All Entries in the "HOME EXTERIORS" Category

Common Mistakes To Avoid While Building Wooden Fences

While most people have a pretty good idea on how to build a wooden fence, there are few mistakes that are very common to the building process.

You can build a fence that will look better and last much longer by following these tips.

Posts and Spacing

One of the most common mistakes made when building a wooden fence is that the posts are not set deep enough. These post holes need to be about eight feet apart and should be two feet deep.

A post hole digger is used to create these holes. When using a post hole digger, use it at an angle to create an anchor area at the bottom of the hole. This will ensure that the post will be much more stable and secure.

Wood Posts Do Not Stick To Concrete

Wood doesn’t stick to concrete and most people are simply not aware of this fact. Take a look at just about any construction site and you will see wood forms are used to frame the concrete.

Common Mistakes And Problems That Occur When Painting A Home

When it is time to paint the exterior of your home you have two choices.

You can hire a contractor to complete the job for you, or you can do it yourself. A contractor can be very expensive, so you may choose to undertake the project yourself.

However there are many things to consider when choosing to do this job yourself. There are many common mistakes that can be made when painting the exterior of your home.

Make Sure You Have the Proper Tools

The biggest issue most people face is trying to start the job without proper painting tools. You have to consider that the exterior of your house is much larger, and taller than painting an  interior room [Interior painting] .

When you have to paint a large space that is very tall you need to have a way to reach those areas. You can use a ladder but that will mean climbing up and down continuously to reach the entire side.

A better solution is to rent or purchase a scaffolding system that can allow you to paint a large area very quickly. You also have to consider the painting tools you use.

Using Outdoor Lighting To Accentuate Your Landscape Design

When it’s time to spruce up the look of your yard, outdoor lighting can really make a difference.

There are many types, styles, and colors to choose from.

Whether you are looking to accentuate a walkway or a flower bed you will find many options available.

However, it can be very confusing to determine which types and styles will work best for your yard. Consider the following tips and techniques when you want to light up your landscape design.

Design Your Layout First

The first step in selecting the appropriate lighting for your landscape is creating a layout. This isn’t as hard as it may seem. Start with a basic design of your yard or properties, making sure you include any walkways or outdoor living areas.

Next, you need to decide which areas you want to light up. In most cases you will want to light up walkways for safety, and living areas so that they can be enjoyed at night.

You may also want to accentuate things such as waterfalls, flower beds, or sculptures in your yard. Once you have decided which areas should be lit, you can move on to picking the best design.

Making The Most Of A Roof Terrace Or Balcony

If you live in an apartment or high rise having access to any outdoor space is a real bonus.

A balcony can be a great place to sit and watch the world go by and a roof terrace a very relaxing retreat.

Look around for some comfortable but stylish seating. [Patio furniture]

If you are not afforded a tropical climate make sure that it will withstand reasonable wear and tear. Be careful of size, cramming in too much will become a nuisance, however much you loved it to begin with.

If storage is an issue some benches come with space underneath the seat, ideal for hiding away recycling waste or tools. Have a good look around before deciding what is best for you.

Once you have something to sit on the addition of some plants can really create interesting atmosphere. If your balcony is tiny perhaps a hardy perennial growing in a handsome container is all that it requires. [Container gardening]

Your chosen plants will have to survive the elements so avoid expensive exotic species. Often a good size specimen of a hardy plant displayed in the right planter will look just as good.

4 Easy Steps To Make Front Yard Inviting And Attractive

Do you enjoy outdoor living? If you really enjoy living outdoors like reading in your garden or playing with your children, then your front yards offers you many opportunities.

A front yard doesn’t need much maintenance to look more beautiful and inviting.

Here are few easy steps that can hopefully help you to make your front yard more pleasing.

Step #1: The first thing that you have to consider is to look for trails in your garden. Make routes for people that would take somewhere in your yard and ensure that these places are beautiful walkways.

You can go for standard side walks or if you want to go more creative you can arrange fancy colored bricks or stones.

Step #2: Plant flowers that will add inviting and attractive colors to your front yard. You can make a flower bed with different types of flowers. You can also plant trees and shrubs to add shade and beauty in your yard.

Step #3: Install creative or standard seating arrangement like placing a bench. You can also include bird bath, water fountain and also lamp post to make your front yard more decorative. [Garden furniture]

Pool Cleaning Tips To Maintain A Healthy And Clean Pool

Water quality of pools and pool maintenance is very important for your health.

If you have a pool in your garden, having it cleaned professionally can be expensive.

However, there are a few basic rules that you can follow regularly to maintain a healthy pool:

Keep surrounding area free from debris

If you have pools installed outside, wind or rain collects lots of dust and debris that can also accumulate in your pool. Ensure that the surrounding area of your pool is clean. This can help to reduce the amount of debris accumulation in your pool.

Use pool filter systems

A pool filter system can go a long way towards pool maintenance. Run your pool filter systems at least 8 to 10 hours every day. This will certainly help to keep your pool clean most of the time.

Add chlorine

Adding three-inch slow dissolving chlorine tablets in your pool is a good idea, or you can use an automatic or floating chlorinator once a week.

Clean entire pool once in a week

Use a pool brush to clean the entire pool once a week. This is an essential way of keeping your pool healthy and clean always.

How To Install An Outdoor Fireplace Safely?

Today, an outdoor fireplace is the in-thing, and most new houses have this feature installed.

This sort of thing has become popular with home owners, because of the spirit of fun and adventure that an outdoor fireplace connotes.

You too can get an outdoor fireplace installed if you wish. However, before you do so, there are some security tips you must consider, so that your safety and that of your family is never compromised.

• First, decide on the spot where you will have your outdoor fireplace installed. Then find out about the building and safety rules and city ordinances about outdoor fireplaces, and make sure that you follow them to the tee.
• Make sure that the fireplace is as far away as possible from your home. This will ensure the safety of your home, your plants, and your loved ones.
• You could check out the design of the Mexican ‘chimineas’ made out of clay or cast iron or cast aluminum. These are extremely efficient outdoor fireplaces, and are safe as well, and they draw the smoke away through the neck portion, bringing in fresh air drafts through into the burning fire.

Ideas For Your Outdoor Shower

When you are feeling unbearably sweaty and hot, can you think of a more refreshing thing than having a lovely shower, right where you are, in the open, with the cold water running down your body, exhilarating and rejuvenating you? You are right; I am talking about an outdoor shower.

Your outdoor shower can be simple or complicated, elegant to look at or fun to use and you can decorate it like a waterfall, or like an amusing water ride; it is all up to you and how creative you are.

Here are some ideas for your outdoor shower:

• A couple I know likes to wash off before getting into their house. They have placed their outdoor shower near the staircase at the rear of the house. While the side wall is made of smooth river stone, the backsplash is made of slate. These are materials that can be sourced easily, and the trick is to integrate the design as closely as possible to its surroundings; the more natural your surroundings, the more natural your outdoor shower be, so that it does not stand out like a sore thumb.

3 Easy Ways To Care For Deck Furniture

Outdoor living is one of the most enjoyable aspects of owning a home, particularly on a warm summer day.

Therefore, the selection and maintenance of patio or deck furniture is very important.

You can easily clean most of the outdoor furniture with soap and water.

If you feel that your deck furniture is less durable, however, you have to take extra care for maintenance. Here are a few effective tips for deck furniture care:

1. Use furniture covers

The less you expose deck furniture to environmental elements, the more chance your deck furniture has of surviving the ravages of the elements. Choose high-quality furniture covers to protect your deck furniture as much as possible.

2. Clean cushions

If the cushions for your deck furniture are washable, use warm and soapy water to wash them, or use vacuum cleaners to eliminate dust from the cushions.

One important thing to remember is to check the labels or washing tips attached to the cushions, before you soak them in warm water or vacuum them.

3. Recoating or repainting

Tips For Designing Your Stone Patio

Whether you are looking for a large or small stone patio, the design is the most important factor.

Do you want to include a stone walkway; will there be plantings or planters? Do you intend to use lighting? What type of furniture [Patio Furniture] will you be using? These are all questions you must ask yourself before you even begin.

Should you use a contractor?

The next question is whether you are going to use a professional to lay your stone patio.

If you are going to be using a variety of materials or flagstone which comes in random sizes, then it might be a good idea for you to hire a patio contractor.

If you want your stone patio to look polished, a professional will be able to give you the look you want.

Stone patio material you might use

There are many types of material you might use for your stone patio. It all depends upon your preferences, your budget and your taste. Lots of people choose a brick patio as it is a look that is classic.