Outdoors: May 2008 Monthly archive
The folks at Chicago 2-Flat tore up a concrete slab in their backyard to discover a 100-year old drywell located just next to the house. They considered setting up rain barrels as the only gutter drained into this drywell but decided against this due to the weather and limited space in their yard.
Tags: chicago, drywell, gutters, rain barrel
May 28, 2008 | Comments ()
Efflorescence is a very common and somewhat mysterious ailment effecting masonry construction including brick, concrete, and mortars. It occurs when water moving through a sidewalk or other structure brings salts to the surface that are not commonly bound as part of the cement stone. As the water evaporates, it leaves the salt behind, which forms a white, fluffy deposit, that can normally be brushed off but sometimes create more lasting stains.
Tags: cement, concrete, driveway, efflorescence, salt petering, sidewalk
May 27, 2008 | Comments ()
So many of the beautiful homes in the magazines we read have gorgeous flagstone walkways or patios but it's been tough finding the proper instructions for installing flagstones ourselves.
May 20, 2008 | Comments ()
Here’s a project that might make your life easier during the summer, especially if you’ve got kids that tend to get dirty while they play. An outdoor shower can complement a pool, of course, or just be used as a way to rinse off so as not to track any dirt into the house after a day in the garden. Plus, in the summer heat it can be fun to shower outside!
Tags: meredith clinton, outdoor shower, pool, shower
May 20, 2008 | Comments ()
It's time to fix that sagging wooden gate that scrapes along the ground. Until this is remedied it will continue to mark your pathway as well as damage the bottom of your gate and place unnecessary stress on the hinges and planks.
Tags: gate, swing gate, yard
May 19, 2008 | Comments ()
