Tag Archive - patios

What Should I Power My Patio Lighting With?

July 23, 2010 in Uncategorized with 0 Comments

The first major decision that you will make when you’re trying to decide what type of patio lighting fixtures you want to buy is what you want to power those light fixtures with.  You have three major options, standard voltage lighting, low voltage lighting, and solar powered lighting.  Each has their pros and cons and depending on how much time and effort you’re willing to put into your patio, you might be better off with one or the other, but in general you will do the best if you choose to install a combination of two of them or all three.

Standard voltage lighting is lighting that runs off of your typical household current.  These lights are a little bit harder to install and depending on where you install them you might need to help of an electrician to do it correctly.  The main benefit to these lights is that they are the brightest of the three and will be the best for security lighting and lighting areas that are highly trafficked or used.  Unfortunately, they can also ruin any mood lighting that you have so you want them attached to a motion sensor or a switch that’s easy to reach.

Low voltage lighting, on the other hand, usually doesn’t have the power to light up large areas, but is more flexible because the wires are shock proof.  This means you can install them nearly anywhere without the help of an electrician.  Not only that, the fact these lights are softer makes them a great option for ambient lights.

Your final option is to go with solar powered patio lights.  These lights operate at about the same light level as low voltage lights, but they are slightly more unreliable because they need  a full day in the sun to completely charge.  Despite this, they are still very popular with many homeowners because they are so easy to install, maintain, and manipulate.

The patio lighting you choose will depend on how much money you want to spend and what you can install, but if you really want to install the best patio lighting possible for nearly every situation, installing a combination of these lights is your best bet.

Choosing Cushions For Your Patio

July 1, 2010 in Uncategorized with 0 Comments

Many people like to just sit outside and relax during the gorgeous days of the summer.  That is why many patios have furniture on them.  Outdoor furniture needs to last a long time and endure bad weather, so it is usually made from materials that can do that.  It is important for your chair to be durable, but sometimes that means that it is not very comfortable.  Patio chair cushions can add the comfort that may not be there otherwise.  You can get cushions that are simply just a padded cushion that is just placed right on the seat or you can sometimes get ones that go up the back rest as well to make sitting even more comfortable.

When you go to the store to buy cushions for your furniture, it is key that what you choose matches your style and what you would like your outdoor space to look like, rather than just following what everyone else gets.  The majority of people get cushions for their patios and decks with colors that are warmer and fit well with the outdoor surroundings.  However, if that is not your style, then do not feel obliged to get those colors and instead choose cushions with bold and vibrant colors that make a statement.   They come in almost any color you may want.  Even though cushions can be very attractive and add comfort, they can also protect the seats.  Seats can be worn away by use, but a cushion protects the longevity of the seat.

You need to take care of your cushions, though, because they cannot get too wet for too long and they cannot stand in the sun for too long.  If a cushion stays wet, it is a perfect place for mold and mildew to grow which makes it smell bad.  Also, the sun can deteriorate the cushions.  There are better quality cushions that can withstand weather better, but it is best to just bring them inside when they are not being used in order to care for them.  That way you’ll get more life out of your furniture cushions.

Workable Outside Patio Ideas Even That You Can Do

February 20, 2010 in Uncategorized with 0 Comments

Hearing the sounds of the birds chirping and chattering and watching as they greedily fight over a strategically placed bird feeder can entertain for hours. Listening to the beautifully placed fountain can lull and relax.  Having a beautiful outdoor patio design can add value to your home.  It is not hard to create these spaces on your own.

To save time and money make use materials and structures found around your home.  You may have an exiting wood patio cover that may just need a bit of paint or a little sanding and staining.  An old wood deck may need to be replaced with a long lasting concrete slab.  Raising the patio floor to the same level as the entrance to your home can make it seem like an extension and create a better transition from inside to the outside.

Construct a Custom Patio

Depending on the layout and size of the house and the contour of the surrounding grounds, a patio should be made large enough to be useful and in my opinion the larger the better.. Some patios are made too small to be of any use although some homeowners do have restricted space to work with, in which case a small patio would be better than no patio.

If you have a swimming pool you may need a changing room and a place to store towels and pool supplies.  A small five foot square pool house divided into two spaces, one for storage and one for changing, could provide that much needed space at a minimal cost.  A shower that drains into the garden could have the dual purpose of rinsing a swimmer and watering poolside plants.

Let your creativity shine when planning your outdoor patio space, whether you want your personality to be displayed in a front yard patio or in a private backyard haven. You want to keep in mind, resale value.  Are you creating a space to be used and enjoyed by you for many years or are you fixing it up for a quick sale?   Some perspective buyers may not share your tastes.

A properly planned and designed patio can become one of the most used spaces in your home.  It can be used as a sun room, kitchen, dining and entertaining area, or a play space for your kids.  It can also be a romantic, quiet and relaxing space to just enjoy a sunset.

Whatever outdoor patio ideas you decide on should fit your particular needs and styles.    It can be simple or extravagant, built by you or a hired contractor but it should still a reflection of you. Whether you have an elaborate teak setting or just a simple sphere chair it will an enjoyable place for you and your family.

Doing a quick online search can dig up great and practical patio ideas that will reflect your taste and personality.