9 ways to create shade to beat the outdoor heat.

By Steve Asbell, Houzz

Evan Travels Photography, original photo on Houzz

Summer doesn't have to send you and your guests clinging to the comforts of air conditioning, especially if you're willing to make your backyard a little more inviting with the addition of some welcome shade, air movement or maybe a splash of water. By incorporating one or more of these cool features into your outdoor space, you'll find yourself spending more and more time enjoying your extra square footage outdoors.

1. Gazebos.Think back to that clubhouse you had a kid; gazebos are like clubhouses for adults. Serving both as shelter and focal point, a well-situated and thoughtfully designed gazebo is sure to become the star attraction of your outdoor gatherings, luring you and your guests out into the landscape.

While building a gazebo might seem like a big to-do, a well-designed one is like the cherry on top of a sundae. Design yours to coordinate with the style of your home, and be sure to give it enough space to allow for open views.

2. Porches. If your style is to stay closer to home, consider the porch. Front porches face out and open up to the world and are ideal for reading the morning's news or enjoying sweet tea at sunset, while back porches are for parties and barbecues.

You can utilize your existing porch or make modifications if you already have one, or you can build one out as an addition. You can easily dress up an underused porch with comfortable seating and side tables, along with a set of planted hanging baskets. More ambitious projects can include adding gingerbread trim, a tin roof or new wood flooring.

Stout Design Build, original photo on Houzz

3. Pergolas.Though traditionally planted with vines to cover walkways in the garden, many pergolas today are used as architectural elements and are given the same pride of place in the garden. Materials run the gamut from rustic and naturalistic willow branches to the wood or metal seen in modern interpretations like this modern oceanfront design.

If you do decide to grow vines on your pergola, choose strong and woody vines that can support much of their own weight. A professionally installed pergola can handle a much heavier load than one installed from a kit.

Orlando Comas Landscape Architect, original photo on Houzz

4. Shade trees.The easiest and most cost-effective way to add shade to your outdoor space is to plant shade trees such as the live oak trees (Quercus virginiana, zones 7 to 11) pictured here, and they certainly do their part to add beauty and charm to the neighborhood.

The biggest downside is that they take time, but a quick fix is to buy balled and burlapped trees from the nursery that are already large enough to offer some shade. Much as with a puppy, you will also have to commit to caring for your new tree by keeping it well fed, watered and groomed, as well as by picking up its droppings. Unlike puppies, however, a well-cared-for tree can last for generations to come. Fall is usually the best time to plant new trees, but you can begin planning for the perfect spot now.

Hardy Group Builders, original photo on Houzz

5. Awnings. It used to be that awnings and canopies were confined to the edges of buildings, but today they've ventured out into the open like the wings of butterflies. Tensioned shade sails, like the ones shown here, take on the forms of wings when attached to nearby structures and bathe the space with captivating light. Other awnings are installed much like pergolas, but the different strips of fabric can be rolled up in different ways to shade the desired area.

6. Fans. If it's still 95 degrees in the shade and too muggy to really enjoy yourself, a cool breeze will circulate the air to make the heat 8 degrees more bearable, as well as keep mosquitoes at bay. Available in chic brushed aluminum, or in styles made to look like palm fronds or rattan, ceiling fans somehow even manage to make an outdoor living area look more inviting. For the less ambitious homeowner, there are freestanding and clamp-on models that can be moved to where they're needed most.

7. Misting systems.Our bodies produce sweat to act as a natural air conditioning system, evaporating and cooling the immediate area around our skin. Sweating is definitely one of nature's little miracles, but wouldn't you rather cool off without the body odor or salty residue? Misting systems spray a fine mist over your outdoor space like the fog surrounding a rain forest waterfall, and the cool breeze provided by a misting fan can make outdoor living very comfortable on even the hottest days.

Raymond Jungles Inc, original photo on Houzz

8. Swimming pools.Undoubtedly the most effective way to cool off, swimming pools have the effect of an oasis in the Sahara and even make landscapes look cooler by association. It's hard to look at this pool by Raymond Jungles and resist sighing a little and escaping into your imagination for a little dip.

A swimming pool surrounded by nothing more than concrete and turf is nice and all, but not nearly as inviting as one that's been lushly landscaped. When planting around your pool, be sure to choose plants that are clean and don't drop too much leaf litter into the pool. Palms, bromeliads and cordylines are great choices for the tropics, while evergreen conifers and grasses work well for most other regions.

Avalon Northwest Landscape LLC, original photo on Houzz

9. Water features. It doesn't take an entire swimming pool to cool off a garden; just the soothing sounds of a small brimming urn or fountain will make a brutal summer day feel more manageable. Well-designed and maintained koi ponds provide a welcome distraction and endless entertainment, and water gardens attract wildlife and make the outdoor space appear cooler. Pondless water features such as the one shown here are ideal for small spaces and require less maintenance than full-scale ponds.

Professionally installed water features are ideal where design and longevity are concerned, but budget-conscious homeowners can get their feet wet with a variety of products from precast fountains and brimming urns to plastic pond liners and waterfall kits.

This article was originally published on Houzz.comFor related posts see:Add a Statement-Making Gazebo to Stay Cool in StyleInspiring Swimming Pool DesignsStylishOutdoor Fountains for the Garden

Read moreHome Grownblogs your go-to source for tips and inspiration for your home or garden, andsubscribetoday to haveOrlandomagazine delivered to your door once a month.

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Beat the Heat - Orlando Magazine

Adding antique garden ornaments to the landscape blends horticulture with history. One-of-a-kind pieces will personalize your property, and over time may grow into something richly rewarding financially as well as artistically.

Really outstanding good old pieces such as a swan bench, unusual large decorative urn or piece of sculpture will continue to go up in value, but really more important to my client is the same artistic pleasure that placing a certain piece in their garden gives to them, said Aileen Minor, owner of Aileen Minor Garden Antiques & Decorative Arts in Centreville, Maryland.

Some of her garden antiques have been installed in the U.S. Capitol, the Smithsonian Institution, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and in private collections around the United States, Germany, England and France.

The definition of antique is somewhat elastic but generally applies to objects more than 100 years old.

What makes a piece worth collecting? I would say rarity, design detail, all original parts and age, Minor said.

Garden antiques are most commonly made of wicker, metal or stone, and range from pergolas and gazebos to cemetery headstones and fountains, from ironwork, fencing and gates to outdoor furniture and windows.

Family heirlooms certainly qualify.

Each person has his or her own idea about what constitutes a collectible, said Troy Rhone, owner of Troy Rhone Garden Design in Birmingham, Alabama.

Typically, I look for pieces that are over 120 years old and have a unique history, Rhone said. Im not as concerned about the price because Im usually looking for a specific item for my gardens.

Rhone studies each piece to determine if there are markings to determine who made it, signs of wear and tear, and areas that might deteriorate quickly.

Not many pieces can stand the test of time when exposed to weather, so using pieces that have proved their sustainability is something most people are drawn toward, Rhone said.

Many people shape their garden antique collections around a theme. Some may want to match a Victorian-era setting, highlighting the looks of their home and neighborhood. Others simply want practical antiques spotted tastefully around their landscape.

Collectors do collect pieces based on forms such as antique hitching posts or interesting sculpture, Minor said. But more often they are looking to find unusual pieces such as a fountain for a focal point in a garden, or are looking for an attractive antique or vintage bench or settee for seating in their garden.

Estate sales, auctions and antique dealers are good places to look, Rhone said. They can be a great resource when searching for a specific item. Most of the time its pretty easy to have shipping arranged.

Living at a time when so much is mass-produced, its nice to have something that no one else has, Rhone said.

That is easily accomplished with an antique that was handmade, he said. No one else is likely to have that exact piece so it allows a space to have individuality, which is what makes one garden stand out from the rest.

Secure them, though. High-end antique pieces are prime targets for thievery.

Read more:
Antiques can add personality, focal point to a garden - San Mateo Daily Journal

Barrett Heating & Cooling Inc is an Illinois residential heating & cooling service, repair, replacement, and maintenance company for your air conditioning, furnace, geothermal, ductless mini split, zoning, tankless water heater, and heat pump needs located in Madison County. Barrett Heating & Cooling Inc. will send you only the technician to fix your air conditioner repair, gas or propane (LP) furnace & heater repairs as well as all air conditioner replacements, furnace replacements, boiler replacements, and tankless hot water heater installations in Alhambra IL, Alton IL, Bethalto IL, Brighton IL, Bunker Hill IL, Cahokia IL, Caseyville IL, Centreville IL, Collinsville IL, Dorchester IL, Dorsey IL, East Alton IL, Edwardsville IL, Elsah IL, Fairview Heights IL, Fidelity IL, Glen Carbon IL, Godfrey IL, Grafton IL, Hamel IL, Jerseyville IL, Kane IL, Kemper IL, Livingston IL, Marine IL, Maryville IL, McClusky IL, Medora IL, Mt Clare IL, Newbern IL, Osterville IL, Piasa IL, Rosedale IL, Roxana IL, Royal Lakes IL, Sayreville IL, Shipman IL, Staunton IL, Troy IL, Wilsonville IL, Wood River IL, and Woodburn IL. To set-up a repair service estimate or replacement estimate, call 618-465-3731 or 618-465-3731. Barrett Heating and Cooling is an authorized factory dealer of many brands and services all furnace, AC, humidifier, filter, thermostat and water heater brands including Carrier, Bryant, Payne, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Ruud, Amana, Crown, Frigidaire, Gibson, Goodman, Lochinvar, Maytag, Weil McLain, A.O. Smith, Kohler, American Standard, GeoExcel, General, Aprilaire, Honeywell, Daikin, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, White Rodgers, Dynamic and Skuttle. So when you ask to find "A good air conditioning, furnace, geothermal, ductless mini split, zoning, tankless water heater, and heat pump repair or service company near me," you've come to the right place.

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AC Repair Alton IL | Barrett Heating & Cooling, Inc.

FORT HOOD, Texas (KWTX) Fort Hoods Directorate of Public Works is set to start renovations on some of the 99 barracks buildings on post.

Nearly half of the buildings, some of which are plagued with everything from bad air conditioning to mold problems, are in need of constant repair.

Earlier this month Congress appropriated $145 million for the renovation as part of the Fiscal 2017 operation and maintenance budget.

The appropriation will pay for upgrades and repairs to heating and cooling, wiring, plumbing, lighting, stairways, ceilings and walls.

The Directorate of Public Works has received $45 million to start some of the renovations.

Officials say it will take about two years and an estimated $9 million per building to complete the remodel.

Contracts should be awarded by the end of September and construction could begin as early as January 2018.

Brian Dosa the director of public works, says these repairs are needed to give soldiers the best living conditions possible.

Soldiers are key to readiness as we want provide a place for soldiers to live while they train at Fort Hood that's clean and safe and accommodates them while they're here at Fort Hood training, Dosa said.

Dosa went on to say that all of the buildings are structurally sound but it all of the interior that needs to be replaced.

Once a new heating and air conditioning system is put in it will help end the mold problems in the barracks.

Officials say they hope to receive the remaining $100 million by the end of the fiscal year so they can contract the work on five more barracks buildings.

Originally posted here:
Fort Hood: $45 million committed to renovate barracks buildings - KWTX

OKLAHOMA CITY -- In July, the Homeland at NW 18th and Classen Blvd, was set to undergo major remodeling, sprucing up what many in the neighborhood said was an out-dated and neglected grocery store.

Plans for the remodel included $2 million in upgrades to the exterior and interior of the existing building, which would also include an expansion of the fresh produce section, new organic goods offerings and a service counter for beef, fish and poultry.

However, the building, which was built in 1972, had its own surprises for HAC, Inc., the parent operator for Homeland.

When we made the announcement about the renovations in February, we obviously had a list of projects that we wanted to do, said Brian Haaraoja, vice president of Merchandising & Marketing. We did an assessment on what we needed and what we would like to see inside the store. Unfortunately, we discovered that the roof was in bad shape and needed to be replaced, the heating and air system and HVAC stuff needed replaced and there was major plumbing work needed.

The additional repairs to the roof, heating and air and plumbing had to be assessed by the company and put out to bid before additional renovations could continue, he said.

We are still working on the project, but now it includes a little more than we had planned, Haaraoja said. We have to get the roof fixed, the HVAC and the plumbing done before we renovate the inside. That puts us at November and December to get started on the planned renovations, which is right in the middle of the holiday season and not good for the customer or for us.

Currently, HAC Inc. plans to repair the needed infrastructure of the building with the planned renovations to resume in February with a completion date by July 1, 2018.

We want to make sure we do it right, Haaraoja said. This is a big deal to us too, so we want to make sure its all done right so its a good thing for everyone.

The grocery store will remain open throughout all repairs and renovations, he added, though once inside renovations begin, parts of the store may be blocked off.

There will be some inconveniences, Haaraoja said. Its going to be tough for a while, but I think if you communicate that to the public ahead of time and let people see there is a light at the end of the tunnel, they are more understanding.

Dennis Maxwell, director of marketing for Homeland grocery stores, said earlier this summer that the company was very excited to make the proposed improvements to this store.

Construction will include an updated storefront and added LED parking lots, new landscaping, a new vestibule entry, new paint and decor and mostly replaced floors.

Rendering of the updated Homeland at 18th and Classen. (Image provided)

The store will also have a new check-out and customer service counters, an updated break room for employee owners and new LED lighting throughout the store, Maxwell said.

The deli section of the store will offer enhanced hot and cold deli offerings like flat bread pizza, sushi made on site, heat-and- eat entrees and gourmet cheeses. The bakery will also be updated to offer artisan bread, cakes and other cookies and pastries.

Maxwell said the produce and meat sections will also be updated, offering exclusiveRed River Ranch certified tender Angus Beefand a new service case with marinated meats, store-made sausage, custom cuts, kebabs and fresh seafood.

The store will also have an increased variety of organic items like fruit and vegetables, gluten- free items, Asian offerings and Hispanic items.

Homeland is an employee-owned grocery chain based in Oklahoma.

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Homeland store remodel on Classen has delays, but plans still in place - Red Dirt Report

Andy Sacks/Getty ImagesA well-maintained roof is critical for preserving the value of your home. Roofsprotect homeinteriors from the elements, and when they start leaking, expensive repair billsarent far behind.

A well-made roof can last 30 to 50 years, but once it startsleaking or even just showing signs of age (like wrinkled shingles), its time to replace it.

So how much does it cost to replace a roof? Heres a look at what contractors charge for roofing jobs and what to expect on the estimate sheet.

The cost to replace a roof corresponds to the dimensions of the roof, which the roofer measures in 100-square-foot subsection called roofing squares.

For example, a 1,500-square-foot roof (15 roofing squares) costs less to replace than a 2,000-square-foot roof (20 roofing squares) with the same materials.

Thats because the larger roof requires more material and more labor to complete the project.

If you need a personal loan to pay for roof replacement or repairs, check out the rates at Bankrate.com.

The roofing material is a major factor in the cost of a roof replacement. Most homeowners choose between shingles made from asphalt or wood, tiles, or metal sheets. Each type of roofing material has its own set of price points.

Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingle roofs remain common throughout the country because they are affordable, and in some cases handy homeowners can install them without assistance from a professional roofer.

The cost to install asphalt shingles varies depending on the quality of the shingles, with the average cost ranging from $2.75 to $7.50 per square foot. That means an average-sized roof of 1,750 square feet costs $4,000 to $13,000 to replace with asphalt shingles.

A metal roof

Homeowners who choose a metal roof appreciate the durability of the material. It holds up well against weather conditions that can damage other types of roofs.

Steel roofs are the most affordable type of metal roof, costing $5,100 and $22,000 to install. On the other end of the spectrum, a copper roof ranges from $25,500 to $39,600 to install. In addition, lightweight aluminum costs $11,900 to $24,200.

Tile roofs

Popular on Mediterranean and Spanish colonial-style homes, a tile roof is a long-lasting alternative to asphalt shingles. Made from an array of materials ranging from concrete to slate, tile roofs withstand cold winters and sweltering summers, making them suitable for several climates.

Installing a tile roof starts at $7,650 and can cost more than $100,000, depending on the size of the roof and type of tile.

Wood shingles and shakes

Many homeowners avoid wood shingles and shakes because of their lack of durability and the amount of maintenance they require. But, these shingles are attractive and give the house a distinctive look.

Wood shingles cost $4 to $7 per square foot to install. Wood shakes are more expensive, ranging from $6 to $9 per square foot. A natural wood roof needs treatment to prevent insect and animal infestation.

Another important factor in determining the cost to replace a roof is the pitch of the roof. If the house has a steep slope (greater than a 7:12 ratio), the owner pays more for roof repair because it increases the roofers workload. They spend more time climbing up and down ladders if the slope is steep enough that they cannot store materials nearby or must use safety harnesses while working.

Like the pitch of the roof, the style influences the roofs replacement cost. Ranch-style roofs have low pitches and few gables, making them easier to work on than the complex roofs on Victorian and Tudor-style homes with multiple steeply sloped gables.

Dormer windows, skylights and chimneys seen in colonial, contemporary and Cape Cod-style homes also increase the cost, especially if they have cracks or other damage that need repairs.

Before installing the new roof, the contractor must remove the existing one. Some contractors charge by the size of the roof, while others bill by the hour.

Removing the roof on a simple ranch-style house can cost as little as $500, but the price can go as high as $10,000 if the roof has significant damage, like rotting timbers or damaged support beams.

The cost of replacing a roof is impacted by many factors. The type of roof and size are the biggest cost elements. The pitch of the roof and the style of the home also play a role in how much it will cost to put in a new roof.

If you need to save money for a new roof, sign up for a savings account at Bankrate.com.

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Cover charges: The cost of replacing a roof - Bankrate.com

Photo: Will Waldron, Albany Times Union

Rensselaer beehive steeple a towering challenge to repair

RENSSELAER Fixing a slate roof is always a challenge. Its even more difficult when the roof curves in different directions as does the 165-foot-tall beehive steeple of the Parish of St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph.

It towers over the city of Rensselaer, Deacon Greg Mansfield said of the 1891 landmark cone-shaped steeple.

The last time the parish dealt with replacing the slate shingles was in the late 1950s to early 1960s. Thats when workers climbed out of a small hatch in the steeple and swung above the city on a boatswains chair to perform the repairs, Mansfield said. This summer, the steeple is encased in scaffolding that rises from Herrick and Lawrence streets up to its tip.

There only a few beehive steeples across the nation, said Mansfield. He grew up in St. Raymonds Parish in the Bronx where the church had two such steeples. He said the beehive steeples are believed to have originated in Bavaria in southern Germany, and the complexity of the design made maintenance difficult. The Rensselaer parish decided it had to deal with the aging slate shingles when leaks sprouted in the church ceiling damaging the plaster.

Theyre putting flat pieces of shingle on a curved surface, Mansfield said about the steeple roof that he called elliptical and hyperbolic in contemplating its curves.

The replacement of the shingles, painting and replacement of metalwork that dates back 126 years to the building of the Catholic church will cost about $300,000. The scaffolding accounts for about one-third of the repair work, Mansfield said. A couple of parishioners, who want to keep their donations anonymous, paid for about two-thirds of the work, said Mansfield.

Wainschaf Associates and Bruce Adams Roofing are performing the repairs, Mansfield said.

Its wonderful to be a part of it, said Jerry Wainman, president and CEO of Wainschaf Associates who is also a parishioner.

Wainman was at the top of the scaffolding last week. The view of Albany from there, he said, is breathtaking, and the steeple is solid.

Its amazing what good shape its in, said Wainman, noting that the slate work should be completed this week with the painting and metalwork done in the next couple of weeks.

The repairs should last for about 50 years, Mansfield said.

The parish will partner with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany to undertake an additional capital campaign to fund additional improvements, Mansfield said.

Read the original here:
Rensselaer beehive steeple a towering challenge to repair - Albany Times Union

Downtown Phoenix's Burton Barr Central Library will remain closed until June 2018, due to flooding that occurred the evening of June 15.

Thats the latest update from Phoenix City Manager Ed Zuercher, who estimates that related repairs and renovation will run in the $6 to $8 million range.

Designed by Phoenix architect Will Bruder, Burton Barr Central Library is the flagship of the Phoenix Public Librarys 17-branch system. It opened in 1995.

Zuercher announced the news on Friday, August 18, during a press briefing at the library, along with library representatives including Lee Franklin, community relations manager for Phoenix Public Library.

Franklin has been providing regular updates for the public on the Phoenix Public Library website since the June 15 incident. Previously, patrons were told the library would be closed indefinitely.

Early reports indicated that flooding occurred due to a monsoon storm with 50 mph winds that lifted part of the librarys roofing, affecting a fire sprinkler system embedded inside it.When that system released water, it flooded the fifth floor. Then, that water traveled downward to every floor of the nearly 300,000-square-foot facility.

Stacks emptied of damaged books at Burton Barr Central Library.

Lynn Trimble

But the exact nature of the damage, and the precise cause, is still under investigation.

Initial inspections have revealed some disturbing details, including significantproblems with the librarys sprinkler system like corroded piping and broken air compressors.

Those issues are detailed in a report by Wiss, Janney, Eistner Associates Inc., an Illinois-based firm that specializes in investigating, analyzing, and designing repairs for historic and contemporary buildings. They've been working with the library to determine likely causes and needed fixes.

Here's what the report makes clear. Those corroded pipes allowed water from the sprinkler system to leak in the west portion of the building. That water then entered the northwest part of the building, where most of the librarys losses occurred.

Which brings us to two major questions: Who knew about those problems, and why werent they properly addressed?

More than 7,200 of Burton Barrs Central Librarys 500,000-piece collection were damaged and discarded. Many remaining books have been moved to other branches, and most artworks are being stored offsite.

The building itself suffered considerable damage, which is still being assessed. Visible signs of the storms aftermath inside the library include concrete floors without carpet, open drywall, and remaining items wrapped in plastic.

Brycon Construction is currently assessing interior damage and creating a plan for needed repair and replacement work. That plan will include a timeline and cost details.

Entering the library on Friday, August 18.

Lynn Trimble

At this point,Wiss, Janney, Eistnerhas identified two major items that need to be replaced besides books, furniture, and other items before the library can reopen.

The library needs a new roof and a new fifth-floor sprinkler system, according to the report.

Replacing the roof will likely cost $1.1 to $1.7 million, and take four to five months. Replacing the fifth-floor sprinkler system will take five to six months, and cost between $600,000 and $700,000.

Of course, repairs and renovations are only part of what needs to happen now.

The City is also dealing with insurance issues and the question of liability.

Previous inspection reports by Tempe-based RCI Systems note several problems with Burton Barr Central Librarys fire protection system.

In both August 2016 and May 2017, RCI Systems found pipes full of holes, which would leak if the system was tripped. And they identified several other factors that could result in flooding on the fifth floor and damage to the library.

Those factors are already being addressed, according to a written update that city manager Zuercher presented to Mayor Greg Stanton and the Phoenix City Council on August 10.

The Rare Book Room, where the vault protected books from water damage.

Lynn Trimble

Heres whats being done so far:

The citys law, public works, and audit departments have been assigned to review the roof and fire suppression system, to help understand what happened and why.

The citys finance and law departments are working with the insurance company to address which elements of the loss insurance will cover.

The citys budget and research department is working with the library department on the costs of restoring the building and continuing library services.

Any funds needed beyond those provided by insurance will require approval by the City Council.

The city is also reviewing maintenance records for all city buildings,Zuercher says.

In the interim, Phoenix Public Library is encouraging patrons to visit its 16 additional branches. Many Burton Barr Central Library staff, books, and programs have been moved to those locations, says Lee.

The four branches located closest to Burton Barr Central Library will have Sunday hours starting September 10 to help accommodate branch patrons needing library services in the interim. Those branches are Harmon, Yucca, Ocotillo, and Century.

Details, and regular updates, will be posted on the Phoenix Public Library website.

Correction: An earlier version of this post misidentified Lee Franklin as Lee Davis.

Original post:
Here's Why Burton Barr Central Library Is Closed Until Next Summer - Phoenix New Times

How do I plan a proper patio design?Planning out your patio design before your remodel is crucial. When perusing patio ideas, keep in mind that people use patios for different things, but they primarily use it as a space for entertaining and relaxing. Because of this, figure out what you want this areas overall functionality to be. Will you have large groups over or a few intimate gatherings? Will you be serving food or are you more of a cocktail hour type? Secondly, take time to figure out what materials will work best for your remodel different patio designs call for different materials, some of which might not work for your budget and space limitations. Then, decide whether you want a covered or uncovered area; think about any weather (rain or sun) that you want to protect yourself from. Next, determine what amenities are important to you; is an outdoor fireplace essential, or would a smaller scale fire pit work just as well? Do you need a big grill or will a smaller barbecue work for you? Lastly, much like any other room in your home, decorate the space to ensure that it's welcoming, interesting and aligned with your homes style. What materials can patios be made from?As with any outdoor space, materials dictate the overall style and feel, so make sure your choices accurately reflect the vibe of your home. Stone and terra-cotta tile are common with mediterranean houses, while brick is most often seen in traditional homes. Concrete works well with almost any space and style, so it's always a great option when you're choosing patio materials. After you figure out your foundation, decide whether you want a covered or uncovered area. You can always add a pergola, arbor, awning or trellis for some shade, or you can let the sun shine down on your patio. As you look through pictures and compile your favorite patio design ideas, note which materials youre drawn to and try to incorporate those into your own design.What should I incorporate in my patio design?Even though patios can be nothing more than paved slabs outside your house, they can also be so much more if you add the right touches. Fire pits and fireplaces are great for cooler nights, while an outdoor kitchen and bar make it an ideal party mecca. Regardless of what you do, a spot to grill and eat is a must for al fresco dining, and you need good furniture to truly enjoy even the most basic outdoor space. Depending on your budget and maintenance threshold, you can even splurge on a few additional patio ideas, like a hot tub or pool to warm up or cool down all year round. How should I incorporate patio decor?You wont have to look far for patio decorating ideas, since every little thing can double as decor outside, including plants and flowers. You should make sure that everything you do place outdoors, like furniture, is weatherproof. That doesn't mean your patio can't look as good as any indoor living room! Rugs, throw pillows and chair cushions all come in waterproof fabrics, while coffee tables, side tables, sofas, sectionals and armchairs often come together in sets. Rope or string lighting are popular patio decorating ideas (as well as mood setters), as are candles, which can also keep bugs away if you get the right kind. Put together some flower or succulent arrangements in pretty containers and place those around your space to liven it up. Fun little accessories, like a garden gnome, tiki torch, bird feeder or umbrella can add more personality where it's lacking keep your eyes peeled when looking at patio pictures to see what decor you can draw inspiration from.

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Patio Design Ideas, Remodels & Photos | Houzz

By Tim Carter By Tim Carter August 22

Ive decided its time for a patio in my rear yard. After visiting a local business that sells a vast variety of patio pavers, Im ready to start. Do you think this is a real DIY job, or am I being too ambitious? After watching a number of videos on YouTube, Im more confused than ever about the best base material. Have you installed these patio stones, and what method do you recommend? Are there any hidden surprises with precast concrete patio pavers? Sue T.,Racine, Wis.

You must have been in contact with my wife. She loves patios and has been wanting one for ourNew Hampshirehome for a few years. I had constructed a huge brick patio for her many years ago at our last home and she misses it.

We did the same thing you did just a week ago. We went to a large local business that stocks just about any type of natural stone or precast concrete paver thats available. It was exciting for me to see how the patio paver industry has matured. I can clearly remember how limited the selection was many years ago when the first generation of this building material hit the marketplace.

Kathy decided to go with a stunning paver that has a textured top surface that resembles slate. This design creates a random texture with deep shadow lines that might fool some into thinking that its real slate. Be sure you visit several stone and paver suppliers to see all the different patterns, colors and textures that are available. Not every business stocks every precast concrete paver.

I happened to watch some of the videos online and shook my head. Installation methods meant for city streets were being touted as the way to do a small residential backyard patio that may have a lawn mower ride over it instead of a 40-ton loaded concrete truck.

Ask five different paver contractors the way to install the paving stones and you might get five methods. What really matters is the strength of the underlying soil under your patio, the size of the pavers you intend to use and how much concentrated weight will be placed upon any given paver.

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Precast pavers that have to support the weight of cars, trucks and the like need a deep compacted base of crushed gravel. Compacted concrete sand is then placed on top of this. A thin final layer of setting sand is the actual surface on which you place the pavers.

Larger paving stones act like building footings. They spread the weight put upon them across a greater area. This is why Kathy and I decided to use a three-piece set of pavers where the largest one measures 16-by-24 inches. Because our patio measures 10-by-24 feet, the large format also looks more to scale.

Heres something that many installers seem to forget. You can drive your car or truck on many sand beaches here in theUnited States. Ive done it with my full-sized pickup truck. The vast majority of sand you see is just small pieces of rock. On some beaches it can be tiny pieces of sea shells or broken coral. In other words, compacted sand can provide a sufficient base for a paver patio thats just going to have you walking across it.

I fully believe if youre in decent physical condition you can do this entire job yourself. Your only limitation is going to be if you can lift and hold the paving stones with your two hands. You need to be able to place the pavers carefully so they drop onto the final layer of sand as flat as possible. When you visit the businesses that sell the stone, try to lift the largest paver youre thinking of using.

Ive installed many paver patios. As you might suspect, I decided to test different methods for patios, trying to discover the best method requiring the least amount of work. Using my geology degree and some common sense, I finally settled on using concrete sand under my patio pavers. The method Id use for a paver driveway differs from what Im about to share.

Just a few days ago I excavated the soil and then used a hand tamper to compact any disturbed soil. I then set wood forms on the soil that extended a minimum of three inches beyond the edge of the finished pavers. Just as roads have shoulders to support the pavement, I wanted my compacted sand to extend beyond the patio edge.

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I like concrete sand because it has a wide variety of rock particles in the sand that range from fine sand all the way up to stones that are about the size of green peas. This sand is easy to shovel and place. I put down 3.5 inches and used my hand tamper to compact it. The tamper compacted this at least three-fourths of an inch.

I then used my garden hose with the garden nozzle set to shower to thoroughly wet down the compacted sand. The water flowing through the sand further consolidates the sand just as the ocean does at the beach. The next step is to place the final thin layer of concrete sand on top of the compacted sand. You set your pavers on this layer gently, making sure that the edges of the pavers touch one another and that they are set flat on the sand.

The final step is to use new polymeric colored sand to fill the joint between the pavers. This special sand helps prevent weeds from growing in the cracks. My only complaint about the precast colored concrete pavers is they eventually change color as the colored cement paste wears off the top surface. Do not pressure wash your paver patio, as this accelerates the loss of the colored cement paste.

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Read more from the original source:
Installing patio pavers is not as tough as you think - Washington Post