If you are building a new wood deck or resurfacing an existing one, you are weighing the options and trying to determine what deck material will be best. You want something that is attractive, easy to maintain and cost effective.

One option to consider instead of a real wood deck surface will be composite products from manufacturers like Trex, Evergrain, TimberTech, CertainTeed, and LP.

Most composite deck materials are manufactured with a blend of recycled plastics such as polyethylene or PVC and wood fiber and sawdust by-products. Introduced to the market in the early 1990s, the initial products were made almost entirely with recycled products and touted as being environmentally friendly.

Characteristics of Composite Deck Materials

Today, in order to engineer longer lasting, more attractive composite deck materials, many manufacturers use recycled and/or virgin polyethylene or PVC, blended with wood flour and cellulose fibers. Each manufacturer uses a secret recipe, claiming that its unique blend will last longer, resist mold, fading, and superior expansion and contraction characteristics.

These composite products definitely give your deck better resistance to insects and rot than real wood and make it less likely to split, crack and weather as quickly. A variety of colors and finishes are available, including redwood, cedar, gray, buckskin and weathered wood. Some of the better products can look almost as good as a real wood deck!

Two basic types of composite deck materials are available; solid and hollow. Solid composite decking looks more like real wood decking but also expands and contracts more due to its mass. Hollow composite decking products may be more susceptible to damage on the job site and after installation.

Benefits of Composite Deck Materials

• Does not deteriorate or rot as quickly as real wood
• Resists fading and heat damage
• Easy to install
• Requires less maintenance than a real wood deck; no sanding, staining, sealing or refinishing is required
• Surface designed to prevent slipping when wet
• Does not splinter or sliver like real wood decking material

Disadvantages of Composite Deck Materials

• Probably only has a useful life of 5 to 10 years; while manufacturers claim otherwise, after about 5 seasons your composite deck will begin to show signs of wear and tear, with some degradation of the surface finish, color fading, scratches and even some warping
• Cannot be refinished, unlike a wood deck, which can be stained, oiled or otherwise refinished; the look you get when you buy it is what you’ll have for the life of your deck surface
• May pose environmental concerns since it can not currently be recycled and, unlike wood deck materials, may last up to 1,000 years in a landfill

Composite Deck Purchasing Tips

• Look at a variety of options before you select a composite decking material; warranties, features and prices vary widely and some products are better suited to certain types of climates than others
• Be sure you understand the manufacturer’s warranty period and specific terms; purchase your materials from a reputable dealer or home improvement center that will be there to back up the products they sell
• Consider whether you want to use deck railing and hardware made by the same manufacturer to match your deck surface or whether you prefer something like a wrought iron or other type of railings
• Get at least 3 separate contractors to provide you quotes if you plan to have your deck installed professionally; check references and compare prices before deciding on a contractor. Even if you are considering installing composite deck material yourself, getting the quotes and talking to the contractors first will help you better determine whether you are up to this project and what pitfalls to avoid!

Composite Deck Installation Tips

• Use the specially made screws meant for fastening composite decking material to prevent the deck material from "mushrooming" around the screw head; nails or regular deck screws are not the way to go!
• Although the directions for these screws say no pre-drilling is required, you should always pre-drill the holes with a drill-countersink combination bit; my own experience is that this is the only way to get the screw heads properly counter sunk without any mushrooming or mounding around the heads for a nice, smooth deck surface.
• Use an impact head on your drill and set the tension loose so that you do not over tighten the screw heads and break completely through the surface; you don’t want them too deep.



• As with wood deck materials, you need to correct any curvature in the boards as you install them; snap chalk lines and tack nails to the deck joist along the chalk lines between the composite deck planks to get the spacing even as you install each one.
• If the span you are covering is longer than the composite deck planks, stagger the joints where ends meet; you can either stagger the joints randomly or use an alternating length to create a uniform pattern.
• Start laying deck planks from the outside edge of the deck and work your way inward toward the house; this way if you need to rip the final board to width the cut side can be more easily concealed.
• You can also leave the ends of your deck a bit ragged and uneven as you install if that helps reduce the number of cuts and notches required; trim the ends with a circular saw after all the boards are installed and use a belt sander to round and smooth the ends.

Composite Deck Maintenance and Cleaning Tips

• Be sure to follow your manufacturer’s care instructions
• You need a gap of at least 3/16 inch between composite deck boards (1/8 inch is common) to ensure that leaves, dust, etc. does not clog the gaps and provide an organic food source for mildew and mold to form
• Use a broom or leaf blower to keep your composite deck free of leaves, dust, pollen, etc.
• Keeping your composite deck clean is the best way to prolong its useful life; periodically clean the surfaces with a cleaning solution and stiff scrub brush, scrubbing in the direction of the grain
• A homemade cleaning solution consisting of 1/3 cup of powered laundry soap, 2/3 cup of tri sodium phosphate, one quart of bleach and three quarts of water works well; you can also buy commercial deck cleaning solutions
• Always test the cleaning solution first on a small, out-of-site area of the deck to be sure it does not discolor or otherwise harm the composite deck boards
• Wet the entire deck surface thoroughly before spraying the cleaning solution on to help it spread evenly and penetrate the mold, mildew and grime; it’s easier to do this in small areas, working your way from one end to the other.
• Let the cleaning solution sit for about 15 minutes, scrub it well and then rinse with a garden hose and spray attachment; repeated scrubbing may be required in heavily soiled areas
• If you use a power washer to rinse the deck boards, be sure to use a very low power setting and attachment or you may harm the composite deck surface and void your warrantee; consult your manufacturer’s care instructions before using a power washer.
• Use a putty knife to remove organic material that collects in joints or gaps
• Use care with the cleaning solution; it is acidic and will harm unprotected plants near the deck as you rinse the deck, splashing overspray onto the foliage

While a patio umbrella or other non-permanent patio covering may be adequate for casual outdoor use, if you really want to spend time on your patio and enjoy the outdoors regardless if the sun is beating down or a rain shower passes through, then a permanent wood patio cover offers many advantages.

Whether you want to build your own wood patio cover or are considering having a contractor build one for you, this guide will give you plenty of great ideas about styles, features and options to consider.

Types of Wood Patio Covers

Selecting the patio cover design that best meets your budget and needs is a personal choice. If you have an architect design your patio then having a matching patio cover designed is sensible and will help ensure you get the appropriate quality and custom design you want.

If you are designing your own patio or want to cover an existing patio, then you’ll have plenty of options to consider, including how much area you want to cover and whether you want to provide full protection from the elements with a solid roof and enclosed sides or simply want shade, in which case a more open patio cover will suffice.

Ask yourself a few questions to determine what type of wood patio cover best suits your needs:

• Do you entertain outdoors often and tend to spend a lot of time on your patio?
• Do you use your patio for meals, recreation and other outdoor activities?
• Do you store items such as a barbeque grill, outdoor furniture and other times on your patio?
• Do you have pets that need a well-covered outdoor area?
• Does the area in which you live have special weather-related conditions including biting insects, humidity, heat or predominant wind direction that need to be considered?
• Does your patio have special views of water, mountains, a cityscape below or some other natural setting you want to be sure is maintained?

Once you have answered these questions you should be ready to zero in on the design, location, shape and general size of wood patio structure that best suits your outdoor living needs.

Wood Patio Cover Designs

The first decision in deciding what type of wood patio cover to buy or build is whether or not you want it to be partially or completely enclosed. The overall style and budget of your patio cover will be largely determined by this basic choice.

Many people want a versatile patio cover and will thus choose to at least partially enclose their structure. A roof with tile, wood shingles or composite roof shingles requires special consideration with regard to the construction and materials to be used.

If you intend to build a wood patio cover with a solid roof, then you can either build one that extends out from the rafters of your home with a pitch that enables rain to drain adequately or you might prefer one that is gabled, with the peak extending out from your home and pitched to either side.

The architecture of your home should also be considered in making this decision; you wouldn’t want to cover your patio structure for instance with a wood shingle roof if your home has a tile roof.

If you do not spend time outdoors unless the weather is nice and the sun is shining, then a simple flat-topped patio cover more like an arbor, with wood slats or beams may be adequate.

Plant flowering vines or other trees and shrubberies that will grow and cover the arbor can also help increase the amount of shade your patio cover will provide.

As another alternative, you could build a wood patio cover that is flat with a slight pitch and cover it with acrylic panels to add shade and protection from moisture.

Wood Patio Cover Materials

One consideration with any type of wood patio cover is maintenance. While your wood patio cover should be designed to fit in naturally with the landscaping and architecture of your home, it should also be easy to maintain.

Depending on your budget, you can use pine to build your wood patio cover, or you might opt for something more expensive but durable such as oak or redwood.

Posts and any part of the structure that touches earth or will be exposed to the elements should be made of pressure treated lumber to withstand moisture and termites. You can either use a natural stain in order to give your patio the natural look of wood or paint it to match your home’s exterior.

Avoid leaving any exposed parts of your wood patio cover unfinished or it will quickly deteriorate as with any wood structure subject to the weather! Left unfinished, wood will crack, warp and splinter over time, so plan to repaint or refinish your wood patio cover at least every other season in order to make it last for many years.

Synthetic Wood Patio Cover Alternative

If you like the look of a wood patio cover but don’t want the associated maintenance concerns, an alternative could be synthetic wood materials made with acrylic that simulates the look of real wood.

Many of these synthetic wood materials have become available in recent years and while you will most likely need to use real wood for structural elements like posts and beams, the synthetic materials are suitable for use in construction of a patio cover without the obtrusive look of aluminum or other structural materials commonly used in building patio covers.

And if you have an uncovered patio or deck you probably want to know the best way to provide shade and cover from summer rain showers.

The factors that need to be considered when planning patio covers include where you live and predominant weather conditions, how much time you like to spend outside on your patio and what types of activities you generally enjoy in your outdoor living area!

In this multi-part online guide to patio covers, we present an overview of your options, followed by detailed ideas on each type and even how to build your own patio cover.

Types of Patio Covers

There are two basic types of patio covers you can consider; permanent structures such as pergolas, arbors and gazebos or removable patio covers such as retractable awnings, umbrellas and fabric canopies.

A permanent patio cover will entail more effort and cost but can significantly enhance your patio or other outdoor living area, enabling you to enjoy spending more time outdoors.

By adding a structure that provides both shade and protection from rain and inclement weather, you add a new feature to your landscaping that both helps add visual interest to your property as well as making your patio a more comfortable all-season outdoor living space.

Building your own wood patio cover is a fun do-it-yourself home improvement project, but you could also consider options such as a pre-manufactured aluminum or acrylic patio cover.

On the other hand, if all you want is to provide basic coverage from the elements of sun, rain and wind when you are on your patio, then the less expensive and removable types of patio covers are a great alternative. Something as simple as a patio umbrella keeps the harsh sun off your patio table and can be put away during the winter months.

More elaborate options include retractable awnings which cover a larger area than umbrellas and are easily stored when not in use, leaving the natural surroundings of your patio and landscaping open and free of posts or other structures necessary to support permanent patio covers.

Wood Patio Covers

If you want something built to endure the elements, building a permanent patio cover using lumber has many benefits and adds value to your home. While a building permit may be required in your area, you can readily find plans for wood patio covers and do the construction yourself.

Be sure to consider options such as whether or not you want to enclose your wood patio cover, either with simple drop panels to protect your patio from wind and rain or simply use screens to keep out the biting insects.

Also consider whether you want to install electric wiring to light your patio and provide power for other electrical accessories you might like to operate.

The obvious disadvantages of a wood patio cover are the cost and time required to build and maintain a permanent structure.

Metal Patio Covers

Aluminum or wrought iron are also popular materials for the construction of a patio cover and require less maintenance than a wood structure, since they will not rot and generally have a finish to prevent rusting.

Manufacturers offer extruded aluminum frames that are easy and much quicker to install than a wood patio cover.

The disadvantages of a metal patio cover are that they can be damaged in high winds or storms and are not retractable.

Pergolas and Arbors

Decorative pergolas and arbors don’t offer any real protection from the elements other than providing some shade, but they can enhance the beauty of your patio or other landscaped areas.

You might also build a pergola or arbor to match your wood patio cover to tie the design elements together nicely.

Canopy Awnings and Retractable Awnings

Canopy and retractable awnings are a great alternative to more permanent structures like wood or metal patio covers.

The great advantage of a retractable patio cover is that is can be easily rolled up and out of the way when not in use, keeping it out of site and well protected during storms and easily extended when you want shade on your patio.

A retractable awning will be more expensive than one with aluminum or other supports that will make your canopy generally more difficult to put up and take down.

You have a great selection of fabrics, styles and colors to choose from when purchasing a canopy or retractable awning.

Patio Umbrellas

The least expensive solution of course is to simply use patio umbrellas to provide shade. Simple umbrellas will mount through a hole in your outdoor table and have a weighted base to support the umbrella.

The disadvantage of umbrellas is that they provide limited shade and no real protection from wind and other weather elements.

With a bit of planning, concrete knowledge and a lot of honest work, you can pour your own concrete patio, sidewalk, retaining wall or slab foundation.

The basics of concrete include deciding on the right type of concrete, estimating how much concrete is needed to complete the project, building the forms, mixing and pouring, reinforcement, finishing and letting it cure properly.

Read on to learn the fundamentals of concrete form building, mixing and pouring.

What Type of Concrete Should You Use?

For small jobs like reinforcing fence posts or smaller projects like concrete walkways, you can use Ready-mix concrete, which comes in 25 pound bags.

For larger projects you’ll want to order Transit-mix concrete to be delivered by a truck with a revolving barrel, which is more costly but saves a huge amount of time, or else rent a trailer and transport it to your jobsite, which can save you money.

If you have the time, you can rent a mixer and prepare the concrete yourself onsite, but check around for pricing on all three of these options to determine whether the savings justify the additional work of mixing your own concrete for a large project!

Concrete Materials Estimation

To estimate the amount of concrete you need, you must first know the area and depth of your pour. Multiply the length and width of the area you are covering with concrete to calculate the square footage. Then multiply this number by the thickness your concrete will be.

Refer to the following table to determine how many cubic yards will be needed to complete your project:

Building Concrete Forms

Most concrete projects require forms, either above or dug into the ground. The forms provide a mold to retain the concrete during finishing and curing.

Start by setting up temporary posts to establish the slope or grade, and then lightly nail or clamp the forms to the posts with C clamps. Be sure to use a level in order to be sure the slope or grade is correct.

Once you have set the grade, drive stakes in place along the edges of the shape and size of the area to be covered with concrete and nail the forms to the stakes.

Concrete Mixing

There are four primary ingredients used in concrete; Portland cement, fine aggregate like sand, coarse aggregate like crushed rock or gravel and water.

Between two thirds and three fourths of mixed concrete are comprised of the sand and rock or gravel aggregates, which need to be clean and without organic material. Clean water must be used to mix concrete and should not contain acid, alkali, oil or sulfate.

Even though these basic ingredients are the same for any concrete pour, the mixture varies, depending on the job.

For foundations and retaining walls, use about 6-1/4 gallons of water for each sack of cement if the sand is damp. However, if the sand is wet, 5-1/2 gallons of water will easily do the job.

For a sidewalks, slab or similar job use approximately 5 and three quarters gallons of water for each sack of cement if the sand is damp or approximately 5 gallons if the sand is wet.

To build heavy footings for a wall, where waterproofing is not critical, mix concrete using one part cement, three parts sand and four parts gravel.

To build a sidewalk, driveway or steps, mix one part cement, two parts sand and three parts gravel.

When mixing cement for a small job, you can mix in a large bucket or wheelbarrow. For larger jobs, use a wooden box that is twelve inches in width, length and depth to mix concrete one yard at a time.

Be sure to read the directions on your concrete bags since the exact ratios can vary.

Concrete Pouring

With your forms in place, wet the area lightly using a garden hose, fill the forms with concrete and then compact it by either tamping the concrete, using a piece of 2×4 or, for a large pour, rent a roller tamper.

Once the concrete is tamped, use a 2×4 board with a straight edge as a screed to level the surface, working it back and forth with a sawing motion until the concrete is completely level across the entire formed area.

After the concrete sets enough to support a 2×8 plank, use it as a straight edge, guiding a concrete grooving tool to cut contraction joints spaced every four to six feet, which will allow the concrete to contract and expand with temperature changes.

For narrow areas like sidewalks and walkways, you only need to cut the joints across the concrete, but for large areas like a patio or driveway, joints should be cut both directions at 90 degree angles to each other, spaced every four to six feet, embedding two beveled clapboards of the right length to span the concrete.

One board should be nailed on top and removed once the concrete has set, leaving the second hidden in place to provide adequate contraction, which is more critical the larger the area of concrete you pour.

Concrete Reinforcement

For projects like driveways and slab foundations, steel mesh reinforcement is needed. In cases where the majority of pressure will be from the top of a slab, place reinforcement close to the bottom.

In cases where the slab’s strong point is in the center, with pressure exerted from either end, place reinforcement as close to the top as possible.

Concrete Finishing

Use a trowel and float to create a smooth finish, using the float to smooth the surface overall and then using the trowel to finish.

If you want a lightly swirled pattern in the finish, move a steel trowel across the surface of the concrete with a swirling motion on your final pass. If you want a heavier swirl, use a wood float instead of the trowel and finish the surface sooner, when the concrete is relatively wet.

Drag a soft brush across the surface of moderately wet concrete if you want to create a light pattern of parallel lines; for heavier parallel lines, try doing this while the concrete is relatively wet.

You can use a broom to create a slightly wavy, rough finish that is not slick when wet, making the brush strokes all in the same direction between contraction joints, or alternating the direction for a different look.

If you want your concrete to look like flagstone, after leveling the surface with a float, use a half or three-quarter inch piece of copper, about 18 inches in length and slightly, bent to tool the surface. Then trowel and brush the surface lightly.

Regardless what pattern you use, be sure it will not cause standing water, which is one of the major causes of failure with concrete.
If desired, you can also add a colorant when mixing your concrete to make it look like natural stone, brick, etc.

Let the Concrete Cure

Concrete takes time to cure, during which time you should use a garden hose with a fine mist spray attachment to wet it at least twice per day for the first three days or so after pouring.

While concrete poured indoors can be left uncovered, you should cover exposed concrete with burlap or building paper during the curing period, removing it each time you spray it and then recovering it again.

All concrete must be given time to cure. During this period, the concrete surface should be kept wet by repeated hosing with a fine mist.

Do not pour concrete during the middle of the day if the weather is super hot, since it will dry too quickly. It’s much better to pour toward the end of the day when things are a bit cooler and the concrete can set more slowly overnight without direct sunshine.

Apply a clear or colored sealer to your concrete it is completely cured to improve traction, enhance the appearance and extend useful life.

Concrete Tools and Material Checklist

• Concrete Mix
• Level
• Hatchet
• Grover
• Line
• Concrete Hoe
• 2×4s and Other Material for Forms
• Rubber Boots
• Reinforcing Mesh
• Garden Hose
• Darby or Float
• Tiling Spade
• Long 2×4s for Screed
• Brush or Broom
• Plastic or Galvanized Pail
• Edger
• Line Level
• Trowel
   

But these days you’ll find dozens of affordable power washer models from which to choose. And since you’ll own your own, you’ll also find a lot more uses for it around your garage and in the yard! A power or pressure washer can help cut your cleaning time drastically, and it has the added benefit of using approximately 80% less water than a garden hose.

How a Power Washer Works

Power washers use a combination of water pressure and water flow to remove dirt and grime.

This combination allows for easier, more efficient cleaning in comparison to a bucket, hose, and elbow grease.

Detergent and heated water can also increase the cleaning power of a pressure washer.

Selecting a Power Washer

Power washers come in gas and electric models. Gas power washers are generally more powerful but can only be used outside due to the carbon monoxide emissions.

Gas power washers are also generally more expensive in comparison to electric power washers. Electric power washers are generally smaller, more portable, and less powerful than gas powered models.

The easiest way to compare power washers is by looking at their cleaning power (sometimes abbreviated as “CP” or “CPU”). Cleaning power is calculated using water pressure (PSI or pounds per square inch) and water flow (GPM or gallons per minute). The higher the water pressure and flow, the greater the cleaning power: CP = PSI x GPM

Lower-end washers will have a CP around 4000, mid-range washers around 9000, and higher end washers can top out at over 16,000 CP.

Uses for a Power Washer

Sure, you can use a pressure washer to strip grime from your home, but is that enough to justify the purchase? There are other uses for power washers that you may not have thought of, such as:

• Cars & Trucks
• Boats & Jet Skis
• ATVs & Motorcycles
• Driveways & Sidewalks
• Decks & Patios
• Fences
• Gutters
• Pool Areas
• Barbeque Grills

Tips on Using a Power Washer

• Inspect the area to be washed. Remove any furniture, loose decorative items, or anything else that could be damaged. If you are pressure washing a house, look for any loose siding, cracks, or crevasses where water can get inside. It’s advisable to fix these problems before washing to prevent water damage to your home.
• Consider using a detergent specifically designed for power washers. This is particularly important if you are working in areas with plants, animals, or children. Make sure that what you are using is safe.
• Don’t run the washer without the water supply. This will damage the motor.
• Test the washer on an inconspicuous area before moving on to the rest of the project.
• Select the right nozzle for your job. The nozzle will affect the flow rate and water pressure. Adjustable nozzles are often the best choice.
• Don’t get too close! You could damage the object you are cleaning. Start by standing about ten feet away from the object, spray over the surface a few times, and then stop. Check to see if the area is clean and look for any damage. Adjust your distance accordingly.
• Brush attachments can help loosen caked-on dirt and ground-in grime.
• Don’t spray directly at windows, plants, vents, electrical boxes, or light fixtures. The water pressure could damage them.
• Never aim the washer at people or allow children to use the washer.
• It’s advisable to wear goggles or safety glasses to protect your eyes from any flying debris.
• When cleaning siding, make sure to point downwards to avoid breaking the siding off or getting water underneath it.
• Spray back and forth, not up and down.
• Start at the top and work downward to prevent streaks.
• Squeeze the trigger before storing the washer to relieve the pressure in the hose.

Immigrants brought wicker to the new world, where it took on many new and unique styles. But today, wicker has gained popularity for its style, comfort and flexibility in home furniture and decor. Wicker, which literally means "to weave”, first appears in our history records more than two thousand years ago with baby Moses passing safely on the Nile river in a reed-woven wicker basket.

The term wicker is better defined as the use of slim, flexible branches, vines, or grass woven into a pattern, with the resulting “wickerwork” created by weaving the wicker together.

Wicker furniture is made by weaving the wicker around a frame to form chairs, sofas, tables, baskets and many other forms.

You can buy wicker furniture with natural, stained and painted surfaces. Some manufacturers coat the wicker in resins to prevent furniture from cracking, flaking or fading.

Wicker Furniture Trends

Modern furniture makers now manufacture wicker with materials ranging from outer the skins of rattan vines traditionally used to make wicker products, to bamboo, reeds, or synthetic materials.

Versatile and chameleon-like, wicker is often matched with upholstered cushions for added comfort. Put it together with bamboo or teak furniture and your room suddenly seems more relaxing.

Put a wicker porch swing out on your patio for those lazy summer afternoon naps. You can use wicker for a laundry basket or hamper, to decorate your walls or for any of a hundred other purposes!

Wicker Furniture Styles

Traditional wicker furniture designs from the roaring twenties have given way to modern designs of the mid to late 20th century, with sleek lines and simpler shapes.

Styles have moved towards oversize pieces, with bright, colorful Hawaiian prints tending to replace the more traditional patterns and pastel colors used in upholstered cushions.

Because of the range of materials used and its inherently flexible nature, wicker can be used with almost any design aesthetic, shape or size, from Victorian to Polynesian, Southeast Asian to contemporary, wide and relaxing or dainty and trim.

Plastic and resins can be formed to imitate the natural rattan, reed and cane wicker materials, with the added benefit of improved weather resistance, making these synthetic wickers the perfect material for outdoor furniture.

Use Wicker Indoors and Outdoors

A more casual room in tropical climates will be perfect for wicker furniture indoors. It is light and airy and can easily be outfitted with colorful cushions in any pattern.

Wicker furniture is relatively light weight, making it easy to move from your sunroom or other casual room indoors out to your patio as the seasons change.

Non-synthetic wicker furniture should not be left outdoors exposed to a summer shower, so if you plan to use it primarily outdoors, consider the synthetic materials.

In addition to it use for furniture, wicker is also used to make products such as lampshades, trunks and chests, hampers, storage shelves, porch swings, and baby bassinets.

Wicker’s adaptability can help blend your indoor and outdoor spaces. You can coordinate shape, texture and colors to make spaces flow more seamlessly from indoors to outdoors, especially if you live in a warmer climate where sunrooms and screen porches are so popular.

Choosing Wicker Furniture

A rattan or hard wood frame typically is used in making the best wicker furniture. Regardless of the woven material used, it should be solid and dense; lighter weight wicker furniture will tend to be of lesser quality than denser, heavier weight products.

Quality wicker products won’t tend to crack or peel. It is smooth to the touch and fits the body comfortably. Cheaper wicker furniture often has rough or exposed ends of fiber that is uncomfortable.

Caring for Wicker Furniture

• Dust can be a challenge in caring for wicker furniture. The woven surfaces make them dust magnets. To maintain and clean your wicker furniture, try these tips:
• Dust or vacuum your wicker periodically and use clear furniture polish to treat the pieces, unless your manufacturer specifies another treatment
• You can also use a thin layer of clear lacquer to coat and protect wicker furniture
• Wipe wicker gently with a solution of warm water and mild soap to clean areas that have become more deeply soiled
• It is recommended that you dry wicker quickly should it get wet to prevent standing water, which may cause it to crack or form gaps between the weave
• If your wicker furniture develops cracks or sharp edges, try sanding it gently with fine-grained sandpaper

Planning Your Screened Porch

It is necessary to plan the porch. You should make sure that your screened porch permits and meets all the side and rear yard setbacks and every other aspect of the zoning code. Be sure you get proper building permits before starting any major building project. An architect can then be called. Make sure the architect is experienced and well versed in the subject. Make sure that the size of the finished room suits your needs. Put all the furniture you want to use in the patio.

Building a screen porch requires an understanding of some basic elements like climate and construction. Evaluate and explore various options. Take into consideration various styles and accordingly plan the basics of the building. Screen porch can be square or rectangular in shape. The flooring can be hard wood or laminated.

Cost Estimation

It is important that you do the costing as it will save further headache. This can be accomplished by doing a material take-off. This is a simple list that shows the type, quality and quantity of material required for the project.

The Foundation

The deck of the porch is very important. The piers of the deck should be properly dug. For this first build the deck outline. After the corners are established you can easily find the centre of your piers. Dig the post holes with the post hole digger down to the frost level.

Pour approximately 8 inch thick layer of concrete in the bottom hole. The next day, insert the treated lumber post that has an attachment for the joists. Around the post fill about 6 inch of gravel and finally 6 inches of concrete. This way it is easy to replace the post should it become necessary.

Decking and Walls

The deck or the floor is important. You can use treated lumber. Do not put any spacing between your decking boards or else they will shrink.
Seal the deck boards before nailing. Get your electrical wires installed and possibly a gas line for your grill. Plan for these things beforehand as to how they reach the porch from the house.

The walls are simply screened panels that fit between the posts that support the roof structure. Put the panels of the walls at the end.
Screening is available in a wide range of materials including rust-proof bronze, copper or aluminum, as well as anodized aluminum with a baked on finish, and even vinyl.

Corner/Support Posts

This is important as the beams rest upon them. The beams span over the posts and are connected with special post and beam galvanized hardware. The lumber used should be untreated as treated ones will twist as they dry out. Use the lower grade as it has tight knots.

Roofing

The roof adds to the overall look of the porch. If your house has a hip roof use the same for the porch. These are very strong and help to lock the walls together. It can be made up of any material including translucent sheeting or solid roofing material,

You can find clear, colored or translucent fiberglass panels for roofing your porch. Fiberglass panels provide shade and protection from the elements. You can have more or less shade depending on which type and how much translucence the panels have.

Light weight fiberglass roof panels are available, which are durable and resist impact well in case of hail, high winds and other inclement weather. The material will not shatter, shrink or expand significantly over time and is easy to install.

Electric Requirements

One should always plan for the electric requirements in advance. You may need outlets for radio, lamps or TV’s, fans etc.

Painting or Finishing

This is very important as it adds to the overall effect. Wooden screened porches require maintenance. This can be minimized by pre-painting or finishing the wood before installing.

This also reduces the damage due to water. Paint the screen panels before installing the screens. You can also paint the roof rafters and underside of the roof plywood before installing them.

But when it comes time for a barbeque, it seems the whole family; or rather the whole neighborhood is scrambling to be there! Thus, the outdoor kitchen is born. You may say that an outdoor kitchen is too luxurious for you, too expensive perhaps, unaffordable and so on. Think again!

As long as you have a place (a deck or a patio would do) to install the basics of an outdoor kitchen then you will be surprised at how inexpensive they could be. All you really need to complete your outdoor kitchen is a grill and a storage area for you cooking accessories. And if truth be told, you can have this in a single unit for more or less than $300.

The cost of putting up a fine outdoor kitchen is rather cheap, that is, as long as you already have an area in mind such as a deck or patio where you plan to set it up on.

When choosing the location to put your grill, make sure that it will not reach any combustible surfaces. This can be illustrated through simple addition: if you put fire and wood together, what do you get? More fire, of course! However, you should not limit your caution to wood alone. Never make the common mistake I’ve seen a hundred times of putting your grill near a vinyl siding. Although it may not cause fire, the heat will surely dissolve the siding.

Also, take note if you are going to use a gas grill. You will need to think about the gas line and a place where a gas grill can easily be set up. And, don’t forget to think about the possible bad weather. You’ll need a covered space with ample amount of lighting to accommodate your cook.

Do-it-yourself outdoor kitchen

When making your own storage cabinet, consider how the weather will affect it. A cement fiber backer board can be used as protection.

Or, set up a tile or stone surface that can cover it. For about $700 you can buy you a fine-looking steel drop-in grill. Be sure that your countertop is also weatherproof, so make use of tile, granite, stainless steel, solid surface, or concrete.

You can produce a magnificent social spot if your area is large enough to include both the countertop and the eating area. You can then make the grill as the center or focal point. Bar stools are ideal for this type but be sure to buy stools made of weatherproof materials.

Refrigerators and sinks

Of course any kitchen has a refrigerator, so your outdoor kitchen must have one too. A good stainless steel refrigerator made especially for outdoor use is the best type to buy.

Outdoor refrigerators are not your ordinary full-size units. They are the under-the-counter type. Ensure that your buy the right outdoor type.

Without outdoor refrigerators, what effort it would be if you have to go back and forth to the inside kitchen, so it is a great addition to your outdoor kitchen. Make sure that your things are stored securely all year round by buying an outdoor refrigerator with safety lock.

Another thing to consider is a sink. It is more convenient if you have a sink in your outdoor kitchen to do your washing and rinsing and adding water to your sauces. It saves you the trip of going in and out of the house or the tedious task of putting up a hose. But check first with your local building codes regarding adding a sink.

Modular grill units

If you lack the confidence to build your own outdoor kitchen, do not think that you are doomed of not having a nice one forever. There are modular units that can serve as alternative to your outdoor kitchen. It is as easy as setting it up then firing up the grill!

Of course, you wouldn’t want one of those $20-grills you find in super-saver stores. Invest, invest, invest! Typically, grills will provide you a cooking spot from 15” to 26” deep and up to 4 ft. wide.

Your decision will really depend on whether you want a charcoal grill or the one that makes use of gas. You may even consider a wood smoker as an option (but they are more tedious to work with in terms of regimented cooking schedule).

Real outdoor grilling connoisseurs use stainless steel most often. Newer models feature wood grain embossed on the stainless steel and even has an array of bright colors to choose from that will complement any kitchen. You may also choose a model with side burner for your sauces or other dishes.

Custom built-in grills and countertops

If you really want to customize your outdoor kitchen, you will plan it as part of your landscape design, with a built-in grill and countertops that incorporate tile or natural stone like slate or granite that match your patio materials.

While this adds cost, it will also make your outdoor kitchen something to really enjoy and a place the entire family will want to spend time together relaxing for outdoor meals. An outdoor kitchen and eating area will also increase the value of your landscaping investment.

Determine the elements that you want for your outdoor kitchen but ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS consider how it will fit the climate in your area. If appropriate, consider how best to provide overhead protection and features like screen enclosures to keep the bugs away so that you’ll truly enjoy using your outdoor kitchen.

An outdoor kitchen can be a good investment in Minnesota as well as in Florida considering the wide range of choices and options available if you plan correctly and know what seasons and how often you will use yours.

Adding an outdoor kitchen can be a fun do-it-yourself project or part of a professional landscape design effort that you choose to hire contractors to complete.
Set your budget and must have features and design elements up front and you’ll be happy with your outdoor kitchen and eating area for many years!

So, now it’s so easy to make your porch look inviting and vibrant with character by adding or upgrading your deck railing. You can choose the railings that could really inject your style on your porch. Many people out there felt something is amiss after some inexperienced decorators chose the railings for him.

The best thing to do if you are planning to build a deck is to talk to your designer as to what you like to see in the railings. However, be sensitive on this matter, too. Professional design planners don’t want to be insulted by making them think that they are not the authorities in their field. You can, instead, politely suggest to your designer if it is possible for your porch or deck to have a look leaning towards your style and not his.

Homeowners should also consider the kind of material they want to use for their deck railings. They should be aware that some materials are more durable than others; of course durability depends on the kind of environment they have in their place, too.

However, if you want to go with style, flexibly, and most of all, durability, then deck railings made of steel is the best thing for you. Steel-made deck railings are durable and are flexible enough to conform to your liking. If money is not an issue, you could opt to get stainless steel materials to avoid rust.

Rust should be the number one consideration when it comes to steel deck railing material. Steel is very susceptible to corrosive chemicals, even the sweet from the palm of your hand.

Who would have thought that you can add a more rustic and western look in your porch by using wood as your deck railing? Hard, exotic wood with slight twists and turns for character adds a more warm an inviting atmosphere to your porch.

This mimicked the times when Governors and Sheriff’s, who used to hold outside parties in their verandas with their wooden railings, ruled the counties. Durability is the main concern with wooden deck railing though.

However, beware of the 6-legged, tiny home wreckers; the termites. They can potentially ruin your beautiful red mahogany deck railings before you know it.

The best thing to do to prevent this is to have your wood treated with insect-killer compounds before affixing them permanently to your porch. However, after a while, the effect of the treatment will eventually wear off. That is why constant vigilance on the tiny home demolition team is needed to ensure that they are never present in your wooden deck railing.

If you are not too keen on heavy carpentry and you do not want to spend money to hire professionals to do it, but you are too desperate to have your deck railings changed; then the pre-fabricated ones are the best for you.

Nowadays, wooden deck railings fastened with aluminum on both ends are getting more popular among do-it-your-self savvy people. All you need to do to fasten the pre-fabricated deck railings is to drill holes, insert the railings, and place cap to secure them in place and it’s done. This will save a huge amount of money.

For my own deck, I chose wrought iron deck railings, powder coated black for durability and style. These have given us good use and we enjoy the style they provide as well.

Other materials commonly used include vinyl covered railings, stone posts with wire cables or wood railings and, if your deck is exposed to wind, you may choose clear glass or acrylic panels to provide a good wind break.

Another important consideration when choosing your deck railings is the design of the entire house, itself. If your house’s design is minimalist and leaning towards transparency, then the best material to use in your deck railings is steel. They are less obstructive and less imposing on your porch. Depending on the level of security you want, there are even glass options for your deck railings.

Whatever the design and feel of your house is, and whatever is the stretch of your budget, there is a suitable deck railing material for you out there. You just need to do some research on which stores sell them, and when you do, there is no reason for you not to give your deck railings your best.

As this kind of furniture is a timeless classic, it conveniently gels with almost any patio, garden, landscaping or deck.

The designs of wrought iron patio furniture are created to satisfy ubiquitous needs. This piece of furniture offers the individual with umpteen years of trendy furniture adorning the outdoor decor.

Wrought Iron is regarded as the most pure form of iron. This metal is free of any type of impurities generally observed in other kind of metals. Moreover, it is completely defiant to corrosion.

Wrought iron patio furniture in true essence enlivens the outdoor space. They are elegant, attention–grabbing and weather resistant.

Price and quality of wrought iron patio furniture are interdependent. A parameter of quality is the thickness of metal.

Thick metal has long life expectancy and are usually sturdier. It is good to buy a powder coated polished furniture. Since, this has the most scratch and chip resistant power coating.

This kind of outdoor furniture is reasonably priced, with chair and table sets commencing from $200. However, there are very highly priced sets sold in the market.

Pros and Cons of Wrought Iron

Innumerable benefits can be attained by selecting the wrought iron patio furniture. It is malleable, tough and welded for durability not found in lesser quality patio sets.

This furniture is reasonably elastic and defies corrosion. Since wrought iron furniture is heavier, there is little likelihood of your patio furniture blowing over in a strong wind.

One major disadvantage of such furniture is its cost when compared to plastic or other lower quality pieces.

Also, in chillier weather, the metal becomes cold and during hot weather conditions, it will feel hot to the touch. Good fabric cushions and pillows will help alleviate this problem and add color and pizzazz to your patio set.

Highlighted below are few of the benefits that are offered by the Wrought Iron Patio Furniture:

• Durable – Patio furniture made up of Wrought Iron offers prolonged services provided good care, regular cleaning and upkeep.
• Simple to clean – The cleaning of such furniture is very simple. Just wash your patio furniture with warm, soapy water. Simply rinse off the furniture and it will remain as beautiful as ever.
• Tough – Wrought Iron Patio Furniture is solid and strong owing to its heavy metal. Components are less likely to bend and become wobbly as with sets made from lesser materials.
• Weather Resistant – This kind of patio furniture is capable of withstanding myriad weather elements. Harsh climate conditions tend to abuse plastic or even wood patio furniture, whereas even in wet and freezing conditions, your wrought iron patio furniture will hold up.
• Panache – These sets are available in every style to suit, from modern to antique fashioned style. These are available in myriad color tones ands coatings.
• Comfy – Though upright and without much flex, still they are comfortable. Chairs will be supportive while tables provide sturdy and stable surfaces. Pillows and cushions are normally added for additional convenience.

Wrought Iron Patio Furniture Care

• Patio furniture made from wrought iron is long lasting, but still some amount of additional care will add longevity. It is advised to occasionally clean the furniture with soap and water. In order to ensure additional protection, you can apply a spray wax like used for cars every six months or yearly.
• The furniture usually comes with a list of instructions on how to maintain it properly. Some suppliers will also provide touchup paint, in case of chips or scratches that may occur with normal wear and tear.
• Wrought-iron furniture can tend to rust. If you find rust, its best to address the problem right away. First, use a wire brush to scrub the rusted area lightly. You should scrub just hard enough to remove the rust flakes, but not so hard that you scratch the paint. If the rust is extensive you may need to repaint.
• If your furniture has rust stains and no rust flakes, you can try dipping fine steel-wool pads in kerosene to brush the stains away. When handling kerosene, always remember to wear safety glasses and rubber gloves, working away from any open flame.
• If the joints have rust, it may be easier to disassemble your furniture and clean each component separately if the pieces are not welded together.
• Once you remove the rust, use your liquid car spray wax to coat the furniture, which helps protect it from rusting.
• Whenever possible, it is recommended to cover the patio furniture and you should consider storing the furniture indoors during the winter season. These maintenance suggestions will add additional years to your wrought iron patio furniture’s life.

Cedar is the most desirable wood for porch swings because it is ages beautifully, is naturally resistant to rot, and insect proof. When new, cedar is red in color; it goes brown and eventually silvery gray, as it ages. It is also fairly lightweight.

There are two types of cedar used – Northern White Cedar and Western Red Cedar. Western Red Cedar swings are considered to be the best option, because of its beautiful rich red color and its uniform, fine-grained texture, which has a satiny luster. It also has a very pleasant smell which makes using it quite enjoyable.

A cypress patio swing is another option. Cypress is very durable, and it is also naturally resistant to decay and insects because of its oil content. Its original color is like pale honey, and as it ages it goes gray.

Pine patio swings are also popular. Pine is the least expensive of all quality woods, and it is lightweight and rot resistant. It looks very attractive, with natural knots present in the wood. On the downside, pine is not terribly durable of all woods, and it also requires regular staining to prolong the life of your swing.

Alder is a strong, durable and relatively inexpensive wood. Alder is very practical, but the wood itself doesn’t have any attractive pattern, so it is usually painted.

Most patio swings have similar seats made of horizontal slats, but what makes the difference is the style of the back.

The most traditional is a straight top to bottom back with vertical slats. This style of back offers you a classic look and the most comfort. You can also get backs that are straight at the bottom and then roll backward at the top.

Some swing backs also have decorative carvings at the top. Many people opt for weatherproof cushions on the bottom and back of their swing. If you will be doing this, the style of the back is not as important, as it will not be visible.

As the patio and garden evolve into outdoor entertainment rooms, many people are looking for ways to add outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, or fire bowls to their outdoor spaces.

Before you purchase your outdoor fireplace, there are some things you should think about.

Consider what you want from your outdoor fireplace or fire pit. Are you looking primarily for heat to take the chill off the evenings so you can enjoy your outdoor space for more of the year? Are you mainly looking for a fire everyone can gather around for socializing? Do you also want the ability to cook over the flames of your fire?

A fire pit in or on the ground gives a real campfire feel.  Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits that elevate the fire bowl place the fire closer to eye-level viewing yet usually low enough to see over from a seated position.

Do you want to be able to visit easily with people sitting on the other side of the fire? If so, you will probably prefer an outdoor fireplace or fire pit that you can see over when seated.

If you think you might want to take your outdoor fireplace anywhere, then an outdoor fire pit or fireplace that you can move may be more appropriate for you.

Some have wheels, others are lightweight enough to move easily, and some even fold for portability and come with carrying cases.

Living in the Southeast United States, enables me to use my deck for a good 90% of the year! When I was reviewing deck plans with my contractor, I was very specific in my instructions that I needed something that can be used most of the time! For that reason, we decided upon a portion that is screened in – to provide shade and respite from bugs during the long summer months, and then a lower deck to entertain on.

I used composite decking throughout and have it surrounding my pool, as well! My deck plans had to take into consideration the seasons, but also traffic – with 2 kids, a dog, and lots of friends who visit, the deck is used all the time!
If you are a person who will rarely use their deck, these considerations are not as important.

The idea that a deck may used by people with different needs at different times of the year, or just a single season, is an important consideration.

It may be worthwhile to incorporate these requirements into your deck plans. It is a good idea to envision these elements as you choose your deck plans, so that the completed project reflects the desires of everyone who will enjoy the deck in winter as well as in the summer months.

In the case where you are looking to provide access to a deck from multiple floors of a house or building, or perhaps if you are looking to install a deck on a site that is characterized by sloping terrain, it may be worth your while to consider a set of deck plans that takes these multi-level requirements into account.

A set of deck plans that incorporates a multi-level design offers a number of advantages, which may be in line with the kinds of functionality needed. A deck of this sort can feature both covered and uncovered areas, giving you pleasure in the shade as well as in the sunshine.

Allowing for access from top floors as well as ground floors adds an extra dimension of convenience to your choice of deck. Along with how attractive your deck will be, this increased functionality and accessibility contributes further value to the property.

Obviously, there are many considerations when choosing a deck plan, which will best suit the characteristics of your property and your lifestyle.

It is also vital that any deck plan you choose be compliant with local building codes. Always make sure that this information is established before you begin your project.

Deck building can be a demanding job both physically and mentally. It is, however, very rewarding. It moves quickly and will give you a pleasing outdoor living area for a small price.

One of the benefits of deck building is the ability to add on to it later or add in additional features.

Be sure you understand what you are doing before you proceed. The key things to remember in deck building are to be sure you have used all the proper materials and construction techniques, to fend off the decaying properties of water, and to be sure everything is level, plumb, and properly built.

Deck building plans can be found online at affordable prices, and often you can even find some plans for free! Once you have the basics of deck building down, it is easy to incorporate more ideas and features!

Always understand and adhere to proper safety practices for each project. For deck building, these include:

1. Always use the appropriate tool for the job.
2. Keep blades and bits sharp. A dull tool requires excessive force and can slip.
3. Safety goggles and glasses should be worn when using power tools, especially if you wear contacts.
4. Always unplug your power tools when making adjustments or changing attachments.
5. Be sure your tools are properly grounded.
6. Watch power cord placement so it does not interfere with the operation of the tool.
7. Wear ear protection when operating power tools, because some operate at a high noise level, which can damage hearing.
8. Be careful that loose hair and clothing do not get caught in power tools.
9. Be careful when carrying long boards at the site.
10. Be careful to avoid back strain when lifting or digging.
11. Wear heavy-soled, sturdy work boots.
12. Bend from the knees when lifting large and heavy objects.