Archive for the 'Patios & Decks' Category

Feb 28 2010

Patio Umbrella Fabrics – Choosing the Right One For Your Needs

Published by Medesto Remodeler under Patios & Decks

As you browsed through the internet for patio umbrellas you may have noticed that there are many different fabric options available. With so many choices, you may ask yourself, “What is the difference between all of these fabrics?” In this article, we will cover the different fabric types in order to help you choose the best option for your outdoor space.

Sunbrella Fabric

Sunbrella is a common name when it comes to fabric. In fact, many people actually use the term “Sunbrella umbrella” when requesting information. However, there is actually no such thing as a Sunbrella Umbrella. Sunbrella is simply a fabric manufactured by Glen Raven mills. But because Glen Raven has been a leader in the manufacture of performance fabrics for forty five years, people assume they also make umbrellas. Sunbrella is a heavy duty solution dyed acrylic fabric made with locked-in colors. The long life of Sunbrella’s fabric colors are one of the main reasons to purchase umbrellas made with this product. Umbrellas and cushions with this durable fabric come with a 5-year fade warranty and typically last longer then any fabric in the industry.

Sunbrella is also well known for its UV-Ray resistance, Sunbrella umbrella fabrics have been tested and proven to give up to 98% UV protection in shade applications and have been awarded the “Seal of Recommendation” by The International Skin Cancer Foundation. Along with UV protection, and color retention Sunbrella has a great water-repellency. This doesn’t mean that it’s water-proof, but because the fibers are woven so tightly there is a high degree of water resistance that allows them to remain outdoors even in light rain.

Suncrylic Fabric

Suncrylic is another solution dyed acrylic fabric you can get on your outdoor umbrella canopy. Slightly less heavy than Sunbrella, Suncrylic also offers a high degree of UV resistance and water repellency. The biggest difference between Suncrylic and Sunbrella, is in the fade resistance ability and the warranty offered. Suncrylic fabrics are warranted not to fade for a period of 1 year from time of purchase.

Olefin Fabric

Another fabric choice for patio umbrellas is Olefin. This is also a solution dyed acrylic fabric that is considered to be high density yet light weight. Olefin is a woven fabric that holds its color well, provides protection from harmful UV rays, and resists staining. It’s durable and easy to clean, with a one year warranty against fading. Texsilk is one brand of Olefin fabric that can be used as an umbrella canopy. While Texsilk is water resistant, it can be machine washed for easy cleaning.

Polyester Fabric

Just like acrylic, polyester is a man made fabric. This fabric is light, breathable and less expensive to manufacturer which is why it is commonly used by both clothing and outdoor furniture manufacturers to manufacture economically suited products. Polyester is not a natural water or fade resistant fabric. For this reason, polyester canopies are sometimes coated with polyurethane or Scotch guard protection to aid in fade resistance. While patio umbrellas with polyester fabrics are economical, there are certain qualities about them that may be undesirable to some consumers. The primary reason for upgrading to an acrylic type fabric is because polyester fabrics typically fade much faster then anything else in the market. Specifically, if you are in a harsh or extreme weather region of the country like Arizona, polyester fabrics may not be the best choice for you unless you are diligent in covering them or storing them when not in use. If do purchase an item with polyester fabrics, it is best recommend to stick to anything above 600 thread count or more to get the best value for your money! Also, here is a quick tip: You will notice much less fade problems with lighter colored polyester fabrics. White, natural and beige seem to last much longer then blues, reds and blacks.

Additionally, it is important to keep polyester fabric umbrellas away from any source of flame, such as torches, candles and patio heaters because it is flammable.

Coolaroo Fabric

Coolaroo is a unique canopy fabric that provides up to 90% UV block while also keeping temperatures cool under the shade. Shading your patio table or chairs with a Coolaroo canopy reduces temperatures up to 30%. This breathable fabric is resistant to mildew, is easy to clean and comes with a 5-year warranty against UV damage.

So there you have it, a wide range of fabrics and colors to choose from whether you buy an aluminum patio umbrella or a wood market umbrella for your next outdoor patio umbrella purchase.

Jennifer Drozd is a foremost expert in outdoor decor including, market umbrellas, patio furniture, Sunbrella patio umbrellas, outdoor cushions and patio heaters. Her articles and work is widely distributed and she is a regular contributor to PatioShoppers.com and ePatioUmbrellas.com.

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Dec 02 2009

Stone Patio Designs – Questions To Ask

Published by Medesto Remodeler under Patios & Decks

Stones can give off that polished and sophisticated look on your patio designs. Unlike any other type of material, stones are solid, durable, can withstand extreme temperature and weather conditions, and can last for more than a lifetime.

Some questions to ask when planning on patio stone designs.

1. Is natural stone the best material to use?

Using natural stone for patios is great. Since you may want to preserve and maintain your patio for a long time, then stone is the best material to use. A lot of patios are already built using stone as main component in the design.

Another great thing about stone patio design is that they blend well with whatever theme or environment. You do not have to pattern the colors around you with the stone that you will be using because whatever stone type or texture, the result will always look good.

2. What are some stone suggestions to use?

1. Limestones – Limestones are the best stone to use not only in your patio but in any part of the house. Majority of limestones have a soft earth tone color. It may also have a speckled grain, a swirl throughout and can contain fossils. Limestones are relatively new in the market. But it is the material widely used in architecture designs, homes and commercial establishments. They are also available in many textures and finishes.

2. Granites – Granites have swirled or spattered grain and they come in a variety of color. Granites are known to have “busy” looks. But nowadays, the trend is for manufacturers to flame and hone them to produce a much more stylish surface. The only downside to granites is that they tend to be slippery.

3. Marble – Marble is more or less the same with limestone in the sense that it grows more beautiful with time. It is also very much available in every size, color, texture and finish preferred.

4. Slates – In the past, slates are only used for billiard tables, chalkboard and roof tiles. Over the years, it has become popular for residential and commercial applications. Slates are considered as the perfect material for patios. They also come in many colors and sizes.

5. Travertine – Travertine are marbles with holes. People used to think that travertine cannot be used for homed because of its holes. But then, once the holes are filled with grout, it gives off a unique look and can add vibrancy to the design.

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Dec 01 2009

Decorating in the Small – Landscaping Small Spaces

Published by Medesto Remodeler under Patios & Decks

Landscaping and gardening can be a challenge on its own, but when
the space is small the challenge can become greater. May times we
can think the small space and lack of room simply has no
potential. Remove that thought right now! Gardens can be created
and enjoyed in almost any size space; the only thing required is
imagination!

Using containers give those with limited real estate the easiest
way to create a garden, add color and interest to small spaces.
For example, hanging multiple containers of different sizes
filled with flowers or ferns in front of a window can bring
nature indoors. A basket holding multiple plants that trail
downward instead of upright creates interest with its own picture
frame. Many different types of ivy can be used to create texture
and color as they spill over the hanging pots edge creating
hanging beauty.

A window box garden gives you another way to enjoy beautiful
flowers or herbs in limited areas. Window boxes usually attach to
an outside wall just under the window and create an excellent
accent for homes or apartments although living on the 4th floor
could cause some planting problems!

Window boxes come in a variety of sizes large and small but can
be found to fit about any sized window. When planting a window
box use colorful annuals to brighten things up, but make sure you
do not select plants, which outgrow the space quickly.

You can also use window boxes on a patio, porch or balcony by
putting the window box on top of railings or sit them on the
ground. These can make an interesting colorful accent while
sitting outside reading the paper or along an entryway.

Going the container garden route gives another excellent way to
landscape small areas with beautiful flowers complimenting
interesting container designs. Containers and pots come in so
many shapes and sizes with enough select to meet the demands of
almost any area large or small.

One big plus container gardening allows is for easy movement of
containers. This let’s you rearrange for fill your inner design
itch. Don’t rule out vines in your container gardens. A trellis
can allow you to take advantage of the vertical space you have,
and get some flowers along the way. Do not think only horizontal
space long at the vertical space available too. It is even
possible to create some interesting lighting effects with the use
of landscape lighting on a balcony or patio by placing a few
lights behind plants and containers to bounce light.

Finally even with limited space take advantage of windowsills and
shelves in your home. You can find plenty of small and miniature
plants and palms that use very little space and easily fit in a
bright yet small space. Small plants also give a great
opportunity to learn more about plant care such as try
sub-irrigation to water your plants.

Thomas Fryd gives tips on how to get more from your landscape with landscape lighting, Tom regularly covers the world of plants and landscape at http://www.Plant-Care.com where you find can get the inside scoop on landscaping and house plant care.

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Nov 30 2009

Deck Building and Ponds – Helping Nature Meet Our Needs

Published by Medesto Remodeler under Patios & Decks

The great outdoors can rejuvenate our body and our spirits. There is nothing better after a long hard day at work in the proverbial concrete jungle than rejuvenate your spirit from your deck. Just imagine being able to chill out on your deck, watching the wildlife than surrounds your pond. A deck overlooking a pond will also enhance the property value of your home. There are countless options available for deck building and ponds.

Prior to building anything, be sure to check if you need a permit to build. You can inquire from the local planning board and find out what permits may be necessary. The laws can vary vastly from one city to then next one. If you are in violation of any laws, the fines can be very expensive. Some places may even demand that the pond or deck be destroyed if they were built without the required permission.

Next, determine your budget. While it may be true that you would love to be the envy of the entire neighborhood, make sure that your plans stay within your designated budget. In deck building and ponds, bigger is not always better. If you happen to go over your budget while deck building, your pond could be scaled down to a smaller size. You could opt to save the expense and hassle of digging a large hole in the yard and simply let a fiberglass pond rest above the ground. Don’t settle for the first handy man you come across. Shop around. Know what your are getting. Ask for references and pictures of completed projects. Are the jobs completed within a reasonable amount of time? There is nothing worse than having everything torn up and started, with no end in site. Make sure you have reasonable expectations.

Next you will want to make plans determining where and what size the deck building and ponds will be. Study a lot of material about deck building and ponds. Search for Do It Yourself and home improvement web sites. Ask a lot of questions. Do you see any pictures of decks with pond combinations that you admire? When you see one in your neighborhood that you like, perhaps you can obtain the name of who built it from the homeowner. There are so many designs and different materials that you can choose from. Take the time to look at many varieties of deck building and ponds prior to making any kind of design decision.

You may want to consider hiring a licensed contractor. You would choose a contractor for your deck building and ponds installation just as you would choose one for any other job. You will ask family members, friends and associates for recommendations. Check references. Inquire about the warranty. Be sure to check if there are any complaints with the Better Business Bureau. Find out if your state of residence requires that all contractors be licensed. If that is a requirement find out if the hold a current license. Are they bonded and insured?

If you have the inclination, you could do the deck building and ponds installation yourself. This can be very hard work but also extremely gratifying. Most importantly when doing your deck building and ponds installation enjoy the process and you will love the outcome.

For more great tips and information visit the Pond Pleasure a site that is maintained by Lynn Ross, the author of this article. Find out much more about Deck Building and Ponds.

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Sep 15 2009

Everything You Need to Know About Deck Railing Patterns

Published by Medesto Remodeler under Patios & Decks

Deck railing patterns are extremely important when it comes to deciding how you want your deck railings to look. There are literally hundreds of designs to choose from so really it all depends upon your own personal preference. Do you want to make your garden look modern or would you prefer to make it look a little more contemporary? Whatever your style there is a deck railing pattern to suit you.

Keeping the Same Pattern

Whilst there is plenty of different deck railing patterns to choose from, it is important to remember to stick with the same design once you have made your mind up. It might well seem like a good idea at the time to choose more than one design, but generally when you actually get them installed, they tend to look quite odd together.

It is important to also remember that the pattern you choose will depend entirely upon the materials you are using for the railings. All materials give a different look to a garden and they can even sometimes improve the value of your home too.

So, if you are going for a Western look, stick with a Western themed pattern. Or if you would prefer a contemporary look, stick with a contemporary style pattern and do not mix it with modern. If you stick with the same pattern throughout the railings, you will end up with a good result.

Why Location is Important

Whilst you may not think about it, the location in which your railings will be does actually have an effect on the pattern you will be using. This is because the size of the home determines how many deck railings you can have and what size and that in turn affects the size of the patterns.

Also the climate of your location is another important factor to consider. Do you live in a particularly moist area? Is the sun constantly blaring? Each different material reacts differently to the weather so be sure that you get a material which suits your location.

Knowing the Rules

Finally, when choosing the right deck railing patterns for you, ensure that you are not breaking any laws with the designs that you choose. It doesn’t always enter people’s heads that they might have to check with their local city officials, as they think that they can generally do what they want when it comes to decking their own garden. However, it is important to check what the rules are, if any! If you don’t you may well end up will some pretty hefty fines and that is really something you will want to avoid as much as possible!

Overall deck railing patterns do come in an unlimited range of both size and shapes so be sure to thoroughly do your research and shop around before deciding upon a final design.

Andrew Caxton is the author and editor of many resources published at http://www.deck-porch-railings.com . For additional information regarding deck plans or deck ideas go to deck railing plans

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Sep 14 2009

Cheer Up Your Concrete Patio

Published by Medesto Remodeler under Patios & Decks

Many people now use their patio as the center of their home entertaining. But for some homes, the patio is still simply a concrete pad in the back yard. If you want to start using your patio for barbecues, outdoor dining or just as somewhere to sit and relax, then maybe the time has come to do something about the drab, old, and perhaps cracked concrete slab. Why not give it a makeover, and improve the value of your home at the same time?

There are a number of ways you can remodel or transform a concrete pad. Some factors you need to consider include your budget, the condition of the existing concrete, and how much disruption you’re willing to tolerate. If the concrete is in excellent condition, for example, then you may want to simply stain the surface, or perhaps give it a textured coating. These options are quickly and easily performed by a specialized contractor.

Perhaps the concrete is basically sound, but has a few hairline cracks. In that case you can lay porcelain or stone tiles over the top, to give an elegant finish to your patio. It’s a good idea to use tiles with a textured finish, to reduce the risk of slipping when the tiles are wet. You can use other materials such as sandstone, limestone, granite or slate, as long as they are properly sealed. If you often have freezing conditions over winter, then ensure the tiles don’t absorb high levels of water, or they might crack. Be aware, too, that existing cracks in the concrete may expand and cause the tiles on top to crack as well.

If you’re looking for a simple solution, then perhaps modular wood deck tiles would work well. These can cope with a certain amount of cracking in the underlying concrete, without being affected. They’re easy to install by just clicking them into place. Once laid, they stay firmly in place and don’t need any special surface preparation, adhesives or other fixings. They have a plastic base to allow water to pass easily underneath, and to keep the wood away from the sub-surface. You can tile your whole patio area in only an hour or two.

Recently, a ceramic version of the interlocking tile design has been developed, so you have even more options for cheering up your patio. You can intermingle the ceramic tiles with wooden ones, to create interesting designs. For example, you might like to have ceramic tiles underneath your table and chairs, with a wood surround. Add a few plants in pots, and your boring old concrete patio will be totally transformed.

If you want to find out more about cheering up concrete, click over to Josh’s site at http://www.infoaboutconcrete.com

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Sep 13 2009

Early Stages of Deck Building: Three Tips on Building a Deck

Published by Medesto Remodeler under Patios & Decks

Building a deck is an ambitious project. There are many things to take into consideration when planning and building your deck. Often times, the most overlooked parts of the project are those that must occur long before the surface of your deck is constructed! While you may receive many tips on building a deck, there are often tips and tricks that are over-looked. Here are three tips on building a deck that may help you organize and execute your plan more successfully.

Tip #1: Plan carefully

Although you may find tips on building a deck, perhaps one of the most overlooked areas is planning. Sure, you can plan your layout, draw out your ideas, and plan your budget accordingly, but don’t forget to consult your city or county officials regarding your local building codes, laws, and even zoning restrictions. Standards and regulations vary from city to city, so careful attention must be paid to this area of planning.

Another aspect of planning to consider is the terrain and weather in your area. Consider how the weather might affect your deck, and how your terrain will dictate where you decide to build it. You may need to build a grade-level deck, for example, that is built just a few inches above the ground, or a raised deck built to rise up over any areas that may be tricky to build on. Always take into consideration the size of your deck, and really think about how many people (on average) will be using it. Make sure you leave enough space for furniture and the ability for your friends or family to move around freely.

Tip #2: Maintain your vision

Of all the tips on building a deck, this is quite possibly the most important. Although the structure of your deck is of key importance, maintaining your vision of the deck is necessary to get you through the difficult days. This challenging project will require patience and perseverance, and maintaining a vision of what the end result will be just might carry you through the roughest of days.

Tip #3: Digging and Pouring Pointers

Now onto some more practical tips on building a deck! It is important that your deck has solid, sturdy feet. Ideally, the footings of your deck should be bolted to concrete footings that are secured in the ground well below the frost line in your area; approximately six inches under the frost line is recommended.

Please make sure you have checked for power lines or any potentially dangerous pipelines before digging your holes. If you have any confusion or insecurity when it comes to checking for these things, consult a professional. Fill the first few inches of your holes with gravel or crushed rock, top with an 8-inch-diameter fiberboard and proceed with leveling and plumb the form. Fill with concrete, level, and while wet, insert your post anchor. Level again, and allow the concrete to set for two days before continuing construction. It is important to remain patient and use common sense when constructing your deck. Good work takes time!

Visit http://www.onlinetips.org for info on composite wood decking and composite decking mold problems.

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