DIY, How to

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Be a Tremendous Backyard DIYer in 8 Easy Steps

Be a tremendous backyard DIY'er in 8 easy steps Working with your hands can be intensely satisfying. Most hardcore DIYers love to rework their backyard as it acts as a showcase of their skills. However, renovating your backyard is not a small job. It requires planning, design, plumbing, gardening, and so on. If you are an avid DIYer, you already know this but take a good look around your backyard. You might have started the project but do you see something wrong?  Do you see several projects left in different stages of completion? Are you finding that you lose interest in your DIY projects midway? Doing maintenance or DIY projects on your backyard can be a prudent way to save money. However, to be an effective backyard DIYer, you have to be smart and resourceful or you will end up wasting your time and possibly have an eyesore to look at until you fix the unfinished idea. Here is what you can do to be an effective backyard DIYer Step #1 – Evaluate Your Space Before you even move a stone in your backyard, you have to assess the amount of space available for different uses. For example, your child may want a part of the backyard as a play area, while your spouse may want his barbeque and outdoor workout spot, and you may be yearning for a small lounge and fire pit to relax with friends and family. As a result, start your backyard remodelling by measuring the space available for this endeavor.
DIY backyard project plan
couple planning backyard project
Step # 2 – Know Your Parameters It’s easy to lose yourself in details and dreams but local rules will definitely limit your dreams. For example, if you live in a community, you may have to follow home-owner association rules and regulations. Zoning and building codes may also be applicable on your backyard. All these parameters seriously limit any type of backyard remodelling. Make sure you have planned for everything you want in your project and stick to these parameters. Step #3 – Budget Over the last five years, statistics have shown that US home-owners spent more than $10,419 on their backyard renovation projects. Spending varies according to the type and expansion of the project. As a DIYer, you will be saving most of your labor costs but you will have to pay for materials. In that case, you have to plan your project, estimate what materials you require and budget accordingly. Step #4 – Design Once you know what your family members want in the backyard, you can plan accordingly. Try the architectural style of your home to the outdoor area as well. Using too many design accents will just extend the timeline of the project. As a result, stick to the basics like a fire pit in one area, a seating area, a small play area for your child and an outdoor gazebo. If you require more features, you can easily add them later on. Step #5 – Plan Your Project and Start Working Once the backyard design is ready, it’s time to plan and execute your project. Create timelines and stick to them to ensure that you complete on time. In case you fall behind, evaluate your timeline and reassess accordingly. Before starting subsequent parts of your project, make sure you stock up on the raw materials and then start working. Try to give at least three to five hours daily to your project to ensure that the renovation is completed on time. Step #6 – Landscaping The aim of designing your own backyard is to create a relatively fuss-free garden space. Invest in attractive but hardy plants and shrubs to prevent problems and pests. Don’t forget to bring in planters, pots, creepers, and flowers to make nooks and crannies seem interesting. Step #7 – Call in Professionals Not everyone is an all-rounder. Assess your own skills and call in a professional to deal with areas that you cannot manage. You can call in a professional at any time during the DIY process and pay them a consulting fee. For example, call in a landscape designer, a gardener, a plumber, an electrician, a carpenter, or other professionals as needed for a consultation or to work on parts of your DIY project. Step #8 – Choose the Furniture Your backyard is ready. The landscaping is in place and you are ready to enjoy what you have created. It’s time to add tables, chairs, lighting, and any other accessories such as a pergola that you want to finally make your backyard ready for use. Well, now that you know how to start and what to do, what are you waiting for? Make sure you stick to your budget and plan your backyard remodelling details as much as possible. If you do so, you will complete your backyard renovation in time and within budget. With rigorous planning and hard work, you could be relaxing in a gorgeous, green backyard by next summer.
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Top 10 Tools Required to Assemble a DIY Structure

Top 10 Tools required to assenble a DIY structure Thinking of doing a DIY outdoor structure and not sure if you have the correct tools? According to Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood’s character) in the movie Gran Torino, you can do half of your household chores with just three things: WD-40, a vise grip (adjustable pliers), and a roll of duct tape. This may be true but when thinking of assembling your own shed, playhouse, gazebo or pergola, one of the best tips we can give you is to make sure you start off with the proper tools. We have compiled a list of the top 10 tools required to complete your DIY structure on time, without stress, and if doing the project with your spouse, not lead to a divorce! DIY Tool #10 – Utility Knife A retractable utility knife that has a lock, a changeable blade and a safety guard is perfect for cutting open boxes or cutting strapping on shipping boxes. Blades are extremely sharp so always keep out of reach from children! DIY Tool #9 – MultiTool (with Plier, knife, screwdriver) A multitool can be a DIY’ers best friend on many occasions. Multitools come with different tool configurations but most come with a pliers, multiple screwdriver heads and a knife and file. This tool is easy to carry and can solve small problems in a hurry! DIY Tool #8 – Wood Clamps A one-handed bar clamp is a no brainer for most situations. It can be tightened and released using just one hand so perfect when working alone. Each time you squeeze the handle, the sliding jaw advances along the steel bar toward the fixed jaw. Pressing the release lever unlocks the pressure. DIY Tool #7 – Hammer Almost everyone owns a hammer so no need to run out and buy one. However, if you do need to purchase one, try a lighter 16 ounce straight claw as it is easier to handle and will vibrates less than plastic or metal and most importantly- will be easier on your pocketbook. DIY Tool #6 – Level Starting with a level foundation is the single most important requirement in getting off on the right foot for almost any backyard project! A level ensures your foundation/floor is horizontally perfect. In a pinch you could use one of many mobile apps that serve as a virtual level, but a longer 3- to 4-foot metal level (which can double as a straight edge) will go a long way. DIY Tool #5 – Saw (Hand/Cicular/Miter) For simple cutting, a hand or circular saw may be all that is required. However, when precise cuts for trim, rafters and molding are required, a miter saw may be required. A compound 12-inch saw that swivels and tilts in both directions will do the job perfectly. Keep in mind that a miter saw will be a much safer tool than a circular saw when trying to make any type of miter cut! DIY Tool #4 – Tape Measure No matter what kind of backyard DIY project (shed, pergola, gazebo or playhouse) your taking on, I guarantee by the end of it, your tape measure will be your best friend. Make sure to get a good-quality 12 to 16 foot, easy-locking device that is at least 3/4-inches wide. DIY Tool #3 – Tool Belt I’ve yet to work with a pro who doesn’t use a tool belt when working on a DIY project. Belts are great for easy access to your tools and hardware and will save you time and frustration. The downside to wearing a tool belt is the added weight but the trade-off is the constant interruptions to fetch what you need from the other side of the yard, rather than have the tools and fasteners right there with you will quickly payoff! DIY Tool #2 – Smart Phone A smartphone you say? Yes – it’s as essential for DIY’er as your tape measure or cordless drill. We all know it is a powerful little communication device so it will come in handy when looking for a video or assembly directions for a DIY kit. Plus with all the new apps available, such as a level, flashlight, rafter angle calculator, it has become a practical DIY tool to help you complete the project on time! A quick text to your spouse to get your favorite refreshment ready because your almost finished is pretty cool as well! DIY Tool #1 – Cordless Drill Cordless drills are convenient for working anywhere. A compact, lightweight 12-volt model will have enough power for most projects. Make sure to buy a drill set with 2 batteries so you always have a battery charged. I found it handy to buy the accessory set which includes various drill bits that will be helpful in any situation. I would really consider not taking on any DIY project if you don’t have a cordless drill! There you have it! Having the proper tools available will make your DIY project go smoothly and quickly. Be sure to take time and familiarize yourself with the safe operating procedure of each tool as required.
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8 Reasons Why a DIY Backyard Project is Better

DIY Backyard Project Redefining and making your backyard look exotic yourself is a marvellous way to add a personal touch to any space. Whether it’s a chic, fantastic, or sparkling outdoor area you want to entertain guests in, or a rustic haven you would like to retreat to when you want to get away from it all, a DIY backyard project is beneficial for a variety of reasons. 1. It is more affordable than a professional project A professional landscaper comes at a premium, so be ready to cut a large dent into your checking account for your professional landscaping needs. On the other hand, a DIY backyard project is far more affordable in comparison. You can make use of materials you have laying around the house, so the cost of outsourcing materials is reduced. Since you will be doing the job yourself, the cost of labor will also be non-existent. What is wrong with a little exercise either!? You can always DVR that baseball or basketball game as well and watch it to cap off a constructive and magnificent day. 2. You can put your creativity to good use If you have been craving to find a creative outlet for yourself, but haven’t found an appropriate enough project to put it in, why not infuse it in a backyard DIY project? A DIY project is a fabulous opportunity to let your creativity shine through. You can improvise on design, the materials you use and many more, to make your DIY backyard project your own. 3. You can reflect your own tastes in your backyard Your DIY backyard project is a sterling place to personify your personality and taste for anyone to see, certainly yourself! Are you a person who loves the rustic charm of the great outdoors? Or maybe you are someone who adores the stylish, minimalistic, and classic style. Whatever your tastes might be, you can have them reflected in how you do up your backyard. With large planters and the addition of giant allium flowers, you can add that much-needed rustic touch. For a classic look, you can add a crisscross of trellis adorned with fairy lights. 4. You have a space that is unique A backyard project that you do yourself is something that is unique and not run-of-the-mill. A professional landscapist, while adept at creating backyard projects, possibly has a one style that he is most proficient at and probably recreates that across the different projects that he undertakes. If you do your backyard project yourself, you can be sure that no one else has a space like you have. Your unique project will be yours alone and representative of your own personal style. It will be a conversation piece for everyone who visits. 5. It is something to do with the whole family A do-it-yourself backyard project is a fantastic way to include every single member of the family, regardless of age. It is a significant and marvelous time for family bonding, with kids helping out as much as adults. On the weekends, or after school, have your children help out with the weeding, or the clearing up of the yard. Make sure to give the little ones light tasks to undertake and keep the risky ones for yourself. As a treat, why not promise to build them a tree-house which they can call their own. But that is another chapter entirely! They have their wiffle ball bats and balls and bicycles to keep them plenty occupied. 6. It is a fantastic conversation starter If you plan to entertain guests in your backyard, imagine the awesome conversation starter it can be if you can tell them that all this work and creative energy expunged originated from you. A do-it-yourself backyard project is an interesting thing to talk about, and even slightly boast about if you want to go down that route! Do not be ostentatious though, everyone you invite over will probably have accomplished some outstanding task(s) in their life as well. Your guests will be interested to know how you went about getting your project done, about the materials that you used in creative and imaginative ways, any movie or TV themes you may have employed, and how your family contributed as well. 7. It is a great way to relax Just like how some people say gardening is an astounding way to relax, so is working on a DIY project. Taking the time out to just focus on the task at hand, and forgetting about all your other stresses can be a wonderful way to spend some time. You can concentrate just on your DIY backyard project and watch it take shape after a few weekends of work. This will offer you a healthy retreat and get you ready for your job come Monday morning. 8. It is something to be proud of Your DIY backyard project is something that you have done all by yourself, with a little help from your family of course. Right from the idea and the sourcing of the material to the actual execution – it is all you. This is something to hold your head high above. It is quite an accomplishment and something to be proud of, to do your own backyard project, which will increase the value of your home and last for many years. That is why, instead of choosing a team of professional landscape artists to take care of your landscaping and backyard needs, choose to do your backyard project yourself and wait for the compliments to pour in.
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DIY, How to, outdoor living

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10 Unusual, But Awesome Ways to Use a Gazebo

ways to use a gazebo Investing in a gazebo may seem a little expensive,. You can only use it in the summers and the rest of the year, it just sits there with no one using it. This does seem like a waste of money but you couldn’t be more wrong. Gazebos can be used all through the year but you’ve got to know how to use them and for what purpose. So get out there, buy a gazebo, and use it all the time in some of the most unusual but awesome ways. Tip #1 – Turn it into an Outdoor Movie Theater As your gazebo is already set up, you can easily convert it into a home theater. Haul your TV, CD system, and extra speakers out to the gazebo and set them up or just buy another entertainment set (flat screen, sound bar) that you can cover up and seal when not in use. Once the theater is running, organize a party with your friends and family to see the latest 3D movie, host a sports night, or even watch your favorite show in this new exotic entertainment area you have created for yourself and your family. There is a chance that adverse weather like rain or heavy winds may prevent you from using the gazebo but you can invest in heavy-duty PVC solid walls to keep the gazebo interior warm and secure. Or you can just use the gazebo when the weather is not as turbulent. Mother Nature does not show her fury every winter night or weekend. Tip #2 – Temporary Shelter If you have a moveable gazebo, you can easily move it about to provide temporary shelter to your vehicles in a hot summer. Set up the gazebo in your driveway or on the pavement and park your car in the cool shade. Tip#3 – Set up a Greenhouse Do your bit for the environment by setting up a small garden in your gazebo. During the winter months, set up a small garden of seasonal vegetables like potatoes, onions, chilies, aubergines, etc. Don’t forget to invest solid or flexible plastic walls to keep the gazebo interior warm and humid. With the right heaters, you can easily have a comfortable supply of fresh veggies through the entire winter. Tip #4 – Set up a Pop-up Shop Do you have a small business? Use your temporary gazebo as a pop up shop by setting it up in parking lots, at fairs, and in popular shopping areas. You might require a license or a permit but it’s a salient way to raise awareness about your business in your locality with minimum investment. Tip #5 – Charity Drives Charity drives are a tremendous way to collect food, money, and clothes for the less-privileged. If you have a portable gazebo, set it up near a church, a hospital, or at any events and promote your charity drive. With the right gazebo, you can attract walker-bys into your gazebo and encourage their attention to your favorite charity. After all, any kind of contribution can make a huge difference for any non-profit organization. Tip #6 – Temporary Storage Are you renovating your home? Or will you have to vacate your home for a few days due to a pest defogging? Use the gazebo as a temporary residence or a place to temporarily store your possessions. This is possible during the summer. However, you may need extra protection during the rains and the winter. In these adverse conditions, make sure you have solid PVC walls to provide temperature control and to protect you and your belongings from rough winds. Tip #7 – Use it as a Team Building Exercise For seminar organizers, team exercises are a sterling way to encourage a feeling of community. Building something together is a fantastic way to encourage team unity and gazebos are perfect for this. At a company seminar, you can divide your colleagues into teams and then set a contest. The team that sets up their gazebo the first wins a prize. This kind of team-exercise encourages unity and ensures team intercommunication and a better work ethic. Of course, you can also set up the gazebo as outdoor seating areas at your business seminar or as outdoor snack area at business luncheons or events. Tip #8 – Jazz Up Your Child’s Birthday Party  Children love having fun birthday parties. If you already have a temporary gazebo, set up a mime event, a puppet show, or a magic show in the gazebo and keep your kids entertained all through the party. You can rent two more gazebos and hire a temporary tattoo artist, an arts and crafts teacher, etc. and your kiddie guests will have a wonderful time. Tip #9 – Giveaways If you have a business, a gazebo is a wonderful way to advertise your business in the locality. Created logo-covered gazebos and give them out as freebies to your vendors. You can also give them away to customers who have made purchases in your store or to those customers who won simple daily contests. Tip #10 – Beach Parties If you’ve organized beach parties, you know that it can be quite windy and chilly at night. For temporary protection, set up a gazebo on the beach and stock it with lounges, rocking chairs, and rugs to relax on. As you can see, when it comes to relaxing outside, a gazebo is the perfect getaway. Just sit back in the gazebo in complete comfort in the shelter provided multi-purpose investment.
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10 Must have Backyard Projects for the Consummate DIY’er

backyard projects You have a large independent home and an even larger backyard. One of the advantages of having a home like this is that you can customize it anyway you want. Before you start complaining about expenditure, you should know that you can personalize your home in a day with a few simple DIY projects. You don’t have to be an expert craftsmen to do these few projects that we’ve listed. So go ahead, here are 10 of the best and simplest DIY backyard projects that you can try out. DIY Project#1 – Fire Pits   What’s an outdoor space without a barbeque? With a bag of cement, about fifty bricks and a metal fire pit, your outdoor barbeque/ fire pit is ready to go. There are several fire pit designs available online but the DIY tutorial from Lowe’s appears to be the simplest and easiest one for a novice DIYer. DIY Project# 2 – Recycled Table and Chairs With a little imagination you can make tables and chairs from almost any kind of flat raised material. Browse local salvage yards for strong wood like wooden pallets, wooden crates, and so on. To make a table from the pallets, just attach four wooden chairs or screw on readymade table legs from a hardware store. Place a tinted, shatter-resistant glass sheet on top of the pallet and your table is ready. For a slightly more difficult project, you will have to deconstruct the wooden crates, and then reuse the wood to make tables and chairs. Chairs are just as easy to make from wooden cartons, plastic cartons, and cement blocks. DIY Project# 3 – Herb Gardens Herb gardens are ridiculously easy to make. Create a stacked herb garden by placing smaller pots on top of larger ones in a terraced pattern. You don’t even have to use pots, since you can repurpose cracked kitchen containers to create your herb tower. Fill the tower with soil and fertilizer and plant your favorite herbs. It takes a month or so for shoots to appear but once your garden is up and running, you have a lovely collection of herbs always ready to use. DIY Project# 5 – Outdoor Bar  Outdoor bars are a stellar way to jazz up any outdoor space. Create something fancy or with a limited budget using salvaged pallets. Just attach the pallets to each other and stand them up to make your own outdoor bar. Make sure you stain the wood and cover it with a layer of polyurethane for a glossy, weather-resistant finish. DIY Project# 6 – Scrabble Tile Floor Do you like scrabble? Why not create the scrabble floorboard in your backyard. Just purchase simple block mosaic tiles from the local hardware store and set up the floor. You will have to create the alphabet tiles to play scrabble on the tile floor but once the floor board and tiles are ready, you are going to have a lot of fun. DIY Project# 7 – Mosaic Stepping Stones This is such a simple idea that anyone can do it. Collect scrap glass, old colored gems, or old tiles in a range of colors and dump them into a thick sack. Give the sack a few bashes, and empty the tile pieces on to a flat surface. In a non-stick cake tin, place out the tile pieces, cover with a layer of concrete, and a thin sheet of wire mesh. Let the concrete set and then empty the stone out when the concrete sets. Make as many as you want in as many shapes as possible to decorate your backyard. DIY Project# 8 – Votive Chandelier Lighting up your outdoor space is easy with a votive chandelier. Collect ten to fifteen votive holders and suspend them from a wood X frame with strong thread, wires, or chains. Place votive candles in the holders and light them all for a lovely setting. Mix and match votive holders to create a unique pattern. DIY Project# 9 – DIY Outdoor Shower You can easily set up an outdoor shower with a hollow pole containing the plumbing, a shower head, and two transparent vinyl wing walls.  All you have to do is figure out the plumbing and your shower cubicle can be up in three to four hours. DIY Project# 10 – Build a Shed  You can find many shed plans online for free or find a credible garden shed manufacturer that specializes in delivering DIY sheds directly to your yard. All you need are a few simple tools such as a screw gun and a level and then follow the instructions.  If your feeling really creative, design your very own shed using recycled lumber and other building materials scrounged up in your neighborhood. A little more elbow grease but very satisfying and great on the pocket book! So, are you ready? Plan a trip to the nearest hardware store and stock up the basics. Most of these projects are so simple that you don’t even have to spend more than $50 but you will end up with beautiful, unique furniture that will be the talking point of your backyard.
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DIY, How to, outdoor living, pergolas

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10 Unique Pergola Designs (And What Makes them Different)

10 Unique Pergola Designs Having your own pergola is an astounding way to jazz up your garden. The spacious, open arches can serve as a beautiful outdoor element in your home. Of course, there are several different designs to choose from and we’ve listed our favorite versions here for you to go through. Design #1 – Attached Pergolas Attached pergola designs are very common but there are several outstanding designs to choose from. Try a space-defining pergola that you can attach to your French windows or to a side entrance. This semi-attached pergola can extend your living space and serve as a beautiful transition space from the inside to the outside. You can also attach the pergola to the side of your patio and create the illusion of a bigger room with natural ventilation and natural light. Design #2 – Two-Tier Pergolas You may have seen these kinds of pergolas and they lend an elegant appearance to your garden. You can do this yourself by layering two different types of roofs over each other. Try plain columns and place them at right angles to each other, and on top of each other, to create the two-tier appearance. If you keep a little space between the two-tiers, you can place pots, planters, or allow two-different colored flowering vines to occupy the space between the two tiers. Design #3 – Curved Pergolas Curved pergolas are extremely beautiful. The curved latticework can increase the floor-to-roof space but still lend an extremely intimate feel to the seating area underneath the pergola. You can choose from curved lattices, basket-weave curved lattices, deep-v shaped lattices, etc. If you have the time and money, you can easily custom-build your own curved pergola to suit your garden and outdoor space. Design # 4 – Disconnected Pergolas You may have a large garden but disconnected pergolas and walkways are an exceptional way to bring seating arrangements together. Create stone walkways and cover them with horizontally curved pergolas. The pergolas can be disconnected from each other and spread out over a large garden. Design #5 – Over the Door and Window Pergolas If you have sufficient space around your doors and windows, consider adding pergolas that extend for two to three feet over your doors and windows. Not only do they architectural interest to your building but they can also form a framework for climbing vines. In case you have the space, you can also extend a single window pergola for three feet and place a seating arrangement under it to make a small cozy nook. Design # 6 – Extra Large Pergolas For houses that have sufficient outdoor space, an extra-large pergola can act as an outdoor room. Fit it with an outdoor fireplace, a barbeque, central dining area, bar and seating and you are good to go. Design #7- Pool House Pergolas  If you have a large pool, set up a combined pool-house-pergola space. Use classic columns, curved thatch roofs, tiled flooring, comfortable seating, shower rooms, etc. to make your pool-house-pergola comfortable, intimate, and trendy as well. Design #8 – Pergola Entryways Jazz up your home and its entryway by setting up a pergola walkway from your gate to your house entrance. It adds practical protection from the sun and rain. You can also relax on hot summer days by placing seating in the walkway area. This type of walkway is perfect if you have a large lawn but a small backyard. Instead of using the backyard, convert the walkway into a large seating area. Design #9 – Rooftop Garden Pergolas If you don’t have enough space in the backyard or as your lawn, set up a pergola on your roof. Most manufacturers do make lightweight pergolas that can be set up in an hour on your roof. Aluminum is the most common material but stainless steel is also popular. If you like eco-friendly versions, you can choose from bamboo, raffia matting, coir, and so on. Choose from a range of colors and designs or make your own lightweight version to form a shady place to relax on your roof. Design # 10 – Contemporary Styling Instead of the classic wood beam appearance, contemporary pergolas are far more popular at present. The most common style consists of lightweight aluminum poles that support vinyl-mesh sides and retractable tops. Non-mechanized versions are also available and they are cheaper. These types of pergolas are available in several colors and sizes and they are weather resistant as well. As you can see, you can choose from a huge range of stylish pergolas and gazebos for your outdoor space. In case you want to make your pergola multifunctional, some manufacturers also offer multi-level structures in the above mentioned designs. All you have to do is purchase the ready made pergolas, and set them up in your backyard, patio, lawn, and so forth and prepare it for any special occasion.
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How to Winterize Your Backyard

How to Winterize your backyardHow to Winterize Your Backyard: Preservation and Maintenance The end of summer marks the beginning of a trying time for homeowners – winterizing their backyards. Every single element that you have in your backyard needs to be winterized in order to save it from becoming ruined – right from your lawn furniture and grills to your swimming pools and garden accessories. When you properly winterize your backyard, it can save you a lot of time and energy when summer comes around again. Here are some ways to preserve and maintain your backyard during the winter season. Grills & Barbeques If you have portable barbeques and grills installed in your backyard, you will want to move them inside a garage, storage shed, or a plastic storage unit, which is available at most hardware stores. Make sure you keep propane tanks outdoors itself, and cover it with a tarpaulin or a plastic bag. Never store propane tanks indoors, since this could instigate an explosion which you certainly do not want. Garden Tools To winterize your garden tools such as spades, shears, and other hand tools, dip them in sand mixed with motor oil before you store them. This will not only clean them, but will also work by lubricating them. Hoses Leaving hoses outdoors during the winter is a clear and very real mistake. You may think that you will be able to drain the hose in question and leave it outside, and it won’t be a problem, but even drained hoses tend to suffer from exposure when left out in the open for cold long stretches of time. This means that the life of your garden hoses are compromised and you will end up needing to replace them sooner than if you took some time out to properly winterize them. Unhook all your hoses from spigots, empty out all the water and store them in a shed or a garage after you have winterized them. Lawn Mowers For lawn mowers, try tuning them at the end of summer. This way, you will avoid the rush of lawn mower owners who have procrastinated and arrive at tune-up shops to get their machines tuned just before springtime. To preserve your lawnmower in the winter, you should also think about adding a gasoline stabilizer to the remaining fuel. Potted Plants Unfortunately there is nothing you can do for potted plants in the winter, but to get rid of them. At the end of summer, pull up all your potted annuals and throw the soil out. Be sure to store your pots in a basement, shed, or garage. If you leave plastic pots out in the extreme cold, they will suffer unnecessary damage from the exposure, while terracotta pots tend to freeze outdoors. Lawn Furniture If you have lightweight plastic lawn furniture, you can easily store them in your garage. If you have heavier pieces however, like wrought iron, they can be left outdoors. But be sure to cover them with the manufacturers’ covers (which you can buy online or at a hardware store) or large plastic bags. The manufacturers’ covers are made from durable vinyl and have grommets or drawstrings for cords so as to keep it secured against the wind. If any of your lawn furniture has fabric cushions, remember to store them in your shed, since they cannot be left outside. If you feel like it, you may also clean your furniture before you store them in your shed so those dirt stains do not become permanent and so when you bring them back out in another four to five months they are ready to go for you to sit on and put out on display. You also, by cleaning them, will kill any spiders or bugs that could have made the underside of the furniture their summer home. Swimming Pools Winterizing your swimming pool protects it from damage due to the water freezing and also keeps it clean for the next swimming season. To winterize your swimming pool, be sure that the water chemistry is balanced and is between 7.2 and 7.6 pH, the alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm, and the calcium hardness between 180 and 220 ppm. Store your wall fittings, pool cleaners, solar blankets, skimmer baskets, and ladders in your shed. Use a filter pump or a submersible pump to lower the water level of the pool and be sure to drain out all of the filters, pumps, chlorinators and heaters, so to prevent them from freezing and cracking. Finally, make sure that the chlorine level is below 3.0 ppm, and cover your pool so that there are no holes or gaps where debris or leaves may enter. Garden Ponds Winterizing a garden pond can be challenging, especially if you have plants and the fish in the pond. The first thing you need to do is turn off the pump and take away all the parts that stick out above the water surface. Remove your potted plants and cut the foliage up till the root ball. To keep the fish alive, keep a hole open in the ice during the winter to allow the toxic gases to escape and oxygen to enter the pond.
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How to, Western Red Cedar

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10 Reasons Why Western Red Cedar Makes the Perfect Material for Pergolas

red cedar bark A pergola made of wood is the ideal structure for providing shelter and shade outdoors, and it will improve the value of your property. Wood is the popular choice (benefit of wood link) of material for constructing pergolas because it is not only affordable but also easy to work with, which provides numerous design options. Out of all the different types of wood, western red cedar wood is the perfect material for constructing pergolas, because of its special characteristics.

Ten reasons to consider western red cedar for constructing your pergola:

1) Highly Durable Western red cedar wood is extremely durable and is the popular choice for constructing fences, outdoor structures, and making building components. There are different varieties of cedar, but western red cedar is known to resist moisture and decay the best. Western red cedar is able to withstand almost all types of extreme weather, which makes it ideal material for outdoor structures such as pergolas. 2) Repels Insects Cedar actually has the characteristic of repelling insects, and it therefore will not easily fall prey to termite infestation. In olden days, when cedar trees were plentiful, people used to make the frames of their houses and clapboard sidings from cedar. Certain homes even had their roofs made of cedar planks. While many other types of woods are susceptible to termites, cedar can resist these insects and others largely. 3) Dimensional Stability Cedar is hygroscopic, which means the wood will discharge or absorb moisture to be in equilibrium with the surrounding atmospheric conditions. Secondly, the wood has extremely low shrinkage factor and is extremely resistant to checking, twisting, and warping. When you use western red cedar for making pergolas, it will not change its dimension or size  in most types of weather conditions, temperature, or level of humidity. Other types of wood start to warp when there is excess moisture in the atmosphere, but most cedar types will remain flat and straight, which makes them excellent construction material. 4) Comparatively Lighter in Weight Western red cedar is one of the lightest softwoods available commercially. The density of red cedar after it is oven dried is around 21 pounds per cubic foot, and a relative density of 0.32. Such low density, makes it much lighter in weight than other woods, and therefore it is easy to handle and transport cedar. 5) Thermal Conductivity Since cedar has a lower density, it correspondingly has more cell cavities. When the wood is dry, these cavities will be filled with air, which will make cedar a good thermal insulator. A structure made of cedar will keep cool in the hot season and will not need much heating during the winter. Compared to steel, concrete, and brick, the western red cedar provides much superior insulation amongst the softwood varieties. The R value of red cedar is 1.35″ of thickness, which is about 34 mm. 6) Beautiful Appearance Pergolas stand out in the outdoors and therefore they need to look elegant and beautiful. Many types of cedars will not lose their grain texture, and they can be stained and painted without losing their elegant grained appearance. Cedar also looks beautiful in its natural color, which can be white or red. Since, the wood is resistant to rot, and weather conditions, you do not need to stain, paint, or varnish the wood to provide a protective layer as in other woods. The natural color of cedar will also age beautifully to a silvery grey with time. 7) Fragrant Wood The wonderful aroma of cedar is quite well known. The oil in the wood, which provides water-resisting quality, is also quite fragrant. In fact, cedar is the most preferred wood for wardrobes, closets, saunas, and hot tub surroundings. Hence, if you want pleasant smelling pergolas, cedar would be the ideal choice. 8) Acoustics Any wood has the property for dampening vibrations and noise, but cedar excels in this property because of its vast cellular network.The minute interlocking pores of the cellular network, converts the energy of sound into heat due to viscoelastic and frictional resistance. As a result of this high friction inside, the wood has high dampening capacity compared to other materials used in structures. Hence, if you want a relatively quiet atmosphere or you want to dampen the sound you might be making while entertaining guests in pergolas, then cedar would be the ideal choice. Western red cedar is especially effective in this aspect, and is used widely to reduce noise or for confining noise within a certain area. 9) Easy to Handle Being lighter in weight compared to other woods, western red cedar is much easier to handle. Carpenters and workers prefer working with cedar, since there is much less strain during the building process. 10) Customized Designs Since cedar is easy to work with, it is possible to create numerous designs and engravings with relatively less effort. Hence, if you are thinking of building pergolas with intricate and elegant designs, western red cedar should be your first choice.
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How to

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How to Prepare Your Site for a Prefab Shed or Playhouse

Preare your site for a prefab shed

What Can I Do Before My Shed Arrives?

Before starting to prepare your site for a project, become familiar with your assembly manual and determine if you can complete the project yourself or will require a professional contractor. Please note that certain counties and municipalities require building permits prior to installation. We recommend to all consumers that they check with their local county/municipality for these specifics prior to purchasing any product since this is your sole responsibility. Prior to the product arriving, clear the construction area. Remove all debris; roots, grass, rocks, etc. Make sure the ground slopes away from the site at least 10 feet in all directions. If necessary, build up the soil in the center of the site and slope away for the high point to provide drainage. Fill in any low spots within the perimeter of the site. A slope of 1/8 inch per foot is enough to prevent water accumulation. We recommend excavating the site 4-6 inches deep and laying gravel or crushed rock where drainage may be a concern.

What Type of Foundation Should I Use?

Patio Stone Foundation:

If the ground is stable and has sufficient drainage, you can set patio stones directly on firm compacted soil. If not, consider laying down sand and then gravel or crushed rock. Excavate the site making it about 12” wider and longer than the floor footprint. Excavate down approximately 4-6 inches deep. Lay 1-2 inches of sand first and then fill with 3-4 inches of gravel or rock for good drainage and support. Most sheds and playhouses include floors with support runners. Support each runner with 4-5 patio stones (less for smaller sheds). Patio stones can be anything from a mid size brick to a round our square 12” long by 1 1/2” thick stone. Place stones directly under the floor runners, check for level and adjust height as necessary. Having a solid and level foundation is the most critical piece of work you can do to make the project go smoothly. Most of this work can be done prior to your shed arriving!

4×4 Pressure Treated Beam Foundation:

You can build directly on pressure-treated beams or railroad ties laid on a properly prepared construction site as mentioned above. Run beams perpendicular to floor runners. Use a 2×4 straight piece of lumber on edge and a carpenter’s level to position correctly. To prevent the beams from shifting, secure them with ½ inch rebar inserted through holes drilled in the beams and driven 3 to 4 feet into the ground. Leave each side or end of the foundation open to promote drainage and air circulation beneath the floor. Consider using a wire mesh or equivalent to prevent pesky critters from gaining access on ends.

Concrete – Slab Foundation:

Typically a concrete slab 3-4 inches thick laid over a sub-base of 4 inches of gravel or crushed rock is sufficient but may vary depending on your geographic location. Using either mix your own concrete or having it delivered by truck, ready to pour, depends on how much time and effort you have to dedicate to the project. In any event, make sure you excavate the slab area to a depth 6 inches. This would put the finished slab surface approximately 2 inches above ground (remember you will be using 4 inches of gravel as your subbase). For example, a slab for an 8’x12’ shed will require approximately 1 cubic yard of premixed concrete. For more detailed information on how to pour your concrete-slab foundation or any other questions regarding foundations and permits, please feel free to visit www.outdoorlivingtoday.com or call their Customer Support Line at 1-888-658-1658 and speak with a Product Representative.
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How to, Western Red Cedar

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Applying Stain to Your Cedar Pergola or Gazebo

Apply stain to your cedar pergola

So you have decided to apply stain to your new Western Red Cedar Pergola or Gazebo. Western Red Cedar has a reputation for holding finish exceptionally well, and for good reason too. After all, Western Red Cedar is pitch and resin-free, which means there’s nothing to interfere with the bonding of your finish. Here are a few tips to help your pergola stay beautiful for many years to come.

Before you build your pergola or gazebo

Decide first if you have the building skills required to design and construct your own pergola or gazebo. Whether the answer is yes or no, don’t forget to consider the cost of applying a quality finish.

The best time to stain western red cedar is before installation. Not only does this allow you to work in a safe, comfortable position it has the added benefit of allowing you to apply a finish to all six sides of your wood before installing them, thus ‘protecting’ every surface of you pergola.

Store it in a dry place, off the ground. Only use use top quality Western Red Cedar that has been dried to approximately 15% moisture content. This is the optimal level of moisture to accept your finish. If left unfinished and exposed to the elements (even for just a few weeks), Cedar’s ability to hold your stain stains will be compromised, so don’t delay, and keep it out of the elements!

Stain choices for your cedar pergola or gazebo

Walk into any home do-it-yourself paint and supply store and you are bound to be inundated with finish-stains. These products provide protection and also dress up the wood’s surface, enhancing cedar’s natural colours and textures or changing its face altogether. Three common choices are solid-colour stains, semi-transparent stains, and transparent stains.

Solid-colour stains act as a barrier between the elements and the wood, forming a film around the wood. Semi-transparent stains are ideal when you want to maintain western red cedar’s natural finish without weathering. Semi-transparent stains penetrate the wood’s pores, to varying degrees based on product. Transparent stains enhance the wood’s colour and act as an invisible protectant.

We have experimented with many name brands, and in our opinion, a couple have stood out: Cabot Stain and Sikken’s.

Both of these companies offer an opaque stain as well if your desire is to ‘colour’ your pergola.

Don’t forget to test the stain!

Before you start applying your stain to the entire pergola, test your stain choice to make sure it has the desired effect. The post skirts supplied with your pergola are a great opportunity to do this. Test various stains and colours on the inside of the post skirts. These won’t be seen when the assembly is complete, and will help you decide on your stain choice a lot more definitively than some arbitrary ‘colour guide’ on a sample rack.

Brush or rag for applying stain?

I will confess to have a bias here…. both! While it is easier to apply stain with a rag over large, smooth surfaces, only the brush will work effectively on the end grains: cut ends and notches. So use both. Using a brush will give you the most control. Brush application (natural bristle) is the preferred method because it works the stain into the wood fibres and cells more effectively. To avoid lap marks, make sure that the leading edge is kept wet and that the wet stain is brushed into the wood. A very good method is to brush the stain over an area, and then follow up with a rag to catch any puddles or drips. Any stain left to sit on a surface will soak in more than surrounding areas and appear darker. So brush, and… rag off. Work in small manageable areas. Try this technique: brush with one hand, and keep the rag in the other. Brush an area with the stain, and follow up with the rag. It won’t take long until you have developed a rhythm and the job will be done in no time.

While stain brands recommend a drying time of 12 to 24 hours, allowing the cedar to dry between 24 and 48 hours ensures that it is completely dry before you handle it for assembly.

There’s always the low-maintenance option of letting your western red cedar outdoor projects weather to a beautiful silver grey. But if that doesn’t suit your personal palette, follow these tips for a beautiful finish that will last for many years!

Enjoy your Pergola!

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