Decks & Patios

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Many people don't realize that construction on their private property requires permits from their city development office. Deck building must follow the municipal codes set for these kinds of projects. Not following codes can create serious ... more »

How to Follow Municipal Codes for Porches

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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The building and inspection codes for your community dictate the rules for any new construction on your property. Town and city officials determine codes based on community aesthetics, as well as the influence of new development on property ... more »

How to Hang Deck Joists

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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There are a couple of ways to hang deck joists. The easiest and most accurate way is to use metal joist hangers that can be purchased at most hardware, lumber and home improvement stores. If you have carpentry knowledge and skill, hang your own ... more »

How to Install Deck Boards

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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The deck boards are the major part of a deck and the part that your guests will notice the most, so take care to install them correctly. Install the deck boards parallel to the house or at an angle. Angles take more work, but the work goes ... more »

How to Install Footings for a Deck

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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You've laid out the plan for the footings of your deck and now it's time to dig some holes and play in the mud (concrete-type mud that is). .. more »

How to Install Patio Lights

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Patio lights can be used as a decorative addition or to illuminate the area for those evening parties. The easiest way to go is to install string patio lights... more »

How to Install Patio Screen Posts

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Patio screen posts can decorate your patio screen and line its inside or outside edges. Patio screen posts come in any of a number of styles. It's really up to you. Installing your patio screen posts is a fairly easy process... more »

How to lay a patio

By leahmarie00

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This will teach you how to lay a patio.. more »

How to Maintain a Synthetic Deck

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Synthetic deck materials have a significant place in the market as homeowners opt for low maintenance solutions. Made from a variety of materials, the idea behind a synthetic deck is that you avoid the scraping and staining involved in protecting ... more »

How to Make a Patio Sound System

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Creating a sound system for your patio can add ambiance to your backyard. A sound system is a way for you to pump relaxing music to your patio or to enhance your party atmosphere with dance music. Wiring your patio with a sound system is a fairly ... more »

How to Make Sure Your Concrete Footings are Square

By Tom Morgan

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Measuring the length and width with precision will not guarantee your project is square. In this article you will learn the formula that can ensure your projects will be square every time... more »

How to Pick a Deck Footing Style

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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When you're getting ready to design and build a deck, you must start with the footers. These concrete mount points support the deck's main posts. There are several different styles of deck footings available, so choose the one that's right for you... more »

How to Plan a Patio Drainage System

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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After choosing to put a patio outside your home, the homeowner must plan a successful and great looking addition. There are many things to consider when planning your new patio, and one very important aspect is the drainage system. A good ... more »

How to Prepare Deck Wood

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Deck wood should be carefully and properly maintained through the entire year. It should be consistently treated with the best quality cleansing products on the market. Preparing deck wood takes particular skills in order to treat wood properly... more »

How to Replace a Wrought Iron Porch Post

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Wrought iron porch posts used to add old-world charm and elegance to your home. These days, however, that look can be quite outdated and undesirable. Additionally, exposure to the elements usually causes the iron to rust and crumble over time. To ... more »

How to Select a Deck Style

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Congratulations--you've decided either to build a new deck or have one built by a local contractor. You're expecting to have great fun at family barbecues or spend quiet afternoons sunning. With all the different deck styles available, it may be ... more »

How to Stain a Concrete Patio

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Concrete stain comes in a variety of colors and is an inexpensive way to turn any ordinary patio into a more attractive outdoor living space. Concrete stain also waterproofs and protects the patio. This do-it-yourself project might take two ... more »

How to start a plant that vines

By torque63

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Your little vine plant had a few vines hanging off to the side a few years back is now taking over the room. Regain control of your vine plants, I will show you how easy it is to cut it back and get new plants... more »

How to stop sewer smell

By Dick Pennington

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Every state, city, and village either has odor ordinances or treats obnoxious odors perceptible beyond property lines as public disturbances/nuisance. All plumbing vent stacks produce odors unless they fitted with a filter. OSHA warns that levels ... more »

How to Use a Power Gravel Compactor

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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You can use your power gravel compactor to pack down gravel or soil for a building site. With a firm base, your construction project will experience less shifting and maintain its stability. Learn how to use this time-saver with these steps... more »

How to Weed a Paver Patio

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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It starts with one little tiny weed, and the next thing you know, your paver patio is covered with weeds sprawling all over. There are chemical options and non-toxic options for getting rid of weeds. Regular maintenance will ensure that your ... more »

How to Weld Handrails for a Deck

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Welding handrails for a deck allows for absolute customization and personal touches that you don't get from pre-fabricated handrails. The skill of welding is a learned art and required practice, but once mastered can offer strength to a project ... more »

How to Wire an Outdoor Barbecue

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Once you have an outdoor barbecue set up, wiring it is the last thing to stand between you and your grilled food. You may need to wire your barbecue while you are installing the unit, depending on the size and type of your barbecue. Although many ... more »

How to a Circular Deck

By steven316

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A deck is a beautiful and practical addition to most homes when constructed with care. There are several designs that you can choose from, the circular deck being one of the most intriguing and probably the hardest to build. One of the special ... more »

How to Add Pizzazz to Your Patio

By JessJones

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A few years ago, way before big-box chains like Target and Home Depot were stocking their shelves with resin-coated picnic tables for 10 and sling-back rocking chairs, redwood dining sets and plastic PVC chairs were pretty much the norm when it ... more »

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