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Archive for the ‘Patio’ category

Good Reasons to Install a Sliding Patio Door Lock

August 25th, 2010

Sliding patio door locks are extremely important to have on sliding doors for numerous reasons. Current trends in home design often include sliding patio doors as they offer wonderful views of scenic vistas and the great outdoors; views of creative landscaping; and easy and quick access to backyard gardens, pools and patios. However, there can be risks if doors are not locked.

The most important reason for locks on sliding patio doors is safety. Everyone wants their homes to be safe and secure. Locking the patio door keeps out the undesired and keeps in those who need protection and supervision such as small children. Small children pose a special concern; and keeping patio doors locked can help keep caregivers free from the worry about their children’s safety and the security of the home.

The best design of patio lock for homes with small children is a design that has the lock at or near the top of the door. Children cannot reach the locks, thus the only way they could get outside is to break the patio door. Not many children would do this. Versions of this type of lock come with a string that can be attached to make it easier to unlock the latch. Attaching a string should be considered with caution as some children will simply stand on a chair or stool to reach the string; or may already be tall enough to reach it.

Another reason for installing locks on sliding patio doors is to keep the door from lifting.  Patio doors » Read more: Good Reasons to Install a Sliding Patio Door Lock

Ideas For Outdoor Patio Roofs

January 27th, 2010

Patio cover roof ideas start with simple sunshades and awnings to complete steel or aluminum structures. So, what will the patio will be used for? If it’s for summer barbecues and sitting on a porch or deck to read and enjoy good weather, then an inexpensive attached awning or retractable awning will suffice. For keeping rain and snow off the deck or porch or even a carport, then an aluminum or steel structure will be better. Choose outdoor patio roofs from solid to lattice designs that allow some sun and partial shade or can be adjusted. For complete coverage, choose maintenance free aluminum or vinyl roofs.

For allowing some sunlight but no rain try a glass or plexi roof with an aluminum frame. These can be ordered with rafters that mimic the look of wood or are modern white. For some unique shapes try having a builder design a frame and the add the clear polycarbonate covers that will act either as canopies or skylights. These are very useful roofs and versatile year round to give light and yet offer protection. Here are some shapes and styles you can select from for both residential and commercial patio roofs.

Roof Shapes and Design Ideas

» Read more: Ideas For Outdoor Patio Roofs

Patio Cover Lessons From An Old Man

January 26th, 2010

I think of my grandfather often.  While I didn’t really know him as a grown man, I remember sitting in his lap as a child and the lessons he ingrained in my father live through me today.  He was a carpenter.  No, not the kind that had all of the technical training and certification that one requires today.  He was a carpenter that built things like patio covers and other home remodeling or repair projects.  He also built homes.  One of the lessons that I would come to learn from him was that about proper planning.

When it comes to construction, there is a saying that you measure twice and cut once.  For obvious reasons, this saves you both time and money in the long run.  While it often seems to be more of a temporary inconvenience to make careful measurements that you check again before moving on the cutting, it is the key to a skilled craftsman’s work.  You can spot poorly-made or constructed jobs.  You don’t need to have a technical degree or eyes either. » Read more: Patio Cover Lessons From An Old Man

Patio Cover Kits: Do It Yourself

January 15th, 2010

While patios themselves are a practical addition to houses in their own right, patio cover kits can augment the practicality of a patio space and add an added dimension of sophistication.

Most patio cover kits are relatively easy for any homeowner to attach, can come pre-assembled, and can come in an array of styles built to fit to any patio.

They primarily give cover from rain, snow and wind, allowing homeowners to enjoy the patio all year round regardless of the weather conditions. They can give both shade and allow light, depending on the design. Thanks to this, they can make a patio a haven for plants, allowing them to grow inside sheltered from the outside whilst providing light to stream in.

Within this environment, both the plants and the atmosphere within can flourish for the benefit of the homeowner, with the added humidity during the winter being an added bonus to combat colds and dry air. » Read more: Patio Cover Kits: Do It Yourself

Three Very Simple Garden Lighting Tips

January 7th, 2010

Planning and installing a garden lighting system can be a tricky endeavor, especially if you’re planning on doing it all on your own.  While it may seem overwhelming at first, remember that a journey of a thousand miles begins with just a single step.  Try to take off the information you’re given and digest it in small chunks until you know enough to be able to make the best lighting system for your yard.  In the interest of keeping things simple, here’s three simple tips that you can use when you are lighting your garden. » Read more: Three Very Simple Garden Lighting Tips

Buying Travertine Floor Tiles – Pros And Cons

January 4th, 2010

Are you hesitating about buying travertine tiles for your flooring need? Are you concerned about the higher cost?

While travertine is more expensive than other flooring materials, it will last longer and will be keep it beauty. Read on and I will tell you what I know about travertine and why I recommend it for floors and for outdoor patios.

Travertine is a natural stone, by virtue of being natural it is ecologic, and odorless and by virtue of being a stone it is long lasting. The amount of money you will spend on a travertine flooring will be amortized over the year the floor will last, and the likelihood of ever having to replace your floor is very little.

Travertine is a sedentary stone that forms in layers this gives it a beautiful layered look that can be used to advantage by the stone cutters » Read more: Buying Travertine Floor Tiles – Pros And Cons