The Proper Gap Spacing For Your Deck

Congratulations! You've made the decision to build a new deck or repair/replace an old one, and you've decided to use hidden deck fasteners for a flawless look. Now what? There are so many fasteners on the market, and each leaves different gap spaces. This article will help you make the correct choice of deck fasteners with the proper gap spacing for your type of deck.

Don't be fooled into thinking that all deck fasteners are created equal. That's just not the case. And please don't be fooled into thinking that one type of fastener is suitable for all types of decking materials. The type of fastener you choose should be dependent upon the type of decking you are building with. Is it composite, PVC, or hardwood? If it's hardwood decking, is it air-dried or kiln-dried? These questions are essential to the life and sustainability of your deck. Why does it matter? All decking materials will move (expand or contract) as it weathers. The change in temperature, humidity, and moisture can all affect the natural movement of deck boards. You want a fastener designed with these changes in mind.

If using air-dried decking, you want a hidden deck fastener that will leave a small gap space. The ideal space is 3/32". The moisture content in air-dried material is typically greater than 15%. As this material weathers, it loses a considerable amount of moisture and contracts in size. This opens that small space up just a bit and allows it to move and have adequate air flow.

If using kiln-dried decking, you want a hidden deck fastener that will leave a larger gap space. The ideal space is 1/4". Kiln-dried decking is the opposite of air-dried decking. Kiln-dried material typically has a moisture content below 15%. As this material weathers, it gains a considerable amount of moisture and expands in size. This larger gap space will eventually close up a bit as it naturally weathers.

If using composite decking, always check with the manufacturer's suggested gap spacing. Most are different and can require a space anywhere from 3/32" to 1/4" depending on the manufacturer and temperature at time of installation. This is absolutely crucial.

If using PVC decking, it is very similar to composite decking in that the manufacturer recommends a certain gap space. This gap space, like composite decking, can be anywhere from 3/32" to 1/4". PVC is more controlled by temperature so the recommended space in one area of the country may not be the same in another area of the country.

Another important step is to verify what type of decking you purchase. If purchasing hardwood, make certain that it is indeed air-dried or kiln-dried as you request. Unfortunately, I've seen many home owners that were unsure of the type of decking they purchased and just picked a generic deck fastener. You can imagine what happens when you use a deck fastener that is designed for 3/32" gap space and it is installed using kiln-dried deck boards. The kiln-dried deck boards will expand. With such a small gap space, there is nowhere for the deck boards to go so they warp, cup, and check. This leaves an unsightly and dangerous deck.

Although choosing the right deck fastener can seem daunting at first, it's actually quite simple once a few important questions have been asked. The most sound advice I can give is to ask questions, ask questions, ask questions. Ask what type of decking you are purchasing, ask what the manufacturer's suggested gap spacing is, and ask what gap spacing each hidden deck fastener leaves. If you are told that it doesn't matter, run as fast as you can to a more knowledgeable deck fastener source!

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Composite Decking Maintenance Tips

Composite decks are an attractive choice because they are relatively easy to maintain. Unlike traditional wood decks, composite decks don't require paint or sealer, and they don't produce splinters. But there is still some maintenance required to keep even this decking material looking its best. Follow the tips below to keep the floor of your outdoor room in tip-top shape.

1. Use Caution with Your Grill. If you're going to be grilling on your deck, put a guard mat under the grill. Not only can the feet of the grill cause scrapes and scratches, but hot coals and grease can potentially ruin composite decking. A flame-resistant guard mat will help protect decking from burns and stains.

2. Arrange Proper Ventilation. Make sure the boards of your deck are adequately spaced for ventilation. This is key for discouraging mold and mildew growth in decking.

3. Ensure Good Drainage. Make sure standing water doesn't accumulate under your deck. Mold and mildew aren't the only things that thrive in standing water; it can attract insects and other pests, and can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Be sure to have a good drainage system under your decking, and make sure splash guards and downspouts are directed away from your deck, toward another area of your yard.

4. Be Careful with Tools and Other Hard, Sharp Objects. Composite decking material may be tough, but it can still be scratched by the point of a shovel or another hard object being carelessly dropped or dragged across its surface. You certainly don't want to remove the snow to reveal a scratched and damaged deck. Patio furniture is another common culprit of scratching--when dragged across nearly any surface, patio furniture can leave marks. Avoid dragging anything along the surface of your deck.

5. Keep It Clean. A good cleaning regimen for your deck should include clearing all materials off the deck at least once a month, and then hosing down the entire surface. Before using any commercial cleaning product, test it on a small portion so as to be sure it won't cause stains. If a spill does occur, clean it up as soon as possible. The longer that any liquid sits, the deeper it is likely to seep into the wood fibers of your composite decking.

Mold and mildew can attack both the wood and the plastic in composite decking material. These organisms are two of the biggest threats to a composite deck's appearance, so be sure to keep your deck free of them.

If you feel you must use a power washer to clean your deck's surface, be extremely careful, and use lower amounts of pressure. (Ideally, you will keep your deck's surface clean all year-round, so there will be no need to clean with a power washer.) Keep harsh chemicals, such as paint thinner and bleach, away from your composite deck. Finally, if you do discover a stain, manufacturers recommend that you do not try to remove it with sanding. Instead, call your composite decking provider to learn what they recommend for product-specific stain removal.

Tag :  patio deck,decking,maintenance

Variety of Decking Materials

The proper patio deck design can increase the value of whatever property that it is constructed on; since it indirectly allows you to increase the usable floor space of your home. It adds an entire outdoor room in which the homeowner has the opportunity to entertain his or her family and special guests. It also allows you to create an outdoor kitchen and dining arrangement if you choose to. It might be said that the designing and installation of a deck can be one of the less intimidating home improvement tasks that a person can undertake. Plus the rewards of building a patio style deck are quite substantial.

There are various styles of patio decks and the following content details the most popular ones. The concrete patio deck is probably the most economical deck you can build and maintain. You can also get quite inventive with the concrete slabs. They can be stamped in order to make them appear as if they were actually constructed from bricks or other kinds of natural stone. In addition to this, you can add finishes to the concrete that will make it look like real wood. One of the greatest advantages of this kind of decking is that once the concrete patio deck has been poured, you will never have to worry about any type of weeds growing in the area for quite a while; at least until the concrete begins to crack.

The next version, in reality, is actually made from bricks or natural stones. The varieties include marble, flagstone, limestone, sandstone and slate. This type of decking compliments most of the homes that have constructed entirely out of one or more of these products. Are they very expensive? Yes, they are. However, they are highly durable and will easily last a lifetime. They are capable of withstanding any and all of the extreme weather conditions that may occur. Needless to say, the homeowner must be absolutely sure that the deck has been placed in the correct position; it will never be possible to relocate it. The routine maintenance that is required is next to nothing.

The natural wood deck is the one that a good many persons are most familiar. They can be designed in almost and shape that the homeowner chooses. This is because the material is so easy to work with. These decking structures can be constructed at ground level or raised up to any height that is necessary. The installation of a set of stairs and safety handrails will not present a problem. However, in order to maintain the beauty and functionality of a natural wooden patio deck, you will need to add protective coatings on a regular basis. In other words, there is a lot of routine maintenance that is needed.

Tag :  patio deck,decking,materials

How To Create A Patio Deck Design

A Patio Deck Design will add beauty to your home. Creating a patio deck design is an investment that will add value to your home for years to come.

Many people these days are creating indoor living for the outdoors, with patio deck design you can accomplish just that. You can make your patio deck design an extension of your home by creating outdoor kitchens and living areas with fireplaces and many other features you can create. By doing these changes and adding a patio deck design everyone will want to spend more time enjoying the outdoors.

The first thing you need to think about is whether or not you will be hiring a professional to help you plan and create your new patio deck design. If you are doing it yourself spend time drawing up a plan, measure your whole backyard first.

Then you need to ask yourself what will the backyard be used for? Will it be only for relaxing?, To have friends and family over for BBQ's?, Just for the kids to play?, Will it include a garden area? Or you can also have any combination of any of these areas. Do you want to add a water feature, like a pond or a fountain?

In your patio deck design drawings you will need to know how much space you want to devote to your new patio deck design and any other areas' you want to include. When you are planning, you can place everything where you want it how much space for each.

In planning your patio deck design drawing you can research what materials you will be using for each area.

The patio deck design can be one of several types of materials. The wood deck, usually requires a professional to install. The hard scape patio deck design consists of man-made stone pavers or bricks or even natural stone like flagstones is one of many choices for the patio deck design.

You also have the choice of decorative concrete, colors can be added to suit your taste and the concrete can also be stamped, meaning it can be made to look like stone, pavers, flagstones, the professionals who install the decorative concrete usually will have many choices for the patio deck design so as to match whatever look you are trying to create for your outdoor living area.

When planning your patio deck design, the deck or the hard scape will usually be coming right off the house (your back door) and water elements are usually away from the house, although you still want to be able to see and hear the water feature. Planning your patio deck design is the most important step, so make sure you take your time and include everything you want into your plan.

If you only choose one or several changes for your patio deck design, you will add value and charm to your back yard so that you, your family and friends can enjoy spending more time outdoors together.

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Choosing the Best Patio Deck Furniture

What is Wicker?
Nowadays wicker has become such a buzzword that people think of it as a furniture material which is not the case. Wicker is actually the name given to the pattern that is created when the material is weaved into furniture.

Why Outdoor Wicker Furniture?
Wicker patio furniture is durable, beautiful and elegant. It is the most suitable type of outdoor furniture and you can have a pleasure sitting outside. For enjoying lunch with family and friends and BBQs, wicker patio furniture is the best choice. You can enjoy sitting on it for long hours as it has no trace of discomfort. Two factors; durability and stability are the main reasons why outdoor wicker furniture is preferred over other kinds of furniture.

Another reason why wicker patio furniture is so popular is because of its affordability. Its materials are available quite easily and processed quickly, wicker is chosen over other materials. You can get a good set of elegant outdoor wicker furniture at a very affordable price and it will last long.

Resin outdoor wicker furniture
The type of furniture material you would choose will depend on your budget and the kind of finish you want. The reason why resin outdoor furniture is chosen is because it is durable, lightweight and can withstand even the harshest weather. It can stay under the bright sun without being damaged and you need not move it in and out.

Variety
Wicker patio furniture has a very high demand in the market. The manufacturers of this type of furniture have a wide range of colors and designs to choose from. The designs are simple but attractive due to which they are affordable as well as have huge demand. People purchase this type of furniture in order to transform their backyard into a calm and soothing place that is close to nature.

Porch furniture
There is a lot of porch furniture styles; porch swings, rocking chairs etc. These types of furniture can add to the beauty of your outdoor seating. Wooden porch furniture is the most popular one. It looks great outdoor just as it looks indoors. Wooden benches can be a great accent to your entryway. Porch furniture should be chosen with great care as you will be spending a lot of time on it so it should be comfortable and durable.

Selecting the right furniture
Choosing the best outdoor furniture is a tough task. Outdoor wicker furniture should be chosen while keeping in mind the designs and color. Price wouldn't be a problem because they are not expensive. It will be a good idea to browse online. Go through different furniture websites and look for the furniture you want. Online purchasing can be a choice as well as sometimes you may get a deep discount while purchasing online rather than buying it from any departmental store.

Storage
Wicker patio furniture can be stored in cold seasons as you would not be using outdoor furniture. All you need to do is to stack the chairs and tables and tie a rope against all of them and keep them in your store. Or you can also simply use your outdoor furniture indoors until the pollen season has ended.

Tag : patio deck,patio deck furniture,furniture 

Outdoor Water Fountains - General Garden, Patio & Deck Water Fountain Info

Spring is drawing to a close and summer is just about here. Hopefully by now you have tended to the garden, mowed the lawn, and done whatever else you have needed to do to get the yard ready for the warm weather. A huge part of taking care of your yard and garden is decorating. This includes planting flowers and adding whatever else decorations you can find to make your outdoor surrounding a pleasant place to be this season. A great way to decorate your garden, deck or patio is with an outdoor water fountain. Outdoor water fountains come in many varieties and are a great way to add a little life to your yard.

PATIO WATER FOUNTAINS
You may spend quite a bit of time on your deck or patio this year barbequing entertaining guests or simply relaxing. Patio furniture and design has become very popular the last decade as many people spend a lot of time outside. Adding a free standing glass or slate water fountain is a great addition to any patio or deck and there are many options. First you want to choose a trim that matches the overall design of your patio. Trip options include copper, stainless steel, or stone.
After you pick your trim you will want a surface type that also fits with your patio design such as mirrored glass, slate or etched glass. These free standing floor fountains work with a submersible hidden pump that recycles the water. Most of these fountains also come with their own lighting system so you can enjoy your fountain when it gets darker outside. They simply plug into a nearby outlet and then they are ready to go! There are also a few fountains that can be wall mounted for your deck or patio. Because these fountains are meant for outdoor use they will go through quite a bit of water while running due to evaporation loss. It is suggested that you use distilled water and maybe even adding a few drops of bleach every other week to keep the fountain clean. Also you will need to constantly add water as it evaporates out over time.

GARDEN WATER FOUNTAINS
Garden water fountains are usually a little different than patio fountains as they are meant to fit the design of a garden more than a patio or deck. Most garden fountains are made of stone and include many shapes and designs. A common garden fountain typically has the water bubbling and flowing out of the top and then cascading down creating mini waterfalls instead of flowing down a flat surface like many patio or indoor fountains. There are many birdbath fountains available also. These fountains work basically the same as patio fountains with the pump and lights. To plug it in you will want to use an extension cord meant for garden use that can be buried to hide the cord.

Adding an outdoor fountain is a great way to bring some balance to your garden or patio decor. The relaxing quiet sound of flowing water is a great way to unwind and relax after a long day and they look amazing.

Tag :  patio deck,patio,outdoor

Patio Dining Sets - A Great Way to Add a New Fresh Look to Your Patio Deck Area

Patio dining sets are available in a wide assortment of different styles and designs, but they all add class to your outdoor living area or deck. Many people find that their outdoor living area is the best place to get some rest and relaxation after a long day, or merely to enjoy the great outdoors.

Many people use their patios to have their friends and family members over for outdoor dinners, lunches or breakfasts. Sometimes folding trays are used for eating, together with existing patio furniture. However, most people take the extra step and buy one of the great patio dining sets that are on the market.

By choosing some nice patio furniture you will be setting your outdoor living area apart from the remainder of your home. One of the great patio dining sets that are available will complement your deck, which is a great gathering place for meals and good conversation among your friends and family members.

You might currently have outdoor patio furniture, but want to add some fresh, new appeal to your deck. Adding a new patio dining set to your existing outdoor furniture can be the easiest way to do this. By adding this new outdoor furniture you will be bringing new life to your outdoor living area.
When you are looking into patio dining sets and trying to decide on the right type and style, make sure you take a few things into consideration. The first thing you should decide is the style of furniture you would like to showcase in your outdoor living area. This is a matter of personal taste, so it will vary from one person to another. For example, some people prefer elegance, while others want their deck to have a more informal tropical look.

The second thing that you may want to consider would be the choice of what material you may want your deck patio furniture made from. You will discover that there are many different types of materials that are used for patio furniture dining sets. Some of these may include aluminum, plastic, metal or even teakwood and wicker. These materials during manufacturing have the ability to be manipulated into all different shapes which will allow for several different styles of choices.

Another important consideration is the durability of the outdoor furniture. Decide how often you will be using your patio furniture during the course of a year. This information will help you choose the appropriate material for your deck's patio dining furniture.

If your goal is to use the furniture quite frequently, then you will want to make sure it is very durable and long-lasting. Deciding on the right patio dining set will help you to add a great new look and appeal to your patio area and give you great pleasure in enjoying it with family and friends.

Tag :  patio deck,patio deck area,patio dining

Enjoy Outdoor Living With a New Patio, Deck, Or Sunroom

You don't have to live in the country to enjoy outdoor living. With the right outdoor furniture and accessories anyone with a small outdoor area, deck, balcony, or patio can enjoy the pleasures of relaxing, socializing, and cooking outdoors.

When asked what they most like about spending time outdoors, people say they like the sunshine and the fresh air. They may talk about the flowers and the trees and the animals they see. Other people particularly like to read outside, or sit on a swing and catch up with friends. For others, outside is the place to relax with a cool drink and watch the sun go down. For many people, grills are the most memorable part of the outdoor experience.

For anyone lucky enough to have a water feature in her or his outdoor living area, the sound of gently flowing water is a true pleasure. Perhaps nothing brings peace of mind like water; whether it's a stream, a pond, a pool or a fountain, it's a treat for all the senses.

With high gas prices, a weak economy, and costly plane fares, many people are choosing "staycations." They spend their vacations at or near their homes--taking small trips, perhaps. For staycationers creating an additional living area out of doors makes staying at home something to look forward to. With a new patio, deck, or sunroom you won't miss all the hassle and expense of traveling; you'll be happy to entertain friends and family in the comfort of your newly expanded home. Consider a new screen porch; it's the perfect way to be outside without getting bitten by mosquitoes and black flies.

A play set can turn your outdoor living area into a playground for the youngsters. Swing sets and slides never go out of style from one generation to the next. Sandboxes are safe play areas for toddlers. For teens, young adults, and even the older folk, crocket is always a hit. With a narrow patch of ground you can easily make a horseshoe court.

Put a grassy yard to work by turning it into a volleyball court. All you need is a net and a ball and a few energetic people. You can enjoy a pick up game with a portable basketball hoop.

Food always taste better outside. That's why outdoor grills are so popular, and there are so many to choose from. Depending on whether you are a gourmet outdoor chef or a basic outdoor cook, you can choose an elaborate outdoor stove or a simple grill. Before you make your purchase, investigate the various options, look at quality and safety features, and consider your cooking needs and preferences. Gas grills are very popular these days, but charcoal still works great. With a simple charcoal grill chimney, you can light your fire without using a smelly and dangerous lighter fluid.
You'll never regret the time you spend outdoors. With a little planning and creativity you can have the comforts of indoor living plus the pleasures of outdoor living.

Tag : patio deck,outdoor,deck,sunroom

Patio Decks - Choosing the Best Material for Your Deck Construction

When choosing a deck material you have a large selection of different types to choose from. You can go with anything form composite to treated wood or even recycled materials. It can be a little confusing or even a little overwhelming when you look at it from an uneducated point of view. With all the new materials popping up many people are still surprised when I say that I believe wood is still the number one option when it comes to how it looks. You do need to understand that not all wood is equal and some is better for decking than others. Some of the better choices for decking are teak, red wood or cedar. You may even go with a cheaper option like pine if you get it treated.

You should also be made aware that most wood will need more maintenance than your composite types do. Some of the better choices have the ability to withstand the elements quite nicely and will not be as hard to preserve. Exotic wood like teak is one of the best for building projects outside do to the fact that it is able to resist rot better than any other type out there. Ship builders have been using this wood for a long time because of its unique properties.

If you think about it for a minute you'll soon agree that any wood that can withstand the harsh elements of the sea would fare really well on a deck attached to your home. Having the budget for teak is not something that everyone has so you may want to consider a cheaper option that is also resistant to rot. Cedar is one of these types as well as red wood both are readily available in most areas. Even though they may not be as durable they still are quite effective as decking material. If you are planning on using one of these options for your deck then I suggest you look into what will be involved for maintenance and decide which router you want to take.

You may decide that you hate all the work involved in taking care of a wood deck and decide that a composite one is better for you. Composite decks will last a very long time without any maintenance, but in my opinion they do not have the look of a real wood deck. However, sometimes it is a balance between how much money you have, how much time and how you want it to look.

If you have money to spare and don't want a lot of maintenance then teak would be the best choice. If you need to save and aren't afraid of a little maintenance than go with either cedar or red wood.

A deck just isn't finished until you light it up. Visit Joes' site for a look at some outdoor deck lighting that will make your home shine.

Tag : patio deck,deck construction,material

Having the Best Patio Deck Furniture

Outdoor furniture:
We all love sharing conversations or meals under the garden light. Some of us also love reading books in a garden or beside a pool. This is the reason why we should find the right resin outdoor furniture. Some of you may think that resin is not the best material and that it is cheap and flimsy. But according to the latest trend, resin patio furniture is the best. This trend is spreading very fast and you will see a lot of people have this due to the popularity it is gaining.

Why Resin Patio Furniture:
Another reason why resin patio furniture is preferred over other materials because of the advantages it has over other type of garden furniture such as wood or iron. It is stylish and trendy. Its versatility is used in many ways without having a bad effect. Outdoor or garden furniture should be able to bear the heat without being damaged. Resin outdoor furniture is built keeping in mind its ability to withstand the effect of UV rays and toughest weather.

Resin Outdoor furniture is environmental conscious:
It is built keeping in view the environmental consciousness and is made using 100% recycled plastic. If you want to buy furniture for a pool side then resin outdoor furniture is the best choice. The reason why resin patio furniture is chosen over other furniture is that they do not rot over a period of time and they can be used in wet weather as well without being damaged.

Advantages of Resin Garden Furniture:
Because of its ability to withstand UV rays it does not get damaged or cracked. It is sturdy like iron but is light weight unlike iron because of which the resin patio furniture can be moved from one place to another very easily and without much effort. Even children or females can move this type of furniture.

Another advantage of resin garden furniture, it is abuse proof. It is able to withstand markers, paints, jumping kids, spilled drinks etc. It remains undamaged by salt water so resin outdoor furniture can be used anywhere even near the sea. It is very easy to clean. Bleach can also be used on this type of furniture to clean away the marks, if any.

Resin garden furniture can look like natural wood:
Resin garden furniture can also resemble natural wood. As the furniture will be placed outdoor in the garden some of you may want to match it with the natural wood, you can do so as it is fade free. You can also match it with the color of the furniture you have indoors.

Features of Resin Patio Furniture:
Resin patio furniture comes in various colors such as white, teak, patina etc and styles. With garden furniture cushions in the market you can have any style of furniture you want for your garden and give it the look you could imagine.

Resin outdoor furniture is a sleek and stylish option to compliment the look of your garden. It is a large investment which you will not replace annually so take proper care of it and keep it clean so that you get years of enjoyment from your resin garden furniture.

Tag : patio deck,patio deck furniture,furniture

Setting Up a Patio Deck

Pool Furniture
During summer, while spending most of your time around the pool you would surely need pool furniture. This furniture should be comfortable and relaxing. Spending time at a pool side provides with a peaceful environment where you can relax. The ambiance it creates gives a calm and soothing effect to the mind. After all day's hard work, pool side is the best place where you can relax and spend a great time. One type of pool furniture is an outdoor chaise lounge. 

Outdoor Chaise Lounge
A patio furniture chaise is the perfect kind of pool furniture where you can relax and recline out on your deck. It is a long chair and is designed in such a way that it can support your whole body. The back of outdoor chaise lounge is adjustable so that it can be tilted up when you are just relaxing or reading a book or something or completely laid down when you want to take a nap.

Variety of styles
Outdoor chaise lounges come in various styles. The most common of them are made up of plastic. They are popular because they are light weight and do not need much maintenance. These are placed outside but still do not get damaged under the sun. Patio furniture chaise made up of plastic are very easy to clean. All you need to do is to take good care of them during high winds because of its light weight.

Outdoor chaise lounges can be sat on as it is whereas some people lay out a towel before sitting or lying on the chaise. There are some patio furniture chaises that have cushions on them. These chaises are not suitable for pool furniture as the cushion might get wet. This can destroy the cushion as well as the look of your pool and chaise. Chaises with cushion can be used indoors.

Outdoor chaise lounge are also made up of steel or wood. The demand for these types of chaises is relatively low because they are expensive since they are difficult to make. They require high maintenance and care. If you buy a wood or steel outdoor chaise lounge then you would have to bring it indoors when the weather gets bad.

Shopping for a Patio Furniture Chaise
You can find a variety of outdoor chaise lounge online. These chaises are 6 feet in height so if u order online, keep in mind that a bigger shipping container would be used which would ultimately increase your shipping cost.

It would be better if you shop from the local home furniture stores especially when the summer ends because they maybe selling furniture at deep discounts. You should look for great deals that these stores offer and then make your purchase decision.

Defining a good life
Watching your kids play in the pool or relaxing while reading a book defines a great life. These moments unwind the busyness of your life. Outdoor chaise lounge are comfortable as well as long lasting which helps you start your life of leisure.

Tag : patio deck,setting up,patio deck designs,patio deck plans