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Archive for the ‘Patios & Decks’ category

Are Looking for Patio Umbrella Lights?

December 1st, 2010

There are a few different reasons why you might be looking for these specific types of lights for your outdoor patio or backyard space. The first, and most likely reason, is for looks. After all, this is a big factor when it comes to seeing and illuminating a patio area at night. The other reason is for safety. While this issue is important, it is likely more common to be a function of other types of outdoor lighting products over the lights for beneath your umbrella.

The safety feature should not be ignored, however, even if it is not your primary concern. In fact, you need to incorporate all types of lighting on your patio or deck in order for the specific lighting elements to come into play anyway. Having just lights for ambiance, like the ones you are looking for, are great but will not help you or your guests navigate the stairs or steps around your patio, deck or backyard areas. You can get a little bit of both from those rope lights that are used for railings and stairs, like you might see in a movie theater or airplane aisles.

To add another dimension to your lighting needs, consider using patio string lights as a way of giving your patio some flair. These particular types of lights come in a variety of patterns, shapes and other designs that can work well with what ever type of theme or decor you have.

When you combine this type of string light with the other popular ‘ring-light’, you end up with a great mix. The string lights can be wrapped or clipped to the umbrellas framework beneath the canopy to give you a great look – and light. The ring mounts around the pole and shines down from above. The ring is often battery or solar powered and has LED lights for brighter, cooler light that lasts many times longer than halogen or incandescent bulbs. » Read more: Are Looking for Patio Umbrella Lights?

Outdoor Umbrella Lights – Lighting Options

November 10th, 2010

It is equally important to have good lighting for outdoor spaces as indoor ones. For those with an outdoor umbrella on their deck or patio, having your umbrella do double-duty as lighting is often a good idea. You have a few different lighting options when choosing outdoor patio umbrella lights.

String lights are among the more popular options for umbrella lights. You attach them to the umbrella canopy, and can find them in many colors. This particular type of light will not be as bright as other options, but they are very festive and fun for nighttime entertaining.

Lamp lights attach to an umbrella pole, and provide stylish and useful light. There are usually up to four lights attached to a ring that sits on the pole. The major drawback of these lights is that since they protrude from the umbrella pole, they may make it difficult to close the umbrella. » Read more: Outdoor Umbrella Lights – Lighting Options

Four Uses for Garden Pavers

October 12th, 2010

Using concrete pavers to beautify and protect your garden area is a great idea. The choices in color, size, and shape as well as paver layout and design can complement any garden. In addition, these garden pavers can protect your paver areas from damage or traffic – they have both a utilitarian and aesthetic function. Here are four great ideas you can implement in your garden area today:

(1) Paving stones are a great way to separate the different sections of your garden from each other. You can use them to separate soils and different vegetation. Not only is this functional, but it also looks great. In addition, you can use the pavers to separate the garden from the rest of your yard, pati0, walkway etc. to make sure no one walks through your freshly planted soil. » Read more: Four Uses for Garden Pavers

Is An Outdoor Sofa A Viable Option

October 10th, 2010

Sprucing up your outdoor living space by adding an outdoor sofa is a great idea.  An outdoor sofa added not only additional seating room but a family friendly feel to what sometimes is a dull and unexciting patio filled with plastic furniture or uncomfortable solid metal seating.  While an outdoor sofa might not be ideal for all cases, if you have a nice patio, deck or screened in porch it will make a very nice addition.  When shopping for outdoor sofas keep several things in mind.

  1. Do you want an entire outdoor living room suite or just a couch to add a more relaxing feel
  2. What are the limitations your outdoor living space has in regards to weather, space and use?
  3. Are you looking for something short term or long term use

Outdoor sofa’s can often be purchased in entire suites just like a normal living room suite.  Perhaps you want to duplicate the feel of the family room on your deck.  Keeping everything matching a similar décor and providing a great conversation area for all that enjoy your outside living space.   You’ll need to decide what types of furniture you want to include in your choice of an outdoor living room suite.  Do you need end tables or coffee tables?  Do you want high back chairs or recliner? , perhaps a nice rocker would make a nice complement to an outdoor sofa. » Read more: Is An Outdoor Sofa A Viable Option

Wooden Pergolas are a Wise and Practical Investment

August 29th, 2010

Wooden pergolas have been in existence for countless decades and their primary design was in the form of a diminutive archway instead of the larger pergola structures we see in modern times.  Their original use was to support flowers and plants, which provided people a pretty and protected area to sit under once the flowers, and plants, grew to cover the pergola.  Pergolas are still used like this today, especially in gardens where they are sometimes referred to as an arbor.

Wooden pergolas are quite popular because wood is a natural material that can age organically over time, giving the pergola an air of nostalgia and tranquility.  Certain woods such as cedar, teak, or redwood are naturally resistant to damage from insects and moisture and can be used to construct a pergola as is or you can choose to stain or paint the material.  Wood has an inherent quality of sophistication and hardiness that is unmatched when compared to synthetic materials such as vinyl or metal.

Outdoor pergola kits » Read more: Wooden Pergolas are a Wise and Practical Investment