Entries Tagged 'Decks and Patio' ↓

A backyard deck is a great home improvement project which will not only add practical, outdoor living space, but also add value to your home. Building a deck is a popular project for do-it-yourselfers, yet this doesn’t mean that it is a simple or quick project.

Building a deck is both physically demanding and tedious, and requires exact measurements and cuts. If you think you’re up to the job, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind before getting your project underway:

1. Make sure you have the correct tools to get the job done properly. Having the proper tools, with sharpened blades and safety extension cords will not only make your job easier, but safer, as well.

2. Use only hot-dipped galvanized nails, bolts, screws and fasteners to prevent rust. You may also use aluminum or stainless steel fasteners, although hot-dipped galvanized fasteners are much less expensive. Continue reading →

You want to make your backyard a better place and you have decided to build a deck. Some people have suggested composite decking and others have suggested wood. You are now confused because you don’t know the difference in the two!

First you need to understand what composite materials are, they are materials that ate created from two or more materials that have different properties. Continue reading →

We’ve discussed how to spruce up a deck or patio in the past here at ImprovementWeb, but now during the dog days of summer when temperatures can reach three-digits, it’s hard to enjoy your outdoor paradise in the miserable heat.

There is a way to keep cool out on the deck or patio during the summer, and still get exposure to the sun and fresh air; Misting Fans.

Misting fans are an affordable way to air-condition the outdoors and provide a cool breeze which is almost as natural as a stroll on the beach. And since misting fans use a technique like evaporated cooling, they don’t get you or your patio furniture wet. Continue reading →

If you have a wood deck the first thing you will want to do is weatherproof it. You want to protect from all elements; rain, snow and sun (and even the family dog).

When you first get the deck built you should have it sealed at the beginning. You will need the following materials, a dust mask, a water hose, safety goggles, water, with deck cleaner in the bucket of water, belt sander and extra pieces of sandpaper, water proofing material like Thompson’s water seal and a broom.

Cleaning the Deck

Before you start the project make sure you have a day or so of no rain in the forecast, you will need at least 24 to 48 hours to let completely dry. Sweep the deck and get rid of all debris and sawdust anything you can visible see get rid of. You may want to wear socks or shoe coverings on your feet. Continue reading →

A deck can be one of the most treasured additions to any home. Many people look specifically for homes that have a deck or build their own home and include a deck in their plans. Others save for years before they can add a deck on to their properties. Whether you’ve had a deck for twenty years or you were just able to add one on to your home, you want the deck to be perfect.

Decorative accents, furniture, and other improvements can be blended to create a peaceful atmosphere for entertaining or relaxing with a good book. Use any of these five ideas or combine some of them to create the deck of your dreams.

Turn Your Deck Into a Sunroom

Your existing deck may be good, but turning it into a sunroom can make it great. A sunroom can be the perfect retreat on hot summer days or sultry summer nights. To turn your deck into a sunroom, you’ll need to think about the look you want to achieve. Do you want something casual, elegant, or something in between? Do you want your sunroom to have a theme?

Thinking about these things will influence all of your decisions while you are changing your deck into a sunroom. Once you’ve chosen the type of doors and windows you want in your sunroom, you can start filling it with furniture, plants, and other accents to make it your own.

Add Awnings

Awnings can be used to change the look of your deck without doing a major overhaul. The great thing about an awning is that it fulfills two major purposes. One is that your deck can be kept a lot cooler in the summer because the awning provides some much-needed shade. The other is that you can change the look of your deck without doing major renovations because awnings come in a wide variety of colors and styles. If you want to brighten things up, you can choose an awning in a bright color. This has the added benefit of helping to deflect the sun’s rays and keeping your deck even cooler. When adding an awning to your deck, shop with a reputable company so that you will not waste money on an awning that’s low in quality or is not installed properly. Continue reading →