Giving Outdoor Rugs a Second Thought

Posted on July 9, 2010 by MaryJo

The weather is getting warmer and summer is just around the corner which means soon you will be taking all the outdoor patio and lawn furniture out for another season. The chairs, tables, umbrellas, lawn decorations and of course, the shining star of all backyards across America, the barbecue will all have to be lugged out in order to see the light of day once again.

However, if you are like most, you have overlooked one important item that serves many purposes in the backyard in summer; outdoor rugs.

Most people think of rugs as indoor additions, something you put down in the porch or on bare floor somewhere else in the home. We all know what purposes rugs serve in the home but what about outdoors. Here are some reasons why you should think about getting some outdoor rugs:

1) They are great to put under chairs to keep them from sliding and to add a softer surface underneath the chair.
2) Tables will move less with rugs under them.
3) Rugs will add a splash of color to your exterior décor
4) If people will be standing around for long periods of time on your deck, they will find it more comfortable with something soft, like a rug, under their feet.
5) You can accentuate the shape of a round table by matching its shape to the rugs shape. For example, a round table on the patio is complimented very well with a round outdoor rug underneath it.

Outdoor rugs come in many colors. You can buy a rug that is just one solid color or you can buy a rug that has several colors with strips or other patterns. Some rugs have very detailed designs as well. They come in many shapes including square, rectangle, oval and circle and are available in all sizes to suit your needs and taste. You can purchase them at department stores such as Target and anywhere where furniture and flooring is sold. Of course, depending on the type and size you buy, the price will vary.

For a more thorough look at the rugs available for your patio, porch, or garden, head over to the Outdoor Rugs Guide.

Going In with Outside Blinds

Posted on July 8, 2010 by MaryJo

Since it has been a custom to have blinds on the inside of the house, it was expected that humans would eventually devise the same thing to use outside the house. These are now the outside blinds that have the same protective function as with the blinds that are installed inside the house.

These blinds can lessen the wearing out of paint from the walls and foundation of the house. It also plays a big role in providing a protective shield from physical forces that might break the glass windows. It is usually made of wood or any heavier materials that is hard enough to block any forces coming from the outside compared to the blinds that are attached from the inside of the house. It is longer and larger compared to an average blind which can almost cover any vulnerable parts of the house allowing house owners to leave the house with less worries and troubles. Not only that it protects the house or any buildings from physical damage but it also lessens the blemishes that dust or dirt might build-up and accumulate from the house.

These types of blinds can be seen in schools, government buildings, and public areas. The installation is usually taken cared by a professional who specializes in outside installments. But once the installation is done, it will work marvels for the structure that it protects. These types of blinds do not need any special attention since it is created for mere simplicity unlike sheer blinds that is just usually fitting on the interior of the house. It does not have any complicated designs and coloring. It is frequently painted with darker but less offensive colors if it is made of metal and a simple varnishing would do for wooden blinds.

Overall, the flexibility of the outside blinds does not compare to that of the inside but the protection and security it leaves is priceless. It gives the impression that nothing terrible can touch and damage a family’s house when these things are around. It is specifically built to serve its role in the outskirts of the house.

Inground Pool Kits Cheap – Building Inground Swimming Pools

Posted on July 5, 2010 by MaryJo

Majority of pool experts today agree that the success of any pool construction be it by using inground pool kits cheap or by semi inground pool kits, will solely depend with the pool contracting company you choose. The best way in finding the best pool companies is by gathering references from different pool firms you are about to consider, and then dropping each of them a call. Aside from the company, there are also some other things that needs to be considered.

photo credit: calleecakes

Swimming Pool Location
Remember, constructing an inground pool is a permanent project once it’s done, so studying its location should be taken seriously.

Different pool designs call for different activities. Determine what type of inground pool you want to have. Diving pools will require different design than regular family pools. If you’re constructing a swimming pool intended for the kids, don’t situate it behind shrubby places. To make your swimming pool safe, try placing your pool in areas where it can easily be seen.

Choose a spot where the sun can hit your pool. As much as possible, avoid trees that do not only drop leaves but also cover the sun. Try to make your pool accessible to your home for social events and entertaining. Also, determine where the pool’s supplies including its filter system should be kept.

Swimming Pool Design

• Fiberglass Pool
The beauty of using fiberglass material is they are very easy to use and quick to install. They have non-abrasive finishing that can resist stains and rusts, and has an innate ability to naturally resist algae formation. Fiberglass pools are available in various shapes. They are also very clean and neat.

• Vinyl-lined Pool
This type of pool is widely known for its stain-resistant and smooth surface. The available optional designs for this type of pool may be limited, but it is comparably less expensive than concrete and fiberglass pools. They are also extremely sturdy that can last for 10 years.

How to Avoid Replacing Your Rattan Furniture

Posted on July 1, 2010 by MaryJo

Have you had your rattan furniture for ages but find that replacing your rattan furniture is out of the question? You can repair faded and damaged rattan furniture yourself and spruce it up a bit to make it look like you just got it out of the furniture store. You can bring it back to life by refurbishing it instead of buying a new set that may cost you a lot of money. You will need a few items before you can start. Most of the items can be found in your neighborhood hardware store. Here’s a list of things you need and steps to bring the beauty back to your rattan furniture:

Things you will need:

Dust mask
Safety glasses
Putty knife
Spray Primer
Medium grit sand paper
Exterior paint
Foam brushes
Wrought iron paint roller
Painting tray
Paint brush

Steps to Follow:

Step 1 – Use the putty knife to scrape away chipped areas. Wear a dust mask and goggles while doing this to protect your eyes and prevent yourself from inhaling potentially unhealthy particles.
Step 2 – Take the sandpaper and sand the furniture until smooth. Run your fingers over the surface of the furniture to check for even smoothness. It has to be smooth for the paint to lay on smoothly.
Step 3 – After sanding, wipe the rattan furniture till they are free of dirt and dust. It has to be clean for the primer to stick properly.
Step 4 – Hold the can of primer 6 inches from the surface and coat the furniture evenly.
Step 5 – After the primer dries, brush on the top coat of waterproof exterior paint. You can also use the wrought iron paint roller for the spindles. Allow it to dry and your rattan furniture should look brand new.

You will save a lot of cash by just repairing and refurbishing your rattan furniture yourself. As you can see, it is pretty simple and easy to do.

Choose Patio String Lights To Jazz Up Your Backyard

Posted on June 30, 2010 by MaryJo

If you’ve spent a lot of time and money making your patio look beautiful, it’s only natural to be looking for those finishing touches – maybe to set off plants and features, or to jazz up the area for a party. Patio string lights are a low-cost, maximum-effect way to achieve this. They can also perform many different functions. One of the most common is to define a specific area – perhaps a dance floor, or where food is served. Another is to create a specific ambiance, whether funky or more chilled out. On a practical level, they also create extra illumination for your patio area, something that’s particularly valuable as afternoon turns to dusk.

photo credit: athrasher

Patio lights have been around for decades in one form or another, but there’s never been as much choice as there is today. The basic design principle is unaltered – a bare bulb, clear or colored, is encased in a surround. These can be made from various materials, including plastic, paper and glass. So which type should you go for? That all depends on the effect you want. If you want your patio lighting simple, elegant and understated, you can’t go far wrong with clear, white or opaque designs. The opaque white globe is a particularly classic design, representing a good investment as it will never date. Any variation on these colors will always look timeless, as long as you keep the design simple. If you want your lights more colorful, you can find something in just about every shape and shade imaginable. Chinese lanterns are a popular option for a bright, ethnic look.

You can hang your patio string lights just about any way you wish, but if you take a little time to plan their location you’ll get the best out of them. We’ve already mentioned that these types of lights are useful for defining garden areas. Don’t limit this to walls or fences, though – bushes, shrubs and paths are also great areas to highlight. And for a fun touch, hang your lights from the inside of your patio umbrella, or even place them inside an oversize vase for a striking centerpiece.

Grow Your Own Vegetable Garden

Posted on June 28, 2010 by MaryJo

When you are thinking about how to grow your own vegetables, there are many factors and preparations to consider. You need to ask yourself a few questions. Where are you going to plant your new vegetable garden? How big should the garden be? Which vegetables or herbs would you like to grow?

Pick a location that is close to your house, but not so close as to be shaded by the house. Make sure there is plenty of fertile soil. Look for a location that has plenty of sunlight, not too close to shrubs or trees. Some vegetables do okay in partial locations, such as cabbage, turnips and other leafy vegetables. Vegetables that thrive in full sunlight include squash, tomatoes, corn, peppers and other “fruit”-bearing vegetable plants. You are going to need to research how often you may need to move your garden location or at least rotate the plant locations to avoid occurrence of plant diseases and soil depletion.

Now that you have chosen the location of your garden, you need to figure out how much room the vegetables will need. Many people choose to grow vegetables that their family enjoys and eats regularly. Steer clear of exotic vegetable plants until you have bcome more experienced. Hybrid vegetables are a good and healthy choice as they are better able to fight off disease and can withstand harsher weather.

photo credit: joimson

The best way to plan your garden design is to make a diagram—which can best be done on graph paper—of the layout of your garden. You will want to make a note of the approximate date you want to plant each variety of vegetables. Place taller plants out of the way of smaller plants, so they do not cast a steady shade on them. You may want the taller plants slightly separated from the rest of the garden. Some people choose to grow their vegetables in pots in lieu of digging a garden. It is a matter of personal preference.

Designing Your Outdoor Kitchen

Posted on June 27, 2010 by MaryJo

Outdoor patio kitchens are a fashionable improvement for your yard or garden. Essentially you can have a kitchen area fitted outdoors for cooking and bbqs, or else you could go all out and get an outdoor kitchen having every single advanced appliance which you might expect within an inside kitchen and much more. Furthermore, you could have the additional benefits of cooking food and dining alfresco. With a proper degree of organizing your own kitchen can add a lot to your leisure time.

An area of central importance will be your choice of outdoor kitchen appliances. Although there are other types of food preparation you can do in the open air, the grill is what many people think of when visualizing a dinner party or barbecue. Your primary selection is going to be between a propane gas grill and a charcoal grill. Propane gas grills possess the convenience and also usability point, although charcoal grills can be a more authentic open-air lifestyle alternative. It is strictly a matter of your own preference and there are actually advantages and downsides for both alternatives.

If you’re thinking about building your own kitchen yourself as opposed to getting a designer and installer who makes a specialty of custom open-air kitchens, then you should probably check out distributors of modular outdoor kitchens. By making use of these units you might start out small, and improve with the addition of further accessories and modules later on. It has been proven that putting in this type of cooking area contributes considerably to the value of your property. This might be because of the perceived lifestyle benefits of outdoor entertaining.

photo credit: xoxoryan

Outdoor kitchen cabinets can be as basic and simple, or as extensive and lavish as you will need. If you are planning on having a complete made to order kitchen built in your backyard then picking the correct cabinet units will probably be a key factor in not only how your kitchen looks but additionally in how easy and productive it is to cook on. Metal is a preferred choice for outside storage and most cabinets are available with this surface. This kind of storage unit is simple to keep clean and looking great, and it also stands up to the outside setting very well.

A more uncommon option that you could include in your cooking strategies is an outdoor pizza stove. These could be a rustic looking, brick constructed, wood burning stove with chimney that will add an old-world appeal to the outdoor kitchen. Then again, there’s also contemporary outdoor pizza ovens, which are also wood burning, but they are constructed from contemporary weather resistant materials and are fitted with wheels to enable them to be easily pushed away into storage when not being used. Or if you would like to achieve the rustic appearance of an outdoor pizza oven but like your modern grill to cook on, why not consider a Chimnea? They are an outdoor wood burning stove, usually made of either cast iron or clay with a chimney and are a wonderful addition to any backyard kitchen or dining area.

Creating the Right First Impression of Your Home

Posted on June 14, 2010 by MaryJo

The main entrance to your home is the first thing that any visitors – invited or uninvited – come in to contact with. It is therefore the first thing that creates an impression to your home, we all know that you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, however many people do and will continue to do so, so it is very important that you create a good first impression.

How can you make sure that your front door makes a good first impression?

There are many things that can be done to create the right first impression, some are free and others will cost you some money. The first thing you can do however is to keep whatever door you have clean. Particular care should be taken if you have a door with recessed panels or other moulded features as these can easily trap dirt and grime from wind and rain over time.

photo credit: ClatieK

The second set of measures that can be taken to create the right first impression will involve spending some money. Door furniture – that is hinges, handles, letterboxes and door knockers – and other accessories around your homes entrance create a very importance first impression. I am sure that everyone at some point has knocked on a door using a cheap flimsy door knocker and then stood outside wondering if the occupants have heard them. It’s not just the uncertainty though of whether you have been heard, it’s how cheap and flimsy it feels.

Now, imagine knocking on a door with wrought iron door knocker, it’ sturdiness and loudness will give you some confidence that the occupants are aware of you being at there door and you’ll be thinking that these people obviously care about the impression that they create.

Porch lighting is also important for visitors that you have to your home at night. It is important not just from an appearance point of view, but also from a security point of view. You need to be able to check the credentials of any stranger that calls on your home at night – how are you going to do that with no light?

So in summary to create the perfect first impression for visitors coming to your home you need to keep you the entrance way to you home clean and furnish it with high quality furnishings. Good quality lighting is also very important to create a warm and welcoming feeling whilst deterring any would be thieves and scammers.

Today’s Pool Thermometer Choices

Posted on June 8, 2010 by MaryJo

A lot has changed in the pool industry over the last couple of decades. Pool design has changed along with almost all elements of the backyard pool experience. Pool thermometers are no different. Pool thermometer designs have changed since the classic hang-over-the-side models that only measure the temperature in one very small area of your pool. Nowadays there are “ring” thermometers and other floating remote pool thermometers options that measure the water temperature around the entire pool for a comprehensive reading and aren’t skewed by periods of shade or sun.

A popular option is the wireless pool thermometer design that makes it easy to read the temperature of the pool water without ever getting wet. A wireless remote pool thermometer can even be read indoors, allowing you and your family to decide if you even want to venture outside to take a dip. With the convenience of a wireless thermometer, parents can read the pool’s temperature inside before deciding if the temperature calls for the childrens’ swim time.

A wireless digital pool thermometer offers the best of both worlds – wireless convenience and easy to read digital display. The obscure lines of alcohol and mercury thermometers are no match for the easy to read displays of the digital pool thermometer. Many companies now produce digital weather stations that not only provide with your pool’s temperature, but with the air temperature, humidity level, time, barometric pressure, and even sunrise and sunset forecasts. Depending on your yard and home,these remote wireless products have ranges of two hundred to four hundred feet.

While pool thermometers are nice to have in any pool, they are especially useful for those with swimming pool heaters. A thermometer allows constant monitoring of the heating system. A pool thermometer should also be used in hot tubs and spas to monitor temperature consistency. A floating or electronic pool thermometer can take a lot of the inaccuracy and guesswork out of reading pool temperatures. Purchasing a thermometer for your pool that is pool specific in its design is the best choice for accurate, safe, convenient pool temperature reading.

photo credit: Paul L McCord Jr

3 Reasons to Love Solar Garden Light

Posted on June 8, 2010 by MaryJo

Whether you’re about to install a lighting system outside for the first time or you’re just planning on upgrading an old one, there are plenty of reasons to opt for a system built around solar garden light fixtures. Three of the best reasons are that they are easy to install, easy to maintain, and are a completely green technology. Here’s why.

The number one reason to love solar garden lights is that they are incredibly easy to install. Unlike other lighting system that involve installing transformers and running power lines, solar lighting systems require none of this. You simply stake a light in the ground and you’re done. While you do still have to do some work in making sure that the light is in direct sunlight for most of the day and planning the overall layout of your lighting system, this is nothing compared to the work you would do installing a low voltage lighting system.

The second reason to love solar landscape lighting is that it’s also incredibly easy to maintain. Solar lights function on with a light sensor that tells them when to turn on and off, so there isn’t even a need for a switch or timer to put the lights on! On top of this, most solar lights are built with LED light bulbs that are not only energy efficient and bright, but they also last for 10,000 times longer than a traditional incandescent bulb. No longer will you have to worry about changing your lights at inopportune times.

photo credit: Fire Engine Red

Finally, the third reason to love solar lighting is that it’s a completely green technology. Since all the power from these lights is drawn from the sun, you don’t have to worry about higher electrical bills or even contributing to global warming by putting out more carbon dioxide into the air.

Solar garden lights are a great way to beautify your property while using a completely green technology that is easy to install and maintain. Think about getting a few for your landscape today.

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