that is slightly less than the length of the screw. If you have a Drill Bit Gauge, use a bit that is two sizes smaller than your hinge screws.

Use a power driver to attach/screw the hinge to your gate being careful to NOT over-tighten or strip the screw holes. If you are not experienced in the use of the power driver, be sure to practice on a piece of scrap material. Repeat above for the bottom hinge.

STEP 3 (Attach to Deck Newel Post):

Special Note: Depending on the material, size and final weight of your gate, it is critical that your newel post is plumb and strong! Preferably, the post should extend down through the deck floor and be blocked to the joists/beams underneath the deck. This is required for Trex Accents gates.

It is helpful to have a second person to attach the gate to your deck. Hold the gate up next to the newel post at the proper height desired (close to the top of your railing).

A long piece of Styrofoam (the same as the width of your gate) is provided. Place it underneath the bottom edge of the gate to help hold it in place.

Properly align the top hinge where it attaches to the newel post (according to the hinge design being used).

Use a 24" level to make sure the gate is positioned plumb & level. It will be helpful to use wood shims as part of this step.

Use a Center Hole Punch or an Awl to mark the center of the screw holes. Using a Centering Hole Drill Bit will be more accurate and will allow you to skip this step.

Using a drill bit that is smaller in diameter than the screws being used, pre-drill the hinge holes to a depth that is slightly less than the length of the screw. If you have a Drill Bit Gauge, use a bit that is two sizes smaller than your hinge screws.

Use the power driver to attach/screw the hinge to your Post being careful to NOT over-tighten or strip the screw holes.

Keeping the length of Styrofoam in place and using available shims, level the gate in place. Then attach the bottom hinge in the same manner as described above.

STEP 4 (Attach Latch to Gate):

After making certain that your gate is hanging properly in the correct position and smoothly swings open and closed, begin to attach the latch purchased.

First attach the gate latch part by placing it at the desired comfortable height (normally about even with the top hinge). Depending on the hardware design being used, you should attach it on the inside face of your gate.

Hold the latch in place on your gate and lightly mark the holes with a pencil. After verifying you have the latch marked in the proper position desired, pre-drill your screw holes in the same manner as mentioned above. Then attach/screw the latch using a power or hand screwdriver.

STEP 5 (Attach Latch to Newel Post):

Hold the latch part that attaches to your newel post in position so that it lines up with the gate latch part and closes/locks in place properly. Make a light pencil mark to keep the position.

After verifying that you have the latch marked in the proper position desired, pre-drill your screw holes in the same manner as mentioned above. Then attach/screw the latch part using a power or hand screwdriver.

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Pergola Plans: Choose the Right Pergola

By installing pergolas, you can make your backyard look absolutely gorgeous. However, as you will have to spend a significant amount of money for getting a pergola installed, you must ensure that you have the right pergola plans to follow. First, you will have to choose a pergola design that will complement your backyard's architecture perfectly. Below, you will find information about the different types of pergolas currently available on the market.

While searching for the right piece for your backyard, you will come across varied pergola types. Some are more popular than the others. At times, people look for pergolas that will simply act as a beautiful destination in their yard. A standalone garden pergola can help you in creating a patio like region in the yard. It can also act as a partition between the patio and the remaining part of the yard. If you want, you can also improvise its appearance by furnishing it.

Pergolas can be categorized into two major types based on its position, the entryway and the walkway pergolas. An entryway pergola might appear like a large arbor. Usually, they are used for generating a fascinating visual transition within the yard. They are more attractive and creative alternatives to the fence gates. If you want to further enhance their looks, you can use climbing plants such as clematis, ivy or roses for decorating them.

The basic features of the walkway pergolas are similar to that of their entryway counterparts. However, unlike an entryway pergola, which is generally placed near the door, a walkway pergola is placed along a path within the yard or a sidewalk. There are some who use them for adding drama to their yard. Some, on the other hand, use them for creating functional coverings for pools, gardens or garage walks.

Other than deciding on the pergola type, you must consider a few other factors while drafting pergola plans. Read through the pointers below to know about those factors:

Size: You will first need to find out how much area of the yard you can dedicate to a pergola. The price of a pergola is directly proportional to its size. This means, your budget is one of the primary factors to consider while deciding on the size of the pergola.

Shade: Based on your preferences, you can pick pergola designs that either come with a little shade or a lot of it. The shading can be increased later using vining vegetation. A major advantage of using vining plants as shade is that they would offer more shade during summer and less during winter.

Materials: Like size, the material used for manufacturing pergolas also has a significant impact on their costs. If you are ready to make a big investment, you should opt for pieces boasting wood works. The most frequently used wood type for this purpose is cedar. Individuals with limited budget should opt for the ones made using vinyl. Individuals looking for smaller pieces however can purchase aluminum pergolas.

Shape: Your pergola plans would remain incomplete, if you do not decide on its shape. The shape of pergolas tends to vary depending on the area they cover. Some pergola kits come with extensions that can be used for modifying the shape, when required.

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Making Better Use Of Your Garden

Many of us pay a premium in order to find a property that has a reasonably large garden. We do this because we believe that having such a garden is a real advantage, although the reality is that we may end up using it a lot less than expected.

Why should this be the case? It may often feel like there's a certain level of effort associated with spending time outdoors. If we feel like a lot of preparation is involved, for instance, then this may be enough to cause us to pause and think about other options.

It seems to me that the real key to making better use of such outdoor space is to ensure that it becomes more integral to your way of life. That's possible and often a lot easier than you may think. To begin with, it's worth putting the focus of your attention on the reasons why you opted to buy a home with such a large garden in the first place.

You may have envisaged spending time dining outdoors, or maybe you thought that it would be a great space for the kids. When you think about those original aims, you may also find that they reveal quite a lot about why things aren't turning out in the way that you had planned.

Let's look at these examples and see why things might go wrong. When you're thinking about dining outdoors, it seems to me that there are some basic areas that you need to tackle. You may wish to have a hard surface available, such as a patio. On that, it makes sense to use a table and a set of chairs. These basic elements should allow you to dine in this way more often.

If you're really keen to ensure that you increase the chances of using the space, then you might also think about buying something to offer cover or shelter. There are various products on the market, with shade sails and parasols being obvious and effective choices.

Should you be cooking in the garden too? That's really up to you and is likely to be defined by your own approach. If you're the sort of person who particularly enjoys barbeque cooking, then this is something that could spur you on. If, on the other hand, you see this as being something of a hassle, then it's probably best to avoid it.

So that's taken care of your outdoor dining options, but we haven't stopped to consider why your kids don't play more outdoors. One reason for this could be that you haven't created an environment that's safe enough, or that offers enough fun. This may simply be a case of ensuring that adequate fencing is in place and taking the time to show your kids how much fun they could be having.

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Shade Sail Standard Installation

When visiting outdoor theme parks, recreational areas, restaurants, and commercial buildings, you will often see installations of fabric stretched across an area and attached to posts or walls of buildings etc. These fabrications are what have come to be known as shade sails. They are used to provide shade over areas of seating, car park areas and children's play areas.

The sails are available in varying sizes. Manufacturers offer the product in retail stores in standard pre-manufactured sizes that are generally a lighter grade of product aimed at the home user. Along with the light grade product, better quality, commercial grade versions of the product are offered by stores specializing in their supply. You will also find that they offer the ability to order custom sizing and fabrics. There are two other important aspects to the shade sails, the posts or connection points and the hardware used to connect the shade to them.

Due to the physical dimensions of the sails, they are susceptible to strong forces exerted on them by wind. To provide for a product that can withstand these forces it is important that they are installed in a manner that ensures that they do not move in a wind. This is attained by applying tension on the sail across its' surface and also by a radius which is cut into the side of the sail, which ensures that no excess fabric is left to flap once the product has been tensioned. Depending on the size of the covering, support may be required along the edges in the form of steel cabling. Any sail requiring the cabling is going to be sufficiently large to warrant being designed, manufactured and installed by professional contractors.

When referring to the attachment hardware you are looking at the piece of hardware that connects the sail to the post or wall attachment. Use of a good quality, marine grade connector is important to ensure that it can withstand the stresses placed on it and for longevity and rust resistance. In most instances attachment to the sail is via a solid ring that is sewn in on the corners of the product. Ideally the distance between the connection point and the attachment point should be kept as short as possible. This will ensure that the least amount of movement is possible in wind.

For the attachment points you will want to use a minimum of a 4" diameter steel pole, the size used dependent on the dimensions of the shade fabric. When attaching to a wall or fascia you want to be sure that the attachment location is well reinforced, again, because of stress put on the sail by the tension and wind.

Fabrics most often used for the shade sails are a woven Polyethylene while some custom manufacturers are also offering the products in Sunbrella fabric. Many people look for a product that they say will be waterproof. Generally speaking the product is installed at a height that would allow rain to come in from the side of the installation. Irrespective of the fabric used for the product, when installed at certain angles they will still prevent the majority of water passing through the fabric. It is important when installing a fabric like Sunbrella that he angles are maintained to ensure that the water runs off the product and doesn't pool, resulting in damage or total destruction of the product.

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Deck Post Covers: Expressing Your Creativity

Obviously, any home construction you engage in is an expression of creativity to some extent. You build a new room onto the east side of the house, you transform your garage into a gaming room, and you put a screen around your back porch. But there are different levels of creativity. Building a patio can be a very creative endeavor, but it usually isn't. It's about picking something out of a catalog or trusting a contractor to meet some general specifications. However, there are opportunities to go a little deeper. Deck post covers give you the chance to add an artistic touch to an otherwise plain project. Here are some of the choices you'll need to make when picking them.

Types Deck post covers come in three primary types, any of which can complement your patio railings in a unique and artful way. The main styles are stacked stone, fieldstone, and cobblestone. By comparing the patterns of the brick available, you can get a sense of the different feelings they convey. Some offer an interesting, historical vibe. Others have an almost worldly quality. If you want to feel as though walking onto your back patio is a trip into the past, you may make a different choice than someone who wants a modern, forward thinking element. Most of the colors available are very neutral, so you won't have to worry about contrasting with your home's scheme.

Size Stepping away from the somewhat arbitrary color and style decisions, you'll need to make a more practical choice: size. Deck post covers should match the posts themselves, of course. It usually makes no difference what the posts are made of. That said, most experts recommend treating the wood for moisture repellant before putting the caps on. A sealant can keep rain from getting into the wood and creating rot down the line. This can happen even after you've fitted them with the caps. Don't be fooled by any manufacturers claiming differently. Wood rot can make your patio structurally unsound, so it is nothing to mess around with.

Connectors There are a few accessories you'll need to consider before making your final choice. Deck post covers need connectors to attach to the railing. You'll have a few choices to consider. You'll also need to think about the caps themselves, which go on top of the post and bring everything together. Here again, you'll have several designs and colors to choose from, allowing you to once again express your creativity.

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3 Reasons To Build A New Deck This Year

Are you sick of staring at your less than attractive deck with damaged or discolored wood? Or are you sick of staring out the door dreaming of a deck period? Well now is the time to build a new deck! This is the year to make that dream and vision materialize into your very own custom designed and built deck. There are many benefits to building a new deck that will certainly outweigh the old, drab, or lack of deck that you currently have.

1. Extend your living space

We often wish for that little bit of extra space. A place to sit, to entertain, to cook, or just to kick back peacefully after a long day of work. A deck is a great way to extend your living space. Whether it's an open deck, covered deck, or a screened in porch, you will finally have the space you need. Many homeowners are realizing that decks become the favorite entertaining place with less chaos in the house. Think of all the cookouts that you will finally be able to host now that you have the space to entertain outside.

2. Save money by avoiding the regular maintenance costs of old decks

Every year the old deck needs painting, repairing, cleaning. Today there are many options for both wood and composite decks that will leave you with less maintenance costs. Composite decks are a growing trend because they do not require routine refinishing or repairs. The materials are made to last no matter what you or the weather may bring. But if you are a still a fan of the classic look of wood, no worries because an updated deck will suit just as well. Starting fresh will give you the opportunity to take great care of your new deck so it lasts for years to come. No more putting money into deck repairs, time to put your money to good use and create more value.

3. Increase value and beauty of your home

A new deck will bring great value and beauty to your home. By increasing the look and the amount of livable space, the value of your home will surely increase. But not just the value is notable. Your home will look much better sporting a fresh, new deck. There are so many style, color, and design options when it comes to building a new deck that you will be able to match and enhance the beauty of your home.

No matter what your reason for a new deck, now is the perfect time to make your visions come to life. You will be able to enjoy the warm weather season and create more lasting memories with a new deck. So how do you get started? Find a local deck building company that can assist you in the design and building process.

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Patio Umbrella Benefits

Warmer weather is just around the corner. Your favorite lounging spot in your patio is waiting to be used. Protection from the suns rays is important to keeping you and your friends and family healthy by providing shade for those hot summer days with a patio umbrella. Protecting your skin from harmful sun rays can help prevent skin cancer and sunburns caused by excess exposure to the sun. Some sun exposure is healthy, however over exposure can result in age spots and premature wrinkling. Knowledge of these health risks are important for everyone. The warm months of the year are usually everyone's favorite time of the year! Hanging out with family and friends next to the pool, smelling the melt in your mouth ribs that smell so good yo

Patio Water Misters

Hot summer days can make your outdoor entertaining miserable. You walk out onto the deck and the heat seems to take your breath away. These hot days chase you and your guests back inside. Patio water misters are designed to get you back outside, enjoying your outdoor living spaces, even on the hottest of days.

To install a misting system for your outdoor living space, the first thing that you will need is a hose splitter. This is a Y-shaped attachment for your outdoor water faucet that is available at your local hardware store. The attachment allows you to turn the flow of water off and on to either 'leg' of the splitter.

The misting hose attaches to one of these legs and your regular garden hose attaches to the other. Even if you do not regularly have a garden hose attached to this outdoor faucet, you will want the option available to attach a hose without needing to unhook your patio water mister.

The patio water misters can be installed and hung in about a half hour. They are designed to go up quickly and easily. Before hanging the misting system, lay it out along the area that you plan to have it to check for any needed changes.

Depending on the distance from your outside hose bib to the area you would like to hang the misting system, you may also need a small hose for an extension. Laying out the mister before you begin to hang it will help you to judge for yourself just what you will need.

The misting system comes with small plastic C-type hangers. There are enough to use one on each side of each of the jets. Placing a hanger on each side of the jets helps to keep them in place and allows you to aim them as you would like.

Deciding how to aim these jets is based entirely on the set-up of your living space and takes a bit of trial and error. If your seating is against the house, aiming the jets straight out will usually miss the seating area almost completely. There is no hard and fast rule for the angle of the jets, you will need to tinker with the angle and find what you like for a spray.

Each jet is actually a small spray nozzle that delivers a fine mist of water. There is no flow adjustment on the misting hose, any adjustment to the water pressure must be done at the outside hose faucet.

The patio water mister puts out a fine spray of water. This 'mist' should cover the area where you and your guests will be gathering.

Your outdoor living area will instantly be up to 20 degrees cooler with the use of the patio water mister. Installing a patio mister system will allow you and your guests to enjoy your outdoor area even on the hottest of days.

Patio water misters are an inexpensive, enjoyable method of extending the days that you have the use of your outdoor living space. Turning the mister off for brief periods, then back on, or reducing the water pressure will keep you and your guests comfortable enough to stay for hours.

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Learn These Five Helpful Tips When Finding A Decking Contractor

When building your deck, it is obviously vital to choose the best contractor to do it. There are so many deck builders around, though. How can you choose the right one to hire? An excellent decking contractor can take care of everything even if you have a very little knowledge about the entire process. While it may require time and effort at first, with a little research, you can be sure that you will reap the benefits of finding the one which will satisfy your need.

One great way to make sure that you can find the perfect builder would be to browse the Internet and by adhering to these five helpful tips in finding the suitable builder for your deck.

1. Consider the length and quality of experience A good contractor will ideally have at least ten years of experience in this kind of field. A person who can do this assignment with considerable familiarity, accuracy, and comfort is definitely a great catch. It is advisable to get a highly skilled contractor to help you particularly if you are new to such project.

2. The best builder may not offer the best rates Do not depend solely on a contractor's rates, because it does not always mean that when a builder charges high, his work is of top quality. If you are choosing your builder based on money and quality, you have to collect feedback from their past customers. Then gather some quotations from different builders and compare them. You may now choose the best deck builder for you based on the data that you have gathered and the quality of their work at a given time.

3. Be sure you understand the quote Never overlook asking for a quote to know if the cost is good for you. You must gather several quotes from different decking contractors for comparison. The quality of materials to be used and its costs must be determined while gathering and comparing quotes from different builders. You have to clarify these matters even if the builder is known to be using the best materials. This is important so you will know the entire cost and you will know if your budget is enough. Expect to spend much higher if you want to build a deck that will last long.

4. Take a look at past work Once you have narrowed down your options, take a look at any past work of these builders. By doing this, you will have an idea about the quality of their job. Ask their past customers if there were any problems with the deck builder's workmanship with the aging of the structure.

5. You Need To Have Referrals It is always best to ask around your friends and family first if they know a contractor or company of good quality. It is more beneficial if you will hire someone who has worked for a family or friend before. You should also find out if a candidate has a website where you can see some feedback and testimonials from previous customers.

Do these five things to make sure you hire the decking contractor you're looking for.

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Patio Perfect - 3 Designer Looks With Throw Cushions

Throw pillows are in! Now that summer has arrived why not bring them outside for a pop of color? Your patio set will get an instant boost and look new again. You can find outdoor throw cushions in fabrics that will dry quickly and can be left out in the rain and sun. And you won't have to spend a whole lot of money.

To create an outdoor room you'll really love to spend time in, think about how you want it to feel. A patio set for dining alfresco or lounging around can be perked up for entertaining or laid back for relaxing. It's easy to change the look and feel of your patio instantly with throw pillows. Here's how to get 3 different designer looks:

Laid back California dreaming - think natural weathered woods with sun-bleached cushions and a neutral color scheme. Like the beach itself! Sandy beige, neutral ivory or light greys against driftwood colored furniture. Teak or wicker work well for this effect. Use pillows with patterns that call up thoughts of the beach like coral prints or seashells for a trendy and finished look. Sophisticated spa - your outdoor room may serve a range of functions, from lounging around to chic dinner parties. This calls for a more sophisticated feel which is versatile. Furniture choices could be metal, wicker or teak. Use toss cushions in soothing greens and blues and choose classic patterns such as latticework or a trendy ikat. Hip patio party - if entertaining is on your mind this summer and you need to add some energy to your backyard space, choose bright and colorful throw pillows for a hip party effect. Suzani prints are fun and interesting, or go for stripes in bold and vibrant colors.

Make sure to look for real outdoor cushions that can withstand a beating from the weather. Constant sun exposure and the odd rain shower can ruin cotton or linen pillows in no time. Outdoor pillows are typically made from man-made fabrics like polyester and should have a polyester fill insert so that mold and mildew won't build up.

Have fun changing the style of your patio this summer and don't be afraid to try something new. Throw pillows are a really cost effective way to do it and add a boost of color or a relaxing vibe to your outdoor oasis. Think about how you want your outdoor room to feel and look for colors and patterns that help to create the vibe you want.

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10 Essential Tips: Planning to Pave a Patio

PLANNING YOUR PATIO

1) Always start with pencil and paper, preferably graph paper and make it vaguely to scale. Take your time, don't hold back, let your ideas flow, get feedback from friends and family, and bear in mind the following:

2) WHERE you put your patio and WHAT you use your patio for, are the most important questions you need to answer.

3) If your patio is to be attached to the house it should be seen as an extension to your interior living area and therefore should complement it. If it is away from the house then be aware of the landscape around about and whether you want it to blend in or to be a statement.

4) Be aware of the elements. Where does the weather come from and do you need shelter from it? This will be relevant for any planting you are planning as well as comfort for yourselves. So think about shelter, drainage (away from your house), irrigation for plants, and orientation. Shade from the sun in summer is important so you must be aware of the sun's position throughout the day and plan your areas accordingly. Shade for lunchtime and tea time; sun for breakfast and evening drinks.

5) If want to do a lot of partying and eating outside, you should locate it as near as possible to the kitchen and an electric point.

6) A patio can be a space to take time out and relax. Walk around and spend time to find the best place. Take into account neighbours, noise and unpleasant odours and site accordingly, making use of any natural screening and views. Remember that the environment changes with the seasons and what may be the best spot in the summer is not necessarily the best in the winter.

7) What do you want the patio for? Make a list of all the functions you want your patio to perform and adapt your design to these.

8) If children will be using the patio, bear in mind their safety and enough space to play.

9) Allow enough space for the patio. Generally people under-estimate the amount of room needed. If possible, lay out your furniture first, allowing space for moving about, serving tables, barbecues, play and planting.

10) Be aware of existing features and use them to advantage. The less stuff you have to move about the better! Designate an area for material that needs to be taken away or a place for a skip with easy access for the skip lorry.

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Deck Waterproofing - Protect Your Investment

There is no better place to spend a beautiful summer afternoon than out on the deck, but enjoying a deck means protecting it from damage. The two things that are the biggest enemies to any wood deck are water and ultraviolet light. Fortunately, deck coatings are available that make deck waterproofing fast and easy even for an individual that does not consider himself to be very handy. Waterproofing a deck will make it possible to enjoy it for years to come rather than having to pay for costly repairs or replacement.

It takes a surprisingly short amount of time for water to do irreparable damage to a deck, which is why deck waterproofing is so important. Deck coatings designed to protect the wood generally need to be applied every 2 to 4 years, although there are some coatings that promise to outlast even the most regularly used of decks. Choosing the right product or require a person to take a look at the type of wood used in their deck, the environment in which they live and how often they intend to reapply the protectant. Coatings that last longer generally cost more but maybe a better investment for an individual that wants to avoid maintenance as much as possible.

If local conditions include a wet or humid climate then it may also be necessary to apply deck coatings more frequently. Sunny or arid regions may not require deck waterproofing so much as a coating that protects the wood from the harmful ultraviolet light of the sun. Understanding the local conditions will make it much easier to choose the right product for the job. An individual that chooses to use an epoxy coating may find that it is better to rely on experts to apply the product since it can be quite a process.

When done correctly, deck waterproofing can protect the valuable investment that a homeowner has made and ensure that they will have an outdoor living space to enjoy for years to come. Deck coatings should be applied exactly as directed by the manufacturer and it is crucial that the surface be properly prepped since failing to do so can greatly reduce the effectiveness of the product. Taking a little time to do the job right will have a huge reward in the long run. Fortunately, most of these coatings are relatively easy to apply and not very expensive.

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Things You Need To Plan When Building a Patio

There are a lot of things that you can do in order to spice up your outdoor property. One of those things is building a patio. If you are willing to invest your time and effort, you can build a patio by yourself.

Start by forming a plan. Plans are designed to help you reach your objectives. And so, you need to create strong plans if you wish to get a nice patio. It is important that you create a patio that will not require a lot of maintenance. Take note that this is an outdoor space. The amount of work required from you can be much greater compared to what you need to do indoors.

Do not stray too far from the design of your house. Your patio's design should complement, if not, be similar to the design of the rooms inside your house. This will allow you and your guests to feel the continuity of the space even if they are already outdoors.

Plan when you will be building your patio. If you are working on weekdays, you should consider working only on weekends. Or, you may consider working for a couple of hours every day until you complete the task. Don't be too harsh on yourself in terms of the timeframe by which you need to complete your patio. Before you start actual work, project the amount of time you might put in the job. Several weekends might be enough. If you feel that you are exceeding your planned time frame, it might be wise to be more conscious about what details you accomplish when you are working. Seek help from guides which you may find online. Study these guides before starting the construction. You will be able to save a lot of time if you don't need to consult the construction guide on every step that you are going to take while doing the actual work.

Make sure that the foundation is strong. If you are using slabs of wood, be careful on how you put together the materials. When using stones or concrete, make sure that the project will be durable. It might be helpful if you are to put your patio against a side of your house. Creating a patio adjacent to the home will also make it more accessible.

Consider your patio as an extension of your living space. Think about what furniture you are going to place in this area. A safe bet will be durable and comfortable furniture items. You may go for stainless steel garden sets as they are quite durable. You might need to spend a significant amount in purchasing them, though. Or, you can take out old furniture from your garage and use them as your furniture for the patio. Even if they are quite delicate, they are still better off positioned in your patio than let them rot in your garage.

Remember to add plants and flowers around your patio. This space can be more relaxing if there are green leaves and colorful flowers displayed around it.

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Creating an Amazing Decking Space

Using decking is a fantastic way to get more from your garden and to make it much easier to look after. Decking is made from wooden slats which has the advantage immediately of being firm and waterproof. While grass can quickly get muddy and dirty, decking will always look the same and is much easier to clean with a quick sweep.

At the same time decking allows you to head outside in your slippers, or in bare feet, and to not worry about things like tramping grass into the house or about getting your feet wet and muddy. In other words, decking lets you use your garden more casually and somewhat blurs the boundary between indoors and out.

If you want to take this one step further, decking allows you to do so in many ways. Here we will look at some other things you can do to get more from your garden and your decking and to really transform the way you use your outdoor space.

Shelter

First of all it's a great idea to get some shelter for your decking. What this does right away is to allow you to use your garden if ever it rains and that means you can also keep more things out on your decking like magazines and other things to read. Add some wooden chairs (preferably chosen to match the decking) and you immediately have a space where you can sit and read magazines and books while you listen to the sound of rain gently pattering against the roof. On top of this you can also benefit from having some shelter in other ways. For instance you could place cushions on the floor and this way create an area for relaxing just like those found in Arabic pubs and restaurants or Bedowin tents.

Lighting

For all this to work you will also need to have some nice lighting that you can enjoy while you sit outside. Look into getting some garden lights that will cast a nice ambience over the garden and this will help to create a sense of peace and tranquillity here.

Hot Tub

Having a hot tub is something that many people dream of adding to their garden. However using decking makes it a lot more practical because it means you won't risk trampling grass into the hot tub, and because it means that you can get out without making your floor muddy. Meanwhile because your decking will likely be right by your house it means you can easily hop in and out of the house to dry off etc.

Water Feature

And as all this will create an area with a very Zen and relaxed feeling, why not also add a water feature? Again it's perfect for wooden flooring, and at the same time it will make the space even more relaxed for sitting and reading or for just gazing into the distance. A fish tank is an idea too and these are easier to maintain than ponds.

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