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.

Showcase the Beauty of Your Deck by Using CAMO Hidden Fasteners   Outdoor Slipcovers, Make Your Patio Furniture Look New Again   Choosing the Right Deck Builder   Understanding Pressure Washing   Electric Patio Cooler   

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.

Showcase the Beauty of Your Deck by Using CAMO Hidden Fasteners   Outdoor Slipcovers, Make Your Patio Furniture Look New Again   Choosing the Right Deck Builder   Understanding Pressure Washing   

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.

Showcase the Beauty of Your Deck by Using CAMO Hidden Fasteners   Outdoor Slipcovers, Make Your Patio Furniture Look New Again   Choosing the Right Deck Builder   Understanding Pressure Washing   Electric Patio Cooler   

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.

Showcase the Beauty of Your Deck by Using CAMO Hidden Fasteners   Outdoor Slipcovers, Make Your Patio Furniture Look New Again   Choosing the Right Deck Builder   Understanding Pressure Washing   

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.

Showcase the Beauty of Your Deck by Using CAMO Hidden Fasteners   Outdoor Slipcovers, Make Your Patio Furniture Look New Again   Choosing the Right Deck Builder   Understanding Pressure Washing