Deck & Patio
Different Kinds of Patio Covers
By: Danielle McVicar
A patio cover can protect your patio from the elements as well as provide shade and cover for you and your family. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, are made of many different kinds of materials, and come in varying degrees of permanence. Deciding which kind of patio cover is best for you depends on what your specific needs are.
The simplest and most affordable way to cover your patio is to use furniture covers. Furniture covers can be purchased almost anywhere and effectively protects patio furniture from the weather. This option is great for patio owners who don’t want a permanent cover and don’t want to spend large amounts of money.
Awnings and canopies are another form of patio cover. They are made of fabric and provide both shade and cover for your patio area. Awnings and canopies can be used year round, but are not suitable for high wind regions or climates that receive large amounts of snow. Retractable awnings are also available, which can be retracted or opened at your whim. They can serve as a patio cover when needed but also can be withdrawn to let sunlight in. Retractable awnings attach to the side of your house and therefore leave your patio open and free of support posts.
Permanent patio covers include gazebos, pergolas and arbors. These structures stand year round and can be made of different materials, each having different benefits and drawbacks. The most common materials that permanent patio covers are made of include wood, metal and vinyl.
Patio covers made from wood are a popular choice due to wood’s natural beauty. Wood patio covers blend well with landscaping as well as with your home. Wooden patio covers range in price depending on the quality of wood used. The downfall to having a wooden patio cover is that it must be treated routinely to resist harsh weather as well as insects.
Metal patio covers, most often made of aluminum, are a great choice for those who don’t want the hassle of constant maintenance. Metal may not be as attractive as wood or other natural materials, but it requires virtually no upkeep and lasts for a long time. Aluminum patio covers are relatively inexpensive and are easy to install.
Vinyl patio covers are similar to metal covers in the fact that they require little maintenance. They are sturdy and will hold up well against harsh weather conditions. Vinyl can be made to look similar to wood and is perfect for patio owners who want the durability of a metal cover but the natural look of wooden one.
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Get Decked Out!
By: Danielle McVicar
When building a deck you have many different options to choose from, each offering different benefits. Before you decide what kind of deck you want, take into consideration your lawn size, style, shape and climate, as these factors will help you decide which deck is best suited for you. Different types of decks include wooden, vinyl, composite and concrete.
Wooden decks are the most traditional and the most common. Wooden decks are beautiful and fairly easy to construct with wooden planks. Redwood, treated pine, and cedar are the most common types of woods used for decks. Wood can be painted or stained any color, making it very versatile. However, wooden decks can be expensive depending on the quality of wood used. Also, they need to be stained periodically in order to prevent them from deteriorating.
Vinyl decks are easy to build, affordable and last forever. They come in an array of different colors and never need to be painted or stained. You can get vinyl that looks like wood but doesn’t splinter and requires none of the upkeep. Vinyl is perfect for regions that have very harsh climates since it withstands weather so well.
Composite decks are made from a mixture of wood and plastic, giving them the strength of a vinyl deck yet the appeal of a wooden deck. They also come in a variety of colors. Composite decks also don’t splinter like wood and hold up well against all kinds weather. The downside to composite decks is that they are relatively expensive when compared to other kinds of decks.
Concrete decks are inexpensive and fast to build. They can be beautiful despite being made of concrete and can incorporate fountains and statuary. Concrete doesn’t need any maintenance and can easily withstand the elements. While concrete can serve as a deck itself, it can also be used as the base for another deck.
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How To: Create an Outdoor Living Room
By: Kelly Goldthorpe
If you live in an area that has great weather take advantage of it by creating your own outdoor living room. With more amenities than a deck typically provides, an outdoor living space can give you an extra area to relax, the chance to enjoy your proximity to nature, and additional entertaining opportunities.
The defining characteristic of an outdoor living room is that it is just that – livable! A grill and a four-person porch table do not quite qualify. When developing your room you will need to consider all aspects: location, flooring, furniture, lighting, and amenities.
Location:
This room should be an extension of your house. You won’t want to build it in the middle of your yard; instead, you should be able to just open a door and enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of your new space. By being easily accessible the room will get more use and be more guest-friendly. Whether you enjoy the sun or prefer the shade keep those preferences in mind when considering the positioning.
An outdoor living room does not need to have a roof or walls, but those are all decisions you can make. If you’d like a more enclosed space consider a screened-in porch. For a more open feel that still has coverage build or purchase a gazebo. You can have part of the space under a roof, while the rest remains in the true outdoors.
Flooring:
While Astroturf is great because it’s functional and designed to give a pseudo-grass feel, if you want to keep your room classy go with alternate flooring. Outdoor flooring comes in many different types: wood, stone, concrete, and tiled. These each create a different feel for your space. There are low-cost options like modular flooring as well.
Furniture:
The outdoor furniture world is just as comprehensive as interior furnishings these days. No longer are you limited to a porch swing. You can get sectional couches and coffee tables. Even large home retailers provide outdoor options, so do not feel limited to shop at the local garden shop for furniture.
Like a living room, you will want to have a variety of seating options. Consider the amount and size of entertaining you are likely to do when planning your room. Don’t over-crowd the area by buying too much furniture, but make sure you at least have a couch and comfy chairs.
If you plan to install an outdoor kitchen invest in a well designed table. By having furniture pieces that you enjoy looking at and sitting on you will increase the enjoyment and use of them. Consider purchasing barstools if you have open countertop spaces.
Lighting:
This sets the tone for the room. Hanging string lights are a romantic and pleasant option that can bring the room together. String lights also provide that extra reinforcement for the room boundaries. Include other types of lighting like side table lamps, which you would find inside the home. Remember, this is an extension of your house! Candles can also help set the mood and bring a peaceful glow to the room.
Amenities:
This is where you can really make the room unique to your home. A common luxury feature is an installed fireplace. This brings warmth to the room and adds a level of coziness. You can decorate the mantle and really bring a room together through this feature. For a less expensive alternative invest in an outdoor heater. You can find elegant ones which blend in well with the décor.
You might also consider putting in a kitchen area, bar, or television which will help define the purpose of the room. A built-in grill and stove in a granite or stone countertop will provide an earthy feel to a functional space. If you don’t want to spend that much, consider just adding an outdoor bar area. Another tip is that a great way to disguise your sound system is through rock speakers, which blend in with the natural surroundings. They also provide a fun conversation piece!
Outdoor living rooms are a fantastic way to expand your home at a low cost. It is an informal area that provides a great spot to relax or host a casual dinner party. Dress up your backyard and add value to your home.
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Outdoor Storage Opportunities
By: Kelly Goldthorpe
You know that movie scene where the bad guy is going through the yard and steps on a rake which smacks him in the face? You don’t want that to happen to you! If your garage is full but you still have stuff to store, there are a variety of outdoor storage options that can keep your belongings safe and out of the way.
The most common form of exterior storage is the shed. While you can build one yourself in a few weekends, many big home improvement stores now sell pre-made sheds. A typical size for one of these sheds is about 7’x7’. You can find them with windows, built in shelves, and air vents. The great thing about these is that they are a simple solution, although they are probably the priciest of all options.
With a shed you can store big items, like lawn mowers, along with smaller objects that get daily use. They have excellent protection from the elements and are long lasting. You can paint sheds to match your exterior paint or siding, making it look like a natural extension of your house. Some might even think it is a guest bedroom!
For a more hidden form of storage consider a storage bench. These function as patio furniture, but hidden beneath the seat is ample storage space. You can find benches that are suited for the patio, pool, or garden – creating a dynamic look for each area. Although you may not be able to store large pieces, they work great for items you use frequently (like gardening tools or outdoor placemats and lights).
If you have an outdoor seating area, have a coffee table which also functions as a storage chest. This is just another option for hiding things like bug spray and watering cans.
Organize your backyard with these outdoor storage options. With the cute design and nondescript options available you can get the functionality you desire without foregoing design.
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Heat up Your Patio with an Outdoor Fireplace
By: Danielle McVicar
Outdoor fireplaces are a great way to enhance your landscaping. Not only do they bring character and a focal point to your exterior, they also provide warmth, light, and even a place to cook. An outdoor fireplace can make a patio or backyard an enjoyable place to spend time both day and night.
There are many different types of outdoor fireplaces to consider, each one providing different advantages. However, most outdoor fireplaces fall into four categories which are fire pits, fireplaces, chimineas and grills.
Fire pits are one of the most common types of outdoor fireplace. They are open on all sides and can be made from a variety of different materials, usually some kind of metal or stone. The simplest form of a fire pit is the traditional campfire; merely dug into the ground and surrounded by stones. The majority of fire pits available today, however, are raised and can be either portable or permanent. If you have children or pets it is recommended that you use a screen over the top your fire pit to prevent both injury and the spread of sparks.
If you want to give your landscaping a sophisticated, décor look, you can opt for a fully enclosed fireplace, complete with chimney. This type of outdoor fireplace is very similar to an indoor one in appearance and function, and can be made from brick, stone, concrete and other fire resistant materials. An actual fireplace is often safer than other types of outdoor fireplaces because it is completely enclosed. Although this type of outdoor fireplace is the most elegant and dramatic, it is also the most expensive to install.
A chimineas is another option for an outdoor fireplace. Chimineas originated in Mexico, and are small enclosed fireplaces that are made from either clay or metal. A chiminea is a good choice for someone who wants the safety of enclosed fireplace, yet the portability of a fire pit. Chimineas are shaped to direct smoke and other fumes away from the fire, keeping it out of your eyes when the wind changes. Although a chiminea is enclosed, you still may want to keep it at a safe distance because it will radiate heat and grow hot to the touch when it is lit.
Grills are a form of outdoor fireplace used specifically for cooking. There are many different varieties including gas, wood, and charcoal grills. Unlike other outdoor fireplaces, grills are usually not used as center piece or focal point to a patio. Although they can be incorporated beautifully into landscaping, they generally are designed and implemented more practically.
Be sure to install your outdoor fireplace properly and carefully; consulting a professional for this type of home renovation is a usually a good idea to ensure that your fireplace is both safe and enjoyable!
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Choosing a Grill: Charcoal vs. Propane
By: Danielle McVicar
An outside cooking area can be a wonderful addition to any patio or deck, but with so many grills available on the market today, how do you know which one to choose? Although there are many different way to categorize grills, the biggest debate seems to be between propane and charcoal fueled grills.
There are three categories in which we will compare propane and charcoal grills, and they are price, taste and time. Although there may be other characteristics that influence people to buy a grill, these are the most common.
For the most part, propane grills are more expensive than charcoal. This is because they are far more complicated than their charcoal brethren; they must be perfectly crafted and thoroughly inspected to make sure the gas will flow throughout the grill properly. The result of a poorly made propane grill can be disastrous. Charcoal grills are simply a container for the charcoal to burn in, but this gives them another advantage in addition to being lower cost. Because charcoal grills are so simple, you have the option to build your own barbeque out of stone or brick if you like, adding an elegant or rustic touch to your exterior décor.
Taste is the most controversial of all the characteristics being compared by far, and is perhaps the most determining factor when choosing a grill. Charcoal fans will swear that food tastes better when cooked on a charcoal grill due to the smoky flavor the charcoal provides, but propane lovers will argue that the smoke from propane has the same effect. If you are not convinced that propane grills flavor food just as well as charcoal, there are devices called “smoker boxes” available for purchase. Smoker boxes are metal containers filled with wood chips and are supposed to add the smoky flavor to your food that propane can’t.
Time, as in heating and cooling time, is where propane excels. Propane grills only take a few minutes to heat up, while charcoal grills can take up to an hour before they’re ready to go. The same is true for cooling down; propane grills cool down much faster than charcoal. Also, the temperature of a propane grill can easily be adjusted if needed; a charcoal grills temperature can only be changed by moving charcoal around, which isn’t always very effective.
Many people will tell you that propane grills are the best, while others will swear that charcoal grills can’t be beat. What it really boils down to is personal preference. Determine your specific needs and choose which grill best meets them, whether it be propane or charcoal. Either way, your exterior décor will be improved and you and your family will be able to enjoy delicious, grilled food!
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Different Kinds of Patio Furniture
By: Danielle McVicar
Your patio wouldn’t be complete without some kind of furniture set, but how do you know which kind is the best? There are many different varieties of patio furniture, each having their positive and negative aspects. Identify your specific patio furniture needs and then match them to the set that best meets them.
The qualities that all patio furniture sets share are durability and weather resistance. Patio furniture must be tough and able to stand against the elements. The most common types of patio furniture include plastic, tubular metal, wrought iron, wood and wicker.
Plastic is a popular choice for outdoor furniture sets. It is usually the most affordable out of all the types of furniture, is resistant to rain, and is easy to maintain. Plastic patio furniture comes in a variety of styles and colors. However, plastic furniture is easier to break compared to other types of patio furniture and can’t withstand very cold temperatures. If you live in a colder region you might want to avoid plastic patio furniture since it would have to be stored indoors in the winter.
Tubular metal, often aluminum, is another common type of patio furniture. It is widely available and comes in many different styles. Furniture made from tubular metal is lightweight and durable. It is easy to maintain and doesn’t rust so it can be left out year round. Since this kind of patio furniture is so lightweight, however, it does pose the risk of being blown away in high wind areas.
Wrought iron patio furniture is a classic and elegant choice. It is often very ornate and so beautiful that it can be used indoors as well as outdoors. It is extremely heavy and durable and can withstand any kind of weather. Wrought iron is on the pricier side compared to other types of patio furniture, and it must also be cleaned on a regular basis to keep it looking its best.
Wooden patio furniture is very traditional and fashionable. Many different kinds of wood are used, some of the more common kinds being redwood, cedar and teak. Wooden furniture is best used in areas that provide some cover as wood should not be completely exposed to the elements. Covering wooden patio furniture in winter is a good idea and will help it last longer. Wooden patio furniture ranges in price depending on the quality and type of wood that it is made from. It is also fairly easy to maintain, only needing to be painted or stained once every couple of years.
Wicker patio furniture is attractive, sturdy and lightweight but doesn’t withstand the elements very well. Wicker furniture is best suited for enclosed or covered patios where it will be protected from the weather. Wicker patio furniture can be painted different colors or left natural and is often cushioned for comfort. It requires little maintenance and is easy to clean.
