Stacked Stone Columns

Stacked Stone is one of the most popular materials used by lansdscape designers today. In order to keep up with this trend many many companies are developing a outdoor accents to match. One of the more popular is our Stacked Stone Columns. You can achieve the classic design of expensive masonry without the need for special equipment, a mason or the extreme cost. Cast stone columns are an upscale alternative to typical fence mounting options and can be used with ornamental gates, including automatic electric gates, to display signage or attach decorative lighting.

Learn about Grilling Safely on a Deck

Fireplace grills are made for outdoor use, but what about on a deck. Better yet, what if the deck has a covered roof, but has open walls. These applications can be done as long as you have taken the correct precautions:

1.The deck should be rated for 400 lbs per square foot. 2. Position your grill on a stable and fireproof surface. If using a wooden deck, use some type of protective "flashing" to shield the wood deck from possible sparks or hot embers that could fall from the fire. You could use a grill pad or install some sort of tile.(an indoor fireplace should also be shielded from the floor by some type of hearth, ceramic tile, etc.). 3. Chimney extensions can be ordered to make the fireplace taller, if necessary, to extend through the roof opening. 4.Proper insulation or separation (air space) should be employed between the chimney and the roof opening. Any licensed subcontractor who works on constructing the roof should be qualified to make this determination. The same considerations are made by carpenters building new homes (with indoor fireplaces) literally every day. The chimney does not get hot enough to be a problem unless the fireplace is overheated significantly with a fire that is much too big! With this application you should also consider the following safety tips: 1. Always have a fire extinguisher on hand. 2. Never leave a burning product unattended, especially around children and pets, and make sure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving. 3. Check your local ordinances regarding outdoor wood burning. 4. When lighting or tending to the fire, make sure hair and clothing are away from the flame. 5. Burn only dry, seasoned wood (not treated wood) and make sure the smoke is not a nuisance to your neighbor 6.Keep all portable hearth products away from combustible material, e.g. outdoor furniture, pool towels, side of house, shrubs, etc. 7. Never use lighter fluid or gasoline to ignite your wood-burning product; use fire starters such as fibercones or lighting nuggets. 8. Be sure to make smores!

Perks of a Vinyl Arbor

Arbors can be the best and investments for the appearance of your garden or to set off your wedding. Choosing the right arbor for you can be a difficult decision, but it’s easier than you think. First there are different materials such as metal, vinyl and wood. Each one will be sufficient. Your main concern is the purpose and the look you are going for. Vinyl Arbors are not only great for growing vines; they are the most popular in use at weddings or just in a yard to show its beauty. Vinyl Arbors not only have the look of wood, they are actually one of the most durable and require the least maintenance. They will be bigger and most likely heavier than most metal arbors. Most of them even have a lifetime warranty. They never need painting, staining, or sealing to keep their exceptional good looks. They won't fade or yellow and have been field proven to maintain their color. Also, they will not crack, split, warp or peel like wood or corrode like metal arbors. There are many different styles to fit the different needs of everyone’s taste. Some of them are available with trim or without trim. If you’re not sure about "arbor talk" you may not know what exactly this is. Trim is actually an accent that goes on the top and bottom of the poles; pretty much an extra decoration. Trim: There are many different styles and sizes of Vinyl Arbors from a simple arch to pergola style; narrow path to wide path and also to an arbor with gate and wings. Mounting the vinyl arbors can be a very simple process as well. The mounting process is very similar as those made of metal; the only difference is the post is larger. Most of the vinyl arbors will have 4x4 or 2x2 post in which you would need a 4x4 or 2x2 post or augers for mounting. We have a no dig auger system that will be the easiest option to choose from. No digging means a faster, cleaner and easier way to install your arbor than you ever thought possible. In other words, leave your shovel and wheelbarrow in the garage, no need for concrete, either! The No Dig-Perfect Post Mount System is the ideal solution to save you time and unnecessary stress. Just add this product to your order and it will be shipped with your Arbor or simply hit check out if you prefer to install your arbor another way! You would select the In-Ground Systems which work great on grass, clay, or soil or Surface mount systems which are for concrete pats or patios. The posts are 1 1/2" diameter x 20" Galvanized Steel and for an arbor system you would need the set of 4 mounting augers. By Emily Weathers

Cedar Arbors

A great item to set off your garden is a cedar arbor. Their long-lasting good looks and low maintenance make cedar the natural choice for your home and garden decor. These practical structures are not only affordable, they are constructed with top quality materials with unique designs to fit the fashionable gardener. With the added benefits of beauty and comfort, cedar is an ideal choice for any setting. Cedar has an exceptionally high strength-to-weight ratio, which means that it is both durable and easy to move about. It does not shrink or warp as many other woods commonly do. Unlike pressure-treated wood furniture, no chemical preservatives have been used that may be harmful to your family's health. These practical structures are not only affordable, they are constructed with top quality materials with unique designs to fit the fashionable gardener. Also with the cedar arbors, you have many options of styles to choose from. One unique item is the Nantucket Cedar Arbor; a truly elegant arbor, combining a soft curved header with the traditional angularity of the gable. The Craftsman Style features add a custom touch and suggest use as an entry or gateway. The Nantucket Arbor is a fine architectural look at a very modest price. Large Gable header supports heavy vines and foliage and is fixed-width 47-inch clear opening to accommodate wide paths. Hardware plays a critical role in ensuring the beauty, strength and durability of this product. Therefore we take great care in selecting materials which strike the right balance of performance and aesthetics. A combination of timeless design and exceptional craftsmanship ensure the enduring beauty and functionality of this fine garden structure. Time-tested construction techniques and materials guarantee uncommon strength and durability. For example, the pre-assembled side panels of our arbors feature mortise and tenon joinery of rails and posts, with lattice panels glued at every intersection, then set into channels in the surrounding frame and secured with aluminum staples. It can be assembled in less than 30 minutes following the comprehensive, step-by-step instructions. Many parts are pre-assembled, and are easily fitted together using pre-drilled pilot holes. All assembly and installation hardware, including concrete anchors for the arbors, is provided. These practical structures are not only constructed with top quality materials, they come in many different unique designs to fit the fashionable gardener. You can choose from a simple arch to a detailed version with even a bench.

Metal Arbors-Great for Rose Vines

Arbors make a great choice to enhance your garden entrance. A great option for an arbor is a metal one. Metal Arbors are not only dress up ones garden; they are great for growing vines. Metal arbors seem to be the most popular in this case, as for growing rose vines. They are simple and pretty structures that defiantly do the job for guiding the roses. Most of the metal arbors are powder coated and made to withstand harsh weather. Once mounted properly, you shouldn’t have to worry about the durability of them. In most cases, mounting stakes are either provided or sold as an add-on option. In this case, they will come with detailed instructions for this process. For the most part, they are very similar in how to do so. The stakes would actually go directly in the ground, and then the poles (bottom portion of the arbor) would fit over them. To insure of extra sturdiest, you may want to use quick cement along with the stakes. Even if you do not wish to grow vines, metal arbors make a beautiful entry way to lead a path.

Create the Best Outdoor Room

Well, gone are the days of mismatched, and barren patios. People live outdoors, just as much as

indoors, now. So much more is available, for outdoor use, than it used to be. You can accessorize

your patio just as throughly as your den. It can really be a lot of fun, too. Don't be intimidated. Just think of it like you would any other room in your home.

The first thing to do is settle on a color scheme. You can pick a pillow, or vase, or any other object with favorable colors, to work from. You may even want to get some fabric samples to work with. Keep in mind stationary colors, such as the color of your home, or shutters. Don't be afraid to use bright or bold colors. You want this to be a comfortable and enviting place your your whole family. It is also a great place for entertaining.

Decide what you would like to encorporate in your outdoor room, such as a cooking area. Outdoor kitchens are great, and it will add to the value of your home, as well, which could be very helpful in the future, should you decide to relocate.

Once you have established a color scheme theme, you can start shopping for ideas. Since you will be spending a lot of time in your outdoor room, take your time. Do a lot of window, or web, shopping, before you buy. There's a lot to choose from.

It's good to start out with a floor covering. Once you have a good sealer on the floor, get an area rug. A good one will be mildew and mold resistant, and have UV inhibitors. They come in a variety of colors, and shapes. If you have beautiful or unique flooring, get a couple of accent rugs. If your deck is not attractive, get a full sized rug.

While you are looking for a floor covering, you can be looking for your patio furniture. When looking for furniture, you may want to find something with Sunbrella fabric. Sunbrella fabric is warrantied aginst color fading, longer than other fabrics. It will look great, for years. (Don't forget protective covers!) You will want it to coordinate, of course. You may want a sofa, a few end tables, and a conversation, or coffee table; Or, depending on your style, and space, maybe you would rather go for a bar,

or a dining set. Try to envision exactly what kind of entertaining you will be doing. Be sure not to crowd your space. You want your outdoor retreat to flow freely.

An outdoor television is a relatively new idea. Not many homes have one, but they can really add a lot to your patio.

Another great converstion piece is a fire pit. There is a wide variety, to choose from. In addition, you can design your own. Everything is so 'DIY' these days. You can buy your own parts, build the surround yourself, out of materials used on your deck, and call a professional to connect it. It is the easiest way to tie everything in. A fire pit, or a patio heater will also lengthen the outdoor living season.

The next thing to think about is lighting. You don't need it to be as bright as indoor lighting, so don't get carried away. All you really need is a soft glow. You may want floor lighting, or overhead lighting, or both. The best way to use overhead lighting is to use a pergola.

Pergolas are a lot like an arbor, or trellis, in that they use lattice. It's great for wrapping, or hanging lighting, or anything else. A pergola will allow you to close off one side of your patio, which may be a good idea, if you are working in a small space. Pergolas are offered in a variety of wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and other materials.

Vinly is nice because there is virtually no maintenence. A quality vinyl pergola will come with a twenty year warranty. Vinyl may not compliment your design style. A wooden pergola may suite your patio better. They should also come with a substancial warranty. You may need to stain them, from time to time. They will also be a little heavier, so make sure, if you are putting it on a deck, that you have enough support. Some pergolas are metal. Metal gives a very classy look. You will definately want to seal those, every couple of years, for the best life. The bottom line is, there is a pergola for most any budget.

After you get your main fixtures, you can just decorate, like you would inside your home. If you have partitions, hang outdoor clocks, and thermometers.

The main point is, just have fun. You will be so glad you did. Your own private retreat will be just a few steps away. You will be able to enjoy what you thought only the rich and famous were allowed to have. There's nothing like the sanctuary of your own special place. Share your decorating tips with everyone! Pergolas are typically adorned with vines, but don't feel limited. Use your imagination. So many accessories are available for outdoor living. Treat it like you would a wall in your home. Hang a few planters. Bring in a rug, some outdoor lamps, and your outdoor kitchen and bar, and you are all set. There's nothing like it.