Nilsa N asked:


My pergola is alumimum and my patio is stamped concrete. We do not want to damage the patio so we are trying to avoid drilling into it to hold the columns, any other suggestions?

Modern Lighting Choices

djasail asked:


I am planning to have a concrete patio poured at my new house. How can I be sure the contractor is properly preparing the “underlayment” before pouring the concrete? I know that a certain amount of dirt should be removed (about 8″), that 3/4″ gravel and fine gravel should add back about 4″ when compacted, and that there should be a pre-soil treatment as well as a vapor barrier installed before the rebar goes down, but what else should I be sure gets done before the 4″ thick concrete gets poured?

Also, what PSI rating should the concrete be for this type of application?

I am in the Southern California area, in case weather is a concern.

Best Rated Heat Pumps

surfkru asked:


I have patio over a slab that has pier blocks holding the post.
The blocks are cracked, what is the best way to replace them
without taking down the whole patio?

Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Kate Riding asked:


Patio heaters should be assembled and regularly serviced by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions. Over time and with more use, a commercial-grade heater will cost less to operate than a residential patio heater. Propane patio heaters are a very safe way to keep your patio toasty warm all season long. One delightful irony is that one of the bestselling patio heaters in the country is called the “Sahara Big Burn”. Outdoor patio heaters have already successfully made the move from restaurants to homeowners� backyards, thanks to their effectiveness at heating outdoor spaces. An intimate spot is usually the best place to position a patio heater, because these outdoor heaters use radiant heat to warm solid objects, not the actual air. As the demand for the heaters gets greater, designers have been able to create innovative methods to help you make the most out your table top patio heater. If you have already considered one, now is the time to buy a patio heater with the dramatic reduction is cost and the sweeping safety feature additions over the past year. People have always enjoyed being able to spend time outside, and modern LPG appliances such as barbecues and patio heaters contribute to this alfresco lifestyle. But most Stainless Steel Patio Heaters are cost prohibitive for many families.

Patio HeatersA patio is a wonderful place to spend time by yourself or with friends and family. Propane is a very efficient and effective way to keep your outdoor area warm enough all year long so that you can have fall barbeques, share a drink with friends on the patio, or even have a meal on the patio dining furniture. This patio heater warms up an area the size of a 20′ circle. It is convenient to use on back yard patio tables and portable enough to bring along for outings with your family and friends. Just because the air starts to get a bit nippy doesn’t mean consumers are ready to put away their grills and patio furniture. As the variety of patio heaters available increases, more people are finding they can afford to adopt the alfresco lifestyle. These patio heaters are also completely portable, and will allow you to move it from an outdoor lounge area to backyard table in seconds. I was shocked to feel the amount of heat that the new gas powered patio heaters kick out. If you want to learn more about the specifics of gas powered deck heaters I suggest you read this article about what makes a good patio heater.

Heaters and safety

Table-top heaters, though, because they are lighter and smaller, are much easier to carry around wherever you want to go. Also unlike gas heaters it heats using infra-red light instead of heating the air between itself and you. These heaters emit both radiant heat and a pleasant golden light. Table top patio heaters are, above all, a great feature for your garden and can even be extremely eye catching if you choose to opt for some of the brighter colours.



High Efficiency Gas Furnace

Missy asked:


I want to get a new sliding patio door, but with between the glass blinds. I had Pella out for an estimate and it was a bit more than I expected. Is there any other companies that anyone could recommend that does this type door?

Enviro Pellet Stoves

Dinosaur asked:


I understand after time rust will form on the patio cement underneath because it is wrought iron, but what can I do to prevent rust forming on our cement? I don’t like the idea of artificial grass, etc….
the patio itself isn’t rusted, but the issue is this. after time when it rains the rain drips off the wrought iron causing rust on my cement. how di prevent this.

Drink Vending Machines

Madison72 asked:


I have a nice patio and nice lawn furniture but everyday when I got out to sit, there is bird poop all over my patio. Any suggestions on keeping the birds away?

Painted Kitchen Cabinets

Julien Raynal asked:


In order to achieve a good balance in life, it is important to enhance and decorate the home to make it look more inviting with all the relaxing effects that can be provided by a comfortable space, allowing us to escape from the hectic life at work or business. Buying a home is a famed American dream, and it is basically a response to a need to come back to a comfortable, safe and warm place, after a long tiring day at work.

Weekends and summers are the best periods to enjoy the comforts of home. The patio is a grand place to do outdoor activities like lounging under large, cool umbrellas with comfortable furniture, either just relaxing or playing games with the kids at the table. Most houses have a patio with large and colorful umbrellas that allow solace from the heat of the sun, along with a few lounge chairs to read a book or sun-bathe within the confines of a peaceful garden.

Though a wide variety of brands is available, one can adorn their garden with reasonably and affordably priced patio umbrellas and other appropriate outdoor patio furniture. For people who can spend a little more to satisfy their aesthetic tastes, there are patio umbrellas with Oriental designs and patterns that serve the purpose of being more unique and stylish.

Patio umbrellas and outdoor patio furniture need to be researched for their durability, and ability to withstand the wear and tear due to varying weather conditions. It is always important to look for durable patio umbrellas. Most patio umbrellas come with a center pole, around which other patio furniture like chairs or love seats can be set up. Sometimes, the umbrellas come with a side pole, thus eliminating the center pole, allowing effective usage of the shade provided by the umbrella.

Apart from the practical pieces such as aluminum poles for rust resistance, durability, and flexibility, patio umbrellas come with other pieces of decoration like provisions to attach serial lighting, a center bulb to provide light above the head, or solution-dyed acrylic for easy cleaning purposes. Special patio umbrellas also come in octagonal shape to give a more spacious look while layered umbrellas provide greater shade during hot summers.

Patio furniture normally consists of chairs, love seats, tables, and sofas. These are available in different materials based on cost. Home owners can choose the appropriate one based on weather conditions and whether the patio is a covered or not. Hammocks, swings, gliders are also part of outdoor furniture for the patio.

For patios that are not covered and fully exposed to the outside elements, it is preferable to consider plastic furniture or treated metal furniture unless you decide to apply wood finishes that allow proper protection. For covered patios wicker is a good option for patio furniture. It is light, sturdy and moderately priced. The seats of wicker furniture are usually covered with cushions that are very suitable for indoor patios. Different kind of wood patio furniture is also available and these are made of well treated wood that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Wrought iron furniture comes in extensively decorated designs and are normally the costlier types. Choose the most suitable outdoor patio furniture that fits your needs as well as the environment of the region where you live and you will be able to enjoy spending time on your patio.



Bass Fishing Tackle

Leah Perry asked:


As we spend increasing amounts of time at work, many people have less opportunity for play. Creating a pleasant environment right at home with your patio furniture affords the perfect place to unwind. The simple pleasure of hosting a barbeque, watching a sunset or relaxing on your new patio furniture can serve as a fantastic escape and inject some much needed peace into your busy life.

With this in mind, you should pick patio or deck furniture that you will truly enjoy. As an extension of your home, your patio furniture needs to be held to the same standards of selection as your living or kitchen furniture. The patio is generally immediately off of a main room and can be viewed from the home. For this reason, try to pick patio furniture that will blend with your tastes and existing décor. The major difference, of course, is that your patio furniture is subjected to more extreme conditions than your settee. Muddy shoes and shedding cats are no match for sleet and snow. The following criteria can aid in your decision making process.

First, you must think about the purpose of your purchase. Do you want a small table and chairs for quiet reflection? Do you enjoy entertaining and hope to invite twenty of your friends on a summer afternoon? Will the eager grandchildren frequently climb on the patio furniture? It is important to consider how you use your patio and what expectations you have for your patio furniture before making any purchases.

The location of your patio is another key in the selection process of patio furniture. Is your patio close enough to your home that the colors and styles might clash with your interior decorations? If so, you’ll want to stick to the themes and colors of your home. If your patio is in an exposed area, you may hope to move the furniture frequently to keep it sheltered. Therefore, you will need to choose the right material for this process. Wicker or aluminum allow for easy transfer of patio furniture.

You must also decide how much space you actually have for this furniture. You can do this in one of two ways. Either draw a scale version of your patio and add the desired pieces into the appropriate places; or create full size cardboard cut-outs of your chosen patio furniture and place them around your patio to take in the full effect. Either way, it is very important to make sure that the furniture will fit well, without creating a cramped or overly sparse feeling.

After the preliminary process, the fun begins. You can now choose colors and finishes as well as materials and cushion patterns. Furthermore, consider some fun patio furniture accessories that you can add to your oasis. Umbrellas shield you and your guests from harsh weather; porch swings are a whimsical way to relax and create serenity. Novelty chairs, like Adirondacks and rocking chairs, liven up a patio while providing extra space for relaxing.

There’s no need to fly to Paris for a week in order to get away; you can get all of that enjoyment right in your own backyard with the right patio furniture. Follow these guidelines and you should be relaxing shortly with all of the essentials for a beautiful, perfect patio.



Stained Glass Fireplace Screen