Luxury Outdoor Propane Patio Heaters

Choosing a patio heater is not as daunting a task as one might imagine. Yes the choices are vast, but generally I recommend a starting point...choosing an energy source. Will you rather opt for an electrical, gas or propane patio heater? Picking any type, narrows your choices significantly and makes it less difficult to choose the perfect heater for your patio.

Whilst each of these heater types has many benefits as well as some drawbacks, it often happens that your choice comes down to decorative attributes as opposed to anything else. Although this is true, let's look briefly at some of the pro's and cons of propane patio heaters.

Drawbacks of propane patio heaters

Most homeowners will agree that perhaps the biggest disadvantage of owning and maintaining an outdoor propane patio heater is the continuous refilling of the tank. The frequency depends of course entirely on the amount of times that you use the heater, so be prepared for this duty if you decide to go for a propane heater. The worst scenario off course is if your cylinder runs empty in the middle of a party with friends. See your patio empty just as quickly as your heater's tank did!

There is of course a way to counter this problem. If you 'have a little room' in your budget you may wish to consider installing propane lines to your house (and more specifically) your outdoor area. This is an expensive solution to the problem however, and perhaps not worthwhile pursuing for moist.

A More obscure drawback to outdoor propane patio heaters is the risk that comes with the live burning flame. Admittedly this is one of the charms of owning a heater of this kind, but the reality remains that it does pose a risk if one is not careful. The best way to deal with this is logical common sense. Keep the heater away from potential flammable areas and keep it away from children playing in the area.

With any number of drawbacks, there is of course an abundance of advantages of owning a propane patio heater. This heater type is actually an inexpensive heating source - a good point to keep in mind if you're on a budget. Depending on which area you live in, propane may also be a more accessible as an energy source. Outdoor propane patio heaters are also more movable than other heater types which make it a great tool in your decorative efforts.

All of the above reason is dwarfed off course by the main reason someone would rather opt for a propane heater. Propane heaters are known for its heating abilities. It can easily warm up an entire large outdoor area in a matter of minutes and warm your guests for a whole night of partying.

Lovely Choosing the Right Patio Umbrella Fabric

One of the critical parts of a patio umbrella is the fabric used for the canopy. This piece is much more than mere decoration. It has practical aspects as well. When choosing fabrics, it's never a good idea to just shrug your shoulders, or pick the one that 'looks right.' That road leads to future misery as your umbrella fails to meet you needs. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself to determine what you'll need:

1) Do you burn easily under the sun? If you have fair skin, it's important to check how much UV radiation the fabric actually blocks.

2) Is your home located in a damp area that has a high risk of mold and mildew? Different fabrics have different mildew resistance, so this is something you should definitely look into.

3) How frequently will you use your patio umbrella? If the answer is all the time, then make sure the fabric has color fade protection.

4) Think you'll need to clean the umbrella frequently? Different fabrics hold up to this kind of treatment differently, so make sure you know before you buy.

Now that you have some idea of what you need, let's take a brief look at the basic categories which are out there.

Olefin Fabrics
Olefin is a strong a durable synthetic fabric often used for patio umbrellas. It has good mildew and stain resistance and is easy to clean. The color fade resistance for this fabric is not as good as for others, and as such it's only guaranteed for up to one year, typically. Because of this, though, Olefin is usually a cheaper choice. If you don't use your patio umbrella often, then Olefin will do the job just fine.

Acrylic Fabrics
Acrylic is another synthetic material which is made from highly processed polyester. This has the effect of strengthening and smoothing the material, allowing these fabrics to last roughly 50% longer than other synthetics. This causes them to cost a bit more, but they're still cheaper than the cream of the crop. Acrylic is a good solution for moderately frequent use or if you want to make a lasting investment without breaking the bank.

Sunbrella Brand Fabrics
Sunbrella is a specific brand of patio umbrella fabric which is widely held as the best available. It'll cost you a pretty penny, but it's more than worth it. Tests on Sunbrella fabrics show that they only let a mere 2% of UV rays through, meaning it's the equivalent of SPF 50 sun tan lotion. In addition, it's got great mold and mildew resistance. The color is guaranteed to last for at least three years, likely more if you only use your umbrella on a seasonal basis. This material is highly recommended if you can afford to make the investment.

Inspirational Paper Fiber Wicker Patio Sets

Wicker patio sets are a popular choice for outdoor furniture. The most common type of wicker is made from wood like bamboo or rattan, while an all-weather synthetic resin wicker has revolutionized the market. However, there was a short period of time when another material called paper fiber was the prime choice in wicker furniture.

The original name of the material was fiber reed and art fiber, but today it is mainly called paper wicker or creative twist. Unlike original wicker, which dates back to ancient Egyptian times, the process of using paper fiber originated right here in the United States. In 1904 paper fiber was created out of manmade, chemically treated kraft paper that was twisted into ropelike structures. The reason paper fiber was invented was because an embargo was placed on oriental rattan coming in to the USA, and so became much harder to come by and also thereby more costly. In addition, it saved manpower and the tedious amount of time required to hand weave elaborate Victorian style furniture. The cheap new alternate material still managed to resemble expensive Victorian rattan imports, and thusly achieved incredibly popularity in wicker patio sets up through the 1930s.

Paper proved to be a very versatile and easy to work with material, in addition to its low production costs. The base pulp is first treated with sizing and glue and then twisted into strands that resemble rattan. Because of its properties, paper was a good choice for wicker patio sets as it could be fashioned into many sizes and colors due to its porous nature and can easily be manipulated without having to soak the wicker as was the case with reed wicker.

As one would assume, paper fiber quickly became stiff competition for traditional rattan. Not only was it cheaper but it was easier to repaint than rattan. Once industrialization set in, all wicker became mass-produced, rather than woven by hand. The Lloyd Loom was created in 1917 to more quickly and efficiently weave products while lowering production and labor costs. Then, in the 1920s, a wire core was added to the fiber strands to reinforce them.

Paper fiber found another outlet beyond wicker patio sets. Wooden chair manufacturers used the new material, which was now available in sheets, as the seat bottoms of wood chairs. Consumers of paper fiber liked how it came in a continuous strand, so there was no need to worry about joining multiple pieces together. It also took well to varnish and lacquers. So common was its occurrence in pop culture that classrooms and social groups would engage in art fiber weaving.

The problem however, with paper fiber is that in the long run it did not prove to be as durable as other types of wicker. Also, it did not bounce back as well from being wet as wood wicker. Paper fiber wicker patio sets fell out of favor in the 1940s, helped probably in part by the onset of WWII. Although it's not produced much these days, you can still find paper fiber furniture, and original versions from the early 1900s are coveted by antique collectors.

New Add a Touch of Class to Your Patio or Porch with an Outdoor Chandelier

You have a beautiful home that is decorated in antiques or rustic in nature and when it come so the patio, you fall of the wagon and light it up with some cheap camping lights. What are you thinking? There is no reason that you cannot enjoy the same touches outside of your home that you enjoy inside. Get rid of the Walmart lighting and get a nice outdoor chandelier to spruce things up.

People often talk about the fact that you cannot get quality lighting fixtures for the outside. This is an absolute myth as you can probably find the same exact fixtures that you use inside. This means that your décor continues right out the front or back door onto the patio or porch.

Before you get too excited though, make sure you take the time to really check the chandelier that you are going to purchase for the outside. It is extremely important that you check and see that it has all of the features that an outdoor chandelier needs. Thinks like sealed sockets are important because they will be exposed to all kinds of weather.

Speaking of weather, this is another consideration to take a look at when purchasing your outdoor chandelier. Do you see a lot of wind or will the area be exposed to rainfall. There are chandeliers that have inverted fixtures that may just be a better fit as things will not be able to gather in the lamps or damage the lights.

In addition to porches and patios, you can also use this style of lighting in things like gazebos. With all the detail work that often goes into their design, don't you want something more than an exposed light bulb in there to light up the night? It doesn't have to be anything fancy, but even a cheap chandelier will look better than the lighting that often comes with them.

Holiday season is another time to consider outdoor lighting. Remember the days of yore when you walked up onto the porch and saw the pumpkins and witches hanging from the light? Well you can have the same effect by getting decorative shades for your outdoor chandelier. It is a nice touch to have during the holidays and is sure to be a hit with the kids.

A definite style to consider when looking at outdoor chandeliers is the bowl style. This type of chandelier will have a portion if not all of the lights covered. This serves two purposes that are very attractive to outdoor lighting. The first is that it keeps the elements off of the bulbs and the second is that actually tames the light down a little. Remember, you are not trying to light up the whole block, just your little area.

Outdoor chandeliers present a wealth in both choices and styles. Regardless of what you are trying to light up and how you want to do it, there is a chandelier out there that will serve to do so. Stop settling for less and get something that will truly represent the style of your home.

Unique What's in Wicker Patio Sets?

For the perfect addition to your covered porch or sunroom, consider wicker patio sets. But before you hit the store, did you know that there is more than one type of wicker? Actually, there are multiple similar materials that call themselves wicker, each with a slightly different look and characteristics from those of its peers. Get ready to learn something, it's time for Wicker 101.

The term wicker merely refers to the familiar woven pattern consisting of flexible branches, vines, reeds, grasses, etc. but not actually a material itself. The origin of the word is believed to come from the Scandinavian wika meaning to bend and vikker meaning wicker. The actual process of making wicker involves the weaving together or caning of fibers into chairs, tables, baskets, etc. The interlacing patterns are then usually secured to a base framework and voila, wicker patio sets for everyone. The frames themselves are typically constructed out of wood or aluminum.

Willow
Willow is an easily recognizable tree, known for its sloping branches and so-called "weeping" appearance. It grows in temperate regions like Europe and North America. A light, yet durable wood, willow grows rapidly and is flexible because of how well it retains moisture, making it good for the weaving of wicker patio sets. Because of this, it's also long-lasting.

Reed
Reed is one of the oldest materials found in wicker. It dates back to ancient Egyptian handiwork but still can be found today. Reed comprises various swamp grasses woven together with a straw-like texture. Sometimes the term reed also refers to the core of rattan vines. The material was used exclusively on early American wicker furniture.

Bamboo
Found in southeastern Asian, bamboo is an extremely prolific grower that consists of tall tropical grasses. It can thrive in both tropical and temperate climates, and grow up to a few feet per day! There are hundreds of bamboo species but they are all recognizable by their nodular growth and hollow stems. Bamboo is one of the more common wood that makes up wicker furniture.

Rattan
Rattan is the most popular wood when it comes to wicker because of its price and availability. Rattan refers to a grouping of roughly 600 palm trees indigenous to parts of Africa and Asia. The trees are superficially similar to bamboo, but unlike bamboo they have a solid core vine which is perfect for producing wicker patio sets. Rattan is also easy to replenish so it's a cheaper alternative to bamboo.

Cane
Cane refers to the stem of large rattan trees where the palm leaf connects to the stem. During the drying process, it takes on a yellow color. Cane is used particularly in the production of natural wicker and stained pieces of furniture.

Paper
Between 1900 and 1930 there was a type of wicker known as paper fiber. It was made using chemically treated manmade kraft paper fiber. Its original use was to emulate the pricier Victorian rattan. The problem with paper fiber is that it cannot get wet.

Resin
In recent years, synthetic wicker has become popular as an "all-weather" variety that is better for outdoor use than traditional wicker. Synthetic wicker is made from a resin plastic that's waterproof and resistant to warping, rot and infestation.

Unique Easy Breezy Summer Patio

Create that perfect 'staycation' summer patio the whole family will enjoy! These quick and easy ideas will have you spending more time enjoying your outdoor spaces, less time preparing them and loving every minute of it.

Fast redo for worn out patio furniture. Spray paint it. It's quick and cheap. These days you can buy spray paint for any surface from wood and wicker, to metal and even plastic! Spray several thin coats rather than one thick coat to keep the finish even and free of runs.

Revitalize your furniture cushions without sewing! All you need is fabric and heavy duty tape. You can use any fabric that you have on hand. If it's not outdoor fabric, just bring your cushions in when necessary. Simply wrap your cushions and tape the fabric down on the underside side. Add a splash of color with reversible throw pillows. Use brightly colored cloth napkins or bandannas to sandwich a small pillow form. Tie the fabric in a knot at the four corners.

Designer patio rug for cement patios and wooden decks. This is a great project to get the kids to help with. Use sidewalk chalk to draw any rug size or shape to fits your space. Paint it with outdoor paint. This is a handy way to use up any small bits of leftover paint you may have laying around! Paint a fast color block and consider it done. Or have fun and create any pattern that pleases. Painted fringe adds to the illusion. Small imperfections will make it more believable, so don't worry about making it perfect.

Crazy easy summer foliage. For ultra inexpensive greenery, plant grass seed in your pots or large bowls. Just let it fill in and grow. Simple, charming and no mowing required!

Mood lighting sets the tone! Make your own inexpensive outdoor lanterns with common household items. Line the bottom of glass jars with sand and place a candle inside. For extra color, stain the sand with food coloring before using. Use citronella candles for double duty. Keep it safe and never leave candles unattended. Don't place them on a flammable surface or in a draft.

Charming outdoor spaces are so simple to create. No matter if you have a small balcony or a large backyard, these simple facelifts will brighten it right up. It's time you enjoy your summer patio!

New Patio Heaters Guide

Homeowners with a real appreciation of the out-of-doors will frequently have a patio or deck installed in the rear of their house. Besides enabling them to enjoy the tranquility of the back yard or garden, a patio can also serve as a private space in which to escape the house and its many distractions. Fresh air and sunshine are also a bonus enjoyed in the patio environment.

But, unless you live in the deep South, there will be many times when sitting on the patio or deck will become an unpleasant experience due to the weather. Since the patio is out there all year round, why shouldn't the homeowner be able to enjoy it year-round? That is where the Patio heater comes into play.

A lot of folks will look at the idea of heating "the whole outdoors," which is essentially what a patio heater does, and dismiss it as craziness. The modern patio heater, though, is capable of heating the small area around the occupants of the patio very efficiently without wasting all of its output on the neighbor's yard.

The way that this is accomplished is very simple: infrared radiation. Infrared radiation is the heat that you feel on the palm of your hand when you hold it up in front of the fireplace. It is also referred to as radiant heat, as in the use of radiators to heat a house. The cooking industry has developed gas-fired infrared heaters that turn almost one hundred per cent of the gas's energy into infrared heat. It's what most of the high-end steakhouses use to grill their steaks these days.

The tall mushroom shape of the patio heater captures and reflects the infrared given off by the heating element down towards the occupants of the patio. This means that the homeowner can sit out in the October twilight enjoying a beverage and watching the stars come out with no need for a blanket.

Luxury Designing Your Patio Area

It is the time of year again, when you start to use your patio area more and more. If you are looking for a new design for your outdoor living space, there are a few ideas here that may help you. Adding seating to your space, adding fire and water elements, and using area rugs, can all help you achieve a new and functional look. Below are some tips to help you get started.

Are you someone that likes to entertain dozens of people, or just a couple? Do you have a small or large family? These questions are great to consider when you are deciding what type and how much seating you want or need to add to your patio. There are many options available, from your simple bistro tables to your six seat patio tables and chairs. There are also chaise lounges that are available for you to add, as well as gliders and rocking chairs. The possibilities are endless, once you decide on how much seating to go with.

Adding decorative elements to your patio area can help you make it your own. For example, your outside living area is a great place to add fire and water elements. Elaborate or small water fountains are available for outdoor areas. These can be great if you want to entertain quietly and want a relaxing space. Another element that is great to add is a fire pit. These are becoming more and more popular and are great centerpieces to any outdoor area. This will allow you to have a fire outside, without the mess left behind in your yard. Adding these elements allow you to add your own unique style to an area and they are quite functional as well. If you have children, a fire pit will allow you to have that marshmallow roast they always ask for. If you love to have wine parties, then adding water fountains can provide just the right backdrop for your entertaining needs.

Adding area rugs to an outdoor space helps to make it feel like a living space. There are many indoor/outdoor rug options to choose from. You can shop for these online, and save yourself a trip to the store! The outdoor area rugs don't have to be plain anymore, either. There are very decorative ones available and they are usually very simple to keep clean. Just a simple wash down with a garden hose will almost always do the trick! These rugs can help you add color to the area while being very practical and functional. The size of area rug you will need will depend on the size of your space and how big you want the living area to be.

Whether it is by adding seating, soothing and decorative elements, or area rugs, designing an outdoor living area is sure to be an adventure! This area will become an extension of your home, so be sure to make it your own! Remember to keep it functional and fun, and as stress free as possible and enjoy!

Beautiful Patio Fire Pit Set - What is It? and Do I Need One?

When looking out into the back yard, do you see a waste land of unused open space that has not been tapped?  Or, is the backyard a perfectly groomed masterpiece with curved flower beds and green lush grass that does not get used but by your trusty dog or the neighbor's cat?  Well get in and put on the seat belt cause that's all going to change.  Fall is a coming and the outside temperature is going to drop to something called comfortable.  So let's figure this out.

A patio fire pit set is a commercial term used in the preconditioning of you as a consumer to spend more money.  A set implies a non-singular item.  That means in retail talk let's get them to buy more stuff. Now I know we need to support the economy to help American manufacturing and your locally owned business, but we do not need to get too carried away.  An outdoor patio fire pit is a place you can put wood with a little charcoal starter and have an almost instant blaze.  That right there is a step in the right direction.  You might want to have a place to sit down and get comfortable to enjoy your newly acquired skill of combustion.  This is where the word set comes in.  Chairs around something, this is not a novel concept. 

So we need something to sit on is OK.  What we sit on can be, well anything.  I have been known to turn over a five gallon bucket and be just fine.  Maybe we need to elevate the ambience so the wife and the neighbors will have a more enjoyable time watching your creation of flame and smoke.  Maybe we could use some already existing lawn chairs or an end of a picnic table. However you like it, or make your decisions to take pleasure in this conception of a raw nature experience is just fine. 

Just remember now you have created this icon of pleasure in your backyard, the burden will be on you to ever increase the grandeur of this spectacle.  Put a patio fire pit in the backyard with pride and take pleasure in your latest addition. 

James Dahlberg

Lovely Patio Door Not Shutting!

Having a tilt and slide patio door can cause quite a few problems. Yes, it has happened to me quite a few times. I was trying once to shut the door after a party. I decided to have a party for my family and friends on one summer afternoon. I kept the patio door open for the nice breeze to come to the house. It also makes it easier for the guests to get in and out of the house when there are 2 entrances. The party was great. Everyone really enjoyed it and they loved my food and drinks. I was very happy because not only the party was a great success but also the next day I was going for a long awaited holidays. All I had to do was to clean up the house which was not really difficult as some of my friends stayed to help me. It was however getting dark and cooler outside so I decided to close the patio door. And this is when the problem came. The door wouldn't close! It came off it rails and I could not move it. It was jammed, and I was unable to do anything.

I had to decide what to do. I had three choices and had to decide on one of them.

1) I could call a company and have them fix the door for me. It would be expensive given such a short notice.

2) Try to close the door myself no matter what it would take and go on holiday. However, I would worry all the time, as I would know the house is not properly locked.

3) Call my father who lives not far from my and ask him to help me out.

I had to make a decision fast and finally I decide to call my dad. He is a professional and I knew he would be able to help me.

I watched him when he was fixing the door and this is what I have learned. A siding patio door has a locating pin which collapses on the hinges and the bottom of the door which is closest to the frame. You then push the top of the frame and the handle down to close the door. In my situation, the locating pin was hitting the top of the stopper and therefore not being able to get in. Are you still following me? There is a tiny collar located around the pivot that pushes the pin closer to the locator. It was broken and therefore the locator pin was not in line. I didn't have much choice but to go to the hardware store and get the whole new locator for the bottom of my door. In most cases this is what you need to do. Just visit your local hardware store and get a new locator. After it is fitted your problems should be solved and you should be able to lock the door. I was so happy the problems was fixed and had great holiday - thank you Dad.

Best of Fitting Patio Doors

We all want to save some money in these difficult times. One way do it, is to do home improvements by ourselves, instead of getting a company do to it for us. Things such as wall paining are not really that difficult, so most people can do it themselves. There are however jobs around a home that are much more difficult, and one needs to be very careful when doing them. Such jobs include fitting a patio door.

If you feel confident and have some knowledge about it, you can try and fit a patio door yourself. There are also quite a few websites which will help you in case you get stuck or face a problem. You can also ask local building supply shops, as they are often willing to lend a helping hand and give good advice.

When taking on the job yourself be advised that it might influence the value of your house, when you want to sell it. Some buyers might be concerned about a number of problems they might face in the future, should the door was fitted incorrectly.

1) Are the walls still strong and the structure untouched after you have made some serious changes by adding a new door?

2) Is the door fitted properly and is it safe to use them?

3) Can you provide a potential buyer with any kind of certification to show that the door is fitted properly and safely?

Getting a certification is quite difficult, and a lack of it might discourage prospective buyers from buying your house. Their main concern will not be however the safety and security of the fitting. They know that the door has been there for a few years without any problems, so there is a good chance that everything will be just fine. What they will worry about is if they will be able to sell the house later, without having a certificate. Therefore, before deciding on fitting a patio door by yourself think about how it might affect the price and sale of your house.

Awesome Create a Spectacle in Your Porch or Patio with Outdoor Furniture

If you have plans to improve the look of your home, start implementing it in the outdoor areas. People already expect that your indoor spaces will be grand and beautiful. It is not surprising because lots of people do concentrate in providing glamour in their indoor living rooms and dining areas. But what is often unexpected is to go to a home and be awed by the beauty of their porch or patio areas.

To create a spectacle in your outdoor spaces, you should invest in gorgeous outdoor furniture. To make it easy for you to decorate your porch or patio, you can hire the services of a designer. If this is something you can't afford then you should do some research and find inspiration from magazines. You can also go online and surf the web for the latest designs in outdoor spaces. From there, you can also get some tips and advice that can help you set up a stylish outdoor space.

A porch filled with beautiful outdoor furniture will make you enjoy coming home to your place. As you walk up the steps towards your front door, you are greeted by an amazing set of rocking chairs, an outdoor sofa or a porch swing. People walking by in the neighborhood will definitely take notice. Those visiting you will find there's no need to walk inside when the ones outside is already more than beautiful.

Your backyard can serve as grand finale of surprises for the guests you bring into your home. If the front porch has made a welcoming statement then perhaps a great ending can be seen in the back. Furnishing your backyard with outdoor furniture and delineating areas for dining and entertaining gives a lavish feel to your home. People find it relaxing to stay out in the open. The simple idea of improving the look of your home in the outdoors can turn out to be wonderful spectacle that can change your life every minute.

Best of Outdoor Patio Fire Pits

As more and more people are spending vast amounts of time in their back yards and outdoor space you will want to ensure that you make your guests feel comfortable. There is nothing worse than sitting outside and it begins to get cold. Often at this point your guests will leave or move inside where it is warmer. Having outdoor patio fire pits enables you to keep your guest warm as well as cook on it for an entertaining evening.

Patio fire pits are very versatile and look amazing in any back yard they are functional, affordable and practical. Whatever outdoor patio firepits you decide on it will look great and can become the focal point of your garden. If you are using it as a source of heat then it will bring the whole family together as no one will want to move away from the heat source. It is an ideal opportunity for the whole family to sit and talk or tell stories and have a great time.

If you enjoy cooking outside then you will want a piece of equipment that not only cooks brilliantly but also looks amazing. The patio fire pits are ideal for cooking on and you can have several layers and grills to cook different things on. You can cook as simply or as expertly as you want when you have outdoor patio fire pits. Grilling, boiling and roasting are all easy to do with this style of barbeque you can even toast mash mallows easily over the fire pit.

You can build your patio fire pit very easily yourself or it you are unsure then you can buy them ready built. You need to decide where your outdoor patio firepits are to be placed and how much space you will want for it. Although you want it to look amazing you also do not want it to take over your garden. You also have to think of safety issues when it is not in use as small children love to explore, having a fence around the cooking area is often an idea. You should also ensure that the fire pit is not near trees, rubbish or debris as this can catch fire easily.

When your outdoor patio fire pits are in place then you will need someone to keep an eye on it whenever it is lit. Although they are very safe it only takes someone throwing something into the patio firepits for it to get out of control. Although traditional fire pits look amazing you can now buy purpose built ones that are made from different materials. You should think about why you want the patio firepits and how often you will use it. If it is to be used often then traditional outdoor patio fire pits will suit you but if you want to use it occasionally then a more modern version may suit.

There are many builders and landscapers that can help you to build your fire pit in your back yard, if you want a portable one then you can find them in many different stores and garden centers. Whatever one you decide on people will want to be invited to your house for parties as they know they will be warm and well fed every time.

New Four Ways to Make an Outdoor Patio into an Outdoor Kitchen

The backyard can be a source of relaxation and a place to hold family gatherings. It's a place of barbeques, friendly chats and leisure. Those who love to spend time in their yards would do well to look into remodeling it to serve even more functional purposes. There are several ways to improve upon any yard. One of the most popular ways to remodel a yard and patio these days has been to install an outdoor kitchen.

A beautiful way to start creating an outdoor kitchen is to install a fireplace and mantel. These could be made out of beautiful wood, stone or brick materials. It will be like stepping out of the comfort of a home to experience the wonder and warmth of a real fire burning in the backyard. No one will need to pack up the camping gear and drive to the nearest camping destination in order to enjoy a fireplace if they look into installing a beautiful mantle in their backyard.

Of course, it would really help with the roasting of marshmallows in the fireplace if a stone counter was included in the remodel. Counters have multiple uses and can serve as a table for family and friends to gather around outside in the yard. This will also serve as a preparation area for cooking in the beautiful fireplace that has been added in the remodel as well.

No counter would be complete without a sink. These days, more and more people are installing workable sinks in their backyards. It really brings together the countertop and fireplace to have a working sink. Now, the backyard does not just have a patio, it has an outdoor kitchen. Instead of running inside for a glass of water or to wash the dishes, a sink is provided so that everyone in the family can enjoy one another outside even during the clean up.

Speaking of clean up, a great way to improve upon the outdoor kitchen is to put a dishwasher in the counter. Why tote all the dishes inside just to load in the dishwasher inside when a fully functional dishwasher can be installed outside? No kitchen is a real kitchen without a dishwasher. Installing a dishwasher into the outdoor counter in the backyard would definitely be the finishing touch to a perfectly created outdoor kitchen. With these changes, the backyard will have more meaning and more functionality so that every visitor and family member will be able to fully enjoy their time spent together with all of the kitchen amenities at their fingertips.

Best of Cooking on the Patio

A patio is the ideal space for building an outside kitchen that adds new dimension to your existing home. Home improvement projects are more fun when they add both aesthetics and functionality. That's exactly what you get with an outdoor kitchen.

Outdoor kitchens can be as inexpensive or as costly as you prefer. It all depends on what you plan to accomplish with your kitchen. You can create an outdoor kitchen for as little as $ 1,500 or you can spend upwards of $ 20,000 or more. The nice thing about an outdoor kitchen is that the return on the investment is always favorable for homeowners.

Americans spend billions of dollars annually remodeling their homes. About 33% of that remodeling money is spent on outdoor living spaces according to the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association. Increasing the value of your home is just one reason to add an outdoor kitchen to your property. It can also be a great place for cooking, enjoying friends, and socializing.

An kitchen outside can include a barbecue and/or electric grill and oven along with a sink, work surfaces, and storage cabinets. Countertops can be constructed of granite or other types of resilient stone that will last for years to come.

Before you discount a kitchen outside as being too expensive for consideration, take a look at these tips to help you minimize the costs and maximize the opportunity for your remodel:

1. In today's economy, bargain hunting is not only a good idea, it's a smart idea. Contractor's don't have nearly as much business as they did a year or two ago. Now is a good time to find a good quality contractor and negotiate on price. You'll get a top quality job at less cost to you.

2. Contractors find that their work fluctuates with the seasons. This makes seasonal bargaining a good way to find good quality at an economical rate. Many contractors have less work in December, January, and February. Weather may play a role, but often it's more about people being motivated to get something else done. People aren't always thinking ahead to spring and summer when snow is covering the hillsides and ice is hanging from the window sills. This is the optimal time to approach a contractor to talk about building your outdoor kitchen.

3. Consider talking with a contractor about building a "spec outdoor kitchen". This allows the builder to experiment with different materials and designs when building your space. In return, he is allowed to market his services and use your outdoor kitchen as a live example of his work. You get discounted services but often get an even higher quality kitchen than you could have afforded.

An outdoor kitchen is a home improvement project that offers a good return on your investment. You can increase your home's value with an outdoor kitchen, but more importantly, you can enjoy lots of quality time with family and friends in your outdoor kitchen.

If you're considering an investment in home improvement, take a look at building an efficient and attractive kitchen on your patio or deck. You'll soon be serving your guests surrounded by the beauty of nature.

New Patio Doors Evolution

Sliding patio doors, introduced over 50 years ago, provided home-owners with an inexpensive way to brighten living rooms and create an additional access to the garden.

Over the decades, improvements have been made to the thermal qualities, the types of glass used and the way the panels slide. Sliding patio doors can be constructed from soft or hard woods, metal, alloys and PVC. The final choice of material may depend on a number of factors, such as price and compatibility, and openings wider than 8ft may not be easily accommodated.

Because sliding panels need to be parked somewhere, the width of at least one panel restricted access. On a two-groove system, only one door width provided an opening gap on a two or three panel system, restricting accessibility by 50% or 76% of the aperture.

It was only comparatively recently that a new concept of hinging the panels to fold, concertina-style, in order to create more access. Using stronger materials, a number of folding doors could open for nearer 100% access and be installed to fill apertures in excess of 6m (20ft).

More recently still, the sliding panel system has returned, reborn!

The latest innovation, introduced this summer, is for sliding doors to turn at the end of the runners and stack against the side walls, thus enabling access through almost the whole aperture.

Like the original sliding patio doors, the frames are narrow and made of metal. Unlike their predecessors, however, the materials used have been improved in many ways: powder-coated thermally broken aluminum frames are not prone to rust and are bad conductors (this is a good thing - the hot or cold outside temperatures have little effect on the temperature of the frame); K-glass or similar virtually unbreakable glass is used and adheres to today's strict insulation standards; finally, the sliding mechanisms are unrecognisable from the tongue-and-groove methods of years ago, therefore the doors slide smoothly without sticking.

Theoretically, there is virtually no limit to the width of an opening that can accommodate this style of sliding-stacking patio door.

The most popular colour choice for powder-coated frames is natural white but other popular colours are grey, sepia brown, green, blue, silver and bronze (the frames can be manufactured in any RAL colour). It is also possible to opt for Venetian blinds to be encased inside the double-glazed units.

With the evolution of sliding-stacking doors, the humble patio doors have come of age.

Luxury Three Details to Contemplate when You Add a Patio Fire Pit to Your Yard

Fall is literally right around the corner but just because it will be cooling off soon, it doesn't mean that you have to give up being able to hangout on your patio. Outdoor heating will create a comfortable, warm, and welcoming patio or backyard environment. Some of the most popular outdoor heating accessories today are fire pits. Fire pits are not only wonderful outdoor accessories, they also add style and design to outdoor spaces. In addition to this, they are incredibly functional, keeping you and your guests nice and toasty on cold nights.

Outdoor fireplaces are also becoming incredibly popular. They range in style from contemporary to traditional, and can be composed of many materials including brick, stone, and cement. With an outdoor fireplace you will really feel like you are in a living room setting while still getting to enjoy the fresh outdoor air and scenery. There are many types of outdoor heating. There are prefabricated heating accessories that you can buy or you can have a contractor build an outdoor heating piece for your specific space. Outdoor heating includes fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, designer fire tables, chimneys, heating lamps, and more.

Outdoor fire pits can also convert an unwelcoming patio or backyard into a warm, glowing, and inviting space. You can create your own fire pit or you can buy a stylish prefabricated model. While fire pits are incredibly popular, there are a few very basic mistakes that people make when it comes to adding one to their home. There are three basic things that you must keep in mind before you dig a trench into your yard or put a hole through your patio to add a fire pit.

Check Local Fire Codes
This is the number one thing you must do before you build or buy fire pits. It is incredibly important to check your local laws and check that it is actually legal to have an outdoor fire pit in your backyard. Communities have gotten a little more strict when it comes to open fires. If they are not totally restricted in your area, there may still be zoning laws which specify where they can be placed and how large they can be.

Consider Prevailing Wind Directions
After checking your local fire codes and verifying that you can legally have a fire pit in your yard, the next thing you must figure out is where you can place your pit so that you won't be subjected to huge amounts of smoke. Unless you want to get carbon monoxide poisoning from inhaling unusually large amounts of smoke, then this is definitely something that you should consider before hand. It is best to place fire pits where they are down wind of the prevailing winds in your area.

Think About Placement
If you do not properly consider the placement of your fire pit, you may not get as much enjoyment out of it as you could. When it comes to placing fire pits, it is best to place them in a spot where you will be able to see beyond them. This way, you can stare at the sunset, a lake in the distance, or any other natural view. Unfortunately, some people make the mistake of placing fire pits in spots where they end up with their backs to a lovely view.

Best of Pet Patio Door Ideas

Your pet means the world to you, but wouldn't it be great not to have to get up in the wee hours to let your precious companion outside? If your pet is used to the great outdoors, a patio pet door may be the key to freedom for your pet and a good night's sleep for you!

Types of Doors

You'll find many pet doors on the market, including those that you can install into walls, screens, or wooden or glass doors. The drawback on those doors is that you do need to install them. Though most aren't difficult to mount, each will leave a hole in your door or wall should you ever choose to get rid of your pet door. Though you can install doors into glass sliding doors, it's recommended you hire a professional because of the glass cutting and other special installation problems.

Because of these issues, the most popular type of patio pet door is the sliding glass pet door, or panel door. A panel door is a glass panel that slides into place in your own sliding door opening and allows you to continue to use your door without removing the pet door.

Choosing a Door

Even after you decide which kind of door you want to install, you have to consider several issues when choosing exactly which door to buy. Decide if you want the door to be temporary or long-term. If you travel frequently, a temporary door will be easy to remove while you're away. If you want a long-term door, decide whether you want to keep it installed all year and, if so, what kind of weather-proofing considerations you will need. If you live in location with harsh summers or winters, weather stripping or double-pane glass may be necessary.

You also want to make sure you get a door that fits both your existing door and your pet. If installing a patio panel door, measure how wide your door opens. This will tell you how much room you have to use your door around the pet panel. Most importantly, measure the track height of your patio door to make certain you get a pet panel that fits into your patio door opening.

Whether you install a sliding glass pet panel or traditional pet door, you must measure your pet to make sure it has room to comfortably use the new door. Measure from the floor to the bottom of your pet's abdomen to ascertain the height of the pet door's lower edge. Measure to your pet's height at its shoulder to determine the height of the opening itself.

If you're handy with tools, you may choose not to purchase a door at all. A do-it-yourself project can be less expensive and more satisfying than buying a manufactured door. However, building a door can be difficult if you don't have the tools or experience. You might also sacrifice the security or aesthetics of a factory door if you choose a low-cost method.

Installing Your Door

All pet doors come with instructions, but the easiest to install is the manufactured sliding glass door. You can install a sliding glass panel door with your bare hands and a screwdriver. Clean the door track of any debris that could compromise the fit or damage your pet panel. You may also have to remove the lock from your patio door to ensure a good fit. After attaching the sliding glass pet door to your sliding door, loosen any friction knobs at the top of the pet panel. Lift the pet door onto the sliding frame top first, and then fit the bottom. Finish by pushing the door closed and tightening the friction knobs. Be careful through the whole process, as almost all pet door panels contain glass.