Category: decks and patios

Considerations for Building Storage Under Your Deck  Here’s how to use the area under your deck to create additional storage space for all kinds of items. What do you do with the area under your deck? Nothing will grow there, except for a few weeds. Some people keep the area covered with mulch, so it isn’t a muddy mess, then they […]

How to Build a Basic Garden Bench  Mark Lohman House One’s Jenn Largesse demonstrates how to build a DIY bench for your garden. Inspired by a French antique, this colorful bench has a modern simplicity—and easily seats two. Solid stain gives the stock pine lumber an added layer of protection from the elements. Its soft green blends in with verdant surroundings, but […]

Picking the Perfect Porch Shade  Today’s Homeowner Radio Listener Questions How to Pick the Perfect Shade for a Porch Charles needs some ideas on the best way to add shade to his new porch. Sailcloths are pretty affordable.  This could make great shade for the coming summer. they come in different shapes and sizes that Charles can pick from.  Sailcloths […]

How to Restore a Weathered Deck  Read these techniques for refurbishing an old deck. If your shabby old deck has become a source of shame, there’s usually a fix short of replacing it. Assuming the structure is sound, your deck can be restored. Depending on the desired look, you can spruce up a worn-out deck with a new […]

Enviable Outdoor Living Room Designs  The difference between a simple patio and an “outdoor living room” is in the details. Think in terms of visually recreating an interior space outdoors. These five unique outdoor living rooms utilize a variety of interior design concepts while taking advantage of the outdoor venue. By incorporating some of these ideas, you can create an […]

Installing Our Own DIY Stone Fire Pit When you work in marketing for Oldcastle APG, you very quickly fall in love with their Belgard product line and want your own Belgard backyard. In fact, I had a Belgard Authorized Contractor help us transform our backyard back in 2011. But after continuing to learn and write about […]