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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How to Build a Patio Deck

Wouldn't you just love to stay outdoors during a cool sunny day, spend quality time with the family, or just give yourself a treat with a good book that you just got from the bookstore, or just simply relax on comfortable furniture listening to the sound of the wind or the chirping of the birds? Well, it's about time you got yourself a patio deck.

A patio deck is simply a combination of a patio and a deck which is an extension of the living space of your home to the outdoors. It gives you an inviting area where you could entertain yourself, your family, or your friends. It is an area where you could relax and enjoy outdoor living.

Building a patio deck is relatively easy, what you need time with the most is the process of planning, framing, decking, and permitting, and they need careful preparation, too. You can follow these building basics to achieve that outdoor living you have always wanted.

Before beginning the construction, you have to make sure that you have the necessary documents and permits.

When you are allowed to build a deck, you can start on the planning by examining the area where you are going to construct your deck. Determine where you want to locate the different parts of the deck like the steps to the yard. You have to assess the entire area relative to the deck.

This is important to make everything work well together considering the home and the yard where you are going to put up your patio deck. You have to plan for the drainage of the groundwater across the area so as not to cause damage to your deck in the long run.

When all considerations have been made, you can now plan your deck on paper. Start by plotting the overall dimensions and where the critical pieces are located such as the raised sections or the stairs.
Next is to plan the foundation. Normally, 4x4 treated lumber posts are used to support a deck. These are set on post anchors which are galvanized and embedded in concrete footing which are 8 to 10 inches in diameter.

You can begin your construction by determining the foundation locations and laying them out on the ground. A system of strings can be used along with batter boards to make a rectangular grid.

Next, using lag bolts, affix the ledger board to the home's foundation wall. Grade the area underneath the deck to create a smooth surface that will drain away from the house. Below the frost line, dig footings to the required depth then fill with concrete mix.

Set the purchased galvanized post anchors. Next, set the treated posts then create the deck's outside dimension. With all the other installing done, nail the joists with galvanized nails then install the blocking.

In installing the decking and railings it is important that you install the railings first. Install the deck with overhangs. Then add trim boards around the deck's edge for a finished look. Deck the stair treads. And finally, you can apply clear finish or stain to the decking and railing to give it a finished look.

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Having a Patio Deck in Your Home

If there is one thing that you can do to make completely change your backyard is by installing a patio deck. A patio deck is a great addition to your backyard. You can install it at the side of your home adjacent to your back door. You can place outdoor furniture in it such as tables, chairs and even some lounge chairs to make it more comfortable. It is a great way to enjoy your backyard with the comforts of your home.

There are different kinds of patio decks that you can choose from. The most popular nowadays are open and only have the floor area is constructed. By doing having this, you can enjoy your outdoors more. Of course the problem with this is that when it gets too hot and you don't have any shades for your deck. There is a solution for this and that is to place mesh tarps in it. This is a great way to use as a cover or shade for your patio deck because it can protect you from the sun and at the same time you can still enjoy the breeze of the wind. You can also easily take it down when you want to enjoy the sunlight more or when you are sunbathing in your patio deck. More and more people choose to use this, instead of making a roof in their patio deck. There are a lot of colors and designs that you can choose from your mesh tarps. One of the most popular is the tan mesh tarps because the color can match just about anything.

Your patio deck is also great when you are having an outdoor party at your home. This is a great area where you can place the food to serve your guest. You can also place more chairs and tables in it for them to enjoy it more. There are some people who would rather stay at your patio deck than explore your backyard. This is a good place for them to just enjoy and relax in your garden.

There are different kinds of furniture that you can place in your patio. If you want to add decorations for it, you can add plants and other type decorative materials such as lights. This can make it look more attractive.

Having a patio is easier than you think. You can install it yourself if you know about carpentry or you can hire someone to do it for you. And since you are only putting it in one area of your backyard, this can be done in a few days. If your carpenter is really good, they can even do it in one day! All you need for this is to have a great quality of wood that can be water-resistant since your patio deck is exposed to weather and some few nails. You are then ready to make it.

You can relax in this area, read a book or just simply enjoy your outdoors. You can enjoy the sun and just simple relax in this part of your home.

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Go Green With Energy Efficient Patio Deck Lights and Save Money and Energy

There are many different types of energy efficient patio deck railing lights available today. In times of economic turmoil and utility costs that are resulting in many people losing their electricity, it is important to learn as much as you possibly can when it comes to energy efficient means of lighting.

This is especially true if you are seeking to light up your patio area, or the outside living area of your home. In this guide, I will share with you a couple of choices that you have when it comes to energy efficient patio deck railing lights.

The first choice that you have when it comes to energy efficient lighting for the outdoor deck area is the ever-popular solar lighting fixtures. You can purchase fixtures that are mounted in three to four inch to three to four foot intervals along the patio deck railing on top of the railing. You can also purchase the same type of lighting that is attached underneath the railing as well.

In addition to this, you can purchase solar lighting that is attached to hanging rods all along the length of the patio deck railing to light up the area. The sun provides the light that is reflected in the night hours, so you do not have to worry about the expense associated with utility costs.

The second choice that you have as far as energy efficient lighting is concerned for railings on a deck is LED rope lighting. This is a useful type of lighting that provides a large amount of lighting for cents on the dollar monthly! You can wrap the rope lights around the deck rails, or simply run them along the deck rails.
The choice is yours! Rope lighting typically comes encased in a weatherproof plastic that preserves the bulbs from weatherization. In addition to this, LED lighting has been determined to be highly versatile and durable. This means that you literally get more "bang for your buck" when it comes to efficiency!

The next choice that you have when it comes to energy efficient patio deck lighting is a combination between solar lighting and LED rope lighting - it is called solar LED rope lights! These lights work by the sun's energy that is stored during the day, and provides the ultimate amount of efficiency because there is no cost associated in running these types of patio lights! As you can see, you have many choices in energy efficient patio deck railing lights.

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How to Finish a Wood Patio Deck

Having a patio deck in the garden will create an amazing place for you to entertain friends, and family. If you lay it correctly, seal, treat, and maintain it the decking will last for many years. You have to consider where you want the decking to be placed, and what weather conditions it will need to deal with. Water is the worst component that can damage the wooden decking, and you need to consider this when choosing your deck plans.

Planning the decking well and ensuring that you use the correct sealant will ensure that the deck will look fantastic for many years. After the patio deck has been laid you will need to work quickly to have it sealed and ready for the weather. The decking will need to be sanded to ensure that the waterproof material can soak into the grain. Although sanding the patio deck will take some time it will be worth it when you see the end result.

Once you have sanded the deck you will need to ensure that all debris, twigs, and leaves have been removed as these can cause problems. With a completely clear deck you can begin to weatherproof it.

Using the best possible wood sealant is essential as water is the biggest problem where decking is concerned. If you allow water to penetrate the patio deck it will dry out and cause the wood to crack. The expansion and contraction of the wood over time will cause it great damage, and in extreme cases the patio deck will need to be replaced.

You will need to try and wait for the weather conditions to be just right. If it is too cold or too hot the wood will have either expanded or contracted making it harder to seal. You want the sealant to be applied in the best possible conditions, to allow it to dry and begin to protect the wood. When looking at your deck plans you will need to ensure that you can reach every part of the decking easily. Every single inch of the decking will need to be sealed including the gaps, and cracks.

If you allow even the smallest of areas to be unprotected, the water can penetrate it and cause damage to the patio deck. You should apply the sealant in the direction of the grain, and for larger areas a mop can be used to make it far easier. Allowing the sealant to dry is essential, and once it has you can decide if you want to stain the wood. Depending on the design you have chosen on your deck plans will determine what color you want the decking to be.

There are many different stains available, which can help to enhance the color of your patio deck, and make it look great. Once you have sealed the patio deck it will not need doing for several years, however, if you experience severe weather it may need doing more often. Remember that you will need to clean, fix, and reseal the patio deck to keep it looking great.

Creating Your Own Patio Deck Plans

Creating patio deck plans can be an ordeal all in itself. If you don't feel quite ready to tackle such a project then there are plenty of places to find existing plans or software to build your new addition. Before looking into preexisting blueprints it is best to know the function and purpose you are going for. Determine what type of activities you will be hosting on your new outside playground. If you like to entertain often then it is important to allow for plenty of space. If there is a pool or items such as swing sets or trampolines then take this into consideration as to yard space available for construction.

There are multiple places that offer premade patio deck plans for you to choose from.The best and even free premade architectural designs include such items as a full scale design with measurements, detailed material list, pages with step-by-step directions and sometimes an estimated cost analysis. If you were to pay for a professional to help you then you should receive all of the same paperwork including a cost list for your area. If the free versions aren't up to par for you then check out the paid versions. These range from $20-$40 depending upon the difficulty of the plan and the elaborateness of the patio deck plans.

Don't have it in the budget for a specialized, one-of-a-kind set of patio deck plans? That's okay because you can purchase software to help you out. This software can create just your deck or your entire landscaping for the backyard. This allows you to put your imagination to work making the backyard of your dreams. Prices for this software range from $8 to $25 and beyond.

There are numerous types of patio deck plans to choose from when using software or purchasing the premade version. There are lowered or raised, specific pool types, expandable, multi-tiered, spa, straight with a lowered dining area, shaded, garden, multi-level garden and numerous others to choose from. This is where your decision of the overall purpose comes into play. They can also be created in virtually any shape. The most common shapes are square, rectangle and hexagon.

Which patio deck plans you decide to go with are solely up to your preferences and your budget. It all comes down to how much money you have and if you are a bit tech savvy and want to utilize the software to visualize your own creation.

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Patio Deck Railing Lights Can Enhance the Appeal of Your Outdoor Living Area

This type of lighting is a step in the right direction when it comes to lighting up an area in the outdoor living space that you want to be safe and secure. However, many homeowners are starting to discover that these types of lights are also quite decorative and can enhance the overall look and feel of the outdoor living area in the evening and night hours.

In this informative article, you will learn more about patio deck railing lights and how they can create an ambiance that you will thoroughly enjoy.

If you have a basic understanding of carpentry, some basic mechanical inclination, and some skills when it comes to electricity, you will find that it is relatively simple to install and implement the use of patio deck railing lights.

If you are looking for a low cost, energy efficient means of bringing outdoor lighting to your home, you will be pleased to note that patio deck railing lights operate on very low voltage, and there are some that even implement the use of solar lights!

Naturally, outdoor solar lights do not use any sort of voltage on an electrical grid, they simply harness the power of the sun's light, and then have a censor that allows the light to cut on automatically when the lighting is low outside.

There are many different types of deck lights that can be purchased for your patio. You can choose from lights that can be mounted on top of deck railings, as well as lights that can be mounted underneath deck railing. You can also select from lights that can be posted on walls, as well as the ever-popular rope lighting that can be purchased.

The type of lights for your patio and/or deck that you elect to purchase will depend largely on the theme of the area that you are adding light to, the amount of light that you need, whether the light will be decorative, functional, or both, as well as the amount of money that you have to invest in the project.

If you are searching for a unique way to light your outdoor living area so that it is appealing as far as decorative ambiance is concerned, and bright for safety and security purposes, you may find that patio deck railing lights are right for you!

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Space is Not a Problem With a Redwood Patio Deck

The patio is normally a part of the house that provides extra space on the outside. It is often used for people who like to stay at the vantage point. However, in some cases having that small outdoor space can be very tedious, and a family needs a more accommodating space for events held inside the house. The patio deck is commendable for giving additional space for varying purposes.

A redwood patio is definitely a must have for families who like want to feature an accommodating environment in their house. The patio deck is able to hold more visitors at a given time. Not only is redwood an elegant addition to the home, but it can give extra breathing space to avoid people being crammed inside the house. There are different styles to choose from, so there is no need to worry about having to settle for nondescript pieces that would ruin the style of the house.

Having a redwood patio deck adds space and improves the value of the house in more ways than one. Having a high curb appeal is guaranteed with the presence of patio decks that appeal to the customers. Having such addition will be suitable on occasions when the family feels that the inside of the house has become too familiar, then they can retreat to the patio deck to have some family bonding or to discuss matters while relaxing on the deck and taking in their surroundings. Proper positioning of the deck will give them a good view of what is happening outside without gathering too much attention. The deck provides a pleasing improvement project that can be installed in different ways: attached or freestanding, multi-level, corner style, and others.

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Patio Decks - Accessories That Can Improve a Soothing Effect

After a busy day at work, patio decks can often be the ideal spot to relax and unwind. They are soothing and comforting places to be. But you can increase your enjoyment of your patio decks by complementing them with suitable accessories. Below are some of the in vogue accessories you might like to consider for your patio deck, and some tips on how to choose the best ones for you.


The main thing to guide you in choosing the accessories for you patio deck is your own personal taste. If you haven't already got an idea of the kinds of accessories you'd like to buy, a good place to start is with wicker furniture. Wicker tables, chairs and ottomans are all available, and are attractive and especially useful for outdoor purposes. They are also washable using just soap and water, which is handy, and as well as looking good on patio decks they are suitable for use in porches or sunrooms.


If you want to achieve a soothing effect for your patio deck, try fountains and wind chimes, both available in various styles to suit your taste and theme. The sounds of wind and water are the song of nature, so let your patio deck sing.


Western red cedar is both insect resistant and weather proof, so a cedar bench can be both a practical and beautiful accessory to enhance patio decks. Not only would it look good, but can at the same time solve the problem of insects.


Another way to enhance the décor of patio decks is by adding a hammock. Portable ones are easy to put up, and the hammock will be both a cost effective and at the same time very comfortable way of adding to your enjoyment of your patio deck.
By adding a patio heater you can even enjoy eating dinner outside on your patio deck without feeling the cold. Keep the patio heater on your patio deck, and just plug in and switch on if the evening gets too cold, and you don't have to move inside to keep enjoying your dinner with family and friends!


By installing a trellis on your patio deck, you can enjoy evenings there surrounded by plants. Cedar is insect and weather resistant and excellent for trellises, and both it and the plants climbing up it will add beauty to your outdoor area. At the same time, being made of cedar, your trellis will be able to withstand the elements.


If you are keen on plants and landscaping, and you want to enjoy your coffee on your patio deck surrounded by plants, you should also consider planters. Greenery and flowers add a softening effect to patio decks, and there are many styles on the market, so you should easily find ones which suit your taste.

If you are keen on plants and landscaping, and you want to enjoy your coffee on your patio deck surrounded by plants, you should also consider planters. Greenery and flowers add a softening effect ot patio decks, and there are many styles on the market, so you should easily find ones which suit your taste. Patiodecks.FAQ-guide is a comprehensive resource to know about Patio Decks.

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Retractable Screens - Enclose Your Covered Patio Deck With a Motion Screen

In the many custom homes and stock plan modifications that I perform, one request that continue to pop up is the need or want for a screen porch and a covered patio deck. In some cases, the issue is resolve with a separate screened porch and deck. When there isn't room in the design or the budget, I recommend combining the two into one. Clients are usually puzzled at this point and wonder how is this possible. Afterall, a screen porch has fixed panels right? Yes they do, but if you are using retractable screens or a motionscreen, you eliminate the fixed panels.

Retractable Screens do just as the name implies, they retract when not in use and remain out of sight. You can use them on entry doors, out swing & in swing doors, patio and sliding doors, double french doors, garage doors, and windows. They can be used in new construction or installed in your existing home with ease. They are also puncture resistant, tear resistant, and mildew resistant.

The specific name for the screens on a covered patio deck is called a MotionScreen. At the click of a button, you can turn an open patio deck into a bug and pest-free outdoor living space. When you are ready for an open patio just click the button once more and watch the screens rise and disappear. If the sun is beaming down on the covered patio deck for the better part of your day this can be problematic. However, retractable screens can help with this too. These screens actually block UV rays and the sun's glare which helps to decrease the patio temperature by several degrees.

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Different Locations of Patio Decks

Give your house an nice outdoor view where you can stay and have fun with your family and friends. If you have an extra space on your backyard or adjacent to your house, it is best to utilize such space for a patio deck. It is an outdoor space for recreational activities such as family dinner, party, or simple bonding moments. It is usually adjoining the residence of the owner. Some patios are built to view a beautiful garden or a wonderfully landscaped backyard. There are different styles that will perfectly match the design of your backyard or garden. Typical these are located adjacent to the house. This type will allow the owner a wide view of his lawn. It also provides for an easy access from the house to the patio decks. Patio decks located in the middle of the house, like traditional Spanish houses, mostly do not have roofs. They are positioned in the middle of the house with a natural lighting coming directly from the sun. It is usually surrounded by a garden with flowering shrubs that provides for its wonderful view. There are also decks located in the middle of the lawn or garden. This is a stylish oasis-type of decks serves as a shelter in the dessert of beautiful flowers which provides for a best viewing spot of its surroundings. Some patios are even located fronting the house while the garden or landscaped backyard is in between them. This location often have a fashionable pathway or catwalk leading from the house to the patio and vice versa. No matter where you place you patios, always bear in mind that its primary purpose is to provide the family an outdoor venue of their activities. Hence, it must not sacrifice proximity nor let go of the style and convenience of being inside the patio deck.

The locations of the patio decks are also not decided arbitrarily according to one's whims. It must conform and complement with the overall design and concept of the backyard or garden where it will also serve as a viewing deck. This is not simply a mere house extension. It is created to supplement to the style of the outdoor landscape design to provide the owner and his guests a good and safe viewing point. The size must also be considered in deciding where to put up the deck. On this score, the purpose and design of the patio must first be considered. If this deck is for partying, it should not be too small or else the guests will feel uneasy moving and grooving. However, if you decide to make a relatively big patio deck for partying, the total outdoor space and its landscape design must be harmonized.

Hence, patio decks, wherever it is located, must always perform its primordial function as the home-extension and complementary design of the garden or backyard. Although there are patio decks created for the sole purpose of it without considering the outdoor landscape, such patio deck can be the outdoor design itself. Thus, it is very important that it is beautifully designed to still provide your outdoor view a cozy and welcoming features.

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Patio Deck Plans - Online Resources

Patio deck plans can be found on the internet by simply doing a search for what best suits your plans for what you want to do. Do you need a deck for a hot tub spa, an above ground pool, or for just barbecuing delicious family meals for your crew. Outdoor deck plans come in many sizes, lumbers, and designs complete with who to call to do the install.

Construction Guide For Free

A great resource on how to build your patio deck plan for do it yourself builders, deck contractors,and building inspectors is Downloaddecks.com. This 10 page building guide goes into great detail of how to build your own customized deck. It gives direction on ledger board attachment, framing, stairs, rails and frost footings. It will give that personal insight that you may need to start building your backyard paradise.

Websites

There are several great websites which will help you find a patio deck plan for a professionally designed deck that will have your neighbors drooling with envy. Functionality, strengths in building in high, low, and medium elevations, and attractiveness are all some of the basic principles of finding the right patio deck plan for you. Some have plans which are down-loadable in PDF format that fast, safe, secure and user friendly.

Porch Roof Page

Most patio deck plans will also include the porch roof page that shows you how the construction would look once introduced to your deck style. The angle and length are given for the hand framed rafters. Those plans should be in agreement with current IRC code to support 80 lbs. per square ft. loading. Typical porch detail planning should show the recommended process of how you do the tying in of the house roof to your patio deck.

Conclusion

In this current economy long expensive family vacations are out of the question with most working folk. Some see a more practical approach for how to get more bang for their buck. By making the right decision on what patio deck plan to build you can have an outdoor paradise every summer right in your own backyard. You will not only improve the value of your property, but contribute to the over all ambiance of your neighborhood. Put your money where your heart is. You nurture relationships with family and friends for a lifetime. Why not have a place to meet for those good times. At the hot tub, backyard pool, grilling center, gazebo, or whatever you want to construct. Put a patio plan in your future and put some pizazz back in your lifestyle. Invite the neighbors for some fun in the sun that you will have right at your fingertips. You have only one life, so live it!

Make The Right Choice For Your Patio Deck - Choose Between Lounge Sets Or Patio Sets

Enjoying and decorating outdoor living spaces is no longer a mundane activity. Previously, people who had a patio area will simply purchase a few plastic chairs and place them around an old table with a small functional umbrella. These days, the wide choice of patio furniture and accessories means that even homeowners on a limited budget can set up a really beautiful and cohesive patio that will look attractive and inviting to guests. Some of the popular types of outdoor furniture and accessories include:

• Patio chairs / tables
• Loungers / recliners
• Patio umbrella
• Patio cushions
• Patio rugs
• Patio heaters

All the above items will add to the comfort of your outdoor spaces. An important decision to make is which kind of furniture ought to go where. Patio umbrellas and patio heaters need to be used in different corners of the patio to protect homeowners from heat, rain and cold. The deck area is usually the place abutting a swimming pool. Homeowners who are fortunate enough to have a swimming pool will definitely wish to make use of the deck to relax, sleep or get a suntan after a lovely swim.

Choosing between lounge sets and patio sets for your patio deck can be purely a matter of personal preference, budget and deck area that each homeowner has. If you have only a small space between your swimming pool and garden area, then there may not be space to accommodate a lounger or recliner. In such a case, customers can purchase a few patio chairs, a coffee table and an offset or cantilever umbrella. In fact, some customers will go in for the offset patio umbrella that can be fixed on the wall if there is not much deck space. This will ensure that you can use the deck area and be protected from rain or sunlight.

Those who have a large patio deck will be able to accommodate a complete lounge set, several patio offset umbrellas, coffee tables and such. Now, their guests can enjoy a swim and relax on the deck too. For such homes, patio lounge sets are a popular option. Lounge sets, loungers, recliners or chaise lounge as they are referred to have been around from ancient days. We have seen innumerable pictures of Roman Empresses reclining on a lounger and being served by their maids

The word 'chaise lounge' is French in origin and refers to a long chair with a back that allows people to recline and relax. People can even put up their feet for it can be the length of a regular size bed. While loungers were first considered the domain of the wealthy these days, they are a familiar sight on most patio decks. Some furniture companies still make indoor chaise lounges although they are mostly used for outdoor spaces.

Most swimming pools in resorts or clubs and in beachfront hotels use loungers. Patrons use them to soak in the sun and work up a tan. We have seen many pictures of beachfront resorts with a line of loungers, each protected by a patio umbrella and people relaxing on them in swim wear. In homes with a patio area and deck, these loungers are places to relax and while away a summer afternoon after a swim. In fact, some homes even without a swimming pool but with a large enough lawn area may use loungers to relax.

Outdoor chaise lounges are made from aluminum, wood or plastic and each will differ in quality, durability and cost. Loungers can be heavy models or lightweight ones that can be moved about as found on the beach. Aluminum is the popular choice for loungers for they are durable, do not corrode or rust and come in many attractive colors. They are also easy to clean and since they are foldable, they can be easily transported. Make sure you buy your aluminum loungers from a good manufacturer who uses top grade metal that will last long.

If you are looking for stylish and sleek loungers, then go in for wood chaise lounges. These are more difficult to transport and are not usually used on the beach. To make your lounger really comfortable, get good quality, soft lounge cushions. These can be made to order to fit the lounger and come in one long piece. Make sure the cushions have ties so that they will be fixed and not slip around. Now, you can enjoy relaxing on your patio deck with comfortable and gorgeous patio lounge sets.

How to Choose the Right Kind of Patio Deck Furniture

When trying to choose patio deck furniture, there are several things that you need to think about before you hand over your credit card. Choosing the right kind of furniture can totally change the ambiance and style of your patio or deck area. Since this is the place you will likely go to have family events and relax, you want to make sure that you have just the right kind of décor to suit your style.

One factor you want to think about when it comes to patio deck furniture is how it will be functional for your space. While you want to use as much of your space as possible, you also do not want overpowering pieces of furniture taking over a small space. At the same time, you don't want furniture that is tiny sitting out in a large open space because that will look uncomfortable.

Speaking of comfort, you want to make sure that the kind of furniture you choose is comfortable for you and your guests. After all, no one wants to sit on the patio or deck for hours on hard metal or wood furniture that isn't comfortable.

Remember not to buy outdoor patio furniture just because of the way it looks. While it is important that you enjoy the look and style of furniture you choose, it is also vital to have functional and comfortable furniture. You might also want to consider the different kinds of materials that you can get furniture made in such as wood and metal. Aluminum is a very popular choice because it is very strong and durable plus it is lightweight and easy to move around.

Plastic patio deck furniture is also a popular choice for those who do not have high budgets to deal with. Another reason is because plastic can be made to look like all kinds of other materials including wood. You can clean it easily and he can stand up to the occasional rough weather elements.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kirsty_Gima

Clear the Patio Deck!

A deck can be a warm, inviting place for friends and family. Or it can be a complete eyesore if it's not maintained properly. Before you decide that your deck is useless and unattractive, consider some of these important tips and techniques to refurbishing your deck and revitalizing its life.

Decks are an extension of your home and they offer a comfortable place to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while entertaining, grilling, or just relaxing. Unfortunately, most all decks are exposed to many kinds of weather including rain, snow, hot sun, and humidity. If not cared for properly, they are prone to become old, dingy, dirty, and weathered - rendering them useless to those who want to enjoy a beautiful outdoor space.

The good thing for homeowners to recognize is that decks usually have more visual problems than structural. This means that some tender loving care and a little elbow grease can make them more beautiful and useful. When the structure is good, the enhanced beauty of wood and furniture make your deck the perfect entertainment spot.

There are four steps to maintaining an inviting appearance to your deck:
1. Clean the deck.
2. Evaluate any discoloration of boards or possible decay that needs repair.
3. Repair any areas needing work.
4. Protect your decking with a durable finishing product (stain or paint).

Cleaning. It's important to thoroughly clean your deck, getting between the boards and cracks to avoid rot, mildew, and debris. You can purchase or rent power washers for this purpose to quickly clean the surface. You may still need to use a knife or slender object to go between the boards. A high powered water hose and nozzle will also help do the trick but use it carefully since the pressure can damage the wood surfaces.

You can purchase commercial powders or liquid concentrates that include cleaners for your deck and help rid the surface of mold and mildew. These culprits can damage the wood surfaces and they are a health hazard if not removed. Always test any product you plan to use before using it on the entire deck. It could discolor or darken wood. For your own safety, be sure to wear rubber gloves and goggles when applying cleaner and power-washing a deck.

After cleaning, inspect the deck to see if there are damaged boards, cracks, or loose nails that need repair. Take care of any of these problems before you proceed to your next step. Make sure steps are secure and handrails are steady.

Once your deck is clean, you can apply a good quality finish to protect it. But be sure to wait for 2-3 days after washing before applying the finish. It's important to allow the wood to completely dry out before applying a sealant of any kind.

Applying finish. If your deck is painted, you obviously need to repaint periodically. If your deck is a natural or colored stained finish, then you can use a clear or stained finish to refresh the wood. If you are using a finish, be sure it is water repellent, offers UV protection for the wood, and if you have problems with mildew, make sure it includes a mildewcide which is found in most wood preservatives.

If this is your first project to improve your deck, you can always check with the experts at your local home and garden store for more tips. Taking care of your deck is not something you do once in a lifetime. It is a process that should be undertaken at least once a year to ensure the beauty and safety of this outdoor structure. You will find that a well-preserved and beautifully maintained deck provides an opportunity for much outdoor fun and activity. It also contributes to the overall beauty and value of your home.

Tag : patio deck,patio deck designs,patio deck plans,patio deck ideas

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dean_Reynolds

Useful Patio Deck Designs

A patio deck offers accessible space for informal entertaining and day by day enjoyment of the splendid outdoors. Patios are often constructed either at the back or in front of the home. Effective patio deck designs increase the floor space of your home and add a room where you can entertain friends frequently. People who are fond of entertaining friends might fancy a patio with a private kitchen and dining area. Decks additions are amongst the least complicated and most satisfying home improvement tasks you can carry out.

When commencing a new patio design, it is important to remember that your new outdoor entertaining area does not need to be expensive. There are different patio surfaces that suit every homeowner's specific tastes and budget which include natural clay stones, bricks and concrete paves so you need not stick to one kind of surface. A wooden patio is also another option.

Concrete Patio Designs
The necessity of a luxurious and detached oriented way of life has resulted in fresh and modern concrete patio designs. Concrete patio designs are a necessity owing to the ensuing penchant by the older populace and the recurrence of porches and decks within the layout of every person's homes. Concrete patios are also more economical to make and needs less maintenance than other materials. You could make concrete slabs to look like bricks or stones. There are also finishing that can make your surface look like wood to make the ambiance more resilient. Concrete provides a solid surface that completely prevents weed growth.

Nowadays, you can indulge in fitting your concrete patio with an outdoor kitchen with equipped seating area, fireside and even intricate water features to provide a well-designed outdoor seating arrangement. The flexibility of the concrete patio designs and basic materials add up to the attributes of the home and offer genuine value for the money used. Concrete will crack for a period of time, hence, needs repairing.

Bricks and Natural Stones Patios

It is quite customary for patios to be made out of concrete, but nowadays, flagstone and brick patios happens to be exceedingly prevalent patio designs. They bestow a modernized and fashionable guise that works superbly with brick or stone homes. Bricks and natural stones maybe expensive but they are very durable and can withstand excessive amount of heat and cold in extreme weather conditions. They can be set in sand or gravel based surface. The most recommended way of installing brick or stone paves is to attach them over concrete.  This is permanent type though, but you will have years of beauty with a low maintenance patio.

Wooden Patios
A wooden deck is a valuable home improvement that intensifies the magnificence and worth of your home. A deck designed as a wooden podium, competent of supporting weight, built outside and attached to your house is a good patio design choice. It might be enclosed with wooden handrail for protection depending on its loftiness. Wooden patios however, need regular maintenance and re-staining over time.

Home patios can be arranged in various forms and dimensions and can be revitalized consistently. Out-of-doors entertaining is becoming a popular mounting activity for friends and family, so having it designed to suit your tastes is immensely satisfying.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Reneson_Andrino

Ever Changing Patio Decks

The patio deck has changed a lot from the traditional outside extension to a home that can be used for family activities and occasional parties. The styles that are available today are integrated with elements of interior designing that are almost a form of art by themselves. The patio can either be roofed or open to the elements. However, most of the patio decks today are covered so that using them can a comfortable experience in all kinds of weather conditions. Either way, you can hold your barbeques or have a nice quiet meal in the middle of the day or even take a little nap on a warm evening night. The designs of the patio vary from the very traditional and simple designs to the modern designs that have been enabled by the advancement of modern technology.

A patio deck can either be made of concrete, wood, composite wood or natural stone. Let us get this out in the open very quickly; hardwood, solid stone and the newly developed composite material are all very expensive products. Consequently, if you are looking for a structure that is affordable, strong and durable, and is available in a large variety of varying designs, then the concrete patio deck might just be your answer. In an effort to preserve the environment, the concrete patio decks were developed to imitate natural stone. They are of the same strength as stone; but, they are much cheaper. This fact alone makes them the preferred choice of many homeowners. As an added benefit, these environmental friendly decks can be fashioned into any size, style or design that the homeowner could want. They can even be made to mimic natural stone. Even if you wish to have an artistic design embedded on the concrete, you can get it. This feature is simply not available with most other natural products.

This has got to be the icing on the cake. The typical installation of a concrete patio deck requires the building of a form to hold the actual concrete material. Therefore, this permits the homeowner to request any shape that they can dream up. The installation process, itself, is really quite simple; if you have had any previous construction experience at all. However, on the other hand, if you are not acquainted with this type of work, you will probably require the services of a professional contractor. Concrete does take quite a while to dry thoroughly.

Therefore, if you are considering the possibility of dressing up your home with the addition of an attached patio deck, be sure to spend a little time doing some research on the benefits and and drawbacks to each and every kind of material. It may save you a quite a few headaches in the future.

Tag : patio deck,patio deck designs,wood patio deck,patio deck plans

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_R_Roberts

Patio Decks - 4 Steps to Consider When Building Deck Stairs

Are the stairs for your patio deck suffering from wear and tear, and maybe even becoming dangerous, causing you to stumble and even fall? Maybe you are thinking about replacing your damaged patio deck stairs, but are put off by the cost of hiring a professional carpenter to do it. By doing the work yourself, you can save yourself a lot of money, and it isn't actually as hard as you might think.

All you need to do to build a set of stylish, sturdy stairs yourself is to acquire some basic carpentry skills. This will also mean that you can build stairs to your own design and therefore have them just as you want them, rather than having to follow someone else's ideas. All you have to have is the right plan, some tools and a little guidance.

For any job to be successful, planning is important, and making stairs for your patio deck is no exception to this rule. So have a careful look for the best design for your space, to suit your patio deck and which will be robust. Have a proper plan worked out in your mind, and make up a blueprint for the whole process. This will make the entire building job much easier to carry out. Below is a process you can follow to help you to create this plan.

1) Position:
The first thing to do is to decide exactly where you are going to place your stairs. Think carefully about this, because the location is important. You don't want the stairs to be placed where they are in the way of where people usually walk, so try to find a spot around your patio deck which is not normally used.

2) Step width:
When deciding how wide your steps should be, take into consideration the amount of traffic the stairs will need to carry. If your family is large, then make the steps wide enough for two people to walk side by side on them.

3) Number of steps:
This is a more complicated decision, because your steps need to be evenly spaced. Measure the overall height of the stairs, and work it out mathematically. For example, if the height is 48 inches, then you could have eight steps, with a six inch gap between them.

4) Space between steps:

Tag : patio deck,patio deck covers,wood patio deck,patio deck design

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_M_Rise

Patio Decks and Accessories

Would it not be great, at the end of a hard day's work or on your day off, to relax outside on your patio deck? It is a dream that many people have. But it does not have to be just a dream.You could be actually doing it within a few of weeks. You can either make the deck or patio yourself, if you are useful with your hands or you can hire someone in.

The best thing to do is talk with your contractor about your plans about size and materials. If you want to have a go at making it yourself, take the dimensions to your local builders' merchant and get them to give you a quote. If you need it, they can usually recommend a contractor to you. This can be a good idea, even if it is only to get an idea about cost.

There are also plenty of 'standard' designs available too. You could get a few gardening magazines, you will be able to tell the ones you want by their titles. You could also look online. There is also designing software for this type of project, it just depends what you want your input to be.

You could just hand the whole task over to your builder, if that is what you want. However, I would go for a drink with my wife and take paper and pens. Over a drink or two, I would encourage us both to make a few sketchy plans of what we would like. Then you can chat about and amalgamate the plans.

You also have to decide whether you want a raised deck or one at ground level. A raised, wooden deck might help keep the snakes at bay, but a stone patio places you right in the middle of your garden and flowers.

A consideration, depending on where you live, could be the use of patio heaters. If you think that you may have to use patio heating at certain times of the year because of the weather, you might not want your patio deck made of wood. After spending time and money on your new patio deck, you will want to make use of it whether it is a bit chilly or not, which is where the heaters come in.

Furthermore, patio heaters are not that pricey any more and not that dear to run. If you add a mosquito trap and some lighting, you will have a pleasure to enjoy for the rest of your life.

Tag : patio deck,patio deck accessories,patio deck designs,patio deck plans

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Owen_Jones

You Can Go Green By Using Energy Efficient Patio Deck Railing Lights For Your Home

There are many different types of energy efficient patio deck railing lights available today. In times of economic turmoil and utility costs that are resulting in many people losing their electricity, it is important to learn as much as you possibly can when it comes to energy efficient means of lighting.

This is especially true if you are seeking to light up your patio area, or the outside living area of your home. In this guide, I will share with you a couple of choices that you have when it comes to energy efficient patio deck railing lights.

The first choice that you have when it comes to energy efficient lighting for the outdoor deck area is the ever-popular solar lighting fixtures. You can purchase fixtures that are mounted in three to four inch to three to four foot intervals along the patio deck railing on top of the railing. You can also purchase the same type of lighting that is attached underneath the railing as well.

In addition to this, you can purchase solar lighting that is attached to hanging rods all along the length of the patio deck railing to light up the area. The sun provides the light that is reflected in the night hours, so you do not have to worry about the expense associated with utility costs.

The second choice that you have as far as energy efficient lighting is concerned for railings on a deck is LED rope lighting. This is a useful type of lighting that provides a large amount of lighting for cents on the dollar monthly! You can wrap the rope lights around the deck rails, or simply run them along the deck rails.

The choice is yours! Rope lighting typically comes encased in a weatherproof plastic that preserves the bulbs from weatherization. In addition to this, LED lighting has been determined to be highly versatile and durable. This means that you literally get more “bang for your buck” when it comes to efficiency!

The next choice that you have when it comes to energy efficient patio deck lighting is a combination between solar lighting and LED rope lighting - it is called solar LED rope lights! These lights work by the sun's energy that is stored during the day, and provides the ultimate amount of efficiency because there is no cost associated in running these types of patio lights! As you can see, you have many choices in energy efficient patio deck railing lights.