The patio flooring you choose needs to be easy to maintain and clean, as well as durable. It is the most important feature of the patio because it is so visible. No matter what type of furniture you have on your patio, if you do not have appealing flooring, the patio will not look as elegant as you want. The flooring must be able to withstand the weight of the furniture you have and the constant pulling and pushing that you often do with patio chairs. Weather is another factor to look at when you choose flooring because even though you are not using the patio during the winter, the flooring is still exposed to the elements.

The flooring for a patio can be wood, vinyl or composite materials. The pattern you choose will affect the overall structure of the patio because in order to install the flooring you have to consider the size of the patio and where you want to place railings, grill or planters. If you choose wood, having the bark side exposed is more attractive because the rings and the grain are visible. The bark side is also better able to hold the water and this keeps the wood flooring from warping.

When you use wood flooring, you usually nail or screw the flooring to the frame of the patio. When you use these to mount the boards to the joists, it ensures that the patio is secure and stable. Most homeowners prefer to use screws because they are easier to remove than nails without damaging the wood.

You need to have space between the boards so that water from the rain or melting snow will drain off the patio. You also have to allow for the shrinkage of the wood when you place the boards because you may end up with them too far apart.

For lots of information on

patio design and other decks and patios related topics, visit Patios and Decks at
http://patiosanddecks.77sites.com/

Today’s consumers are realizing that no wood or wood product exposed to weather is going to be completely maintenance-free. Even exotic woods like Ipe require periodic cleaning and sealing as the natural oils within the wood dry out. All exterior lumber used in deck construction should be maintained every year to protect it from the elements and ground in dirt.

Composite lumber varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but it appears that all of the popular ones contain wood particles (these ground particles are called “wood flour” by the industry). That means that any of these particles on or near the surface of the board, no matter what they are mixed with, will react to Mother Nature the same way all wood does. Graying and staining are common problems – and the stuff of nightmares for deck owners. Manufacturers are getting calls every day from end users about these issues, and deck restoration contractors are stepping in with the fix.

Cleaning composite decks is important to keep the material looking its best. Properly cleaning composite decks should be done with a composite wood cleaner that is designed specifically for these unique materials. Some manufacturers have suggested using bleach or oxygenated bleach to clean the wood, but the results have been varied. Most pressure washing contractors who do deck renewal are finding success through products made especially for this problem, such as Flood’s Composite Wood Cleaner. The key to this particular product is in the surfactants and cleaning chemicals in its formula.

This guide will give you the basic steps that should be used to get the best results when cleaning composite deck materials.

Preparing the composite deck: Sweep debris like leaves, twigs and dirt off the deck first. Then rinse off the composite lumber to cool it off and remove heavy built up deposits of dirt and mud. Rinsing off the composite deck first will cool the surface and prevent the possibility of flash drying the composite cleaner when it’s applied. Also wet down plants and grass around the deck and if necessary, Cover plants, grass, concrete and any other areas you don’t want the composite cleaner getting on.

Remove any stains on composite decks first! Use oxalic, citric or phosphoric acid-based cleaners to remove rust stains from metal furniture. These will also help remove leaf stains.

Use commercial degreasers containing propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, and various detergents for removing grease and oil stains.

Spot removers or mineral spirits may be used carefully on stubborn grease or oil stains but should be washed off quickly with water, as it can damage the grain pattern. Spot removers normally include petroleum distillates, xylene, methanol, acetone, or other organic solvents. Use caution if the composite lumber has embedded color, as some solvents may affect the appearance. As always, test your cleaner on an inconspicuous spot.

To remove light mildew wash your composite deck periodically with a cleaner that contains or is mixed with Sodium Hypochlorite.

The cleaning process:

Apply your composite deck cleaner on the railings and floor in manageable sections. Cleaning too large of an area at a time may allow the composite cleaner to dry on the surface which can cause discoloration in some materials. Once the composite cleaner has sat on the surface according to the directions, carefully power wash the surface in the direction of the grain, using less than 800 PSI. Use the pressure washer to “rinse” the surface. Avoid holding the nozzle too close to the composite surface or holding it in any one spot too long. Hold the pressure wand about 8” away from the surface and “sweep” it off in a rinsing motion. Use a “golf swing” motion, and avoid washing each square inch of the surface. Keep the wand moving smoothly over the surface to avoid leaving marks. Proper technique determines the results, so take some time to practice when you are able to. Once you have completed that section, treat the next area and continue until the job is completed.

For regular maintenance, rinse off your composite deck periodically with a hose. Even if your deck appears clean, it is important to prevent build-up of pollen and other debris. Mildew stains may occur where moisture, pollens, and/or dirt are present. Mildew needs a food source to grow, which can be grass, pollens, dirt, debris, wood and wood resins.

To repair scratches, nicks, cuts and grooves in most composite decking materials you can try using a brass wire brush. Brushing will need to be consistent with the grain of the composite material and the brushed area will weather back in approximately 8-10 weeks. Make sure you try this in a hidden area first! Some materials could become discolored or damaged from wire brushing.

High-pressure washing of composite decks is not necessary or advisable. Instead, hire a properly trained pressure washing company to do it correctly and safely. Or if you must do it yourself, use the proper-strength composite lumber cleaners to do all the work for you. Then you simply RINSE using your pressure-washer. Doing it the right way means using your pressure washer to agitate slightly with MODERATE pressure and HIGH water volume. Use the pressure washer responsibly. Too much pressure on the surface of composite lumber can cause damages.

For more information on composite deck cleaners or pressure washing visit http://www.sunbritesupplymd.com or http://www.sunbritesupply.com

Building a wooden deck onto the back of your home or in your backyard or adding a patio adds value to your house and gives you another space for living and entertaining. A deck or patio is a wonderful place to host a party or to have a few friends over to relax with drinks. It increases the amount of livable space of your home by allowing you to move some of your indoor activities outside. Many people spend most of their summers outdoors on their decks and patios.

Some creative things you can do with your deck or pation are things such as adding another eating area, creating a play space for children, and adding another place to cook and prepare meals. Some people go as far as creating an entire outdoor cooking, eating, and living room area on their decks.

Most people use their decks or patios as an outdoor eating area and many have gas grills to help with cooking. Today, though, more and more people are building entire kitchens on their decks and patios. The sky is the limit as manufacturers are creating outdoor food prep and kitchen equipment specifically geared for the outdoors. Stainless abounds as it is weatherproof and looks good even after a heavy rainstorm. Gas is still the preferred fuel for outdoor cooking. Sinks and small refrigerators are also becoming popular outdoors. It makes food prep and cleanup much easier if you have a sink right near your outdoor gas cook stove.

Outdoor dining furniture has improved over the years. Previously, you had you choice of metal tables and chairs. Now, you will find all types of exotic woods, man-made wicker, and even weatherproof upholstered furniture for your outdoor dining area.

And for relaxing, the days of folding lawn chairs are over! Overstuffed chairs with water-resistant fabrics are popular, as are synthetic wicker furnishings with weatherproof cushions. And the fabric choices are vast allowing you to color coordinate with almost any outdoor décor on your deck or patio.

So don’t think of your deck or patio as simply a place to hang out outdoors. Think of them as an extension of your indoor living space.

Dean Novosat is an avid do-it-yourselfer who has built several decks and porches. He writes for http://www.decks-patio.com

After you have completed the landscape and garden it is time to get started on the patio furniture. Depending on your personal style and preference in outdoor furniture you may be getting just a little frustrated with the options that are now available in outdoor furniture. The choices can be very overwhelming to the under educated buyer. For instance, do you look at plastic furniture because it is more affordable, wicker because it has a style all its own, or metal furniture, so it can last? Well, look at all of the options closely and then once you have your favorite, look at teak patio furniture.

Odds are that you have completely forgotten about the other patio furniture that you were looking at or even considering for purchase. And for good reason, too. Teak patio furniture has a style all its own, unique, elegant, exquisite and comfortable all in one. As if the many styles are not enough, the comfort is out of this world when it comes to teak patio furniture. Let us not even get started on the longevity aspect of teak patio furniture.

When you are deciding on the correct size teak patio furniture that you will be bringing into your outdoor escape, you do not need to settle for anything but the best. Teak outdoor patio furniture is available to fit in any size outdoor area. For the smaller of areas, you may want to consider looking at the two person teak patio sets. They are beautiful and can add an intimate look to your area as well as pull the look all together giving you the utmost in satisfaction.

Now, to give just a little of insight on the longevity and construction of all teak furniture, as well as the teak patio furniture. Teak is constructed to last for a long time, and maintain its comfort and appealing look as well. Teak outdoor furniture holds up under all of the elements of nature. It requires little to no maintenance or upkeep. For the homeowner that has little to no extra storage space to put their outdoor patio furniture, you can be completely comfortable in leaving your patio furniture outside throughout the season and elements of weather.

To easily change the look of the outdoor teak patio furniture you can purchase seat cushions to give you a different look for a fairly reasonable price. Giving you the option of a new look for every occasion as well as every season. Do not feel obligated to purchase outdoor seat cushions, for your teak patio set, as these teak patio chairs are already very comfortable. Seat cushions are not by any means a necessity, more like an accessory, if you will. Depending on the style or look you are trying to achieve with the purchase of seat cushions, you can by them in an array of colors as well as solids and with patterns. So the possibilities are endless when it comes to a different and unique look for your outdoor teak patio furniture.

As an owner of numerous garden furniture and patio furniture websites, Jennifer Akre gives the online consumer product information making it easy to a find fabulous outdoor patio furniture and a perfect and stylish outdoor chaise lounge. A symbol of style and elegance. These are a few reasons teak is the ideal choice for outdoor furniture and remains a sound investment. You deserve it - Endulge Yourself: More Than teak patio furniture.

Whether your patio is attached or free standing, there are various types of patio enclosures that you can get. These enclosures help to protect you from insects, especially those that carry the West Nile Virus. They are strong and durable with aluminum frames and will not tear easily. Most screen enclosures are guaranteed for three summer seasons, so you know that you don’t have to replace the enclosure each year.

If you want to be able to spend a lot of time on the patio, then a screened enclosure might be the answer to your problem virtually adding an extra room to your home. You can use it as a dining room during the summer where you can take advantage of the sun and warm weather for dining outdoors. You don’t have to worry covering yourself and the children with insect repellant so the children can quite easily use this as a play area. It is only simple to construct a screened patio and there are kits available that contain everything you need.

There are many types of enclosures for patios such as

The type of enclosure you choose depends on how you want to use the patio. If you want to enjoy the evening breeze, a screened enclosure might be what you need. If you like having the sun shine in through, then glass might be what you want.

Depending on your climate, you may be able to use a screened enclosure for three seasons of the year without having to purchase a heater. Most people who use screening take it down in colder climates where it may get damaged by the wind and snow and then reinstall it again in spring.

For lots of information on
patios and decks and related topics, visit Patios and Decks at
http://patiosanddecks.77sites.com/

If you’re looking for a hip and unique way to add some life to your boring patio, consider mixing things up with a few bar table and stool sets. This is an excellent alternative to cookie cutter patio sets and will give you more options when entertaining family and friends.

Whether your patio is small or large, balancing table space with standing or walking space can be a challenge. The goal should be to achieve a flow which allows for easy movement throughout the patio while still having the ability to seat a decent number of people. Bar sets give you this balance because of their tall, narrow design. Instead of plopping a large four or six seat patio table and chairs set in the middle of your patio, you can strategically place three or four small bar sets to achieve the same or greater number of seating while adding invaluable walking lanes to your outdoor space.

Outdoor gatherings usually lend themselves to having a number of guests seated while a number of people prefer to walk and mingle. Bar sets allow for this dichotomy more naturally by allowing for greater walking space and also by seating people higher than standard patio sets. The raised seat and table puts seated guests and those standing closer to eye level, so conversations and so forth can occur naturally between those who prefer to sit and those who would rather stand.

The flexibility of owning multiple bar sets as opposed to one large patio set is also an advantage. Being able to easily move and rearrange seating areas allows you to easily react to your guests tendencies and make the most of your allotted space. The smaller size also means bar sets can be stored more easily. Keeping them out of the rain and snow will add years to their life and allow them to retain their finish whether they’re made of wood or synthetic materials.

For a HUGE selection of bedroom furniture including beautiful modern platform beds visit GREENCulture.com.

The materials and finishes that we use on the interior of our homes require cleaning and occasional maintenance; we dust, we vacuum, we mop-n-glo to keep them looking good and long lasting. Without too much effort we can stay ahead of the wear and tear from our kids and our pets.

Materials on the outside, however take a daily beating from the sun, wind, rain, temperature changes, and other environmental elements (in addition to kids and dogs). Those materials need a great deal more care and maintenance but that can be reduced somewhat by selecting the proper materials to suit your goals.

Outdoor decks are subject to a great deal of abuse - the deck surface is especially susceptible to sun and rain. Wood is the most popular surface for decks, but it’s also the quickest to wear out. Fortunately there are a variety of deck surface products available that allow you to choose between appearance, cost, and the effort needed to keep your deck looking great for many years.

Natural Wood Decking

Natural wood is the obvious first choice for decking. It’s sturdy, attractive, easy to work with, and it comes in a wide variety of types with different qualities and costs.

Pressure-treated wood decking is far and away the most popular decking surface in use today. Most PT lumber is made from Southern Yellow Pine, impregnated with ACQ, a chemical that increases the wood’s resistance to rot and insect damage. But treated lumber is often poorer quality material so the wood shrinks, cracks, and splits more easily.

A better choice for “real” wood decks is one of the many woods that have a natural resistance to rot and insect damage. These woods include Western Red Cedar, Redwood, and some species of tropical hardwoods. While these better quality decking materials last longer and look better they also cost more. One of the very best natural deck surfaces is a group of South American hardwoods called Ipe (”Ipe” is Portuguese for hardwood). These are extremely dense, tight-grained woods, dark in color and virtually free from knots. Ipe is very hard, heavy, and difficult to work with but is also very beautiful and is nearly indestructible. Expect to pay top dollar for Ipe materials and the labor to install it.

The use of any type of natural wood decking comes with some negative environmental impact. When pressure-treated decking is disposed of, the chemicals used to treat the wood may leach into groundwater; burning it puts these same chemicals into the air. And while the new ACQ treatment is less toxic than the previous CCA (which contains arsenic) the long-term effects of the chemical aren’t fully known.

Much of the tropical hardwood used for decking material is plantation-grown, but some isn’t and at the retail level it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference. Most folks don’t want their decks built at the expense of an acre of rainforest.

Wood Composite Decking

Wood Composite decking has become very popular recently due to its longevity and environmentally friendly characteristics. It’s a pretty good imitation of natural wood in workability and appearance.

Sold under names like Trex, Correctdeck, and Timbertech, composite decking boards are made from recycled plastic (usually grocery bags or milk jugs) and ground-up waste wood. It can be cut and attached like real wood and requires almost no maintenance. Composite decking mimics the look of natural wood but varies in appearance and performance depending upon the manufacturer and the ratio of plastic to wood in the mix, usually about 50-60% wood products.

Although composite decking can’t be stained or painted like natural wood, many manufacturers produce boards in several colors. Since the color is throughout the material, chips and scrapes don’t require restaining to maintain a consistent appearance. And because of the high wood content, the uncolored composite boards weather to a pleasing silver-gray.

As with any decking surface, the method of securing composite decking to the framing can improve or reduce the appearance of the deck. Poor installation can even affect the structural integrity of the boards. Ideally, all decking boards should be installed with concealed fasteners - more effort and expense, but the result is a better looking and longer lasting deck.

There are a few other choices in decking - Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) for example, but they look much less like “traditional” decking than natural wood or wood composite. All-plastic and aluminum decking products also require the use of a large number of end caps, specialized fasteners, and other proprietary parts and pieces that can detract from the overall appearance of the deck.

Your choice of decking depends upon the desired appearance, budget, and your tolerance for the required maintenance of different materials. A good balance of those characteristics should result in a deck surface that the whole family will enjoy for many years - kids, dogs, and all.

Richard L. Taylor, AIA is a published author and recognized expert in Residential Architecture. He is President of Richard Taylor Architects, a 5-person firm in Historic Dublin, Ohio. Residential Architect - Luxury Home Plans

Deck Railing Ideas

The deck of your home is most likely used for many different purposes, including parties, relaxing, fun, and laying out in the sun. Your deck may have flowing lines or it may have lots of angles. The things that you need to remember when trying to find the right deck railings for your particular deck and needs are:

• Make sure that you leave the deck as open as you can. You will find that a large open space will look much larger and more welcoming than a space that is separated into two or more parts, even if they are actually the same size.

• You will want to make sure that your deck has an access point at least every 20 to 25 feet for maximum use. If there is not enough open spaces to allow access, the deck can feel congested or crowded with a large group of people.

• If your home is more modern in style, then you will want to make sure that your deck railings are continual lines. A lot of angles or corners will break the line of the railing, which will detract from the modern lines of your home.

Modern Deck Railing

If you are looking for a modern approach to your deck railing, then you will want a material that takes very little maintenance and that is very durable. Wood is what most people think of for deck railings, but wood is not very easy to work into a flowing form and it is also prone to deterioration due to use and weather exposure. Materials that fit our modern leanings would include steel-coated PVC, stainless steel, powder coated steel, and anodized aluminum. The material choice that you will choose will be dependent upon your budget and your aesthetic needs.

Special Railings for the Handicapped

Make sure that you consider handicapped access when you are installing your deck railings. You never know when it might be a necessity for your home. Gradual platforms are necessary for handicapped access, as well as side deck railings so that a handicapped person can aid themselves in walking onto the deck and leaving the deck. You will have to put some extra thought into the access points to make your deck accessible for everyone, whether handicapped or not.

Andrew Caxton is the editor and journalist of many information websites like http://www.deck-porch-railings.com , who has written more articles and newsletters on porch designs . Find more publications about href="http://www.deck-porch-railings.com/ideas.html">deck ideas at his website.

The wide variety of patio chairs to choose from on today’s market is endless. Choose from wood to stone and everything in between. There are some very low priced chairs on the market, but if you are thinking at the higher scale of chairs then they can be a bit costly. There are many collections out there to choose from. If you would prefer the upper scale of patio sets, then buy one chair at a time and soon you will have an elegant set that will compliment you and your patio.

Aluminum chairs are very durable and can be purchased in many colors. You can choose from aluminum tube chairs or aluminum cast iron. They can be purchased in your local outlet or imported hand crafted that can be passed down from one generation to another. This type is the elite of the elite, but well worth the investment as it adds elegance and beauty to any patio. You can have a whole patio set or mix and match your chairs there are many options.

Maybe you are not into imported chairs and just want a comfortable serviceable chair. These can be purchased anywhere and if you’re a budget minded person then this is the chair for you. The lay back and soak up the rays kind of chair where you are not overly concerned about looks but more into just being comfortable and call one of your chairs your own.

You will find wood, wicker, wrought iron, aluminum, and many more materials that chairs for a patio are made of, but the most important thing is that you choose the one you’re going to be comfortable with and that will make you comfortable. Whatever your choice, your chair will be a statement of your individuality. So go ahead and being it home. No matter what you choose, if it’s what you want then you will be happy with it.

For lots of information on

patio furniture and other decks and patios related topics, visit Patios and Decks at
http://patiosanddecks.77sites.com/

Before you start a patio or any other home improvement work, make sure you have the time and commitment to see it through. It might have only taken the builder 2 or 3 days to do your neighbours patio but he’s doing it for money. After a hard days digging its easy to think sod this, I’ll finish it next weekend. The next thing you know your garden spends the whole summer looking like a building site and your wife takes herself and the kids to her mothers!

Planning your patio. Keep it nice and simple, forget curves and other fancy shapes. Choose a paving slab that matches the colour of your house, you want it to blend in not stand out like a sore thumb. Plan the size of your patio to suit the size of your slabs so that minimal cutting is not required. Remember to allow 10mm for each joint when measuring out your area.

Tools required. A spade and shovel. A fork if grass needs to be removed. A rubber mallet. A spirit level. Lines and pegs. Wheelbarrow. Safety gloves.

From the hire shop. Small cement mixer and compactor (also known as a wacca) plate. If cuts are required an angle grinder or disc cutter with safety goggles.

Marking out. Use pegs and lines to mark out your area. To check your angles measure from corner to corner. The distance between corners 1 and 3 should measure the same as corners 2 and 4.

Digging out. You should dig down about 100mm (4inch). As your patio is going to butt up to your home you must make sure that the top of the paving slabs will finish at least 150mm below your damp course. Also, it is important that your patio slopes away from your house. 2.5cm for every 2m or 1inch for every 6ft.

If you are only digging out top soil you should be able to get away with dispersing it around your garden. Anything else and you will require a skip.

Laying the hard core. Spread the hard core approx. 100mm (4inch) deep. Run the wacca plate over the hardcore, adding more to any low points. Your hardcore should finish about 75mm (3inch) in depth and should be solid under foot.

Laying your slabs. Mix sand and cement without water at a ratio of 5 sand to 1 cement. If you are using a small mixer, 10 shovels of sand and 2 of cement is just enough for the mixer and gives you a good wheelbarrow full.

Spread out your sand and cement mix in a corner. If you are butting up to your house, start against the wall. Using a straight edge such as a length of 2×4 timber, level out the mix. It wants to be fairly firm but not so firm that you can’t tap down the slabs into place.

Place your first slab down and tap it in place with your rubber mallet. If the mix hasn’t been packed down too hard you should be able to position the slab. Use your level to make sure this first slab is bang on. All the other slabs work from this one so take your time to make sure its correct. It wants to be level following the brickwork of your house but with a very slight slope away from your home.

Always work off the hardcore. Don’t stand on your paving slabs for a few days while the sand and cement sets. Use a spirit level to check each slab as you lay them. If a slab goes down too easy, lift it and spread more sand and cement.

Once you have laid several square metres worth of your paving slabs, spread some mix on top and brush it into the joints. You may have to do this several times as the mix settles in the joints.

Alternatives. Consider using block pavers instead of slabs or building your patio in decking. If your patio needs to be raised because it finishes above ground level you will need to build a base. An alternative to raising in brick is to use railway sleepers.

For more tips on how to build a patio visit http://www.build-a-patio.com

Adrian Kinley is the author of the e-book “Builder Secrets Exposed”
http://www.building-contract.co.uk/building-contract-package.htm