Patios - What You Need To Know If You Are Planning To Design Your Patio Space Using Concrete

Patios - What You Need To Know If You Are Planning To Design Your Patio Space Using Concrete

Concrete Patio

Concrete seems to be the material of choice for most homemakers. The reason for this preference may have something to do with concrete’s strength and durability. In addition, the low maintenance requirement of concrete makes for a very good product choice to pave surfaces. 

The material is used for almost every type of surface. In fact, you will find many garage floors, porch, and sidewalks are concrete-covered. Concrete patios are also not uncommon. However, while concrete patios are indeed very durable and can last for a very long time, they do deteriorate over a certain period of time. 

In order to overcome this gradual deterioration caused by time and the forces of nature, a little bit of maintenance is needed to increase the lifespan of your concrete patio as well as keep it looking good.

Factors Affecting Quality of Concrete

The durability and long-lasting character of your concrete patio depends on the quality of the concrete. And what affects the quality of concrete? There are actually several factors, all of which contribute to the strength and durability of your concrete patio.

Here are some of them:

• The quality of the concrete mix

• Weather conditions during and shortly after pouring

• Finishing techniques used

Note that there are some mixes for making a concrete patio that are specifically designed to withstand harsher weather conditions. Some are so mixed to make the concrete stronger than others. 

In addition to types of concrete mixes, the weather during and after pouring the mix may also affect how strong or durable your concrete patio is going to be. For instance, pouring your concrete mix over the area for your patio during cool, humid weather promotes concrete strength. On the other hand, pouring the mix during hot and dry conditions can induce easy weathering of the concrete patio.

Another important factor to consider is the technique used in the finishing of the concrete. This is important because it goes to the surface strength of the concrete patio. So if you add water to the finish, your task is made easier but you also bear the risk of chipping and scaling over time. 

These three things taken together can make the difference between a durable concrete patio and one that gets cracked and chipped after only a year of adverse weather conditions.

Remember that the greatest enemy your concrete patio has is the weather. Rain, snow, sleet, hail – all these things contribute to the deterioration of the concrete. The best you can do is to slow down the deterioration by maximizing all the qualities of concrete that make it such a perfect material for use on the patio. 

And for some added measure, use a coast of sealer on your concrete. This will create a barrier over your concrete patio, which prevents the penetration of water and other foreign substance, which could speed up weathering.

Patios - How You Can Make Your Backyard More Interesting By Turning It Into A Beautiful And Vibrant Patio Haven

Patios - How You Can Make Your Backyard More Interesting By Turning It Into A Beautiful And Vibrant Patio Haven

The Joy Of Having A Backyard Patio

Uninteresting backyards can be turned into vibrant patios that allow your outdoor space to become an amazing living space while also transforming the area into a perfect haven where you can relax and enjoy a quiet evening with your family or have a lively, fun-filled night entertaining your friends within the confines of a cozy outdoor room. Gone were the days when the backyard was merely used as a storage area, a place where sentimental junks are kept. Today, most people are beginning to appreciate how backyard patios can maximize their living space and can be a showcase for their creative talents.

Now is your chance to give a loose to your fancy and indulge your imagination in creating a wonderfully unique outdoor room, definitely a welcome addition and a perfect complement to your house. Careful planning and loving attention to detail should go into the building of your own patio. After all, it is still an extension of your house. So every decision as to what kind of effect you want to achieve and how all the pieces you buy should come together to build your dream of a backyard patio must be carefully weighed.

There is also the consideration of your patio blending with the rest of your house, achieving a natural fusion with the interior rooms of the house. While all these may seem to be mind-boggling decisions, all you need really is to decide on building a patio that will best reflect your unique flair and the rest is easy.

You can choose to have your patio enclosed and convert it into another interior room to have more privacy but this would mean giving up your outdoor living space where you can do a lot of exciting things and come up with a number of the ideas to make your backyard more attractive and useful.

You can design your own pocket garden complete with a lawn and a garden fountain or a swing. What better way to spend your day than  with your family, watching your children laugh and play as you relax on your favorite chair. 

You can also create your own outdoor kitchen and place a barbecue grill for a barbecue party during summer with your friends and family. A gazebo or a cabana is also wonderful and certainly adds drama and romance to your outdoor setting.

There are boundless possibilities for the building of backyard patios and everything depends on your individual preferences. So join the queue of proud homeowners that have their own backyard patios. Empty spaces should never be left unused. Backyard patios provide the answer to how these spaces can be maximized.

Patios - Why You Need To Get A Patio Awning For Your Outdoor Space

Patios - Why You Need To Get A Patio Awning For Your Outdoor Space

Patio Awnings

Most of us consider the patio as the most cherished part of the house. Perhaps because it is the one place where we can relax. Or perhaps it is because the scent, sound, and sight of the outdoors are a source of comfort. Perhaps, solitude favors us when out there in the patio. Or perhaps, it is a setting for socializing with friends and neighbors. 

Whatever your reason, however varied, the patio is a very important component of our home. In fact, the only time it gives you any trouble is when the weather does not cooperate. But there is already a solution for that – patio awnings.

Beauty and Style

Rain or shine, having patio awnings allows you to enjoy your patio. Patio awnings come with covers that are of an endless variety of style and color. So there is little in the way of mixing and matching with other home decors and accessories. With so many varied designs and styles, you are sure to find one or two patio awnings that complement and enhance the look and feel of your patio. 

Bring the Outdoors Inside

Installing patio awnings is similar to adding an extension or a new room to your house. The patio is itself already a beautiful component that adds dimension to any home. If you add an awning to that, the result is something spectacular. Now you can imagine your patio as a sort of outdoor room that the whole family can enjoy. It’s like bringing the outside to the inside and vice versa. 

Types 

There are two types of patio awnings. One is manual, the other is automatic. Both allow you to adjust the awning pitches and fabric depth according to your needs. So if you feel that the sun is hotter on one spot of the patio, you can just press a button and the awning will increase the depth of the fabric over that portion. 

Manually adjusted patio awnings are often cheaper, but they can be a bit of a bother to adjust. If you don’t like manually adjusting the awnings yourself, then you’re better off with an automatic one. The automatic awning also comes with a manual override in case of a power outage. 

Other Uses

Patio awnings are not just for patios. They can also be used for a variety of purposes. In fact, many homemakers are making use of patio awnings to cover or decorate windows. 

They are very cost-efficient. You can use patio awnings to prevent sunlight from damaging the interior furniture. Not only that, awnings can also keep the temperature inside the home a little cooler even on hot summer days. Or you can choose to use the awning simply to beautiful the home and add a bit of charm to the interior.

Patios - How To Choose The Perfect Decor To Enhance Your Patio

Choosing The Perfect Patio Decor

Source: Image Search Man

The choice of right patio décor certainly goes a long way into transforming an ordinary patio into an attractive and charming room. A patio décor breathes life into an otherwise gloomy room and fills it with character that gives the room a personal touch reflective of the owner’s personality and style.

Most people choose to decorate their patios with plants carefully placed in selected spots which easily draw's the attention of visitors. Plants are a natural choice. They are a study in simplicity yet brimming with life and color. 

Flamaker 6 Pieces Patio Furniture Set Outdoor Sectional Sofa Outdoor Furniture Set Patio Sofa Set Conversation Set with Cushion and Table

Click To Get This Eye Catching Patio Decor Set Right Now

Everyone is a nature lover at heart and the idea of having our own garden, no matter how small, is very appealing. Plants’ natural beauty easily blends with all kinds of furniture and decorations, keeping everything in perfect harmony.

Plant stands and planters are available in different shapes, sizes, color and styles to further highlight their beauty. Plant hooks come in handy if you are thinking of livening your patio with hanging plants.

Source: Image Search Man

Time and temperature pieces also serve as beautiful and functional accents. Dare to be different and use a sundial, and be transported to ancient times where precious minutes pass by, unhurried and unruffled, a quality which is definitely missing in today’s time pieces. 

MOTINI Outdoor Pendant Light Fixture for Porch, 1-Light Exterior Hanging Lantern in Black and Wood Finish with Clear Ribbed Glass, Bulb Included

Click to get yourself this awesome patio light

Wall decors and other decorative wall pieces further enhance your landscape with their eye-catching designs to spice up your outdoor setting. Lighting decors ranging from hanging lanterns to lighting centerpiece with different finishes not only adorn but illuminate the room. Any of these is an excellent patio décor that you will enjoy immensely for a long time.

Or you might prefer to place topiary bird cages, herb baskets, filigree bowls or champagne baskets to add a touch of class to your patio. Colorful cushions and pillows with brilliant colors and designs can also add zest and cheerfulness to your outdoor living areas.

Shelves and brack plant sets are both functional and attractive decors which can hold , mailboxes, vases or potteries. Doormats that come in different finishes and styles can also be personalized, giving your patio a cozy look.

Adorn your patio with the patio décor of your choice. Make the place come alive. Make it a place for happy gatherings or quiet, intimate conversations. There are limitless choices and it can be fun and challenging to experiment with colors and styles until you come up with the ideal match that suits your taste.

Allow your persona to shine through with your choice of patio décor. There are different stores around specializing in decors that are eager to help you.    

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Patios - Keep The Cold Nights Away And Stay Warm With A Patio Fireplace

 

Patios - Keep The Cold Nights Away And Stay Warm With A Patio Fireplace

A Patio Fireplace

A patio fireplace adds a romantic touch to your outdoor setting, the warm flickering orange glow from the fire bathing the entire room with a soft light that gives it an ethereal quality. It is ideal for an intimate tete-a- tete while you bask in the warmth of the fire, safe and protected from the chilly winter nights. Not only functional, a patio fireplace also serves as a decorative piece, a focal point of beauty and romance.

There are different styles to choose from, all attractive, safe, and affordable. Chimeneas were used by the Mexicans in the 17th century to bake bread and to provide heat in their houses in cold nights. It is the sentimental choice for  many , reminiscent as they are of olden  days in Mexico and also very practical. A fire pit is appealing to the eye and very functional. It may be built into your yard, constructed above ground or portable. It can burn charcoal and wood and may be used for cooking. In fact, you can serve delicious burgers on the grill to your guests with a reliable fire pit.  

A Pagoda outdoor fireplace, a favorite patio firplace with its distinctly oriental look, adds mystique and excitement to the atmosphere, setting the mood for as intimate evening with your loved one. It burns wood, charcoal or pressed logs, creating an enchanting scene of rustic charm evocative of ancient times, heightening emotions already  made vulnerable by the warm, cozy glow of the fire.

While others are drawn by the old-fashioned charm of chimeneas or the exotic beauty of an Oriental pagoda fireplace, there are others  who show a disdain for this display of sentimentality  and  find solace and comfort in the more practical choice of a 

gas fueled patio fireplace or a portable outdoor fireplace. Perhaps they find security in their familiarity and association with present times. Or maybe the appeal lies with their being less cumbersome, less time-consuming and more practical to use, needing only a match to ignite the fire immediately.

There is an array of choices which should make the decision of buying a patio fireplace a tough one. But it all boils down to choosing a fireplace that will satisfy your needs and complement your personality. One’s creativity is piqued with the challenge of finding the perfect choice of a patio fireplace which achieves just the right blend of comfort, usefulness and style. Forget those chilly nights and be insulated from the cold. Choose your fireplace now.

Patios - How Concrete Patio Staining Can Help Add Color And Vibrance To Your Outdoor Space

Patios - How Concrete Patio Staining Can Help Add Color And Vibrance To Your Outdoor Space 

The Basics Of Patio Concrete Staining

You can find stained concrete in many homes and commercial establishments like restaurants and hotels. If you are looking for a cost-effective way of way of adding color to your concrete patio, patio concrete staining will do the job.

It requires few materials and tools. You can hire a professional or do it yourself. Either way patio concrete staining is relatively cheaper than having to hire people to cover your patio with tiles or wood. 

Acid staining is one method of patio concrete staining. Instead of using concrete floor paint or coating, you will apply an acid solution that will react with properties of concrete to produce color. You can apply acid stain to old or new concrete. For new concrete, wait about three weeks after you have poured before staining.

The great thing about acid staining is the beautiful patterns it creates, usually a marble or mottle effect. It is important to note that you cannot achieve even coloration with acid staining but this is what makes it appealing. It also gives your patio floors rich earth tones. If you want more color, there are other tints available to suit your taste. 

To begin your patio concrete staining project, clean the surface to remove dirt, oil, fluid stains and mildew. Use a stiff-bristled brush and a proper cleaner such as a degreaser or detergent.

Cleaning the patio floor before acid staining is very important to ensure that the stain will penetrate. A pressure washer will help remove any stubborn marks. If some discoloration remains after thorough scrubbing, do not worry. Discolored areas will add to the overall marble effect.

Once the surface is clean, gear up before preparing the acid solution. Slip on boots and gloves as well as the safety goggles with respirator. Then, take an acid proof garden sprayer or sprinkling can and mix into it the acid solution, which is one part muriatic acid to four parts water. 

Next, hose down the concrete surface and the surrounding areas completely and then spray the concrete with the acid solution. Upon contact, the concrete will fizzle or bubble. Take the roller or brush and apply the stain to achieve your preferred pattern. You can apply a second coating if necessary but remember to wait 24 hours before you do so.

After applying acid solution, leave the surface to dry for half an hour after which you need to neutralize the surface. For this, you need a stiff-bristled brush and a mixture of baking soda and water. Apply the mixture to the whole area and then rinse completely with water. Once the surface is dry, apply a clear sealer. 

Stained concrete is highly resistant to fading. In fact changing the color of a concrete stain is quite difficult. Therefore, it is very important to choose the color carefully and be one hundred percent sure of it before starting patio concrete staining.  

Patios - Why You Need To Get A Patio Heater For Your Outdoor Space

Patio Heaters

There was a time when patio heaters were luxuries only restaurants and other commercial places could  afford. But that time is past. 

Source: Canva

Today, it is not unusual to find homes equipped with patio heaters in their outdoor patio. In fact, it is even more unusual to find a patio that does not have its own heater.

So “should you get a patio heater or not” is not even the question anymore. You should, for several different reasons, but mainly because you want to continue to enjoy the outdoors regardless of the geniality of the seasons. 

With a patio heater, you do not confine yourself with spending time out on the patio only during the summer or spring. Even when the season turns, you can still spend your leisure time outside and the patio heater will just take care of the cold for you. 

Have we convinced you yet? If so, then time for us to move on to the next step – that is, to give you some tips on how to get the most out of your patio heater.

Electric Starter

The alternative consists of matches and a pilot light. If you are willing to go through the hassle, then be our guest. But why bother when you can have it easy with an electric starter? Moreover, most patio heaters today come with their own built-in electric starters, so yours probably has one. Just check to make sure. It is by far safer to use an electric starter than having to rely on matches which carry their own risks.

Automatic Emergency Shutoff

Since we are on the subject of safety, you might also want to get a patio heater that comes with an automatic emergency shutoff. This way, if your heater gets accidentally overturned, the emergency shutoff can get to work and prevent any more accidents from happening. 

Heater Style

Just are patio designs come in many different styles, patio heaters also come in distinct varieties. For instance, you could get a table-top patio heater or a wall-mounted one. Each style has its distinct advantages over the other in aesthetics and utility. 

A table-top heater is usually made of lightweight material and small, so it is easy to carry around and put it in a place where it won’t get in the way and still serve its purpose. Wall-mounted patio heaters, on the other hand, can provide more heat than a table-top heater. However, heaters of this kind are usually large and bulky and are confined only to walls for mounting.

Source: Canva

How Much Heat

With an outdoor patio heater, you can expect it to produce heat up to 20’ in diameter. However, there are some patio heaters that can produce more or produce less. Of course, it goes without saying that the ones that can produce more heat are usually more expensive while the less “hot” ones are moderate in price. It is up to you to weigh down your options.

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Patios - The Quality And Durability Of Teak Patio Furniture Makes It Perfect For Outdoor Use

Teak Patio Furniture

With such a variety of choices in life, sometimes it can be so difficult to make a choice unless one is helped and guided. Just like with various other things in life, choosing the right patio furniture may not be so easy for everyone considering the myriad types of furniture that come in all shapes, sizes, frames and colors. 

Source: Canva

Materials For Creating Patio Furniture

Not only are there a variety of shapes, sizes and colors to choose from when it comes to patio furniture, but there is also the issue of materials to consider. The various materials that patio furniture can be made from include but are not limited to: 

• Wood
• Wrought Iron
• Stone
• Wicker
• Plastic
• Etc

So with such variety, what type of material is the right one for you? Well, that is what this blog post is all about. 

Safavieh PAT6749B Collection Lardner Teak Living Outdoor Set, Natural/Navy

Click to get this gorgeous teak patio furniture set

The first consideration to make while making a choice should be based on personal preference and so it is important to choose what fits your budget, your lifestyle, and also looks attractive and great.

When it comes patio furniture that looks great and attractive, you can't go wrong with teak patio furniture.

Teak wood was originally a material used for shipbuilding before the English discovered that it could also be used to make beautiful furniture pieces about a century ago in England.

After the discovery, the innovative English went ahead to take teak wood from shipwrecked boats and turned it into gorgeous pieces of long lasting furniture.

Qualities And Attributes

Because of it's supreme qualities, teak wood is a favored and sought after material for creating a variety of patio and garden furniture. Some of those great qualities of teak wood include but are not limited to:

• Teak wood is sturdy.

• Teak wood is durable and does not require any special finish, treatment or coating to maintain it's durability.

• It has a lesser tendency to shrink with the passage of time unlike other wood types.

• It is timelessly beautiful and attractive.

• It's natural oil gives it hardwearing qualities and so it can withstand harsh outside weather conditions with very little wear and tear.

• It is incredibly resistant to the damaging effects of sun exposure, rain or snow and so, it can withstand the hot glare of the sun and even saltwater making it great for use in extreme temperatures and rough climates.

• It has great resistance to decay, rotting, and cracking including damage caused by insects such as termites and so furniture created from it can be left outdoors.

• It rarely loses it's form or warp despite many years of use and so requires very little upkeep.

The awesome qualities listed above are exactly what make teak wood the perfect kind of wood material for outdoor use and to create various furniture pieces like:

• Chairs
• Tables
• Benches
• Cabinets
• Lounges

Construction And Make

Teak wood patio furniture can be created in a number of ways for example:

• It can be constructed by hand. 
• It can be manufactured with mechanical tools.
• You can find it fully assembled.
• You can find it in furniture kits that require assembly.

Appearance And Style

Considered among the most attractive furniture pieces, teak patio furniture can make the difference between a tacky patio and a classy one. 

It provides such a stately extension to your home while also providing you with an awesome space to relax, host parties, barbecues and hangout with friends and family.

Teak wood can be used to create clean and simple designs giving your patio a sophisticated look that will stay in style for decades.

It has a yellow-brown to a deep brown color that gives patio furniture made from it, a rich classy appearance.

Overtime, teak wood furniture changes color to a beautiful soft silver grey, which gives it even more character.

If you prefer it's original color to the weathered look, simply apply teak oil or cleaner to your teak wood patio furniture. Age does not seem to wear it's appearance down.

Pricing And Cost

Despite teak wood looking so attractive and great, is it not so expensive, one might be tempted to ask?

Well, it might be on the pricier end of the spectrum but with such great qualities, it is most definitely well worth the cost. 

Patio furniture made from teak wood will last for years and save you from having to constantly replace your furniture pieces.

So, if you are planning a furniture investment, you better do it with teak patio furniture because it is well worth it.

Safavieh PAT7007D Collection Rocklin Teak Look 4 Pc Outdoor Set, Natural/Yellow with Pillows. 

Click to get this charming patio set right now

Discount Bargain Teak Wood Patio Furniture

As for the high cost, you don't have to worry so much about it as there are a lot of bargain stores where you can score great deals on teak patio furniture.

And even if you buy your teak wood patio furniture used, the material is so versatile that all it takes is a little repair, retouching here and there and your used furniture will look brand new.

Despite, its expensive price, it is still possible to find amazing discount teak patio furniture.

You can go to furniture stores in your area to check for special sales or you can use the Internet to find your dream teak furniture at the best prices.

Searching for discount teak patio furniture is easier and more convenient if you do it online. This way, you can easily spot which online stores offer discounted prices for their teak furniture. 

You will also find great bargains not just for individual teak pieces such as tables, benches and lounges but even for entire dining sets and conversation sets.

With discount teak patio furniture, not only do you save money but you also get durable and beautiful pieces of furniture that will last for many years.

Source: Canva

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