When spring comes and the snow melts away, dirt and grime are bound to be left behind. Pick a sunny day and get outside to give the deck or patio a good cleaning.
Make sure that the temperature is high enough to avoid freezing the diluted cleaning solution.
1) Gently clear away any remaining ice or snow patches on the patio with a broom or plastic shovel. This will remove any heavy debris as well, leaving just the stains and build up from the snow.
2) Buy a concentrated cleaner that works for both wood and concrete for the most versatility. Dilute the solution as per the instructions on the bottle.
3) Using a shop broom or a long handled scrub brush, clean the deck or patio surface. Start from one side and move all of the way across. The cleaning solution will likely foam a little (like soap) and the liquid in the bucket will get dirty faster than you think. Change up to clean solution as you feel the need to. Most brands will clean between 100 - 200 square feet of surface with each mix.
Winter can be rough on your fence. As the frost leaves the ground and you start to wander around the backyard, you may notice that some of your fence posts have moved around.
Is your fence leaning? Are their sections snapped off or threatening to? Does your gate take heavy machinery to open? All of these conditions are a result of frost heaving the concrete around the post and doing a number on your fence.
With some sweat, a sledge and a shovel, you can fix these up before the summer hits. Here's how.
A perfect project for spring, building a planter box for your patio is simple and easy. Customize it to the shape and size you need and compliment your backyard landscape.
Wooden Planter Boxes
For a rustic or sleek look, use wood to build a planter. It's possible to make almost any shape, but boxes in a square or rectangle are the easiest.
Work with deck boards or 2x6 lumber - the entire box shape including base and side can be assembled with these dimensions. A rim or lip can be built with planed 2x6 or you can switch up to 2x4 or 1x6.
Once you've built the box shape, remember to account for drainage and also soil retention. Line the box with heavy duty plastic or landscape fabric stapled into the inside. Poke or punch holes through the liner.
The beauty of a path is that it directs you (obviously). But a well built and properly designed path can do so much more for your home.
Pavestone is the perfect material to use for your walkway. These handy, pre-formed cement pavers can give you the look of anything from flagstone to contemporary geometric shapes. They're also usually more economical than the real deal.
Pick colors to match your landscape, shapes to startle or simply blend in and textures of all kinds.
Follow these tips for laying your pavestones.
The beauty and strength of a concrete countertop can be yours with planning, some basic materials and a little patience. Create a beautiful, unique piece of art for your kitchen or bathroom with a DIY concrete countertop.
Start With the Template
A lot of the work in making concrete countertops happens in the planning stage. Make sure you make an exact template of your countertop - use cardboard or something with the same strength and flexibility.
Make your measurements twice and be sure to account for all fixtures and drains.
For whatever reason, you may find out that your home needs better accessibility. Stairs are difficult and dangerous when you're in a wheelchair. Tackle the problem yourself by building a simple wooden ramp up to the entrance way.
Wood is much cheaper and more convenient than a poured concrete ramp. A wooden ramp can be removed easily or adapted if the situation changes. The frame, surface and railing on a wooden ramp are also easy to build in no time.
Don't forget safety when thinking about a backyard pool. Install it the right way and enjoy your oasis with peace of mind (and no liability).
A fence is almost always necessary with any backyard pool over 24" deep. If you install an above ground and have a non-climbable railing completely surrounding it, you won't need a fence. Otherwise, count on it being necessary.
A lockable gate is also going to be essential for pool safety. Look for products specially made for pools that have lock mechanisms built right in. Some states and municipalities also require a gate to be self-closing.
Even on a large deck or patio, railings can make you feel closed or boxed in. Think about the beauty and open-look of tempered glass railings and break out of that box.
Installed in a wood or aluminum frame, tempered glass railings are the ultimate to provide safety and maintain the view of your beautiful backyard.
Many homeowners are looking to vinyl decks for a true maintenance free solution. PVC (or Polyvinyl Chloride) will last for decades without a drop of stain. But will your deck become dangerously slippery in the rain?
A completely flat vinyl or plastic surface would surely become a hazard with any kind of moisture. But thankfully, vinyl deck boards are not made that way.
Manufacturers have perfected the technology of creating vinyl decking that mimics a wood grain. Those grooves and swirls not only look more interesting and natural, but they provide a non-slip surface when moisture puddles on top are broken up with a rougher texture.
Is your yard full of puddles, soggy and squishy? Do your kids and dog like to splash around on the grass after a rainstorm?
Chances are that you have lawn drainage issues. Better fix them fast or else you could lose your grass, damage your gardens and even risk water leakage into your home.
Here are 5 steps to proper lawn drainage.
1. Survey your lawn during and directly after a heavy rain. Watch where the water is collecting and where (if anywhere) it's draining. Often low lying spots or high traffic areas are the worst. Target these spots for drainage solutions.
2. Try aeration first. Punch core aeration can be done efficiently using rented machinery. The holes that the equipment punches into your lawn will add sizable air pockets, improving surface drainage. Sometimes the compression or the original makeup of your soil makes drainage difficult. Clay soils need aeration regularly, as do pathways that are heavily traveled (at the bottom of deck stairs for instance).
