A patio is a great addition for your home. But you might also be wondering what are other alternative outdoor rooms. Actually, there several options that you can build in your backyard. These are also well-known structures for similar purposes. The options below are mostly the popular ones.
Gazebo
This pavilion structure is commonly seen in public places like parks and beaches. But you can have one right in your own property. You can build it at the heart of your backyard space. If the size of your area is limited, a gazebo can also be attached to a wall in your backyard.
A gazebo at home is a great place for small occasions and for relaxation. I can provide a shade or shelter anytime you need.
Porch
A porch is another great structure to extend your house area. You don’t have to get off of your house building to relax and take a breath of fresh air. The area can be a great extension to your house in which you’ll have a great place to pause and relax before getting in and stepping off.
Sunroom
If you want to just enjoy the outdoor scene or landscape from the comfort of your home and not being exposed to the outdoor atmosphere, then a sunroom is perfect for you. It is more like just creating a room with all the furniture and fixtures you need. Then the walls are see-through, made of glass panels or clear PVC. Even the roof can be transparent to have a full view of the sky.
Enjoy the scene while being protected from the outdoor elements, even from snow and rain.
Deck
The most common alternative to a patio is a deck. The setup is very similar and the main difference is that it is elevated and typically made from wood. Usually, an outdoor umbrella is used to provide a shade. If the deck is closely attached to a wall, using an awning is also a great option for a shade. Then you can put some outdoor patio furniture in a comfortable setting.
There you have it. Just choose what’s better for your residential area and the type of climate you have to make a great outdoor space.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Tips: Deciding the Right Patio Umbrella
Picking the right patio umbrella isn’t just about the impression you have. There are some factors that should be considered such as durability and practicality, then follows beauty. These points will make sure you’ll get great relaxing moments and will guarantee your safety while having a refreshment during hot summer days.
Remember the following simple points so you can get the right patio umbrella.
Canopy, The Covering Material
Most patio umbrella canopies are made of fabric, and they are not made the same. Some fabrics are best for sun protection while some are just colorful. When you buy one for your safety, buy those that can block most of UV Rays. Ask the seller about it.
Frame materials
Patio Umbrellas are specifically designed for outdoors, but not all are made to withstand the torture of high winds and outdoor elements. This goes for the materials they are made.
Wooden frames are elegant and can also be sturdy depending on how they are made, but they should be treated and maintained well to avoid mold.
Iron steel umbrella frames are sturdy depending on thickness, but you should keep them dry always because they rust with moisture especially in beaches.
Aluminum and Fiberglass umbrellas are sturdy and weather resistant. They are a bit expensive, but a worthy investment, especially if you are in an area with high winds and hostile to outdoor umbrellas.
Form or Design
There are other forms of patio umbrellas, the offset umbrella otherwise known as cantilever patio umbrellas, and the tilting patio umbrella. These are made for special purposes and design uniqueness comes with it. Offset umbrellas are made so that center pole is moved to the side. You can then have an ease of space for a better conversation.
The tilting feature is made so you can tilt your umbrella into position so it can block the sunlight in an angle you need. It allows you to enjoy a longer sun protection.
Colors
Choosing a color is not much of an issue, especially that patio umbrellas come in many color choices. You can choose according to your liking. However, it is much better to choose the one that goes well with your outdoor setup or patio design.
These are the basic points to remember, but should help you get the right patio umbrella.
Monday, March 31, 2014
How To Build a Fire Pit Yourself
Building a fire pit is an easy Do-It-Yourself project. And in just a few days, you’ll finally enjoy the heat while lounging in your backyard or patio even on a cool summer night. Aside from heating and creating ambiance, your fire pit would also serve other exciting functions like melting marshmallows and heating or roasting food stuff. Your family and friends will surely have a great time together.
You don’t need expensive materials and sophisticated tools. You don’t need technical skills because this project is fairly easy to accomplish that even some kids know how.
To build a good fire pit, you’ll need a little bit of planning, but first you should make sure there are no restrictions and your neighbors would not be bothered. Once you have completed this initial step, then we’ll start with determining the materials to be used.
Typical fire pits are made of concrete, bricks, stones, and in any combination of these materials. Choosing which one is totally up to you.
Building
There are two ways you can build your fire pit. You can lay it flat above the ground, or a little bit lower. However, it is ideally be laid approximately a foot deep. I am sure that digging a hole in the ground is not hard. Dig a circular hole, about four feet in diameter and make the bottom flat. Once the hole is done, it is now ready for the construction of the fire pit wall.
Laying down the walling requires effort, but it is relatively easy. Even if you are a complete novice, you will find it a fun project.
Form the circular wall starting from the bottom of the hole. Burying the bottom of the walling adds stability. Then build the structure layer by layer up to a foot high. Fill the bottom of the pit with gravel, this will act as a lining and as a drainage for your fire pit. Once done, the main part of the project is completed.
Finishing Touches
The final step is to smooth up your new fire pit. Either you paint it or stain it. You can also add decorative accents like molding, or build a ring of pavement around to make it stand out with your backyard or patio design.
Other Options
If for some reasons you cannot make a fire pit you own, but you really wanted to have, you can purchase a pre-made one. There are fire pits that are designed portable so that you can put it in your backyard without making any alterations to your landscape. Also, there are fire bowls that can be fueled with gas, electric patio heaters, and portable fireplaces for an instant heating solution.
You don’t need expensive materials and sophisticated tools. You don’t need technical skills because this project is fairly easy to accomplish that even some kids know how.
To build a good fire pit, you’ll need a little bit of planning, but first you should make sure there are no restrictions and your neighbors would not be bothered. Once you have completed this initial step, then we’ll start with determining the materials to be used.
Typical fire pits are made of concrete, bricks, stones, and in any combination of these materials. Choosing which one is totally up to you.
Building
There are two ways you can build your fire pit. You can lay it flat above the ground, or a little bit lower. However, it is ideally be laid approximately a foot deep. I am sure that digging a hole in the ground is not hard. Dig a circular hole, about four feet in diameter and make the bottom flat. Once the hole is done, it is now ready for the construction of the fire pit wall.
Laying down the walling requires effort, but it is relatively easy. Even if you are a complete novice, you will find it a fun project.
Form the circular wall starting from the bottom of the hole. Burying the bottom of the walling adds stability. Then build the structure layer by layer up to a foot high. Fill the bottom of the pit with gravel, this will act as a lining and as a drainage for your fire pit. Once done, the main part of the project is completed.
Finishing Touches
The final step is to smooth up your new fire pit. Either you paint it or stain it. You can also add decorative accents like molding, or build a ring of pavement around to make it stand out with your backyard or patio design.
Other Options
If for some reasons you cannot make a fire pit you own, but you really wanted to have, you can purchase a pre-made one. There are fire pits that are designed portable so that you can put it in your backyard without making any alterations to your landscape. Also, there are fire bowls that can be fueled with gas, electric patio heaters, and portable fireplaces for an instant heating solution.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
DIY Patio Ideas for a Newbie
These tips are for beginners who want to make or design a patio with their own hands, in other words DIY. There are just a few basic elements to make a good patio. These are;
For beginners, you can start with concrete. It is an easy and a quick way to create a patio place. It is just a matter of pouring concrete mix into the prepared ground for patio and wait until it hardens. After that, you’re off to a good start. Then you can paint your patio according to your liking. The design choice is limitless, but ideally, your patio should look natural. Some people use to stain their concrete patio floor to mimic a natural stone finish.
Alternatively, you can add a carpet. This way, you do not need to pay too much attention to your patio flooring’s finish.
On the other hand, bricks are also a good choice to start making a patio paver. Though it requires a bit of skill, the good thing is that you can rearrange them if you found your design is not pretty good. It gives you an opportunity to try another design without wasting much of the materials.
Outdoor furniture items help define your patio. In fact, a patio will not be complete without them. Basically, you’ll just need chairs, benches, or lounges to start. You can add more patio furniture sets and fixtures as you’ll improve your patio design further.
Add a shade. A patio should have a shade in addition to your furniture. Not only does it give a cool shade, but also adds to the design of your patio. There is a lot of options you can choose that fits your shade needs. You can use an awning if your patio is physically connected to your house. Use the versatile patio umbrella if you want mobility. There are tilting and offset umbrellas that give you the flexibility to choose which way your shade is directed. A pergola is also an interesting patio structure, it adds a sturdy shade but not make your patio dimmer.
If your backyard has large trees, then you’re lucky as a beginner. You can build your patio under the tree’s canopy. It gives a cool shade, plus it saves you from spending on buying or building a shade.
Lighting is also a good thing to consider in building a patio. They are more important for your patio at night. The main use is to illuminate your patio, but they can make your patio even better. They give personality to your design and they can add ambiance.
Choose the type of light, color, and intensity to set the type of mood you want to create.
For beginners, a simple fire pit should suffice your heating needs. Commonly, folks just dig a medium hole in an open ground and then arrange rocks or bricks around it to make a quick fire place. If you don’t want the hassle or, digging is not possible in your place, then just buy a ready to use fire pit or fire bowl. They are much cheaper which is great for starters.
Finally, add a touch of nature. Use planters and pots to add plants and flowers. Bird bath and feeders are great to invite birds into your patio. Water features such as fountains and ponds are a wonderful addition. They make a soothing environment, especially on warmer days.
- Flooring or Paver
- Shade
- Lighting
- Heating
- Decoration
For beginners, you can start with concrete. It is an easy and a quick way to create a patio place. It is just a matter of pouring concrete mix into the prepared ground for patio and wait until it hardens. After that, you’re off to a good start. Then you can paint your patio according to your liking. The design choice is limitless, but ideally, your patio should look natural. Some people use to stain their concrete patio floor to mimic a natural stone finish.
Alternatively, you can add a carpet. This way, you do not need to pay too much attention to your patio flooring’s finish.
On the other hand, bricks are also a good choice to start making a patio paver. Though it requires a bit of skill, the good thing is that you can rearrange them if you found your design is not pretty good. It gives you an opportunity to try another design without wasting much of the materials.
Outdoor furniture items help define your patio. In fact, a patio will not be complete without them. Basically, you’ll just need chairs, benches, or lounges to start. You can add more patio furniture sets and fixtures as you’ll improve your patio design further.
Add a shade. A patio should have a shade in addition to your furniture. Not only does it give a cool shade, but also adds to the design of your patio. There is a lot of options you can choose that fits your shade needs. You can use an awning if your patio is physically connected to your house. Use the versatile patio umbrella if you want mobility. There are tilting and offset umbrellas that give you the flexibility to choose which way your shade is directed. A pergola is also an interesting patio structure, it adds a sturdy shade but not make your patio dimmer.
If your backyard has large trees, then you’re lucky as a beginner. You can build your patio under the tree’s canopy. It gives a cool shade, plus it saves you from spending on buying or building a shade.
Lighting is also a good thing to consider in building a patio. They are more important for your patio at night. The main use is to illuminate your patio, but they can make your patio even better. They give personality to your design and they can add ambiance.
Choose the type of light, color, and intensity to set the type of mood you want to create.
- Lighting in assortment of color makes a festive mood.
- Lighting in warm color shade makes a warm ambiance.
- Dimmer lights in warm colors make a romantic feel.
For beginners, a simple fire pit should suffice your heating needs. Commonly, folks just dig a medium hole in an open ground and then arrange rocks or bricks around it to make a quick fire place. If you don’t want the hassle or, digging is not possible in your place, then just buy a ready to use fire pit or fire bowl. They are much cheaper which is great for starters.
Finally, add a touch of nature. Use planters and pots to add plants and flowers. Bird bath and feeders are great to invite birds into your patio. Water features such as fountains and ponds are a wonderful addition. They make a soothing environment, especially on warmer days.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Defining Your Patio Space
A patio is more than just an extension of a home, it is a valuable outdoor space for recreation and for entertaining guests. That is why we have to design it well to achieve the goal.
Defining your patio space involves several factors and determined by the purpose. You have to think about the structure, design, and other amenities you want to add. You should also make sure that there is a good amount of space left. These factors have a great impact on the overall experience your patio has to offer.
Structure
At the very basic, you patio is first defined by its structure. The materials used in building and how they are formed and laid have effects to the patio design. Different materials make a starting point to create a specific theme for your outdoor room.
Here are some ideas:
Pool and Water Features
Pool and other water features like fountains make a cool and refreshing outdoor space. This is a great design choice for summer and for places with warmer climate. But it is not for just hot areas. If your family love the refreshing feel of a pool, then it should be great for you as well.
Greenery
The choice for nature lovers and those wanting the goodness of flowers and veggies. It is very easy to add plants to a patio no matter what your patio structure is. If there is no space for gardening, then you can add plants using pots or try vertical gardening. You might find it a relaxing and enjoyable type of setup.
Furniture
Well, a patio without a set of outdoor furniture will not be complete. It provides a place to sit and to lay down while enjoying the space.
Additionally, outdoor patio furniture items play a great role in defining your patio space not just in the experience but also in the appearance. Choose those that complement with your theme. The type of furniture should go well with the structure of your patio. Like wooden furniture sets for example, they are good for heart-warming and nature inspired patios, while glossy resin and aluminum furniture items look great for patios with pool.
Covering
The type of covering you have in your patio contributes to defining your patio space too. They are made to cover you from the sun or limit your exposure to sunlight but they can also add to your patio design.
Sturdy pergolas are used because they are elegant and well-built shade structure. However they are expensive and cannot be built if you have a limited space. If space limits you from building one, then you have many other options in the form of awning, shade sail, and patio umbrellas.
Lighting
Proper lighting defines you patio space at night. They are used not just to give light to be able to use your patio after the sunset but also for creating mood. Different lights of brightness and colors affects the overall feel of your patio. They can mimic daylight, can make you feel warm, and can create a festive surrounding.
Defining your patio space involves several factors and determined by the purpose. You have to think about the structure, design, and other amenities you want to add. You should also make sure that there is a good amount of space left. These factors have a great impact on the overall experience your patio has to offer.
Structure
At the very basic, you patio is first defined by its structure. The materials used in building and how they are formed and laid have effects to the patio design. Different materials make a starting point to create a specific theme for your outdoor room.
Here are some ideas:
- Brick pavers is great for creating a garden themed patio.
- Concrete is good for patios with water features like pool. However, adding gravel and stones makes an appealing accent to the water feature.
- Other stone materials and tiles makes a heart-warming and soothing patio.
Pool and Water Features
Pool and other water features like fountains make a cool and refreshing outdoor space. This is a great design choice for summer and for places with warmer climate. But it is not for just hot areas. If your family love the refreshing feel of a pool, then it should be great for you as well.
Greenery
The choice for nature lovers and those wanting the goodness of flowers and veggies. It is very easy to add plants to a patio no matter what your patio structure is. If there is no space for gardening, then you can add plants using pots or try vertical gardening. You might find it a relaxing and enjoyable type of setup.
Furniture
Well, a patio without a set of outdoor furniture will not be complete. It provides a place to sit and to lay down while enjoying the space.
Additionally, outdoor patio furniture items play a great role in defining your patio space not just in the experience but also in the appearance. Choose those that complement with your theme. The type of furniture should go well with the structure of your patio. Like wooden furniture sets for example, they are good for heart-warming and nature inspired patios, while glossy resin and aluminum furniture items look great for patios with pool.
Covering
The type of covering you have in your patio contributes to defining your patio space too. They are made to cover you from the sun or limit your exposure to sunlight but they can also add to your patio design.
Sturdy pergolas are used because they are elegant and well-built shade structure. However they are expensive and cannot be built if you have a limited space. If space limits you from building one, then you have many other options in the form of awning, shade sail, and patio umbrellas.
Lighting
Proper lighting defines you patio space at night. They are used not just to give light to be able to use your patio after the sunset but also for creating mood. Different lights of brightness and colors affects the overall feel of your patio. They can mimic daylight, can make you feel warm, and can create a festive surrounding.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Is a Wooden Patio Furniture Durable?
Are they durable? Well, it depends on several factors.
First, the type of wood they are made of. There are just few wood types that are proven to be really resistant to outdoor elements such as hot sunlight, UV rays, rain, and snow. When you buy wooden furniture, just look for the following wood:
- Teak
- Cedar
- Redwood
- Ipe
These woods are also resistant to destructive bugs and insects.
Other woods that you can find like pine or birch are not as great as the list above but they can be treated for durability. They can be pressure treated, oiled, or painted with weather and bug resistant coating. These types are cheaper. If you have to buy them, ask the manufacturer or dealer for these characteristics. This may help you determine what to do and what to add to increase the durability.
Secondly, how you took care of them also affect durability. Even the best wood outdoor furniture need proper care and maintenance. Their natural and artificial resistance will degenerate over time. You need to oil them or apply a good protective coating once a year or so.
Any wood, can get their color change or fade to gray. But it does not necessarily mean they get weaker. Its just a natural process of the wood getting dehydrated. It should not make a big problem because you can bring back their original look or make something better by applying oil, stain, and paint.
Please do not forget to buy a patio furniture cover. A good cover will guard your furniture against sun, rain, snow, and dust. Patio umbrellas are also beneficial for your outdoor furniture as they can block hot sunlight and UV rays.
If you take good care of them, you will enjoy your pieces of wooden patio furniture for a longer time.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Can Patio Umbrellas Block UV Rays?
Yes, patio umbrellas can block UV rays but the amount they can prevent depends on the quality of the umbrella canopy.
Beautiful patio umbrellas make a great addition to your patio design but don’t get overwhelmed by their good looks. You must keep in mind that the primary purpose is sun protection.
There is no definite answer how much UV rays can be blocked by a certain type of umbrella canopy fabric. Some sellers say 80 percent and some say up to 98 percent. Additionally, there are many types of fabric that a patio umbrella can be made of. This somehow makes confusions.
To help you avoid much confusion, you just have to remember some pointers in determining the best outdoor umbrella in terms of UV blockage. These include fabric characteristics and the method of making.
Fabric characteristics that can block UV rays:
The method of making add another level of protection. Some umbrella canopies have multiple layers of fabric and fibers.
Here is a list of best known fabrics for patio umbrellas, offset umbrellas, commercial umbrellas, and other outdoor umbrellas. Try to look for these when you are buying a patio umbrella.
Sunbrella is a famous brand of umbrella fabrics. They’ve have been tested and proven to give up to 98 percent UV protection in shade applications. Recommended by many umbrella manufacturers. In fact, Sunbrella fabrics have been awarded the "Seal of Recommendation" by The Skin Cancer Foundation, an international organization dedicated to the prevention of skin cancer.
Beautiful patio umbrellas make a great addition to your patio design but don’t get overwhelmed by their good looks. You must keep in mind that the primary purpose is sun protection.
There is no definite answer how much UV rays can be blocked by a certain type of umbrella canopy fabric. Some sellers say 80 percent and some say up to 98 percent. Additionally, there are many types of fabric that a patio umbrella can be made of. This somehow makes confusions.
To help you avoid much confusion, you just have to remember some pointers in determining the best outdoor umbrella in terms of UV blockage. These include fabric characteristics and the method of making.
Fabric characteristics that can block UV rays:
- Weave and Thread Count - the denser, the better protection. UV rays can hardly penetrate dense materials.
- Color - umbrella fabrics are generally solution-dyed for UV protection. The darker the color means more dye and better protection.
- Weight - this concerns the weight of thread. 7 oz or higher means better at UV blocking. For example, an 8 oz, 600 thread count Polyester is great.
- Coating - Some fabrics are coated with UV protective agents.
The method of making add another level of protection. Some umbrella canopies have multiple layers of fabric and fibers.
Here is a list of best known fabrics for patio umbrellas, offset umbrellas, commercial umbrellas, and other outdoor umbrellas. Try to look for these when you are buying a patio umbrella.
- Solution-Dyed Acrylic
- Solution-Dyed Polyester
- Olefin & Acrylic Umbrellas
- Spun Polyester Fabric
- Heavy Gauge Vinyl
Sunbrella is a famous brand of umbrella fabrics. They’ve have been tested and proven to give up to 98 percent UV protection in shade applications. Recommended by many umbrella manufacturers. In fact, Sunbrella fabrics have been awarded the "Seal of Recommendation" by The Skin Cancer Foundation, an international organization dedicated to the prevention of skin cancer.
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