Decks & Patios

Concrete is a hard and durable building material, but it is also porous and capable of staining. In this article, I'll show you how to remove leaf stain from concrete. Your success in removing...

Outdoor entertaining lends itself to the use of Hawaiian tiki torches, which burn brightly with an orange, glowing light. Tiki torches are festive, fun and convenient and create a warm, exotic...

A good deck stain is not just a cosmetic product. It must extend the life of the wood by protecting it from weather as well as from abrasion. Your major priority in choosing the stain is its...

Patio tables are a necessity for outdoor living. They provide a place to eat, to play games, to socialize, or just unwind after a long day at work. If properly chosen and cared for, a store-bought...

If you would like to build a deck onto your home but aren't sure that you have the necessary carpentry skills, there may be help for you. A do-it-yourself deck kit for beginners may be the...

It is not necessary to spend hundreds of dollars to put a fabric awning over your deck or windows. With canvas, some wooden dowels and some metal attachments, it is possible to make beautiful...

Retractable awnings are a great way to cool off your deck or patio without the disadvantages of a bulky, permanently deployed awning. While manually retractable awnings have been available for...

Box steps are fully covered stairs that lead you up to the deck surface. If you're building them at your home, you can customize them: you can place them around an entire patio or at just a...

In some regions, having an enclosed porch is significantly more beneficial than an open porch. Fortunately, porch enclosures are relatively easy to construct, especially if there is an existing...

A deck around a swimming pool makes getting in and out easy, because the tall sides of a pool without a deck require climbing up and over the side on a ladder. This entry/exit decreases safety,...

Stone and flagstone patio pavers are common across America and around the world. The stones can come in a variety of colors, patterns and types; flagstone, although purchased in one color and...

Including a bar in a patio allows the party to move outside. The final design must take into account restrictions like the amount of space available and matching the design of the existing deck...

Everybody loves a backyard get-together, whether it be a barbecue, a pool party, or just a simple family picnic. And porches are still a popular place for those get-togethers, but most porches do...

Before you commence any building project, you need to define its scope and cost. If your goal is a new deck, an estimate checklist is relatively easy to develop. However; your first task should be...

A deck gives your home additional living space. Unfortunately, many times a deck can be too hot to enjoy on a summer day unless it has some shade. One way to provide that shade is with the...

A patio is an outdoor space that is not enclosed or covered. However, you can choose to install a patio cover or a patio enclosure after you've installed the initial patio, both of which can...

Building a deck on a house is a project undertaken by many homeowners. The addition of a deck adds outdoor living space and value to a home. When the deck meets an exterior wall at a 90 degree...

Vinyl or PVC deck railings are inexpensive options. You can order a variety of vinyl deck railing systems that are relatively simple to install. But there are some important considerations to know...

Staining is done on cured concrete and is easy enough for any homeowner to do it themselves. If the concrete was previously treated with muriatic acid or has been acid-etched , its not possible to...

Wood decks are sometimes simple to construct yourself but you are left with the staining portion. Staining may seem like an easy task, but you need to consider the proper steps so you complete the...

Whether it is in your garage, carport or on the patio, you don't have to live with unsightly stains on your concrete. Although concrete is extremely durable and used in construction of all kinds,...

Fixing concrete can become a very big chore. You cannot merely fill in the cracks and expect them never to come back. Instead, overpour your existing concrete with new concrete to repair and...

Building any deck requires planning--both in the design phase as well as estimating the cost of the project. The size of the deck, its location and your personal preferences will dictate your...

Resurfacing concrete can be a much easier route instead of completely repouring. If the existing concrete is sound and only visually damaged, resurfacing the concrete is a great alternative to...

Grass growing on your patio rarely looks attractive. It can turn your patio into a mess. You can use a natural way to get rid of patio grass that won't harm animals or birds and won't damage the...

Trex is a composite wood alternative that is ideal for building a home porch. It is weather resistant and exceptionally durable. Installing Trex is similar to installing wood for a porch floor,...

Staining your deck can be a particularly difficult process and many people who do it themselves may be unhappy with the results. However, there are several techniques that can help make your...

A backyard deck changes a so-so patch of greenery into an outdoor living space that will be the envy of the neighborhood. Choosing the right decking, finding a good framing plan and gathering the...

There are many ways to build a patio and even many options once you decide to go with a paver patio. Pavers---meaning, wide, flat bricks---can be mortared in place like a brick floor, but that's a...

Today's decks serve as outdoor rooms, with the comforts of interior living spaces in the open air. There's nothing like relaxing on the deck in a lounge chair on a summer afternoon with a good...

Staining your old deck can revive its color and life, while staining your new deck can protect it and give it a style of its own. Preparation for staining your deck can be completed in a few days,...

Marine plywood is mainly used in the manufacturing and construction of all types and sizes of boats. It is also the wood of choice for projects that may be highly exposed to moisture from the...

Enjoying the warm summer air is even more wonderful when sitting on a porch at dusk. The drawbacks can be the insects that buzz around while you are trying to enjoy your evening. Consider putting...

An important item required for assembling a deck is the fasteners used to hold the decking down. This is even more important when using Trex decking because it requires particular screws which are...

The sound of running water can turn even the tiniest patio into a peaceful oasis, inviting birds and butterflies for a closer look while blocking out the noise of traffic and voices. A tiny...

A pool surround deck is an excellent addition to an above-ground pool. It can be made wide enough to accommodate chairs, tables and even outdoor chaise lounges. There are many options available....

A patios can add a great accent to a landscape or backyard arrangement. They are practical and fun for gatherings and barbecues. To give your patio the flare and color it deserves, you will...

The new railing on your deck looks great, but those post caps just won't stay on. Careless hands will knock the caps to the ground, and some strong winds will send them flying. No matter what type...

Decks have become a favorite gathering spot for friends and family during the warm seasons. Outdoor decks and patios vary in size and complexity but many homeowners are choosing to construct their...

Brick patios range in price determined by two main points: materials and labor. Material refers mostly to the type of brick being used. Traditional red brick is the least expensive and will cost...

Indulge yourself with outdoor luxury you thought was reserved for movie stars. Now anyone can enjoy a fabulously beautiful outdoor tile patio. Create it yourself and without all the fuss of...

You want to use your patio, but with the sun's rays bearing down or drizzling rain, it's not so inviting. Covered patios protect you from the elements and also cut down on the time you spend...

Concrete, a common construction material with high compressive strength, has the ability to endure over long periods of time under the most adverse conditions. It makes the logical choice for many...

An outdoor deck is an engaging place for friends and families to gather in the warm weather. "There's magic to dining under the stars," as home and garden diva Martha Stewart says on her website....

Adding rails to an existing deck is an easy way to add dimension, and style to your outdoor space. The installation is also quite simple, especially if you purchase a handrail system with the...

A screened-in deck or porch can be a beautiful and practical addition to any home. Not only can it make a house more aesthetically pleasing, but it also provides a semi-outdoor space for...

The look of stone for a patio is elegant but expensive. Concrete offers a less expensive solution and with various finishing techniques it can give you the same or a similar look to natural stone...

For boaters, deck fittings refer to pieces of hardware. These metal pieces are used to secure various items to the deck, including fishing rods, ropes and rigging, tarps and sails, railings, life...

Patio lights have never been easier to install. Whether you want to brighten your outdoor space or just want to add some extra light for safety reasons, choosing and installing a system is quite...

Outdoor patios are an amenity, but if you feel yours lacks privacy, protection from the elements or isn't safe for your children or pets, you may not be taking full advantage of it. There are...