Posts Tagged ‘outdoors’

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Landscaping Your Garden

March 13th, 2010

If you have more than a small town garden, then landscaping your garden will probably be one of your considerations. If you have just bought the land, or you think that it is time for a garden make-over, there are methods of going about it. The easiest technique of going about planning a garden, is to first take a good look at the landscape of your garden. This can be difficult if the garden is established and in full flower.

Therefore, it can be better to wait until autumn or winter, so that you can see the true lie of the land. You could make a plan of the garden on graph paper and take a load of photos too. Identify the photos on the back of them and relate them to the grid on your graph paper. There may be bumps and hollows, potholes, rocky areas and even a marsh or a pond to cope with.

These are probably natural features and if you want to alter them, you will have to tackle the fundamental cause. The feature is only the symptom. Like freckles or spots! If you look at the state of affairs in this way, it makes planning simpler.

For example, a rocky patch probably means that the Earth is pushing stones up slowly but surely and if you want to clean it up, you will be picking up stones for the rest of your life. Likewise, if your wet patch is the result of natural drainage from higher ground, you will have to drain it and put in permanent drainage, since it is not going to stop raining for you.

So, you can either work with nature or you will be working against it for the rest of your life. Either that or paying someone else to do it for you. Another issue is that the wildlife that uses your area does so because of how it is. If you alter the landscape, your current range of flora and fauna might move on or just die. A lot depends on how much land we are talking about, but in general, I would say that the larger the area, the more you should leave it alone.

On the other hand, you can add features more easily than remove them. For instance, if you have an area with poor soil, you could improve it with compost or put a pond there. Shade and existing fences or sheds should also be noted on your graph paper, although being man-made, these are simpler to remove or alter.

Next you should make up your mind what kind of garden you want, within the constraints of the existing landscape, how much work you are willing to put into it and how much money you want to pay out on it. Enhancing the natural features of the land is the easiest way of landscaping your garden.

If you have a marshy area, why not put a low wall around it and turn it into a pond? If you have a rocky patch, why not collect up the stones and create a rockery? If you have a couple of trees, try growing wisteria, honeysuckle or vines through them.

If you are in the shade, buy flowers that prefer the shade and vice-versa. It is a struggle to go against nature and unless you have a good reason to do it, it is not really worthwhile. Then build a patio or deck and sit outside and enjoy all the landscaping that you have saved yourself in your garden.

Owen Jones, the writer of this piece, writes on many topics, but is currently involved with outdoor heat lamp. If you are interested in patio heaters too, please click through to Residential Patio Heaters.

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Patios, Decks And Accessories

March 8th, 2010

Would it not be great, at the end of a hard day’s work or on your day off, to relax outdoors on your patio deck? It is a daydream that many people have. But it does not have to be only a dream.You could be really doing it within a few of weeks. You can either make the deck or patio yourself, if you are useful with your hands or you can get someone in.

The best thing to do is speak with your contractor about your plans about size and materials. If you want to have a go at making it yourself, take the measurements to your local builders’ merchant and get them to give you a quote. If you need it, they can usually suggest a contractor to you. This can be a good idea, even if it is only to get an idea about cost.

There are also lots of ’standard’ designs available too. You could get a few gardening magazines, you will be able to tell the ones you want by their titles. You could also look on the Internet. There is also designing software for this sort of project, it just depends what you want your input to be.

You could just pass the whole task over to your builder, if that is what you would like. However, I would go for a drink with my wife and take paper and pens. Over a drink or two, I would encourage us both to make a few sketchy plans of what we would like. Then you can discuss and amalgamate the ideas.

You also have to decide whether you want a raised deck or one at ground level. A raised, wooden deck might help keep the snakes at bay, but a stone patio places you right in the middle of your garden and flowers.

A consideration, depending on where you live, could be the use of patio heaters. If you think that you may have to use patio heating at certain times of the year because of the weather, you might not want your patio deck made of wood. After spending time and money on your new patio deck, you will want to make use of it whether it is a bit chilly or not, which is where the heaters come in.

Furthermore, patio heaters are not that expensive any more and not that expensive to run. If you add a mosquito trap and some lighting, you will have a pleasure to enjoy for the rest of your life.

Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on many topics, but is currently involved with commercial patio heaters. If you are interested in patio heaters too, please click through to Residential Patio Heaters.

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Steps To Building A Patio Awning

March 6th, 2010

During a hot summer day, patios and decks tend to absorb a lot of heat. Sitting in these open outdoor spaces can definitely get uncomfortable as you sit there sweating and burning in the sun. Many people add awnings to solve this problem, but they can be a bit expensive. If you want to have the luxury of sitting in the shade on a beautiful summer day, there is a cost-effective way of doing this. By building your own awning, you’ll save a ton of money and you’ll be able to enjoy some shade as well! This article will guide you on how to build your own awning.

Let’s make sure you have all the proper tools and materials to successfully build your new awning. You’ll need an electric drill, a tape measure, 4 grommets, 4 sections of rope, 4 stakes, 2 key rings, 2 support poles, 2 screw hooks a large needle and a sewing machine and of course the canvas to cover the patio. Make sure the canvas is large.

Take the large canvas and measure the amount you’ll need by figuring out how large the awning will be. You should always purchase extra canvas, since you’ll hem it and cut it. Once you’ve measured it out, then sew the hems on the outside of the material. You don’t want the material to fray, so this is a must! Nylon threading is also recommended since it can handle the outdoor conditions better than other options available. Now proceed to install one grommet on each corner.

Once the grommets are in place, take the tape measure and measure from one grommet to the other. On the side you plan on having the awning branch out from, drill two pilot holes on the wood siding. These holes will make it much easier for you in the next step; screw the hooks into the pilot holes.

On each grommet, install a single key ring. You’ll want to do this on the side of the awning that’s going up against the house. Hook the key rings on the hooks, so it will be a total of two key rings placed on the two hooks. At this point, you’ve already installed an entire side of your awning!

You’re awning should be hanging off those two hooks and it will need support from the other side. You currently have support from the house, but the awning needs two poles to support the other side. Pull the canvas out in order to determine where the poles will stand and make sure the canvas has a tight and clean look. Once you’ve determined a place for the poles, either place them into the dirt of use a sturdy flat base stand to support the poles. The poles will then go through the grommets on the canvas awning.

Take the rope and in two sections, tie it to the grommets where the poles are placed. For more support, stake one of the ropes straight away from the poles. With the other rope, stake it to the side so the poles have support to the front and to the side.

This process should only take a few hours. Once complete, you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy some shade on those hot summer days. This is extremely cost-efficient and a pretty simple project! Good luck!

This writer is a specialist on building creativehouse awnings. He truly believes that the right awning fabrics will withstand the outdoor weather much longer than average fabrics. More information can be found at this authors blog, awningfabric. net.

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How To Install Interior Window Shutters With Outside Mounts

March 5th, 2010

Privacy in your home from prying eyes on the outside has always been important to people. There are a variety of different types of window treatments that people use to keep that privacy. They use curtains, drapes, blinds and shades. These are great to keep out the sun on hot days as well as give your home privacy when wanted. Probably one of the least used type would be window shutters for the inside of the house. Most people think of the outside of the house when it comes to shutters.

There is no reason that you can not use window shutters to add privacy. Not only do they provide great privacy but they also add a unique elegance to the room as well. Depending upon what style you get, they can add a lot more to your window treatment than other types, especially blinds.

If you come to the decision that you might like to try to add shutters to the inside of your windows, below you will find easy steps that will make your job of installing your shutters a lot easier.

There are a variety of different types of things that you will need in order for you to complete this project. You will need the shutters of course, the hardware that comes with your shutters, a saw, screwdriver, paint or stain, polyurethane, paint brush, tape measure. Depending upon what kind of shutters you get will determine the materials that you will need to be able to complete the project. The ones mentioned here are the most commonly required items.

Before you begin you need to decide whether or not you want the window shutters to be installed on the inside of the window or if you would rather have them as outside mounts. Since the window frames are rarely perfectly square, probably the easier route would be to use an outside mount.

We will go with the outside mount here for easier installation, this will take less time and gives you more flexibility with regards to how you hang the shutters. With outside mounts you can hang shutters vertically or horizontally.

The first thing that you will do is mount your hanging strips along each side of the frame of the window. Now you will take the shutter panels and hinge them together with face mount hinges that are supplied by the company that made the shutters. Make sure you have a spacer between each of the shutter panels so that you will be able to close the shutters easily.

Now you will take the hinges and connect them to the shutters, make sure to follow the shutters manufacturers instructions on how to place the hinges on the shutters. You will now want to make sure to mark holes on the hanging strips so that you will know where to connect the hinges at. Once you have done that, you can go ahead and drill holes for the screws for the hinges.

The final installation step is to actually attach the shutters to the hanging strips.

Final note: If you decide to buy unfinished shutters, it is advisable that you paint or stain them before you install them. And if you have louvered shutters it will be a lot less time consuming and easier to use spray paint for these types of shutters.

Whether you are looking for some privacy or a way to spruce up your windows, we offer a wide selection of blinds, draperies, and shutters Toronto to match your household comfort needs. Since 1981, we are dedicated to delivering excellent service and affordable products. Our customers deserve the best.

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The Benefits Of Adding A Retractable Awning

March 4th, 2010

The addition of a retractable awning can make quite a difference on your home. You’ll begin to notice that the electric bills during the hot summer months will decrease. You’ll also create a new and enhanced look to your home. In this article I’ll discuss the different benefits that a high-quality retractable awning will provide.

A retractable awning will protect both indoor and outdoor space. The most common use for an awning is to protect from the sun, not only on your skin but from damaging indoor and outdoor furniture. With the protection, they’ll also provide shade reducing the heat indoors and outdoors as well. It’s important to search for water resistant fabric, so it can accommodate your needs even in the rain.

It’s proven that awnings can reduce energy bills by almost 25% during the summer. They’ll reduce the heat in the protected room, which means you won’t need to use the AC as much. If your room is facing south or west, this is the best room to protect since sunlight points directly in this direction. The awning will reduce the light before it’s able to penetrate into the room, which is said to reduce the room temperature up to 75%.

Besides these benefits mentioned, retractable awnings can also add a nice look to your home. I’ve seen some homes that have completely changed their look with the addition of awnings. They can really add a charming look if done right. Some people even use these awnings to create more outdoor space – it’s a lot cheaper than construction!

The installation process is quite simple and doesn’t require much help (unless you’re not handy!). Be sure to find a product with a long warranty. If the awning lasts for at least 10 years, then it ends up being a great investment! Some awnings will require more maintenance the others, so keep this in mind when shopping around.

Retractable awnings tend to be more durable than just a simple canopy. With the option to retract, you’re able to keep them away from any potential harm to the materials. Conditions such as snow, hail, rain, heavy wind can all damage an awning or canopy if it’s not protected. The arms can easily snap on an awning from accumulating snow fall. With the ability to retract the awning, you should have no problem keeping the awning in great shape for years!

The price of the awning will vary depending on the size. Amazon.com carries medium sized awnings that start around $500+. If you’re in need of a large awning, expect to pay $900+. They also carry motorized awnings which make the retracting process extremely simple. A quality motorized retractable awning will start around $1,500+.

There are many options available when shopping around for an awning. Take advantage of shopping online to search before making any decisions. Once you’re all set up, you’ll truly enjoy sipping a cold one on a hot summer day!

This writer is a specialist on creating custom patios and always includes a deck awning. His site will inform you on the awning cleaning process as well as much more information regarding awnings.

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Landscape Lighting

February 28th, 2010

Whilst having a fantastic garden is important you ought to think about ways of allowing the beauty of your garden to shine through in various types of weather situations. Some people also want to have the option of having their garden illuminated at night. For these people, looking at different landscape lighting options will permit you the chance of having your garden looking just the way you want it, no matter what the natural lighting conditions are.

In order to provide the right landscape lighting conditions, you will have the choice of a wide variety of lighting fittings. These fittings can be in the form of lamps, lanterns, spotlights, halogen lights and even solar-powered lights. The price of these lighting fittings differs for every style of light.

If you are planning on using landscape lighting you will need to choose where to place the lighting in order to achieve the best lighting effects. You may also want to consider which lights will shower your garden with an all over lighting. You can look in landscaping magazines to get an idea of the many different ways that these landscape lighting fittings can be utilized.

While it may possible to get ideas for installing landscape lighting in your garden from landscape and gardening magazines, there is another way as well. For this other method, you should look at your garden in the daytime and in the night time. In the morning you will need to look what spots in your garden could be enhanced by the use of landscape lighting. Then, when night falls, you look out at your garden again and see what areas would benefit from the use of lighting.

Then, the morning after this nocturnal exercise, you should go out into the garden and mark out roughly where you think there is a requirement for lighting. Once you have inspected this area properly, try imagining what sort of lights will be useful. You can then go to the garden store to look for these lights, after you have decided on the kind of landscape lighting.

After you have bought your perfect lights and you have read the instructions on setting them up you will need to start fixing the landscape lighting in a way that will make sure that your garden looks beautiful. Coloured lighting is worth considering too.

After you have finished your trials and have installed your final lighting, you will see what a difference having the right landscape lighting can make to your garden. From now on, when night falls, you will see the beauty of your garden in a different light.

If you thinking about using lighting for your home or garden, please click the previous link or for more landscaping ideas, please go to Stylish Home Decor

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Patio Heaters In Business

February 27th, 2010

If you run a restaurant, pub or any business using outdoor facilities in a temperate climate zone, then you will know that business is likely to drop off when the weather gets colder. You know that you would not sit outside shivering yourself, so you do not expect anyone else to do it. The only answer is to modify the outdoor ambient temperature to an suitable level.

I have seen this done to stunning effect in Prague in October when there were heavy snow storms. People wanted to sit outside and get pleasure from the snow storm as long as they were fairly warm. A person’s primary heat comes from the body and is retained with decent clothing, but it is nice to have a patio heater near-by just to add a glow to your face and hands.

If you have a business that only opens when it is warm enough, then you have an expensive business and these days expensive businesses do not last long. You need to wring every last cent out of your business real estate and if that means putting patio heaters in, then that is what you ought to do.

Patio heaters come in a range of forms, but they are not that dear to buy. Sometimes you can hire them too. Most of these outdoor heaters run on canisters of propane or butane gas, but there are mains gas varieties too. There are also electric ones, but they tend to be costly to run, unless you can generate your own electricity.

I think that the best two types are the box type where the gas canister goes inside the apparatus and the heat is directed at foot to knee height and the street lantern style, where the heat comes down from about seven or eight feet in height. The gas container also fits inside these models lowering their centre of gravity and making them harder to accidentally knock over.

These heaters are very safe although patrons should be advised to exercise caution if they have young children with them. A standard heater will keep up to two tables and eight people warm enough to enjoy themselves even when it is snowing.

The hire of a few of these patio heaters or even their purchase will soon be off-set by your augmented custom, especially if your competitors are not using them. My wife and I will never forget our time in Prague, when it was snowing, drinking coffee and eating cake outside, watching people go by while we were as warm as toast due to the restaurateur’s prudence in providing patio heaters.

Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on many topics, but is currently involved with the propane outdoor heater. If you are interested in patio heaters too, please click through to Residential Patio Heaters.

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Picnic Or Barbecue?

February 26th, 2010

Are you considering throwing a party in the near future, but are not sure whether to have a picnic in the park or a barbecue party at home? People do enjoy both kinds of party, although some may have a first choice. One of the big differences between a picnic and a barbecue is often the food.

After all, you are usually allowed to have a barbecue and cook food in your own backyard, but there may be restrictions on cooking food on an open fire in a park or picnic site for fire safety purposes, so most people take pre-cooked meats and sandwiches.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of party, but we will begin by looking at the food aspect, as most parties centre around food. An advantage of having a picnic is that you will be able to muck in with your fellow revellers more, because you will have already cooked the chicken wings and legs and made the sandwiches the night before.

You will have bags of sausage rolls and small cakes and all you will have to do is lay them out for people to help themselves. If you run out of sandwiches, people can make their own with the sliced bread that you will have brought just in case.

The disadvantages of a picnic are that you also have to tie your time up the day before making all the food and you will need transport to get there with your hampers, bottles, flasks, plates, beakers, tissues, flannels towels and whatever else you usually take with you. People may not even like your choice of sandwiches and if you let them make their own with what you supply, there could be a terrible mess. Your sandwiches could also curl up overnight of go bad in the heat of the day or in the back of the car. This is a very real danger with pork, chicken and eggs.

You may have to put up a tent or rig up a shelter for those who can not stand strong sunlight. You may also have trouble with ants and wasps and the toilet amenities are often abysmal. Also if it starts to rain, you have little option but to pack up and depart for home or a pub

Barbecue food on the other hand is cooked there and then and cannot spoil. The only danger is under cooking, but it is not too difficult to get it right. There is not much likelihood of preparing vast quantities more than you require either as the chef will see when his food is not being taken away.

This is one of the disadvantages of barbecuing though, someone needs to stand there all day and cook, although this can be done in turns and there is usually a string of men eager to show off their expertise as a barbecue chef.

With a barbecue you have the advantage of shelter if it rains and the toilets are better than in the park and if it gets cool later on in the evening, you could use a patio heater to prolong the party.

Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with the outdoor heat lamp. If you are interested in patio heaters too, please click through to Residential Patio Heaters.

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Here’s How To Price A Swimming Pool

February 17th, 2010

Have you been dreaming about the day when you can walk out your back door and cool off from the hot summer sun, in your very own swimming pool? If you’re a new home owner or already have a castle of your own, you can install a pool now and get great savings. Due to a recent dip in the economy, prices on pools have gone down. Contractors are available to install a new pool in your yard, in most cases, immediately. Wondering how to price a pool before you select a contractor?

First things first. What kind of pool are you looking for? As silly as it may sound, not everyone knows what they are looking for. Are you looking for an above ground or in ground pool? Chances are, if you’re pricing a pool, you’ll be getting an in ground swimming pool. That is a good place to start.

When pricing a swimming pool, you need to consider what size of a pool you want to have built. This includes circumference and depth of the pool. This will dictate the shape of the pool, as well. Decide on something that you can live with, for quite some time.

You have many options to choose from. Think about the climate where you live, how often the pool will be used and what the outside of your home looks like, as well. You want your pool to match your home, in a way. Different materials will cost you different amounts, obviously. You need to think about the long term upkeep of a pool, as well.

Decide what kind of materials you want your pool made of. Don’t take the cheap way out. If you’re going to be putting in a swimming pool, you want it to last. You’re making an initial investment in entertainment for your entire family for years to come. Realize that if you use cheap materials, you’ll be spending more money down the road on repairs. It all comes out in the wash, so do it right the first time.

You also need to decide if you’re going to have a pool heater installed. If you think you’ll be using the pool during the cooler months, you may want to spring for the initial cost. Most pools are now heated by propane which has proven to be cost effective.

If you’re not adding a screened covering to your pool, you’ll want to make sure that you include the cost of the fence that you need to put around your pool to keep children and animals out of danger from the water. Also consider whether or not you want a pool cover if you will not be keeping the pool open year around. Once you know how to price a swimming pool, you can get to work on getting price quotes and finding the right contractor for the job.

Considering a pool but worried about those high Inground Pool Prices? And what about Swimming Pool Parts ? How much will a pool cost in maintenance and possible repairs? Visit us at www.ingroundpoolprices.com for more tips on pricing your inground pool, and the costs of having one.

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The Workshop Or Home Office Heater

February 16th, 2010

If you have converted your garage into a workshop or home office, you are sure to need heating in one form or another. This is because most garages are not built to the same standards of insulation as the main residential building. However, that need not present a difficulty. You may even have the opposite problem during the summer, as garages often do not have windows, or at least large ones, either.

Ventilation could be another matter that you will have to cope with, but we will come to that later. If you have a plentiful supply of dead wood, you could set up a pot-bellied stove, but you will have to vent the flue outside. This is very easily done, since most garage walls are only one brick or block thick. However, if they do not burn correctly, there can be a smell, which you may find disagreeable.

Or you could use a paraffin/kerosene heater. They are cheap to buy and are readily portable. These heaters do not necessarily have to have a flue. They are easy to turn on as many of them employ an electric starter. Some also have a thermostat to regulate the temperature. They can be a hazard if there are children around as they can be tipped over. However, for most people, the glitch would be the smell given off.

You could use an electric hot air heater. They are quite cheap to buy, are easily portable and do not require a flue, but they can create a very dry atmosphere and are costly to run.

One of the most popular choices these days is a gas heater. There are many different types of gas heater, but most run on butane or propane. Most of the models are fairly inexpensive. The main advantage of a gas heater is that they give consistent heat, are fairly cheap to run and are portable. Or at least many of them are.

You could have one built in, but it is hardly worth it, unless you are using gas that needs to be vented. Propane gas heaters also come with or without thermostatic controls. A propane heater could also double as a patio or deck heater on chilly evenings.

These gas heaters come in two forms: vented and unvented. The unvented models are the portable ones. They use the air from the room and the vented models have a flue that vents straight out of the garage. The slight disadvantage of the unvented model is that you have to keep the room airy at all times.

Therefore, if you decide on a portable, unvented propane heater, you must leave a window partly open in order to allow the exchange of air and these heaters can be used as patio or deck heaters during the spring and autumn/fall. However, the vented gas heaters are fixed and have a flue attached, so they cannot be moved outside. Furthermore, if you decide on a vented model, you would be better off getting a professional in to install it for you by the book.

Owen Jones, the writer of this piece, writes on many topics, but is currently involved with the propane outdoor heater. If you are interested in patio heaters too, please click through to Residential Patio Heaters.

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