Planning Your Patio
By admin | August 19, 2008
According to the dictionary, a patio is a paved area or courtyard adjoining a house. But oh, how times have moved on. A patio can be anything you want it to be just close your eyes and make a wish, and remember the rules have changed.
Planning is the key to success, put some thought into your patio design at the start and it will make a big difference to the end result. First establish the reason why you want to have a patio, this will make it clear in your head how you are going to use the space and what you need from it. For many people a patio area is a place with outdoor flooring on which to set a stylish patio set, but it can cater for many other needs too. If yur a sun worshipper, you will want the space to have lazy days on an attractive sunlounger. If you entertain regularly the space should be big enough for a large table and chairs and if you love cooking you could decorate it with planters full of herbs and vegetables to use on your bbq’s.
Often the patio will be designed as a section of a bigger garden, but for many people whose outdoor space is extremely limited, the patio may take up most of it, if not all of your garden space. A patio my not be restricted to traditional garen spaces it could also be built on a a balcony or roof area.
Before you finalise your design ask yourself some questions, as well as think what yuo want your patio area for and consider how and when you are going to use it. Once you decide on this think about where in the garden your patio area should be situated to best meet the needs. Do you want a high or low maintenance garden, how much time will you have to spend working rather than relaxing in it on your new garden furniture set.
What style would you like - contemporary or traditional and do you want this to be reflected in the materials you choose?
Topics: Patio Design | No Comments »
Outdoor Patio Furniture
By admin | August 11, 2008
Outdoor patio furniture has come a long way from the classic plastic lawn chairs and tables that we used to decorate our gardens with. Now manufacturers of outdoor patio furniture are coming up with new styles and new furniture technology in order to meet the demand for outdoor furniture.
Outdoor patio furniture sets consist of a wide range of pieces from dining table sets, deep seating sets, sofas, loveseats, bistro patio sets, loungers with ottoman and so many more. When purchasing for patio furniture, always take into consideration the specific use of the furniture including where you will place it and how many people will be using it. Obviously, you need to make sure that will suit its surroundings. Always shop around and compare prices to get the best deal.
Here are some types of hardwood patio furniture available today:
Cypress wood is resistant to rotting, splitting and cracking. It absorbs paint well so it is good hardwood patio furniture to buy if you like to re-decorate often. Unpainted, cedar has a beautiful yellowish-red color. It can last you about thirty years.
Northern White Cedar, or simply Cedar, is an extremely strong wood with high resistance to damage caused by insects, harsh weather and other outdoor elements making it a popular choice for hardwood patio furniture. It has a nice distinct smell and has lovely colors from white, light tan or soft gold. It will also last you a good thirty years.
Topics: Patio Furniture | No Comments »
Aluminium Patio Awnings
By admin | August 5, 2008
When you take a walk down a crowded city street you are bound to see something that is becoming the new big trend in small business. An aluminum awning above a storefront adds not only charm and character to a small business, it also is great advertising.
Years ago it seemed that awnings were primarily for homes. Your grandparents might have lived in a small house with an aluminum awning stretching along the front above the big picture window. One of the most popular color combinations back in the day was a red house with a big green aluminum awning in the front.
Nowadays most single family homes don’t have an awning. This is mainly because the design of most modern homes just does not support this accessory. If you live in an apartment complex there’s still a fairly good chance that at least one aluminum awning can be found on the front of the building.
I think there’s long been a misconception that builders were utilizing them strictly for aesthetic purposes. Although an aluminum awning certainly does add an extra pop to what might be an otherwise drab exterior, they do serve another purpose as well.
Weather can be so damaging to the outside surfaces of any building. Rain can cause wood to rot and crack, sun can cause paint to fade and wind can whip dirt around causing windows to become dusty and dirty. With an aluminum awning in place, the effects of the weather aren’t nearly as extreme.
If you want the benefit of having some protection from the elements, yet you’re not sold on the idea of having an awning on your building or home, there’s a solution that will work well for you. There are companies that have designed aluminum patio awnings that are retractable. The awning can be pulled back at your whim with a simple crank of a handle or the push of a button.
This type is obviously going to cost a bit more, but it’s a good compromise for someone who wants the look without having to completely commit to it. Not all vendors who sell awnings will offer this specialized type so you may have to search a bit to find one.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a quaint little home in the country or a bustling business in the city, an awning might help spruce up the exterior of your place while giving you a reprieve from Mother Nature at the same time.
Topics: Patio Awnings | No Comments »
Tree Pruning Equipment
By admin | July 31, 2008
The most important items in the tree pruning kit are the saw and a pair of step ladders.
Pruning saws come in many shapes and sizes but the most common and most effective have curved blades with concave cutting edges. They vary from 25cm to 60cm in length and have
handles like knife handles.
Lopping shears are an extended form of pruning shears designed to facilitate tree pruning at longer range.
When pruning upper branches it will still be necessary to use the ladder. Tree pruners, which can be up to 12ft in length enable the user to do much of the work from ground
level but they require some practise before the technique can be mastered. When using the ladder make sure that it is squarely and securely positioned. If you are working among
large branches do not try to push aside those that seem to be in the way, the spring in the branch of a tree can push you and the ladder over.
Be sure that you know where branches are going to fall and be especially careful if there are children around.
Keep your pruning equipment clean and well oiled. Have saws regularly sharpened and lightly oil them to prevent rust.
Topics: Garden Planning, Gardening Advice | 1 Comment »
