How to keep a lawn fresh and green Lawns are part of your social heritage; and most of you have probably inherited lawn-care ideas and how to’s from your predecessors, or your knowledgeable family members. You rarely let your gardener or lawn caretaker give you guidance on how to take care of your lawn. Interestingly enough—back in the 50’s, chemical pesticides were generously used—so much so that the “legacy of overusing chemicals in lawns” led to legislation.In the United States, though a large number of chemical pesticides are still in use,  American citizens are gradually becoming concerned about the negative impact of chemicals on their environmental eco-system and are learning the keep their lawns fresh and green using greener methods.Good lawn-care practice constitutes regular mowing, watering, feeding, and fertilizing. If the soil content is carefully monitored, then automatically the health of your lawn will improve and naturally resist weeds and pests. You will rarely come across pest or weed problems in a well-soiled, watered, fertilized, or properly mowed lawn.Watering During the summer, water the lawn more frequently than during the winter. This is obvious but there is a reason for stating this simple fact. Overwatering can easily lead to rotting roots, so be careful about how frequently you water the lawn. A little under-watering can lead to temporary browning of grass during the summer months, but the grass will quickly recover once it starts raining again.If you have just planted new grass, then you may have to water the lawn on a regular basis such as once a week. A prudent way to keep the grass moist at all times is to use a water sprinkler a few times a week or set up a water system which will require a landscaper to complete this project. It is up to you how much you want to invest in your lawn. Everyone is in their own financial situation.AeratingAerate when the soil is moist, usually after a rain or after you have watered the lawn. You will usually aerate when the grass is growing. Aerating enables loosening of the soil and, and prevents thatch buildup. You should never aerate when the soil is dry and hard, because the aerators will not penetrate the soil layers properly. You can aerate any time between spring and autumn.Feeding or fertilizingFeeding the soil is directly related to the soil condition in your lawn. You can incorporate the help of a professional to determine how much soil feed or fertilizer you need for the lawn at any point of time. Also, depending on your geographical location, certain types of fertilizers will be more effective, which a professional can help you select from a lawn care business.Additionally, if you leave the grass clippings on the soil on a schedule, then that will help to enrich the nutrients of the soil. You will also have to use a fertilizer—minimally once a year or more when necessary. Typically, summer and spring soil feeds are very high in nitrogen for growth of the grass. Remember to manually water your lawn within three days’ of feeding if it does not rain.Mowing Throughout the year except winter, you can mow the lawn whenever the grass grows high. Depending on the type of grass you have planted, and depending on the soil and weather condition, the grass on your lawn will grow at its own pace.You have to keep an eye on its growth and come out with a regimen for lawn mowing, based on the needs of your lawn. During the spring, you may have to mow more frequently since this is when plant life springs upward and outward. While mowing, use some container to collect all the clippings for composting. From summer to autumn, the growth rate of the grass varies widely, so the lawn mowing schedule will have to be adjusted accordingly. Once a week is usually pretty good.Weeding OptionsGenerally, you will need to have the soil’s pH checked to determine when to start weeding. The normal rule of thumb is the more acidic the soil, the greater the chance of weed growth. You can use any standard weed killer product to maintain your lawn from the summer to autumn. In the winter, you can deploy some calcium nutrients to check the weed growth. You can also engage a gardener to manually uproot weed or fungus during the winter months. You could also just hire a neighborhood kid to complete some of these tasks.Seasonal careIn the summer, increase your mowing frequency to keep the grass looking neatly trimmed. Very hot and dry weather can affect the growth and health of the grass. In autumn, the rate of growth will gradually decrease. You may need to mow only once a fortnight (every other week) during this time.Better if you trim the edges to keep the lawn looking properly trimmed. In the winter, do not feed the grass since that may lead to premature growth and destruction of the lawn in severe cold weather. In the spring, the grass will automatically start growing again. Allow the lawn to recover after the winter, and then begin to employ a trimmer or a lawn mower about once or twice in a two week span.
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Backyard DIY projects for the backyard entertainer If you cannot afford that dream deck or grand cedar gazebo or in-ground pool, there are still ways to create a backyard to keep you and your guests entertained.Hang solar lamps from tree branchesRemove the light bulbs from your old chandelier with cheap solar lights and hang them from a tree branch in the backyard. You will have spectacular outdoor lighting without the need for having to run power to the lights.Stuff suet feeder with yarnYou can place scraps of yarn in a suet feeder and birds will use them to make their nests. For this you will need a cheap bird suet feeder and scrap yarn cut into lengths of 4-8 inches. Stuff the scraps in the suet feeder and you have created an ideal nesting place for all the birds in your area. People have been doing this for years while you can imagine the joy of seeing a strand of yarn meticulously woven into a nest.Wind chime from old keys and acrylic paintFor this you would need old keys, drift wood or stick, string or fishing line and acrylic paint.Paint the keys and string. Tie a string at either ends of the stick to hang it with. Tie a string to the painted keys and the other end of this string should help the key to remain suspended from the stick. Do it for all the sticks.  All keys should be closely suspended from the stick so that they chime when the wind blows. Each time the wind blows you are guaranteed to hear different soothing sounds.Splash pad made out of tarpWhile the sun continues to beat down with intensity during the summer, it is wise to find ways to stay outdoors rather than be confined to indoors. It is usual to turn on the sprinkler and let the boys cool down and have some fun, but you would also want your girls to enjoy it. Try using a clean, unused tarp from the garage for your slip and slide. Spread it out in the backyard, put a hop-scotch sprinkler mat and you have a large area for the kids to hop, skip and splash around in. The water remains on the tarp and becomes a sort of slip n slide for the children while you get to sit on the tarp with and stay cool with all that water under your feet.Pool noodles for kickball croquetKids are so fidgety, you better find something to keep them entertained when they are at home to avoid them getting into trouble. Pool noodles could be just what you need. Cut pool noodles into half down the middle so that each pool noodle is sufficient to make two arches. These can be held in place on the lawn using garden stakes. Just collect a few kick balls and kick it through the course in croquet fashion. The first one to knock or transition their ball to the finish wins.Backyard movie theatreFor this you will need a DVD player, a projector, speakers, a large surface to project on, and of course, popcorn. You can have the theatre in the backyard if you have access to power and sufficient physical space. Usually, you will want enough room to place the screen and provide enough space to stage a seating area. Also bear in mind that you need space for things other than people.With a projector, speakers, and DVD player, it is certain that you will need to find room for tables and other such knick-knacks. A worthwhile tip would be to free up a surge projector since the audio/video gear will require lot of power. You can always run the surge projector using an extension cord. You can bury this cord or cover it with white plastic chord piping.You may want to have a fly swatter out there too, perhaps more than one of them. Also, a mosquito killer or some poison could help you enjoy the times watching sports and so on outside as well.Backyard scrabble How does a five foot square scrabble board in your very own backyard sound? This can be made with a wooden frame and concrete poured into 3¾-inch squares separated by ¼-inch joints. After the concrete has been cured for a month, you can start painting the squares. Then make 100 3¼-inch square letter tiles from baseboard trim.Buy pre-cut, adhesive-backed vinyl letters and numbers at a sign shop, paste them to the tiles and seal each one with spray lacquer. Preserved in a canvas bag, the lightweight letters fit on metal trays which can be purchased from a metal artist. On summer evenings, games go on late into the night and you will be surprised to find better and newer words strike you in the outdoors rather than the indoors. Human perception based on a person’s surroundings is fascinating.
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How to Maximize your Backyard Space for PlayResearch states that children love to play outdoors and they should play outdoors as well when they can, and preferably, in natural surroundings. Children also show a marked fondness for natural creations like flowers, plants, animals, or insects when selecting play mates!Thus, natural spaces like back yards have tremendous potential for offering a suitable playground for children. Researchers White and Stoeklin believe that given an opportunity, children would design play grounds in open, outdoor spaces—richly decorated with plants, flowers, a small pond, fish, turtles, birds, or whatever else their wild imagination would include.So, now you may explore how you can free up some space in your crowded backyard to provide a play area for your children. This article will not only provide you tips on freeing up space in your back yard, but also some marvelous design ideas for building an attractive play area for your children.Cut off trees or bushes If your back yard has too many trees or bushes, this is definitely the time to clear them out. An open, green lawn with a shed on one portion of the yard may be more amenable to designing a play area. You can redesign your yard by cutting off long trees or bushes, planting multi-colored, flowering plants, and trimming your grass. This will not only free up space, but also create a clean, clutter-free look for children to enjoy.Clear rotting plants or weedsAs you review the ground in your back yard, you have to ensure that all the rotting plants or are cleaned out to recoup space to build the play area. Unless your ground is maintained well, you cannot design a flower garden or a pond. Research states that children are easily attracted to bright, open, colorful spaces—so ideas of a flower garden, a fountain, or a sand box may be right on.Remove odds and endsIn most families—odds and ends such as toys, broken bicycles, lawn mower, gardening tools—fill up much of the space in the back yard. You may have to identify all such odds and ends, and remove them to an attic, to a basement, or to a closet to make space in your back yard. You could also take items that do not work and that could be a hazard to the dump or to a recycling operation. After removing all the unnecessary items, you will regain some free space in your back yard.Place foldable furnitureThis is another poignant idea for freeing up outdoor space. Although wood is the popular choice of furniture in back yards, you may want to replace them with foldable, plastic furniture. This way, whenever the furniture is lying unused, they can be folded and tucked away in the covered plastic shed for storage. If you manage to discover foldable, outdoor furniture in another material, you are free to choose that rather than plastic outdoor furniture. The idea is to create free space.Enlist the support of childrenNow that you have created space for the children’s play area in your back yard, involve the children in your household to complete the next few steps. Your children, with their natural creativity, are ideally suited to provide you with some awesome design ideas or tips for building a functional and attractive play area. If you are planning to go ahead with the next designing steps, encourage the children to voice their ideas at this stage. The best ideas, as you know, are always born out of collaboration.Create a shed Once you have the necessary amount of space for a play area in your back yard, the next step may be to build a shed. A plastic shed is practical and suitable, but you may select another material such as western red cedar to build the shed out of. A shed comes in handy for storing stuff. At other times, children can even use the furniture in the shed to relax or play board games as the long as the furniture includes a table.Multi-level beds or stepsOne unique design philosophy that rules outdoor play areas for children is “multi-level platform.” These ideas can take the shape of multi-level flower beds, multi-level sitting areas, or simple steps to enchant small children. So depending on your available back yard design and available budget, you may think of creating some steps around a small pond or a two-level concrete platform for sitting and playing with nature’s creations.Install hardware for play area Once you have all those ready, now you can carefully select a special area, and install some hardware items to add to the functionality of the play area. Most surveys on children prove that children have a fascination for water and sand; so you can certainly add a pond, or a fountain, or even a sandbox. You can add animals, birds, insects, or whatever else you think your children would love to play with. If your ground is ready for hardware installation, you can think of installing a swing, or a seesaw. Children should have more alternatives than just video games to play with.
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How to organize your shed Everyone understands the benefits of a well-organized garden shed in terms of saving of time, energy, and money. If your tool-shed is uncluttered you will not have to waste time locating your trowel. Gone will be the frustration of having to waste energy moving the wheel barrow and that extra bag of potted soil to get to the lawn mower. And you will not have to waste money on an extra pair of gloves simply because you cannot find your own.Hose keepingIf you have ever tripped on a coil of hose and gotten hurt, you will remember how excruciatingly painful it can be. Keeping the coil of hose on a large hook can solve the problem. Choose a hook that has a steep angle to hold the coil of hose in place.Tool hangerTools with longer handles are best stored where they do not hamper movement and yet can be reached easily. Nailing a tool hanger to the inside of your shed’s door will create ample space on the walls for shelves and benches for pots.Build shelvesIn tight quarters there’s never sufficient light. As a consequence you must use open metal shelves to allow sunlight to permeate through the shed. Adjustable shelves help to match shelf to tool height.UnclutterMerely using shelves is not enough if everything is ultimately going to be piled up on them. It would be advisable to use metal or plastic bins to store the stuff.Magnetic helpMechanics have for long used magnetic bars to store, and manage their tools. It is always stellar to extend the idea to your garden shed so that your pruning shears and trowels can be store safely. Choose a magnetic strip strong enough to bear the weight of your tools and you will have the tools always readily accessible.Have space for a potting benchClear some space in the shed and make room for a potting bench. That is the best way to you can plant or repot your favorite plants even on a wet day. The potting bench will also allow your potting mix to remain dry.Maintain a calendarMaintain a calendar of gardening activities and it will save you the trouble of remembering when you last fertilized the lawn or planted seeds. Using a metal one will help create a precious place for plant tags, seed packets, and small parts with magnetic holders.Wicker basket Something as mundane as a wicker basket suspended from the door of your shed will create a space for small and most frequently used paraphernalia such as shears, trowels, gloves, or, maybe, even a reference book. It’s the easiest place from where you can grab your equipment and begin working.BasketsAn old bushel basket can be put underneath the potting bench to store mulch, birdseed, or potting mix. You can easily purchase bushel baskets at the flea market for a bargain, but any basket or bin will be handy for the job.Make wheeling easyYou can make wheeling anything in and out of the shed by using a portable ramp. This one will be easy to make. Just a couple of 2x4s and a ½ inch plywood combine to create a ramp high enough to wheel equipment in and out while being use and small enough to store when not.Shed designBefore you head to the hardware store to buy stuff that will enable you to build a storage shed of your own just make a pile of all the gear and paraphernalia that you would like stored and measure its aggregate length/size. If you are going to store bigger power tools then it is pretty obvious you will need greater space.PrioritizeOnce your shed is up, determine which equipment you are going to use more often and which you need less frequently. Equipment that is going to be used often should always be kept at the front and at the center. The rest can be assigned to the back portion. Trowels and gloves should always be kept in a way that they can be readily accessed.Tools to be hungFrequently used tools such as hand rakes, hedge sears, and small saws for cutting small branches and cultivators should be kept hung on the side of your shed doors. This not only protects the blades from inflicting damage on other tools but also help in enhancing their lifespan. However, they should be suspended from the lower part of the wall to protect you from their blades and prongs.Do not store extrasSort objects into groups. For instance, chemicals, cords, seeds, and pots can make up one group. Donate whatever equipment is surplus or discard the ones that are beyond use or repair or are rusted.
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How to Level a Shed Floor properly The most important feature when constructing a garden or storage shed is to start off with a solid level base. There is no guarantee that your backyard or garden space will be completely level despite looking reasonably so.This may not be an issue for many people, but if you are going to have a working bench inside the shed, where you plan to spend much of your hobby time, it is important that the bench is sitting level and not tilted at an angle. Without any doubt, no one would appreciate dining every day at a table that is inclined at an odd angle. You do not want your milk spilled on your lap, you want it sitting just fine in your cup.A Potential Colossal Error Most importantly, to make it easy to assemble the shed, the base has to be completely level. In case the base is off level, it will only start showing when you get to the point when you have to start assembling the roof and you start running into all sorts of trouble because of the level issues.The easiest way to guarantee that your floor will be level is to buy a few tons of aggrade or crushed stone from your local hardware store. Crushed stone aggregate is a mixture of small stones and fine dust. This mixture after due leveling and compacting will offer the same strength as concrete because the stone will bind into the fine dust and provide the perfect base for your shed’s floor.Setting OutYou can begin by marking the levels of the place where you plan to put up your shed. After this is done, drive four small 2’ wooden pegs with spiked edge at one end into the ground at approximately four points that will approximately be the four corner points of your shed. You will need to make your base a little bigger than the base of the shed. It will be a prudent idea to ponder awhile on how your shed is going to look like. Will it be imposing or is it going to obstruct the view or maybe end up blocking light?Only when you are satisfied about the exact position where you want your shed to come up should you move on to the next stage. The next thing is to create four level points at the four corner positions and mark them on the four pegs you hammered into the earth. Later on, if necessary, you can cut the stake down while they are still moored well enough in the earth up to these level points.The simplest way of achieving this is to identify which you think is the highest corner in the space and hammer than peg in the ground, to about 4 – 6 inches of the existing ground level. By doing this you have ensured that the top of the peg sits 4/6” above ground. This exercise is meant to find an average height that would be suitable for all four corners without using too much aggregate.There are several ways of controlling an excavation. But this one being a small excavation, a spirit level used together with a long (8′ or 2.4m) 4×2 timber will be fine. You can use a spade to strip the turf and top soil to a depth of 50mm and then excavate to the depth of 75mm in one corner. Resting the end of the 4×2 on the corner peg, measure down to ground level. It would be prudent if you could cut a piece of timber of this length. You can then take your excavation forward, checking with the 4×2, the spirit lamp and the timber that you are not going too deep.Placing Crushed Stone Layer Before you have compacted the stones, rake it as level as possible. To compact the stone you could hire a vibrating plate, but if you need to burn those extra calories you can use a hand tamper to compact the ground. Hand tampers are 25 lbs in weight with an area of 4”x4” which you raise repeatedly and let it fall to compact the stone. Keep pounding the stone into the earth until it is compacted and at the same time keep taking levels as you did while excavating. Add or remove the aggrate according to the requirement.Pressure Treated Wood FoundationIt is necessary to ensure that the timbers are laid perpendicular to the direction of the floor joists. The pressure treated timbers should be 4”x4”, to permit ventilation under the shed. Usually pressure treated timber has a long lifespan when in contact with the ground but installing the weed barrier and the stone should prolong it further. Moisture is what leads to decay, so remember that any steps taken to ensure dryness will prolong the life of the timber.
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12 Affordable Ways to Personalize Your Pergola or Gazebo

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When it comes to building a pergola or gazebo, there’s a wide range of options to suit any style and budget — from classic Western Red Cedar pergolas to sleek vinyl and metal structures. Whether you’re looking for added comfort, shade, or visual appeal, there are countless cost-effective ways to personalize your pergola or gazebo and make it a centerpiece of your outdoor space.

1. Add Some Furniture

Turn your pergola-covered space into a cozy seating area with a patio table, chairs, or even a hammock. Painting the furniture to match the tone of your pergola adds a thoughtful touch, while placing a hot tub underneath can transform it into the ultimate relaxation zone.

2. Add Extra Rafters or Joists

Most pergola kits come with essential rafters or joists, offering partial shade. But if you want more coverage or support for hanging baskets or climbing plants, consider adding extra joist beams. This customization adds functionality and visual interest.

3. Erect Trellis or Lattice

Trellis or lattice panels can be installed on one or more sides to create a “garden room” feel. Ideal for climbing plants like roses, clematis, or honeysuckle, lattice also provides privacy and shade. Be sure to use durable 1/2- to 1-inch thick wood, and pre-drill holes to avoid splitting.

4. Close One End for Added Privacy

While pergolas are often open-air structures, adding a lattice wall or solid panel to one or two sides offers both privacy and a decorative touch. It softens the lines of the structure and enhances its room-like feel.

5. Include Colorful Flowers

Introduce vibrancy with flowering plants like sweet alyssum, marguerite daisies, or spider flowers. Whether they climb up a lattice or sit in pots around the base, flowers bring warmth and seasonal beauty to your pergola.

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6. Opt for All-Season Use

Protect your pergola with a solid polycarbonate roof or retractable canopy. These additions allow you to enjoy your outdoor space through rain, snow, or scorching sun — extending usability year-round.

7. Swing Seating Pergolas

Add a built-in swing beneath your pergola for a fun and relaxing touch. Perfect for two people, swing seating makes the space more dynamic and provides a great spot to unwind.

8. Hanging Seats from the Rafters

Replace standard seating with hanging cushioned chairs to create a laid-back, breezy vibe. Hanging seats add movement and charm, making the pergola feel more like a retreat.gaz screen 1024x1013 1

9. Match Pergola to Your Deck

Stain your pergola to match the deck it stands on to create a cohesive look. Add potted plants and soft seating for a secluded, calming vibe that feels like a natural extension of your home.

10. Paint for a Bright Finish

Choose a classic white or go bold with color. Painting your pergola can give it a refreshed look that aligns with your backyard’s style. For cedar pergolas, use an acrylic, non-toxic paint that won’t harm nearby plants.

11. Install Glass Blocks for Privacy

Want a unique twist? Sporadically placed glass blocks provide privacy and visual interest while letting light through. Pairing wood and glass creates a stunning modern contrast.

12. Mix Function with Fun

Add pillows, fairy lights, or outdoor curtains to complete your pergola personalization. These finishing touches offer comfort, style, and charm for entertaining or unwinding outdoors.


At Outdoor Living Today, we offer premium cedar pergola kits that are easy to assemble and ready to personalize. Whether you’re looking for shade, structure, or a statement piece, our customizable backyard structures are built to last.

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How to Maintain Your Outdoor Pergola and Keep It Looking Beautiful Year-Round

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An outdoor pergola is a stylish open-air structure perfect for creating shade and adding ambiance to your backyard. Whether covered in climbing vines or paired with retractable canopies, pergolas made of wood, vinyl, plastic, or metal require regular care to maintain their appearance and structural integrity. Here’s a complete guide on how to properly maintain your pergola and ensure it lasts for many years.


1. Hose It Down Regularly

Regardless of your pergola’s material, the first step in maintenance is a thorough rinse. Use a high-pressure hose to remove surface dirt, pollen, or debris. Start at the top and work your way downward. Be sure to clear the area of furniture and décor to avoid damage during the process.

2. Clean with the Right Tools

Choose a bristle brush and a suitable cleaner for your pergola’s material:

  • Wood: Use a wood-safe cleaner and remove any peeling paint or splinters.

  • Metal: Scrub away any rust buildup using a wire or bristle brush.

  • Vinyl: Follow manufacturer guidelines—usually, mild detergent works well. Use a toothbrush to reach tight corners or areas around hardware.

3. Remove Mildew and Rust Stains

Combat mildew with a mix of one cup of oxygen bleach and one gallon of water. Apply this solution after the initial rinse and let it sit until the mildew stains begin to fade. Rinse again thoroughly with soap and water.

If you notice black or brown rust stains from fasteners, consider replacing corroded hardware with stainless steel or aluminum options.

4. Rinse Thoroughly

After applying cleaning solutions, rinse again using a hose to remove all residue. Check for spots that may need a second round of cleaning and repeat as necessary.

5. Touch-Up and Repair Damage

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Use a touch-up or repair kit to fix cuts, dings, or gouges. Wood or metal putty can patch small damage, and many vinyl pergolas include specialized kits for surface restoration. Sand down any rough spots before refinishing.

6. Seal and Stain for Longevity

If you have a cedar pergola, you’ll notice it gradually turns from a rich reddish tone to a silvery gray. To preserve its original hue:

  • Clean thoroughly

  • Apply a translucent oil-based wood stain for cedar

  • Let it dry and then seal Reapply stain and sealant every other year to maintain appearance and protection.

7. Address Fasteners and Loose Hardware

Inspect all fasteners and replace any that show corrosion. Use rust-resistant stainless steel or aluminum. Tighten loose bolts and screws to keep the structure secure.

8. Paint for Added Protection

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In hot, dry climates, UV rays can cause wood pergolas to crack and fade. Apply a durable, heat-resistant exterior paint for long-term protection and aesthetic appeal.

9. Trim Vines and Greenery

While creeping vines add beauty and shade, overgrowth can increase the pergola’s weight load. Trim vines a few times a year to reduce stress on the frame. They’ll grow back quickly and stay healthy with regular care.


Conclusion With proper maintenance, your outdoor pergola can remain an attractive and functional centerpiece in your backyard for years. Regular cleaning, careful inspection, and minor seasonal upkeep can prevent costly repairs and preserve the pergola’s beauty and strength.

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🏗️ The Best Foundation Options for Your Gazebo

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Not all yards are flat, and not all gazebos are the same — but every solid outdoor structure begins with a stable foundation. Whether you’re building on soft soil, a slope, or a rugged backyard, choosing the right gazebo base will ensure your structure stays level, secure, and long-lasting.

Here are five of the most common (and effective) foundation types you can use when installing a gazebo.


🪨 1. Patio Stones

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Best for: Flat terrain, structures under 14 ft.

Patio stones are the simplest and most cost-effective option for small- to medium-sized gazebos. Available at most building suppliers, they provide even weight distribution and a level surface without the need for concrete.

Tips:

  • Place one stone under each corner and a few under the center.

  • Ensure stones don’t extend past the gazebo’s floor perimeter (so skirting fits properly).

  • Use cedar shims or other materials to level the floor.

  • For added support and drainage, place the patio stones on top of compacted crushed gravel.


🧱 2. Cinder Blocks

Best for: Slightly uneven terrain where affordability and strength are priorities.

Cinder blocks (8″x16″) are easy to use and provide reliable support. However, they can sink into soft ground unless properly installed.

Tips:

  • Use overlapping rows of blocks for stability on soft ground.

  • Add a cedar skirt to hide the foundation and prevent critters from nesting underneath.


🪛 3. Super Spikes

Best for: Raising one side of the gazebo on uneven surfaces — without pouring concrete.

Super spikes are metal ground anchors that can help level a structure on sloped terrain. They’re especially useful in warmer regions without ground frost.

Tips:

  • Always check your local building codes before using them.

  • If elevating the structure, consider adding a skirt, lattice, or steps for a polished look.


🏗️ 4. Sonotube / Concrete Footings

Best for: Larger structures, uneven terrain, or when permits are required.

Sonotubes provide a permanent and code-compliant solution for supporting heavier gazebos. These concrete columns are sunk into the ground to create a rock-solid base.

Tips:

  • Hire a contractor familiar with local regulations.

  • Not included in gazebo kits — must be purchased and installed separately.


🧱 5. Concrete Pads

Best for: Large gazebos, hot tubs, pool equipment, or permanent structures.

Concrete pads offer the strongest and most durable base. While expensive, they’re ideal for setups that involve plumbing, heating, or electrical components.

Tips:

  • Professional installation highly recommended.

  • Consider topping the pad with flagstone for a stylish, rustic finish.


✅ Final Word

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Whatever your ground type or structure size, there’s a foundation option that will support your gazebo for years to come. From simple stone pads to professional-grade concrete, the right base ensures durability, safety, and peace of mind.

Browse our full collection of Western Red Cedar gazebo kits and start planning your project today!

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How to Know If an Online Business Is Legit: 10 Trust Tips for Smarter Shopping

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Found the perfect pergola or shed online, but never heard of the company before? You’re not alone.

With e-commerce booming, especially for big-ticket backyard purchases, it’s more important than ever to verify the trustworthiness of a site before handing over your credit card. Here’s how to evaluate any online business — and avoid scams, frustration, or costly mistakes.


🔍 1. Search the Company Name + “Reviews” or “Scam”

Before anything else, do a quick Google search:

  • Type the business name or website + “reviews”

  • Try variations like “[company] scam” or “[company] customer complaints”

If red flags pop up, dig deeper. One or two negative reviews isn’t uncommon — but a pattern of issues? Walk away.


🕰 2. Check How Long the Website Has Been Online

New websites aren’t automatically untrustworthy — but a company with 5+ years of online presence is a better bet.

Use Whois Lookup to check:

  • Domain age

  • Ownership

  • Hosting history

A well-established site suggests long-term commitment and reliability.


🧭 3. Verify a Physical Address

Legitimate businesses list their office or warehouse address. Enter it in Google Maps or Street View.

If a business claims to be a “gazebo manufacturer” but the address leads to a sketchy apartment complex or PO box, move on.

You can find our Contact Page here, including full address and phone support.


☎️ 4. Contact the Company Directly

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Call the number listed or send an email. Trustworthy businesses:

  • Answer promptly

  • Respond professionally

  • Offer clear answers about products, shipping, or policies

If you get no response within 24–48 hours, that’s a red flag.


🛡 5. Look for Security Seals and Trust Affiliations

Secure, professional websites often feature:

  • SSL certificates (HTTPS)

  • Trust badges (e.g., BBB, Shopify Secure, Trustpilot)

  • Memberships in professional associations

But beware: some scams display fake trust seals. Always click the badge — it should lead to a live verification page.


📄 6. Read the Terms & Cancellation Policy

Before checking out, review the site’s:

  • Return & refund policy

  • Cancellation terms

  • Warranty details

  • Legal terms

Reputable businesses keep these visible, clear, and fair. Ours are always available at:


✍️ 7. Check for Original Content & Quality

A sloppy website with plagiarized content, pixelated images, and poor grammar is a red flag. Credible businesses:

  • Invest in original photos

  • Write clear, informative copy

  • Showcase their own product visuals

Want to see what authentic content looks like? Browse our blog or Decorating Ideas section.


🔗 8. Look for Reputable Backlinks

Established businesses are often mentioned or linked on other credible sites.

Try:
link:example.com in Google to see who’s referencing the site.

Bonus tip: Check their Reviews page and search the brand on independent platforms like Google Reviews or BBB.


💳 9. Ensure Secure Payment Options

A legitimate online store should accept:

  • Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex)

  • PayPal or similar secure gateways

Credit card purchases are protected under the Fair Credit Billing Act, so you can dispute charges if something goes wrong. Avoid websites that only accept e-transfers or cryptocurrency.


🧠 10. Trust Your Instincts (Seriously)

A trustworthy site should send you:

  • An order confirmation within minutes

  • A detailed receipt with tracking

  • Contact and return policy info

If that doesn’t happen, follow up. And if you’re feeling uneasy — listen to your gut.


Final Word: Smart Online Shopping Starts with You

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Following these 10 steps can help you safely navigate online purchases — especially when investing in something like a shed, gazebo, or pergola kit.

At Outdoor Living Today, we’ve been building high-quality Western Red Cedar kits for over 20 years — and we’re proud to offer secure shopping, clear warranties, and real customer service.

Have questions? Visit our Customer Care page or contact us directly.

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The History and Modern Use of Western Red Cedar Wood

Western Red Cedar Pergola Canopy Outdoor Living Today

Western Red Cedar has long been a symbol of strength, sustainability, and natural beauty. With a legacy stretching back thousands of years and a growing reputation in modern landscaping, this remarkable wood species continues to shape outdoor living spaces across North America.

From ancient Indigenous tools to premium DIY garden structures, here’s everything you should know about Western Red Cedar wood — including why it remains one of the most trusted and eco-friendly building materials today.


🌲 A Brief History of Western Red Cedar

Known scientifically as Thuja plicata, Western Red Cedar is a large evergreen native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. Despite not being a “true cedar,” this tree holds deep cultural and practical significance — especially for the Indigenous peoples of British Columbia, Alaska, Washington, and Oregon.

Indigenous Use & Cultural Importance

Native communities have relied on Western Red Cedar for over 8,000 years, using virtually every part of the tree:

  • Bark: woven into mats, baskets, rain hats, and ropes

  • Wood: carved into dugout canoes, bentwood boxes, planks, and homes

  • Branches: shaped into bows, fishing lines, and cords

Some coastal Indigenous groups even refer to themselves as “People of the Red Cedar,” with oral legends describing the tree as a divine gift from the Great Spirit to provide shelter, tools, clothing, and protection.


🌿 Natural Characteristics

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Western Red Cedar is instantly recognizable for its:

  • Soft red-brown coloring

  • Scale-like leaves in opposing rows

  • Drooping lower branches and towering, conical form (up to 60 meters tall!)

  • Aromatic scent (from natural tannins)

It thrives in cool, wet climates and can live for over 1,000 years. Today, most natural growth occurs along the wet coastal belt of the Pacific Northwest.


🧰 Why Western Red Cedar Is Ideal for Outdoor Projects

Western Red Cedar’s durability, light weight, and natural resistance to decay make it one of the most trusted woods for outdoor construction.

🪵 Key Benefits:

  • Naturally Rot-Resistant: The wood contains natural oils and tannins that repel moisture and decay.

  • Bug-Repelling Properties: Its strong aroma helps deter termites and other pests.

  • Weather Friendly: Unfinished cedar weathers to a silvery-gray but also holds paint or stain well.

  • Thermal Insulation: Cedar keeps spaces cool in summer and warm in winter, making it ideal for greenhouses or sheds.

  • Workability: It’s light, easy to cut, and simple to fasten — making it a favorite for DIYers.


🛠 Modern-Day Uses

Today, Western Red Cedar is one of the most sought-after materials for:

It’s available in clear and knotty grades, and comes in everything from rough timbers to 1×4 fence boards, making it suitable for virtually any backyard build.


🛒 Where to Buy Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar is widely available through:

  • Local lumber dealers

  • Specialty manufacturers that sell pre-cut DIY kits like Outdoor Living Today

  • Online retailers focused on sustainable cedar structures

Looking for something ready to assemble? Browse our curated collection of Western Red Cedar kits — sustainably sourced, pre-drilled, and easy to build.

For more technical specs, finishes, and sourcing details, visit the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (WRCLA), the industry’s leading authority on cedar wood products.


Final Thoughts

Western Red Cedar’s long history, natural durability, and ecological sourcing make it one of the best materials for anyone looking to build outdoor structures that last. Whether you’re a seasoned carpenter or weekend DIYer, cedar delivers on beauty, strength, and sustainability — with a legacy to match.

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