The patio is a great place to sit back and relax after a hard day’s work or to entertain family and friends for special occasions. It’s also a place to enjoy Mother Nature while still being near the comforts of home instead of the uncertainty of the great outdoors. The area just needs a patio umbrella to spruce up the surroundings, add the desired ambience and provide additional protection from the elements including sun, rain and snow.

Each patio is different from the other patios in the neighborhood in terms of space, ambience and uses. Fortunately, the market offers a wide range of patio umbrellas to choose from the small to the large, from to temporary to the semi-permanent, and even from the round to the rectangle. This article discusses these choices so that homeowners will have a better idea of these products even before logging on to an online site or visiting a home improvement store.

Choices in Materials

The most rustic and romantic of patio umbrellas are usually made from wood, said material of which is used on the poles and ribs. Wood provides for a classic and classy feel that other materials like cold metal often cannot offer the homeowner. However, wood can be less than durable than metal in terms of being able to withstand the vagaries of nature although many wooden patio umbrellas now have metal at the core of the wooden pole to boost durability.

An aluminum patio umbrella is a good choice, too. Usually, the aluminum is used on the poles and ribs with the cover being made from canvas, which makes for durable, lightweight and beautiful patio umbrellas. Consumers who live in windy areas benefit the most from aluminum models with the added advantage of being able to choose from many kinds of finishes to the metal.

Aluminum patio umbrellas also come with fiberglass ribs. The result is an umbrella that can withstand strong winds since fiberglass is more flexible and yet more durable than wood and aluminum combined.

Choices in Styles

Usually, a patio umbrella looks like the portable umbrella with the pole in the middle. But there are inherent problems with the design as the pole can get in the way of people facing each other. Manufacturers offer the offset patio umbrellas, also known as cantilever umbrellas, which provides for extra flexibility, shade and area. Just make sure that the base is heavier to prevent the offset umbrella from toppling over.

Yet another choice in patio umbrellas is the wall-mounted type. Obviously, it can be mounted directly to the wall, thus, providing for an outdoor café atmosphere right in the backyard. Other benefits include greater space for the tables underneath and lesser hassles in unfurling these umbrellas.

Patio umbrellas come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Homeowners and even business owners can choose from round, rectangular and polygonal umbrellas with sizes from single to double. The final choice in the patio umbrella will depend on personal preferences in style, the available budget and the allocated space.

Samantha Reynolds is a writer/blogger, focusing on home décor and outdoor décor using patio umbrellas from Patioshoppers.

 

Choosing a Patio Umbrella to Match Your Outdoor Decor is a post from: Cape Cod House Remodeling

You can enhance your garden and be good to the environment with a solar powered water fountain. You can enjoy the sounds of water trickling over the stones and fissures you create in your own backyard. Who doesn’t love the site and sound of a beautiful waterfall? It is easy and fun to do and the best of all is that you can find all of the items you need at your local landscaping retailer. You can also buy the makings for the solar powered pump there too.

It will only take a few hours to have it up and running. You and your family will get to enjoy the soothing effects of the cascading water without the use of electricity. This is “going Green” with style. The fountain allows you to participate in the effort to conserve energy without sacrificing the beauty of owning a water garden. This pool could be the bathing spot for many of the local bird population adding an enchanting feeling to your yard. Read on to find out how to make a solar garden in four simple steps.

• Shovel
• Rocks in various sizes
• Mix and mortar
• Liner form for pond
• The solar fountain and pump
• Tubing

Step 1 -After deciding on the spot you have to dig out a pit for the pond. The hole should be in roughly the shape and size of the purchased liner. Make certain you do not leave behind any grass or rocks in the bottom or sides of the hole. Put in the liner so that it sits facing the direction where it will be viewed best.

Step 2 – Now it is time to arrange your rocks in the desired pattern around the outside of the fountain, and at the base of the pond and waterfall. Put the biggest rocks closer to the fountain as part of the base. And graduate the sizes out ward.

Step 3 – After mixing the mortar compound apply a thing layer around and underneath the rocks to cement them into place. Now you can begin to increase the height of the sides using the river rocks and mortar to create the ledge. This should run up the sides of the form where the water will eventually flow. You are going to be using a brick laying type of technique, do a dry run before cementing to see how best to fit the rocks for size and uniformity. The objective is to make the plastic disappear completely behind the stone wall.

Step 4 – Now put in the pump and the solar panel according to the enclosed directions. The plastic tubing will then be attached so that it is not visible readily to the eye. This will run along the height of the fall so you will need to be creative. The tip of the tubing should protrude a bit beyond the top to start the flow. Fill with water and watch as the cascade begins.

Amy C. is a water fountain enthusiast. She enjoys creating beautiful water features for home and garden. To browse Amy’s collection of solar fountains, please visit her garden planters store front.  To read more on solar gardening, health, and wellness, Amy invites you to visit her water fountains blog.

Solar Gardening – How To Design A Solar Water Fountain In Four Easy Steps. is a post from: Cape Cod House Remodeling

A new current fashion among homeowners is constructing or enhancing open-air rooms around the house, for example patios or decks. A recent survey of the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) reveals that 60% of homeowners consider it vital for a house to have a comfortable open-air room. For the ideal open-air room PERC recommends as one of the best products the patio heater.

Another survey of the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association (HPBA) reveals the fact that 55% of grill owners and 65% of gas grill owners are frequently grilling out all year long. With such an open-air patio heater these people could take more pleasure in eating outdoor even when it is cold outside.

One important aspect of home appliances regards the general safety. The current patio heaters meet the safety requirements, even more, they are constantly improved. The majority of gas heaters are equipped with piezo electric starter, thus you need no matches or pilot light. Some units also have an automatic emergency shut off, that will immediately shut it off, increasing the safety of these heaters.

Patio heaters are running on three type of fuel: propane, natural gas or electricity. Natural gas is used in the case of stationary heaters, while propane gives mobility to the heater. Most infrared heaters are running by electricity, but some of them by natural gas.

There are different and new patio heaters available in variable shapes and sizes to meet your individual needs. It all depends on what you are looking for: stationary or moveable heater, as well as the heat that you need, based on the number of people in the outdoor room. These are the things that you have to consider when you are looking for the suitable heater for you.

Self-supporting heaters are bigger and more powerful compared to table-top heaters. Table-top heaters on the other hand, are smaller and much easier to move around as you want. The Lil Artic Sun Original is such a table-top heater, able to emit heat in an eight foot range. For a bigger heater you might try the self-supporting Artic Sun Bullet, a reasonable priced heater, emitting heat in up to twenty foot range. Infrared heaters are usually highly adaptable; you can suspend them on a wall, on a pole or overhead.

Stationary heaters have the advantage that can be connected directly to your existing natural gas lines, not needing any tanks. However, if you are planning to move the heater to different places, a portable propane heater is recommended, available in self-supporting and table-top models.

The heating power of patio heaters is measured in BTUs. For example, a 20,000 BTU heater will radiate heat in a 10 foot diameter. Usually, the self-supporting heaters are much powerful than the table-top heaters, being recommended for bigger outdoor rooms.

Patio heaters have become a pleasant and practical accessory of the more and more popular American outdoor lifestyle. They are safe and efficient, perfect to turn chilly nights into warm evenings, ideal for your family and friends to get together in a relaxed atmosphere. After all, we all deserve to relax now and then.

Enjoy Comfort Even Outdoor: Patio Heaters for Outdoor Rooms is a post from: Cape Cod House Remodeling

No matter what you plan on using your hammock for, whether it’s for camping in the jungle with portable hammocks or simply for relaxing in the garden in huge hammock chairs, quality is important.

Even if you do not have trees on your property, it is nice to have hammocks handy. Traditionally, hammocks were produced from cotton, rope, or canvas and were made to hang from two trees. Sadly, not everybody has sturdy trees handy in their garden to hang hammocks from. However, you can get a hammock metal or cedar stand. Another option is to purchase a hammock that comes with just one mount; this is especially handy if you only have one tree.

If you own a hammock or plan on getting gone, you will be happy to learn that there is no need to constantly stow it away. A lot of outdoor hammocks are made to be weatherproof so they never have to be brought back indoors when not in use. More often, hammocks are made out of synthetics or canvas. When you are shopping for a hammock, keep in mind that the stands for huge hammock chairs need a certain amount of space, so try to find quality hammocks that can stay outside no matter what time of year it is.

Another great thing about hammocks is that they can also be used indoors. In fact, indoor hammocks have seen rapid growth in popularity within the past few years. Those with singular ceiling mounts are ideal for easy storage. Just like the outdoor ones, some quality indoor hammocks are produced from canvas; other materials include cotton and rope. If you wish to turn a bed out of your hammock, you will need to find a strong frame.

Even if you find yourself in jungle territory, you can still get a good night of sleep after tedious activities such as climbing. If you are planning a backpacking trip, it is important to keep their size and weight in mind; you do not want to be inconvenienced with one which is overly heavy. It is unlikely that you will have any issues with locating a good mount in the great outdoors, but you will have to lug your hammock around wherever you go. For these instances, ultra lightweight hammocks made from polyester are ideal. When shopping, you will be able to find a variety of camping hammocks on sale and some even double as mosquito nets or tents which is superb because you will have less to carry.

Thousand and thousands of stores exist on the Internet today that sell hammocks. With the right amount of time and energy spent on searching, you are sure to come across a quality hammock that you will love, use, and treasure for a long time.

Love the hammock photo on this article? I do. This image is by flickr’s muffet.

What Kind of Hammock is Ideal for You? is a post from: Cape Cod House Remodeling

Is swimming pool installation something you have been thinking about? Are you unsure of the factors which need to be taken into consideration before undertaking this type of venture? If so, this article will provide you with information that will help you with your swimming pool efforts.

Although budgeting plays a big factor in choosing a pool, this is not the only thing that needs to be considered. Primarily, you need to figure out why you want to install a pool in the first place. Do you want one for fun or for exercise? Will someone in the family benefit health-wise from everyday swimming? How much space exists for a pool? Will the pool be in use all year round? Do you know your city’s building codes? Would you want an additional spa or hot tub?

Planning ahead will aid you in decreasing extra and unnecessary costs. In general, people tend to spend much more compared to their original intentions. Therefore, you must take into account the overall landscape of the pool area and make plans for those expenses, as well. Have you thought about how much it would cost to maintain a pool? Chemicals, filters and pumps are common costs that need to be fit into the budget. The first fill of your pool will also increase the water bills within the very first month. The cost of the loss of water by regularly using the pool will also need to be considered.

There are only two kinds of swimming pools available for choice: above-ground or in-ground, and both come with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Above-ground pools can be taken apart once you decide to move to another location and are therefore less expensive. Looks-wise, an above-ground pool could be planned with landscaping and decking that could compete against in-ground pools that cost much more. A lot of times, dealers that you buy the pool from will provide you with complete set-up and sometimes even services for landscaping and decking.

Cost-wise: in-ground pools definitely cost much more compared to above-ground pools that are portable. But they can also increase your property’s value. If an in-ground pool seems ideal for your personal purposes, you will have to take several steps before proceeding:

• Look for a dependable contractor
• Ensure that all of the materials and labor are included in your estimate from the contractor
• Talk to a prospective contractor’s previous customers
• Check on any previous complaints about the contractor
• Ensure that the contractor is properly licensed
• Never pay any portion of the payment with cash, even the deposit. Checks, money orders or credit cards provide an appropriate trail so that you can prove payments if necessary.

Many things need to be considered before making a huge investment with potentially huge costs that come with getting a swimming pool. However, if you plan properly, it can really be worth having something you can enjoy for years to come.

Should You Install a Swimming Pool? is a post from: Cape Cod House Remodeling

Installing a swimming pool in your backyard can bring enjoyment to your family and also add value to your home if you hire the right pool builder. Although having a swimming pool can benefit your home in many ways, a new swimming pool can quickly turn from a dream into a nightmare if you hire the wrong contractor to build it. There is a chance that you may run across unethical, incompetent, inexperienced or downright crooked pool builders out there. Fortunately, you can tell the good pool builders from the bad by doing a little homework before starting your pool project.

The initial thing you ought to do is check the contractor out before hiring them. The best way to do this is to ask for references, the names of former customers that you can talk to. Call the references and ask what kind of job the contractor did and if the pool met their requirements and if they were happy with the whole process. If a pool builder doesn’t provide references, that’s a guaranteed sign they’re inexperienced or that the references don’t have anything good to say about them.

Always hire a contractor that’s licensed and bonded. Bonding is more important that licensing it means that the contractor has insurance that will pay to complete the job or fix any damage they do. Always ask to see a contractor’s bonding and insurance. If a contractor isn’t bonded don’t hire them that means they aren’t insured. Remember licensing doesn’t guarantee that a contractor knows what he’s doing.

Never hire a pool builder that doesn’t put warranties and service contracts in writing. If there’s no written warranty, the contractor is under no obligation to return and fix problems with the pool. Get a written warranty and service contract before work begins. Don’t hire a pool builder who doesn’t provide service after completion.

Pool building is a messy business so don’t hire a pool builder that doesn’t sign a written contract obligating them to clean up the mess they make on your property. If you have a written contract, you can sue the contractor for breach of contract and collect damages if they break it.

Find out what permits and licenses your local government requires for swimming pool construction and make sure the contractor gets them before construction begins. Make sure the documents you receive are legit as the authorities can stop construction or make you tear out a pool if you don’t have a legal permit.

Choosing a Swimming Pool Builder is a post from: Cape Cod House Remodeling

Flower beds are a beautiful and exciting way to make your yard look unique, and well maintained. What many people do not realize is that planning a flower bed is far from easy. There are many pit-falls along the way if you do not plan out your flower bed in advance, and follow some simply guidelines. What follows are a number of potential problems, along with the solutions for each:

Problem: Forgetting the layout and where you planted each of your seeds.

Solution: This is easily fixed by drawing out a sketch of the flower bed before starting, and marking in the areas where you have already planted. This also helps you to visualize the layout of the flowerbed. Put larger plants near the back if it is up against a wall, and in the middle if you are going to have it open on all sides. This is so you do not trample the larger flowers trying to reach the smaller ones. Also, it is visually much more attractive.

Problem: Poor drainage for your flowerbed.

Solution: This is rectified by making sure that you slope the flowerbed to a degree. Also, make sure that you have the proper type of soil for the flowers that you plant. A soil that takes in water is a great guard against drainage. If you are careful and make sure to till the ground, you will have no problems here.

Problem: Pests eating your flowers or plants.

Solution: This can be solved any number of ways, but the most effective way is to place human hair in the soil. This is especially effective against racoons and possums, and also is helpful with rabbits. For pests of a smaller sort, you should make sure to use a non-chemical insecticide. These can be found at your local hardware store, or any plant store.

Problem: Out of control weeds.

Solution: Solve this by making sure to put a layer of black plastic or a 1/4 inch of newspaper under your soil and mulch. This is highly effective if you take the time to do this correctly. It is highly important that you allow for the plants to grow through and that you do weekly maintenance to keep the flower bed pristine and clean of weeds. Also, using an edger around the flower bed can help as well.

Problem: Uneven seed growth or flowers.

Solution: This can be solved by using household flower to mark off the flowerbed before planting. Simply put the flour in even lines before planting and measure in both directions. This will allow you to place the flowers exactly where you intend, and they will grow in a very clean orderly fashion.

A great flowerbed is about thinking ahead and planning for problems before they arrive. If you do the proper legwork, a great flowerbed is something that you can have every single year.

The great flower “bed” photo in this post was provided by quinnanya

Troubleshooting The Perfect Flower Bed is a post from: Cape Cod House Remodeling

A backyard fish pond is something that many people dream of but never actually get out and do it.  This is really a shame as it is not that difficult of a home improvement project if you have the knowledge.  The steps are fairly simple, and the work is not so taxing that you could not do it yourself.  If you have some people that can help out, it will certainly cut into the amount of time it takes to build your backyard fish pond.  Here is a step by step guide on how to build that fish pond you always dreamed of:

1. Figure out the location of your backyard fish pond.  You can make them large or small, but keep in mind that the larger the pond, the more maintenance you will run into.  You will want to find a location that has both plenty of sun, and some shade.  This is because the fish need both, and the sun will allow the plants that you add to grow.  Mark off the area that you want to the fish pond to be located.
2. The next step is the toughest, as you have to dig the hole for the fish pond.  Do yourself a favor and make certain that no lines, gas or otherwise are located in your dig site.  Once you begin digging, you will want to dig about three feet in the center, and leave about a one foot drop off around the edges.  This will serve as a step if you need to do maintenance work, and also as a place to put plants if desired.
3. Pick out a pump and filter for the fish pond.  This is important and you can ask the local home improvement folks what size you need based on the size of the pond.  You will also need to make sure that you have electricity to run the pump.  This is something that you should consult a local electrician for, as there are many variables I can not possibly cover here.  Bottom line, make sure the electric set up is safe or you could electrocute yourself, the fish, or anyone else that comes near.
4. Clear out the hole of any debris as well as potential problem areas such as roots and stumps.  This is so that the liner will not be punctured or damaged in any way.  Then put sand in the hole and spread it evenly throughout.
5. Purchase a fish pond liner for the pond.  Spread the liner over the hole and put in place so that it will cover the entire pond after the water is added.
6. Fill the pond with water taking special care to make sure not to overfill.  While the water is filling, you can place a border around the edges to hold the liner in place.  Rocks of all types are wonderful for this purpose and gives the backyard pond a wonderful natural look.  Hide excess liner trim with more rocks or plants.
7. Install the filter and pump.  This is done by hooking up the pump and filter with tubing and then a tube to the fountain source you are using.  This can be a waterfall, fountain or any other creative way to move the water around.  As long as the water is going through the filter, it is acceptable.
8. Add in the fish, but only after making sure you have the proper water mixture.  Your local pet store can help you with these details when you buy your fish.  Ask plenty of questions to be sure you have the right mix in place for your new friends.
9. Add plants and decorations to taste.

You now have your backyard fish pond that you always dreamed about.  Remember, you have to keep the pond clean and keep up the maintenance over time, but the pond will be such a source of enjoyment that you will not notice the work.

The fishpond photo in this post was taken by Chris Palmer.

Building A Fish Pond For Your Backyard is a post from: Cape Cod House Remodeling