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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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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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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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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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:

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Patio Decks - Furniture For the Fall Season

Many people look forward to the fall, because they have had enough of the heat of summer, when even the evenings are hot, and are looking forward to the soothing cool of autumn. Well designed patio decks can be a great place to enjoy a steaming hot coffee, but for this you need to have the right kind of furniture, which suits the season.

Furniture Just for Patio Decks
People are often reluctant to have furniture which is just for their patio decks, and just take their indoor furniture outside when they want to enjoy the cool fall evenings. This is the wrong look for patio decks, however, and doesn't suit the seasonal feel. Giving your patio decks a fall theme can really add style, so choose the right kind of furniture for it. It doesn't have to be much to give a complete look, just tables and chairs and a few other decorative and functional accessories.

Tables
The most important piece of patio furniture is a table, so that your guests have somewhere to put their drink and other items. It is the first thing that will catch their eye on your patio deck, especially if centrally placed, so it is important that the table really suits the season. Fall colors of red, orange and yellow will impress guests from the outset.

Chairs
Don't just consider the table, however, when decorating patio decks for the fall season, because the chairs around it will look silly if they aren't matching the table's theme. There are various chair covers available these days which can help you to decorate your chairs to fit the theme. Chair covers are no longer just for indoors, as they once were, and you can now buy ones specifically for outdoor chairs.

Decorative Accessories
Accessories can add accents which set of your patio deck theme beautifully. Plants and lighting are the important features of this final touch to your decorations.

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Concrete Patio Decks - Various Styles Available

Patio decks are a part of a building which is also open to the sky, and the term 'patio' comes from Latin American and Spanish architecture terminology. These days a patio deck is an outdoor area connected to your house, and is sometimes partly covered by it, and these are popular spots for homeowners to hold a barbeque or other outdoor dining event. Patio decks have changed in design over time, from a simple design with traditional railings to works of art with accessories and decorative additions made from various materials including wood and metals.

Patio decks made from concrete are an excellent place to relax in the company of family and friends, whatever the weather. Whether you are relaxing or entertaining, patio decks make things a lot easier for you. The pace of life these days is hectic, and this can mean that you have very little time for getting together with family, neighbors and friends. The times you do have are therefore often more casual than they used to be. A barbeque supper relaxing on your patio deck can be just the thing after a hard day's work, so what better home extension could you have?

There are various styles of concrete patio decks available to attract your interest these days. The increasing cost of such an extension has put many people off the idea in the past, however new and more advanced technology has meant that you don't have to worry any more. You can even have concrete these days which imitates the look of natural stone, and even brick and flagstone effects. Your visitors won't know the difference, thanks to the authentic looks which can be achieved by patterns stamped into the concrete.

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Make Your Patio Deck Designs Connect With Nature

There are many events worth rejoicing in one’s lifetime like birthdays, graduation parties and nuptials. A patio at home will be a plus as it helps conserve time, energy and cash for the party planner or host. There are countless patio deck designs for you to select from. If you want to buy a house with a patio, or build one for your house, take into considerations the materials, sketch, location, facility and atmosphere. Planning warily and perceptively for the patio has a beneficial yield on your part.

A patio is an annex of your home, and when planning on constructing one, it should correspond or at least be visually connected to the blueprint of the house. For ideas, you can always check the internet and home living magazines. If the venture is hard enough for you, or you’re not that certain with your designs and concepts, you should get help from someone who’s had more knowledge in designing patios. Jointly with the designer or architect, you can start searching for the materials, outdoor patio furnishings, plants, flowers, lights, outdoor umbrellas and other adornments according to your preferences.

In choosing the outline, factors like space, land’s fitness for plant life, usual weather in the area and present outlines of pool or grotto that can be utilized or enhanced with favored outline or theme. If the sun can be anticipated all through the year, outdoor umbrellas are convenient and inexpensive as safeguard from heat and rain. For vicinities with less rain, outdoor patio furniture and a playground for kids will be wonderful extensions. A stable and solid manner of protection is commended for humid areas.

When you have chosen your design, choose your decorations and other outdoor patio furnishings. patio decorations are normally connected with nature. Because patio is an area of the house displayed to sunlight, air and environmental pressures, you can construct a garden or greenhouse. The climate is significant to plants and fruit crops that require a lot of sun. So, sunlit locations are suitable. Plants that do not need a lot of sun can be located in areas with less heat. Be sure to do preservation as plants need a lot of care and clean-up.

A huge patio will benefit you and your family if your family is the type that likes to hold celebrations. You can have family get-together, birthdays, baptism and even an assembly. Be vigilant with selecting of outdoor patio furnishings that might pose risks for the children. If you care more about protection then pick wooden furniture instead of those made with glass with pointed edges.

Regardless of the location or climate, the patio should always have a shield to protect you and your family from unexpected weather conditions. A sudden torrent of rain can ruin a well prepared occasion or celebration, but the good news is that you can constantly avoid that with patio covers. Outdoor umbrellas serve perfectly as protection from the warmth of the sun, and as defense from the rain. Movable or easily arranged and detached patio covers are best for those areas experiencing fewer rains. Nevertheless, lasting patio covers are more useful for locations normally affected by ghastly weather conditions. It operates a permanent shelter for you, the patio itself, and the outdoor patio furniture.

A focal point which is exceptional and creates a calm and pleasant atmosphere is a requisite for a patio. Your family and you can enjoy this too. It should be stimulating to the eyes and not create annoyance or any uncomfortable feeling. Several regularly used focal points are fountains, bird baths, grotto and flower gardens. The focal points must suit the design and feel of your patio.

The patio is like a beneficial investment. You should always plan cautiously, assess and consult those who are expert in the field. Don’t make quick resolutions as you will be irritated with the outcome. If you are meticulous, it might take a longer time to complete the patio but you will certainly feel extremely fulfilled.

Patio Furniture Collection: Choose the Idea, Choose the Theme, and Choose the Material

Home is where your heart belongs and in order to make a home, there are certain things you have to do such as decorating it with specific furniture. When it comes to decorate your house, you need some idea and concept, just to make it look wonderful yet comfortable enough to live in. After you know the idea, you can choose the first area or room. You can start the project from the inside to the outside, or the opposite way. Supposed that you choose to decorate the garden first as it is the common place for you to spend some family times, especially on holiday when barbeque party is thrown.

Nothing can beat the atmosphere of gathering with the family. So, to make this family time livelier, perhaps you want to place several appliances and outdoor stuff such as grill, couch, tables, accents and all kind of thing related to patio furniture. Before really choosing the furniture pack, it would be better if you know the specific wooden materials of patio furniture that can help you decide the suitable collection for the garden.

1. Javanese Teak
This teak from Java, Indonesia is known as the hardwood with close grains, high quality of natural oil as well as rubber component. Many people tend to choose Javanese teak due to its natural character: strong, hard, and durable against time, harsh weather and even specific condition with a high level of humidity. Place your teak furniture outside the house in every season, it is guaranteed to resist the effect of rotting.

When you order your teak collection, the first color is honey brown. After placing it outside for several days, the natural oil consisted in the wood will evaporate and slowly it will turn into pretty color of silver-gray. You have two options in maintaining this teak collection. First you can preserve the honey brown color by using specific teak protector, and second, if your furniture has gone silver-gray but you wish to get the original color back, you can use the teak cleaner. After coating the furniture, do not forget to cover it to maintain its brownish color.

2. Southern Cypress
Unlike Javanese teak that is known for its hard character, Southern Cypress has the opposite one. This softwood is good and ideal for outdoor furniture because it contains natural oil called cypressene, which covers the wooden surface from bugs and fungus attack as well as decay. After several times of being placed outside, this wood will naturally warp and twist, so you can rest assured it will be more stable and last in the garden for years. The first time you receive your cypress collection, the color is pale honey-like with natural wooden ornament on the surface. Usually, the cypress furniture comes with distressed finish to make it resist over water and certain temperature that can stain its original color.

3. Dark Red Meranti Mahogany
When you look for some patio furniture with durable, Dark Red Meranti Mahogany comes as your personal selection. Just like teak, mahogany is also known as tropical hardwood. The basic character of this wood is extremely strong and hard, as well as stable when facing changing weather. Furniture world knows mahogany for its luster and grains. The color tone of mahogany comes in varied, start from dark brown, deep red and even to old purplish color. If you put your mahogany furniture outside, you can rest assured that it will not shrink, get decay, or even get perforated by insects or mildew. For maintenance, make sure you choose the water retaining finish to protect the wood's stability and durability.

4. Northern White Cedar
Some people tend to choose their furniture based on the natural wooden texture, and if you look for one patio furniture collection, count the Northern White Cedar into your consideration. This softwood cedar type tends to be lighter than any other wood. You do not have to cover your cedar furniture with certain cleaner or protector as it produces natural oil that will protect the surface from any insects and fungus, even when it is left outside.

In its natural state without any preservation, the cedar furniture will turn silvery gray in color. But if you do not desire the color, you can restore its original tone with one coat of some semi-transparent finish, but remember to find one with sunscreen protection. Note that you do not ever try to use sealant for this type of cedar wood as it will inhibit its natural ability of rot resistant.

5. Southern Yellow Pine
If you live nearby the bay or marina, then there is one type of wood that will suit the circumstance, the Southern Yellow Pine. It is a softwood type just like the Northern White Cedar, but is totally different in character where the pine is quite heavy and hard to be broken-down. Pine is known for its extreme resistant and durability, so it will make the best material in facing the humid atmosphere of your area. Just like any other outdoor-type wood, pine can resist mildew as well as insect infestation that attack its surface. Most of the time, you only need soap and water for the pine wood maintenance and cleaning.

These are 5 types of wooden material that you can personally choose before really creating your outdoor theme. Pick the collection that really matches your theme, so when the barbeque party comes, you will be more than ready to celebrate it. Also, make sure to maintain your patio furniture well enough as it will last for years and become the part of family heritage.

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