Lawns are part of your social heritage; and most of you have probably inherited lawn-care ideas and how to’s from your predecessors, or your knowledgeable family members. You rarely let your gardener or lawn caretaker give you guidance on how to take care of your lawn. Interestingly enough—back in the 50’s, chemical pesticides were generously used—so much so that the “legacy of overusing chemicals in lawns” led to legislation.
In the United States, though a large number of chemical pesticides are still in use, American citizens are gradually becoming concerned about the negative impact of chemicals on their environmental eco-system and are learning the keep their lawns fresh and green using greener methods.
Good lawn-care practice constitutes regular mowing, watering, feeding, and fertilizing. If the soil content is carefully monitored, then automatically the health of your lawn will improve and naturally resist weeds and pests. You will rarely come across pest or weed problems in a well-soiled, watered, fertilized, or properly mowed lawn.
Watering
During the summer, water the lawn more frequently than during the winter. This is obvious but there is a reason for stating this simple fact. Overwatering can easily lead to rotting roots, so be careful about how frequently you water the lawn. A little under-watering can lead to temporary browning of grass during the summer months, but the grass will quickly recover once it starts raining again.
If you have just planted new grass, then you may have to water the lawn on a regular basis such as once a week. A prudent way to keep the grass moist at all times is to use a water sprinkler a few times a week or set up a water system which will require a landscaper to complete this project. It is up to you how much you want to invest in your lawn. Everyone is in their own financial situation.
Aerating
Aerate when the soil is moist, usually after a rain or after you have watered the lawn. You will usually aerate when the grass is growing. Aerating enables loosening of the soil and, and prevents thatch buildup. You should never aerate when the soil is dry and hard, because the aerators will not penetrate the soil layers properly. You can aerate any time between spring and autumn.
Feeding or fertilizing
Feeding the soil is directly related to the soil condition in your lawn. You can incorporate the help of a professional to determine how much soil feed or fertilizer you need for the lawn at any point of time. Also, depending on your geographical location, certain types of fertilizers will be more effective, which a professional can help you select from a lawn care business.
Additionally, if you leave the grass clippings on the soil on a schedule, then that will help to enrich the nutrients of the soil. You will also have to use a fertilizer—minimally once a year or more when necessary. Typically, summer and spring soil feeds are very high in nitrogen for growth of the grass. Remember to manually water your lawn within three days’ of feeding if it does not rain.
Mowing
Throughout the year except winter, you can mow the lawn whenever the grass grows high. Depending on the type of grass you have planted, and depending on the soil and weather condition, the grass on your lawn will grow at its own pace.
You have to keep an eye on its growth and come out with a regimen for lawn mowing, based on the needs of your lawn. During the spring, you may have to mow more frequently since this is when plant life springs upward and outward. While mowing, use some container to collect all the clippings for composting. From summer to autumn, the growth rate of the grass varies widely, so the lawn mowing schedule will have to be adjusted accordingly. Once a week is usually pretty good.
Weeding Options
Generally, you will need to have the soil’s pH checked to determine when to start weeding. The normal rule of thumb is the more acidic the soil, the greater the chance of weed growth. You can use any standard weed killer product to maintain your lawn from the summer to autumn. In the winter, you can deploy some calcium nutrients to check the weed growth. You can also engage a gardener to manually uproot weed or fungus during the winter months. You could also just hire a neighborhood kid to complete some of these tasks.
Seasonal care
In the summer, increase your mowing frequency to keep the grass looking neatly trimmed. Very hot and dry weather can affect the growth and health of the grass. In autumn, the rate of growth will gradually decrease. You may need to mow only once a fortnight (every other week) during this time.
Better if you trim the edges to keep the lawn looking properly trimmed. In the winter, do not feed the grass since that may lead to premature growth and destruction of the lawn in severe cold weather. In the spring, the grass will automatically start growing again. Allow the lawn to recover after the winter, and then begin to employ a trimmer or a lawn mower about once or twice in a two week span.
Lawns are part of your social heritage; and most of you have probably inherited lawn-care ideas and how to’s from your predecessors, or your knowledgeable family members. You rarely let your gardener or lawn caretaker give you guidance on how to take care of your lawn. Interestingly enough—back in the 50’s, chemical pesticides were generously used—so much so that the “legacy of overusing chemicals in lawns” led to legislation.
In the United States, though a large number of chemical pesticides are still in use, American citizens are gradually becoming concerned about the negative impact of chemicals on their environmental eco-system and are learning the keep their lawns fresh and green using greener methods.
Good lawn-care practice constitutes regular mowing, watering, feeding, and fertilizing. If the soil content is carefully monitored, then automatically the health of your lawn will improve and naturally resist weeds and pests. You will rarely come across pest or weed problems in a well-soiled, watered, fertilized, or properly mowed lawn.
Watering
During the summer, water the lawn more frequently than during the winter. This is obvious but there is a reason for stating this simple fact. Overwatering can easily lead to rotting roots, so be careful about how frequently you water the lawn. A little under-watering can lead to temporary browning of grass during the summer months, but the grass will quickly recover once it starts raining again.
If you have just planted new grass, then you may have to water the lawn on a regular basis such as once a week. A prudent way to keep the grass moist at all times is to use a water sprinkler a few times a week or set up a water system which will require a landscaper to complete this project. It is up to you how much you want to invest in your lawn. Everyone is in their own financial situation.
Aerating
Aerate when the soil is moist, usually after a rain or after you have watered the lawn. You will usually aerate when the grass is growing. Aerating enables loosening of the soil and, and prevents thatch buildup. You should never aerate when the soil is dry and hard, because the aerators will not penetrate the soil layers properly. You can aerate any time between spring and autumn.
Feeding or fertilizing
Feeding the soil is directly related to the soil condition in your lawn. You can incorporate the help of a professional to determine how much soil feed or fertilizer you need for the lawn at any point of time. Also, depending on your geographical location, certain types of fertilizers will be more effective, which a professional can help you select from a lawn care business.
Additionally, if you leave the grass clippings on the soil on a schedule, then that will help to enrich the nutrients of the soil. You will also have to use a fertilizer—minimally once a year or more when necessary. Typically, summer and spring soil feeds are very high in nitrogen for growth of the grass. Remember to manually water your lawn within three days’ of feeding if it does not rain.
Mowing
Throughout the year except winter, you can mow the lawn whenever the grass grows high. Depending on the type of grass you have planted, and depending on the soil and weather condition, the grass on your lawn will grow at its own pace.
You have to keep an eye on its growth and come out with a regimen for lawn mowing, based on the needs of your lawn. During the spring, you may have to mow more frequently since this is when plant life springs upward and outward. While mowing, use some container to collect all the clippings for composting. From summer to autumn, the growth rate of the grass varies widely, so the lawn mowing schedule will have to be adjusted accordingly. Once a week is usually pretty good.
Weeding Options
Generally, you will need to have the soil’s pH checked to determine when to start weeding. The normal rule of thumb is the more acidic the soil, the greater the chance of weed growth. You can use any standard weed killer product to maintain your lawn from the summer to autumn. In the winter, you can deploy some calcium nutrients to check the weed growth. You can also engage a gardener to manually uproot weed or fungus during the winter months. You could also just hire a neighborhood kid to complete some of these tasks.
Seasonal care
In the summer, increase your mowing frequency to keep the grass looking neatly trimmed. Very hot and dry weather can affect the growth and health of the grass. In autumn, the rate of growth will gradually decrease. You may need to mow only once a fortnight (every other week) during this time.
Better if you trim the edges to keep the lawn looking properly trimmed. In the winter, do not feed the grass since that may lead to premature growth and destruction of the lawn in severe cold weather. In the spring, the grass will automatically start growing again. Allow the lawn to recover after the winter, and then begin to employ a trimmer or a lawn mower about once or twice in a two week span.
If you cannot afford that dream deck or grand cedar gazebo or in-ground pool, there are still ways to create a backyard to keep you and your guests entertained.
Hang solar lamps from tree branches
Remove the light bulbs from your old chandelier with cheap solar lights and hang them from a tree branch in the backyard. You will have spectacular outdoor lighting without the need for having to run power to the lights.
Stuff suet feeder with yarn
You can place scraps of yarn in a suet feeder and birds will use them to make their nests. For this you will need a cheap bird suet feeder and scrap yarn cut into lengths of 4-8 inches. Stuff the scraps in the suet feeder and you have created an ideal nesting place for all the birds in your area. People have been doing this for years while you can imagine the joy of seeing a strand of yarn meticulously woven into a nest.
Wind chime from old keys and acrylic paint
For this you would need old keys, drift wood or stick, string or fishing line and acrylic paint.
Paint the keys and string. Tie a string at either ends of the stick to hang it with. Tie a string to the painted keys and the other end of this string should help the key to remain suspended from the stick. Do it for all the sticks. All keys should be closely suspended from the stick so that they chime when the wind blows. Each time the wind blows you are guaranteed to hear different soothing sounds.
Splash pad made out of tarp
While the sun continues to beat down with intensity during the summer, it is wise to find ways to stay outdoors rather than be confined to indoors. It is usual to turn on the sprinkler and let the boys cool down and have some fun, but you would also want your girls to enjoy it. Try using a clean, unused tarp from the garage for your slip and slide. Spread it out in the backyard, put a hop-scotch sprinkler mat and you have a large area for the kids to hop, skip and splash around in. The water remains on the tarp and becomes a sort of slip n slide for the children while you get to sit on the tarp with and stay cool with all that water under your feet.
Pool noodles for kickball croquet
Kids are so fidgety, you better find something to keep them entertained when they are at home to avoid them getting into trouble. Pool noodles could be just what you need. Cut pool noodles into half down the middle so that each pool noodle is sufficient to make two arches. These can be held in place on the lawn using garden stakes. Just collect a few kick balls and kick it through the course in croquet fashion. The first one to knock or transition their ball to the finish wins.
Backyard movie theatre
For this you will need a DVD player, a projector, speakers, a large surface to project on, and of course, popcorn. You can have the theatre in the backyard if you have access to power and sufficient physical space. Usually, you will want enough room to place the screen and provide enough space to stage a seating area. Also bear in mind that you need space for things other than people.
With a projector, speakers, and DVD player, it is certain that you will need to find room for tables and other such knick-knacks. A worthwhile tip would be to free up a surge projector since the audio/video gear will require lot of power. You can always run the surge projector using an extension cord. You can bury this cord or cover it with white plastic chord piping.
You may want to have a fly swatter out there too, perhaps more than one of them. Also, a mosquito killer or some poison could help you enjoy the times watching sports and so on outside as well.
Backyard scrabble
How does a five foot square scrabble board in your very own backyard sound? This can be made with a wooden frame and concrete poured into 3¾-inch squares separated by ¼-inch joints. After the concrete has been cured for a month, you can start painting the squares. Then make 100 3¼-inch square letter tiles from baseboard trim.
Buy pre-cut, adhesive-backed vinyl letters and numbers at a sign shop, paste them to the tiles and seal each one with spray lacquer. Preserved in a canvas bag, the lightweight letters fit on metal trays which can be purchased from a metal artist. On summer evenings, games go on late into the night and you will be surprised to find better and newer words strike you in the outdoors rather than the indoors. Human perception based on a person’s surroundings is fascinating.
Research states that children love to play outdoors and they should play outdoors as well when they can, and preferably, in natural surroundings. Children also show a marked fondness for natural creations like flowers, plants, animals, or insects when selecting play mates!
Thus, natural spaces like back yards have tremendous potential for offering a suitable playground for children. Researchers White and Stoeklin believe that given an opportunity, children would design play grounds in open, outdoor spaces—richly decorated with plants, flowers, a small pond, fish, turtles, birds, or whatever else their wild imagination would include.
So, now you may explore how you can free up some space in your crowded backyard to provide a play area for your children. This article will not only provide you tips on freeing up space in your back yard, but also some marvelous design ideas for building an attractive play area for your children.
Cut off trees or bushes
If your back yard has too many trees or bushes, this is definitely the time to clear them out. An open, green lawn with a shed on one portion of the yard may be more amenable to designing a play area. You can redesign your yard by cutting off long trees or bushes, planting multi-colored, flowering plants, and trimming your grass. This will not only free up space, but also create a clean, clutter-free look for children to enjoy.
Clear rotting plants or weeds
As you review the ground in your back yard, you have to ensure that all the rotting plants or are cleaned out to recoup space to build the play area. Unless your ground is maintained well, you cannot design a flower garden or a pond. Research states that children are easily attracted to bright, open, colorful spaces—so ideas of a flower garden, a fountain, or a sand box may be right on.
Remove odds and ends
In most families—odds and ends such as toys, broken bicycles, lawn mower, gardening tools—fill up much of the space in the back yard. You may have to identify all such odds and ends, and remove them to an attic, to a basement, or to a closet to make space in your back yard. You could also take items that do not work and that could be a hazard to the dump or to a recycling operation. After removing all the unnecessary items, you will regain some free space in your back yard.
Place foldable furniture
This is another poignant idea for freeing up outdoor space. Although wood is the popular choice of furniture in back yards, you may want to replace them with foldable, plastic furniture. This way, whenever the furniture is lying unused, they can be folded and tucked away in the covered plastic shed for storage. If you manage to discover foldable, outdoor furniture in another material, you are free to choose that rather than plastic outdoor furniture. The idea is to create free space.
Enlist the support of children
Now that you have created space for the children’s play area in your back yard, involve the children in your household to complete the next few steps. Your children, with their natural creativity, are ideally suited to provide you with some awesome design ideas or tips for building a functional and attractive play area. If you are planning to go ahead with the next designing steps, encourage the children to voice their ideas at this stage. The best ideas, as you know, are always born out of collaboration.
Create a shed
Once you have the necessary amount of space for a play area in your back yard, the next step may be to build a shed. A plastic shed is practical and suitable, but you may select another material such as western red cedar to build the shed out of. A shed comes in handy for storing stuff. At other times, children can even use the furniture in the shed to relax or play board games as the long as the furniture includes a table.
Multi-level beds or steps
One unique design philosophy that rules outdoor play areas for children is “multi-level platform.” These ideas can take the shape of multi-level flower beds, multi-level sitting areas, or simple steps to enchant small children. So depending on your available back yard design and available budget, you may think of creating some steps around a small pond or a two-level concrete platform for sitting and playing with nature’s creations.
Install hardware for play area
Once you have all those ready, now you can carefully select a special area, and install some hardware items to add to the functionality of the play area. Most surveys on children prove that children have a fascination for water and sand; so you can certainly add a pond, or a fountain, or even a sandbox. You can add animals, birds, insects, or whatever else you think your children would love to play with. If your ground is ready for hardware installation, you can think of installing a swing, or a seesaw. Children should have more alternatives than just video games to play with.
Everyone understands the benefits of a well-organized garden shed in terms of saving of time, energy, and money. If your tool-shed is uncluttered you will not have to waste time locating your trowel. Gone will be the frustration of having to waste energy moving the wheel barrow and that extra bag of potted soil to get to the lawn mower. And you will not have to waste money on an extra pair of gloves simply because you cannot find your own.
Hose keeping
If you have ever tripped on a coil of hose and gotten hurt, you will remember how excruciatingly painful it can be. Keeping the coil of hose on a large hook can solve the problem. Choose a hook that has a steep angle to hold the coil of hose in place.
Tool hanger
Tools with longer handles are best stored where they do not hamper movement and yet can be reached easily. Nailing a tool hanger to the inside of your shed’s door will create ample space on the walls for shelves and benches for pots.
Build shelves
In tight quarters there’s never sufficient light. As a consequence you must use open metal shelves to allow sunlight to permeate through the shed. Adjustable shelves help to match shelf to tool height.
Unclutter
Merely using shelves is not enough if everything is ultimately going to be piled up on them. It would be advisable to use metal or plastic bins to store the stuff.
Magnetic help
Mechanics have for long used magnetic bars to store, and manage their tools. It is always stellar to extend the idea to your garden shed so that your pruning shears and trowels can be store safely. Choose a magnetic strip strong enough to bear the weight of your tools and you will have the tools always readily accessible.
Have space for a potting bench
Clear some space in the shed and make room for a potting bench. That is the best way to you can plant or repot your favorite plants even on a wet day. The potting bench will also allow your potting mix to remain dry.
Maintain a calendar
Maintain a calendar of gardening activities and it will save you the trouble of remembering when you last fertilized the lawn or planted seeds. Using a metal one will help create a precious place for plant tags, seed packets, and small parts with magnetic holders.
Wicker basket
Something as mundane as a wicker basket suspended from the door of your shed will create a space for small and most frequently used paraphernalia such as shears, trowels, gloves, or, maybe, even a reference book. It’s the easiest place from where you can grab your equipment and begin working.
Baskets
An old bushel basket can be put underneath the potting bench to store mulch, birdseed, or potting mix. You can easily purchase bushel baskets at the flea market for a bargain, but any basket or bin will be handy for the job.
Make wheeling easy
You can make wheeling anything in and out of the shed by using a portable ramp. This one will be easy to make. Just a couple of 2x4s and a ½ inch plywood combine to create a ramp high enough to wheel equipment in and out while being use and small enough to store when not.
Shed design
Before you head to the hardware store to buy stuff that will enable you to build a storage shed of your own just make a pile of all the gear and paraphernalia that you would like stored and measure its aggregate length/size. If you are going to store bigger power tools then it is pretty obvious you will need greater space.
Prioritize
Once your shed is up, determine which equipment you are going to use more often and which you need less frequently. Equipment that is going to be used often should always be kept at the front and at the center. The rest can be assigned to the back portion. Trowels and gloves should always be kept in a way that they can be readily accessed.
Tools to be hung
Frequently used tools such as hand rakes, hedge sears, and small saws for cutting small branches and cultivators should be kept hung on the side of your shed doors. This not only protects the blades from inflicting damage on other tools but also help in enhancing their lifespan. However, they should be suspended from the lower part of the wall to protect you from their blades and prongs.
Do not store extras
Sort objects into groups. For instance, chemicals, cords, seeds, and pots can make up one group. Donate whatever equipment is surplus or discard the ones that are beyond use or repair or are rusted.
The most important feature when constructing a garden or storage shed is to start off with a solid level base. There is no guarantee that your backyard or garden space will be completely level despite looking reasonably so.
This may not be an issue for many people, but if you are going to have a working bench inside the shed, where you plan to spend much of your hobby time, it is important that the bench is sitting level and not tilted at an angle. Without any doubt, no one would appreciate dining every day at a table that is inclined at an odd angle. You do not want your milk spilled on your lap, you want it sitting just fine in your cup.
A Potential Colossal Error
Most importantly, to make it easy to assemble the shed, the base has to be completely level. In case the base is off level, it will only start showing when you get to the point when you have to start assembling the roof and you start running into all sorts of trouble because of the level issues.
The easiest way to guarantee that your floor will be level is to buy a few tons of aggrade or crushed stone from your local hardware store. Crushed stone aggregate is a mixture of small stones and fine dust. This mixture after due leveling and compacting will offer the same strength as concrete because the stone will bind into the fine dust and provide the perfect base for your shed’s floor.
Setting Out
You can begin by marking the levels of the place where you plan to put up your shed. After this is done, drive four small 2’ wooden pegs with spiked edge at one end into the ground at approximately four points that will approximately be the four corner points of your shed. You will need to make your base a little bigger than the base of the shed. It will be a prudent idea to ponder awhile on how your shed is going to look like. Will it be imposing or is it going to obstruct the view or maybe end up blocking light?
Only when you are satisfied about the exact position where you want your shed to come up should you move on to the next stage. The next thing is to create four level points at the four corner positions and mark them on the four pegs you hammered into the earth. Later on, if necessary, you can cut the stake down while they are still moored well enough in the earth up to these level points.
The simplest way of achieving this is to identify which you think is the highest corner in the space and hammer than peg in the ground, to about 4 – 6 inches of the existing ground level. By doing this you have ensured that the top of the peg sits 4/6” above ground. This exercise is meant to find an average height that would be suitable for all four corners without using too much aggregate.
There are several ways of controlling an excavation. But this one being a small excavation, a spirit level used together with a long (8′ or 2.4m) 4×2 timber will be fine. You can use a spade to strip the turf and top soil to a depth of 50mm and then excavate to the depth of 75mm in one corner. Resting the end of the 4×2 on the corner peg, measure down to ground level. It would be prudent if you could cut a piece of timber of this length. You can then take your excavation forward, checking with the 4×2, the spirit lamp and the timber that you are not going too deep.
Placing Crushed Stone Layer
Before you have compacted the stones, rake it as level as possible. To compact the stone you could hire a vibrating plate, but if you need to burn those extra calories you can use a hand tamper to compact the ground. Hand tampers are 25 lbs in weight with an area of 4”x4” which you raise repeatedly and let it fall to compact the stone. Keep pounding the stone into the earth until it is compacted and at the same time keep taking levels as you did while excavating. Add or remove the aggrate according to the requirement.
Pressure Treated Wood Foundation
It is necessary to ensure that the timbers are laid perpendicular to the direction of the floor joists. The pressure treated timbers should be 4”x4”, to permit ventilation under the shed. Usually pressure treated timber has a long lifespan when in contact with the ground but installing the weed barrier and the stone should prolong it further. Moisture is what leads to decay, so remember that any steps taken to ensure dryness will prolong the life of the timber.
When it comes to building a pergola or gazebo, there is a wide range of options that include high quality western red cedar pergolas. Cedar is more durable and suitable for outdoor use. You could also choose other materials such as vinyl with ultraviolet inhibitors for sustained whites and long lasting colors. The options are endless no matter what material you decide on and there are several cost effective ways to personalize your pergola or gazebo.
Personalizing is all about enhancing its appearance and utility. Here are a few cost effective ways to make your pergola and gazebo the pride of your home.
Add some Furniture
It would be nice to convert the area covered by the pergola into a quiet seating area by placing a patio table and a few chairs. Painting the furniture to match your gazebo is also an impressive and prudent idea. You may also consider adding a hammock or a hot tub under the pergola and enjoy some rest and relaxation.
Adding Rafters or Joists
Pergola kits comes with necessary rafters or joists which will leave you with a complete view of the sky and the sun. You can choose to add rafter beams or joists for greater shade or a better frame for the creepers. You can order a customized kit with additional joist beams. These beams will provide extra shade and space on which to place hanging baskets.
Erect Trellis or Lattice
Erecting a side-wall trellis or lattice is a wonderful way to provide space for vines of all types including honeysuckle and roses. These plants will give your pergola the effect of a garden room. Trailing or garden vines will act as doorway overhang or serve as a shade for the sitting area. The shape and color of the trellis or lattice will accentuate the exterior décor. Make sure that you install 1/2- to 1-inch thick lattice or trellis wood pieces as support for the weight of any climbing plant.
Close One End
Although a pergola kit creates a room without walls, it would be magnificent to add one or even two walls. Softening the edges of the pergola by adding a trellis at one end is another stellar way to personalize it.
Drill all screw holes on fragile wood like trellis and lattice prior to installation. This will prevent the wood from splitting when you connect the pieces to the pergola. If you choose to add some paint, it would be prudent to use an acrylic, non-toxic one to avoid damaging the plants.
Include Flowers
Flowers provide an excellent surrounding for outside gatherings no matter what. You could consider a lattice wall filled with colorful flowers apart from climbing vines.
Some sunny flowers that go well with vinyl pergolas include spider flowers, nigella, marguerite daisies, sweet alyssum, and more. Don’t hesitate to approach a professional at your local nursery to identify which species are likely to thrive in the climate where you live.
All Season Pergolas
Individually designed pergolas will spice up your life in ways words cannot describe, whether its Sunday breakfasts or a Saturday night bash. Solid polycarbonate roofing or retractable canopied fabrics will not only create extra space but also provide year round protection from the elements. A combination of polycarbonate roofing or colorbond roofing will give you ample opportunity to enjoy sun and light during summers and even those bitter winters.
Swinging Pergolas
You can add an element of fun to your pergolas by including a swing. This cozy little pergola is best for two individuals to enjoy the garden view while relaxing outdoors. These pergolas have a lattice at the top and bottom of its walls which will shelter you from the sun’s heat and at the same time take care of your privacy. Simultaneously, these pergolas do not hinder a cool breeze from freshening you up.
Pergola with Hanging Seats
This is a new version of the typical patio seating found beneath the pergola. Here cushy chairs hang from the rafters, lending a relaxed atmosphere to the entire area. The deck-topping pergola should match the angles of the house so that the décor suits the yard perfectly. You can apply white paint for a classic, bright, and clean appearance.
Design Pergolas to Match Your Outdoor Style
Installing a pergola of the same stain as on the deck on which it has been erected is the ideal way to allow it to blend with your décor. Surround it with a multitude of potted plants to give it a feeling of being cut off from the rest of the surrounding structure. Incorporating a two-person swing and pillows provides the right atmosphere to relax and enjoy the weather with a partner.
Glass Blocks for Privacy
Installing glass blocks sporadically to a pergola creates not only a unique design but offers privacy as well. It’s almost like creating a room outdoors, distinct from the yard. The combination of timber and glass goes well whether you have a small or large pergola. You can choose to connect the pergola with the rest of the yard by placing potted plants around this wonderful and sensational addition to your property.
An outdoor pergola is an open structure that can be used for shade and can come with retractable canopies or climbing vines overtop. It can serve as a roof for the walkway or for the porch. When you maintain an outdoor pergola, what you really do is not only take care of its appearance but increase its lifespan. Knowing how to care for it is important especially since pergolas can be made from many different materials such as wood, plastic, vinyl and metal.
Hose it Down
Irrespective of what the pergola is made of, it is always prudent to hose it down. It is advisable to use a high-pressure water hose to eliminate any dirt that may be clinging on the surface. The pressure of the hose can be adjusted depending on the type of material used in the pergola. Always begin hosing in a downward direction. Make sure there is no furniture or other items lying around during the process to avoid damage.
Clean It
Purchase a proper cleanser for your outdoor pergola that can be applied with the help of a brush with bristles that are tough enough to clean the area properly. You can also use a tooth brush for stubborn areas of the pergola that cannot be targeted with a bristle brush. Always take care to remove any splinters of wood or paint that may appear to be peeling off.
For a metal pergola you may want to use a bristle brush to clear away all the rust clinging to the surface. If your pergola is made from vinyl, you could do well to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the cleanser. Most vinyl material will also react well to cleaning by a detergent.
Removing Mildews and Stains
Mildew is something you cannot afford to ignore unless you want to risk spoiling the appearance of your pergola. Fasteners used on the pergola could also cause staining. If the pergola has corrosive fasteners they could leave black or dark brown spots on the wood. To remove mildew, mix a cup of oxygen bleach with a gallon on water and apply it after washing your pergola thoroughly. Once you see the stains lighten, wash it again with soapy water followed by rinsing.
Rinse the Pergola
Once the cleanser has been properly applied and cleared of all the dirt or debris, then rinse the wash water with a hose. Carefully study your pergola if any of the areas need special attention. One could repeat the exercise if necessary.
Touch Up Damages
A touch up kit or a repair kit makes it easy to work on areas that are damaged. You can apply wood or metal putty wherever there are cuts or dings and then refinish that area. The touch-up kit is also ideal for repainting the damaged areas. Several vinyl pergolas come with repair kits specially designed to take care of damages.
Sealing and Staining
If your pergola is made from cedar, with time, its color will change from light reddish to silvery gray. This is because cedar weathers with age. If you wish to preserve the original color then a sealant used for hard woods could come in handy. Clean the pergola well before applying any wood stain and sealant. Spray the pergola with a translucent oil-based wood stain suitable for cedar. Allow the stain to dry before applying a sealant. A coat of wood stain every alternate year will help boost its appearance.
Repairs
If you notice stains forming due to the fasteners, it is advisable to replace them immediately. Always use stainless steel or aluminum fasteners that do not react with the material of the pergola. These fasteners are a tad expensive but are guaranteed to give your pergola a nice, clean look. This will also reduce staining and lessen the burden of maintenance. Care must be taken to tighten up any loose fasteners. Any repairs to damaged parts must be undertaken as soon as possible to ensure uniformity in beauty of the entire pergola.
Painting
Some places have long summers marked by relentlessly hot weather, which can wreak havoc on outdoor furniture including pergolas. Dry heat can take a toll on wood pergolas. One of the best remedies is a quality heat resistant paint. Repainting it with a salient and fantastic heat-resistant paint will not only enhance its beauty but also prolong the life of your pergola.
Trim the Vines
Most people grow creepers along their pergolas. A touch of greenery undoubtedly makes the ambience livelier. However, it is important to remember that vines thicken and add to the weight on the pergola. Although most pergolas can tolerate weights, it is wise to keep trimming the vines couple of times every year. This will reduce the burden on the frame while the vines will take no time in regaining their lost glory.
There are different types of foundations you can use for your gazebo. Find the time to lay a fantastic and sturdy foundation and you will be able to enjoy your gazebo for years. There is nothing to become harried or upset about even if the gazebo is built on soft, inclined, or rugged terrain. There are ways to lay a solid and strong foundation so that the structure you are going to erect is robust and level notwithstanding the type of terrain it is built on.
Patio Stones
Patio stones are the easiest way you can support the wooden floor. They make for a formidable foundation when the ground is relatively level and the structure is not too large. Patio stones can be used for the foundation if your gazebo is less than 14 ft. They are easily available from local building suppliers and are easy on your pocket. You need to lay out the patio stone foundation in proportion to the size of the frame. Start by placing one stone under each gazebo right-side up and one or two stones at the center of the floor. The patio stones must not surpass the floor in its perimeter otherwise the installation of the skirting will become affected. Ascertain that one patio stone is placed squarely “beneath” the runners. Once this exercise is over, you can start leveling the entire floor with shims. Any materials which are handy in leveling the floor over the patio stones are called shims. They are made of wood or metal but cedar shims are most popular because of their durability. Irrespective of the size of your gazebo floor, please make sure that the stones stand upright underneath each gazebo. Recommended: To prevent the floor from sinking use 2″ x 12″ x 24″ (or 24″ x 24″) patio stones to distribute your gazebo foundation uniformly across a large surface area. Adding an even layer of crushed stones underneath the patio stones can help with drainage and will achieve a level ground for the foundation.Cinder Blocks
These are a suitable and judicious choice for a foundation option and another easy way to level your gazebo floor. These too are available at the local building supplier or home improvement store and can be used to level gazebo floors on not too inclined surfaces. Cinder blocks come in 8”x16” and offer inexorable strength but can cause the gazebo to sink if the underlying surface is soft. Therefore, it is essential to use a number of such cinder blocks and overlapping rows to overcome any chances of sinking. Recommended: Add a skirt to your structure to hide the cinder block foundation. Usually, a single row of skirting comes with the kit which can be used to cover the foundation lying below. Skirting can also help keep troublesome critters away from the bottom of the gazebo.Super Spikes
Super spikes can be used when one end of the gazebo has to be raised to give a level foundation and where you want to avoid the drudgery of pouring footings. In certain cases, you may want to raise the floor of your gazebo. Only super spikes will enable you to achieve this. Before a visit to the local building supplier to purchase super spikes, it is essential to go through the rules and codes for construction within your jurisdiction. Super spikes should be used in warmer regions, which are not likely to suffer snowing/frosting. Recommended: If the gazebo is raised, then you can consider attaching a skirt, lattice, or stairs to mask the foundation.Sonotube/Concrete Footings
Sonotube or concrete footings is used when the gazebo requires to be raised, where the ground is uneven or where building permit is necessary. They are expensive to install but are a fantastic foundation on highly inclined surfaces. Concrete footings are not included in the kit and it is better to seek professional help. Recommended: Hire a contractor who is aware of the building codes in your area and will raise the structure in a way that complies with them.Concrete Pads
Concrete pads are a concrete base on which to mount the walls of your gazebo. This option is used for hot tub which cannot be supported by a wooden floor, or if you were going to house pool equipment such as a heater, filter, or a pump or if you were going to install a plumbing system. Concrete pads are usually used when the buildings are large and may need a permanent foundation. For a better look, you can install a flagstone on the concrete pad. Flagstone is popular with people who want a textured or colored gazebo floor to match their garden or as a rustic look for a backyard. Concrete pads are an expensive option where the installation ought to be left to a professional. Professionals are aware of the building codes in your area and will ensure that your structure adheres to those rules.
So you’ve found the perfect product online but can’t find it at any bricks-and-mortar store. Your problem is that you have never heard of this company before and have never ordered from a website. Sound familiar? You’re not the only one however as online shopping has exploded in the last 5 years and will continue to grow in the future. There are ways to make sure you get what you pay for and avoid making costly mistakes and future regret. Here are our top 10 “how to” ways to help you evaluate an online business and its trustworthiness. Good luck!
How to #1 – Search the Internet First
Searching the internet (Google, Bing, Yahoo) is one of the best ways to inform yourself about an online company. Type the name of the company’s website address followed by review or scam in a search engine and if you find you find a complaint or complaints, investigate further. If a site is new, there may not have been time for complaints to surface so keep that in mind and see our next point.
How to #2 – How Long Has The Site Been Online?
Search the web quickly and you will find websites that have literally just started yesterday. You will have no idea if this online business is legitimate and trustworthy. Stick and associate with sites that have been around for over 3-5 years and have a proven track record of reliability and integrity. Search Whois and type the web address in you should be able to find how long the site has been around as well as possible ownership of it.
How to #3 – Check for the Sites Offline Physical Address
When you find a site that meets the top 2 criteria, look for an accurate offline physical address. If you can’t find one, that may be a sign not to proceed. If found, type the address in Google Earth – Streetview. If the company claims to be a pergola and gazebo manufacturer but the streetview shows a dodgy urban setting, move on!
How to #4 – Call, Write or Email Using Contact Info From the Site!
Look for a phone number and email address and contact the site directly. If someone picks up and answers professionally or emails you back in a reasonable time frame, that may be a good sign as well.
How to #5 – Look for Trust Seals and Associations
Legitimate online businesses will invest in security on their sites and belong to associations of trust such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for these “seals” and check it out by clicking on them as they ALL will be linked to a site. Many fraudulent online businesses will include fake seals that link nowhere so click on it and make sure it takes you to a legitimate page.
How to #6 – What Are the Terms and Conditions as Well as the Cancellation Policy
Read through the website’s terms and conditions before doing business with them to check for understanding and to verify the terms and conditions make sense for you. Print a hard copy for future reference.
How to #7 – Review Site for Original Content and Photos and Grammar
Many legitimate websites will only publish original content, pictures and information about their business so keep your eyes open for obvious plagiarism. Quickly review grammar and if you find an abundant amount of mistakes, move on and take your business elsewhere.
How to #8 – Check for Credible Links
Trustworthy websites often link to other reputable sites. Go to any search engine like Google, Bing or Yahoo and enter the …..link http://www.yourwebsite.com.
You will be able to see what other sites are linking to this site and if they look credible.
How to #9 –Do They Accept Major Credit Cards and Offer a Pay Pal Payment Option?
The safest way to shop on the internet is with a credit card. In the event something goes wrong, you are protected under the Federal Fair Credit Billing Act. You have the right to dispute charges on your credit card, and you can withhold payments during a creditor investigation. If you are concerned about providing credit card information, PayPal is a safe option that will allow you to make a purchase without having to give out your credit card information. Click here to learn how to setup a paypal account.
How to #10 – Trust Your Instincts!
After placing an order online, you should receive an emailed confirmation page that reviews your entire order. It should include the costs of the order, your customer information, product information, and the confirmation number. We recommend you print out this page as well as the page showing company name, postal address, phone number, and legal terms, including return policy. Keep it for your own records for at least the period covered by the return/warranty policy. If this does not happen within the half hour, contact the site. If no response within a day, be prepared to cancel the purchase.
By using the 10 “how to” steps above, you should be able to identify and verify a legitimate and trustworthy online business. If a site is new and you still want to do business with them, either trust your instincts or ask yourself what you’re really gaining with the added risk you may be taking on!
Western Red Cedar Wood certainly has played its part in the history of wood products. It has over a century long history in Europe and North America and is well respected by all who have used it. Cedars reputation for being a naturally durable wood makes it perfect for all outdoor projects. Because Western Red Cedar is only ecologically grown from sustainable forests, in recent years it has gained even more popularity.
A Little History: Western Red Cedar
Western Red Cedar or Thuja Plicata is an evergreen tree commonly found in Pacific Northwest of North America. Although it is not a true cedar, the tree was very popular with Native Americans who used it in almost every part of their daily lives. In fact, some Native American tribes refer to themselves as ‘people of the red cedar’ as they were dependent on the tree for most of their basic materials. Apart from Native Americans, the tree was found to have historical significance since it has been in use for 4,000 years. Archaeologists have found evidence of Western Red Cedar use in native societies as far back as 8,000 years.
Native Tribal Uses
According to researchers, the tree was used extensively wherever it grew in North America. Evidence of Western Red Cedar use has been found in British Columbia, Alaska, Washington and Oregon. Excavations showed that the wood was used in native societies extensively. The natives used the cedar wood to create bark baskets, tools, weapons and to cook off of it such as a grilling plank.
In fact, the Western Red Cedar was referred to as ‘the cornerstone of the Northwest Coast aboriginal culture.’ Several tribes along the coast line use the wood to create dugout canoes, bentwood boxes, and furniture. The branches were flexible with good tensile strength and they were used to make fishing cords, bows, and arrows. Thinner rods were used to make rope cores, twine, etc..
In most areas, Western Red Cedar bark was used to make clothes, mats, ropes, and cordage. In some areas, the women of the tribe adapted the bark to make rain hats and baskets. The Coast Salish tribes were so dependent on the tree that they created a legend about its origin. According to the legend, the tree was gifted to the tribe by the Great Spirit. The Great Spirit declared that the cedar would be useful to the people for making baskets, weapons, clothing, and shelter.
Appearance of the Western Red Cedar Tree
Western Red Cedar is a huge tree that can grow up to 60 meters tall. The branches droop down with the longest branches at the base. The tree tapers as it grows upward. The leaves are scale-like and grow in opposite pairs in four rows, almost shingle-like in appearance. Seed cones are produced and they are egg-shaped and one cm long.
The tree prefers moist wet soils, a cool and mild climate, and it is tolerate of shade and sunlight. It is extremely long-lived with some trees having a lifespan of 1,000 years or more. Currently, most Western Red Cedar trees are located on the wet belt of the Pacific Northwest Coast.
Modern Day Applications: Western Red Cedar
- The wood is very popular in the outdoor structure industry such as pergolas, furniture and gazebos as it is lightweight and durable. The timber is a unique soft red-brown in color and has a warm feel to it.
- It is valued for its high natural resistance and decay properties. The natural wood tannins present in the tree prevent the tree from rotting and preserve the wood efficiently. This feature also makes the wood ideal for high humidity areas like hot tub and sauna frames.
- Wood planks are commonly used as house siding and interior paneling. The natural tannins also give off a very strong odor that repels pests such as termites and prevents damage to the house.
- Unfinished cedar weathers to a silvery-gray color and the knots in the wood tend to darken in color. As a result, the wood is preferred for outdoor furniture. However, it readily accepts almost any exterior paint finish.
- The wood also has an extremely high thermal co-efficient. That means products such as greenhouses and conservatories will insulate better in the winter but remain cooler in the summer.
