Gazebo For a Deck

Gazebos are definitely good-looking structures that are usually outdoors or open to the outdoors to provide a wonderful view of the garden outside and other scenic things for you to enjoy and relax. It can also be a tent or a pavilion that you could always separately place outside on your garden or lawns. Utilizing a gazebo for a deck is a great idea as well. This would definitely provide you with an intimate space that comes with an entertainment area outdoors.

There are historical examples of this type of a gazebo for a deck that can be found on the internet. You can find it in artworks, photographs, drawings in magazines, especially the architectural one and those magazines for interior designing. Try and find one that would be perfect for your house's exterior and try to emulate its design, especially the details and turn it into a gazebo deck design. There were older gazebos back in the days that were so large, they used to be called dance halls or dance pavilions. That is why it is important that you determine the exact measure of the pavilion that is suitable for your area. There are also books that are offering information about landscaping; it might also have examples of gazebos.

Most of the time, gazebos are just considered as decorative structures, made to beautify your area. But did you know that is has other "important" functions as well? You should know that the gazebo can also act as an instrument to hide or improve a view. It could be used to hide ugly spots, or your neighbor's unpleasant car port or to enhance a view. To maximize this potential you should know how to determine that dimensions that you need to enhance or to hide a certain view. This could be done by drawing a scaled version of the gazebo for the deck before creating or installing it. If you want to do it yourself you could try using a home design software to create three dimensional models. This is very useful software that allows you to emulate a real time three dimensional representation of an object to make sure that it would fit your area or you are doing it right.

To create the gazebo for the deck, you should place the gazebo in the exact center of the deck or a few feet from the edges of the deck. You can use it for any purpose that you want. You could try and use it for meditation, yoga, a drawing studio or an intimate place where you and your family or friends can share tea or coffee, it's up to you.

Now that you know the wonderful benefits of having a gazebo for your deck in your lawn or your front / back yard, you should now know what to do if you wanted something beautiful in it. Try and contact the professionals just in case you are still confused about this subject matter or if not you could go out now and get the required materials and build yourself one.

Interested in gazebos?

For more information, help and cool tips visit now => http://gazebos9.com/Instant-Gazebo.html

How to Make Your Deck Look New Again and Keep it That Way

Your wooden deck or fence is a big investment. Cleaning and sealing it properly will extend its life and make it a source of pride for you and your family. No matter the type of wood, sticking to a scheduled maintenance program will ensure that your deck stays beautiful.

In addition to having your deck professionally cleaned and sealed, you can help protect your investment with some simple tips:

Place flower planters on small cement blocks rather than directly on your deck, where they trap moisture and dirt.

If you have a grill, use a grease catcher. Grease stains can be difficult to remove.

Don't let leaves collect on your deck, because they can leave stains.

Promptly shovel snow from your deck.

If you have a new deck, have it cleaned to kill mildew spores in the wood, remove surface impurities that keep sealers from penetrating, and then protect it with a waterproof sealer.

Don't apply paint or a solid stain to your deck, because they peel and require a lot of maintenance.

Professional cleaning and sealing with the proper products and tools can reduce the need for cleaning and refinishing to every two or three years instead of every year.

Weather and other environmental factors can be devastating to wood. Rain and dew are quickly absorbed by unprotected wood, causing it to soften and swell. When the sun dries the wood, it shrinks. These expansion and contraction cycles cause wood to warp, cup, crack, and gray, leading to premature aging and the need for replacement.

After 1 to 3 years of continuous sun exposure, unprotected wood will begin to gray, which indicates wood fiber degradation and the beginning of structural damage. Like sunburned skin, the grayed surface layer is permanently damaged. In cedar and redwood, this graying can occur within 30 days.

Weather is even harder on decks than on other types of wooden structures. This is because decks are horizontal and allow water to pool on their surface; the moisture attracts pollen and fungal spores, which cause discoloration. Decks are also subject to 50 percent more sunlight than structures with vertical surfaces and have to handle foot traffic.

Some people believe that wood has to "age" before it can be sealed, but this isn't true. The day that you finish installing your deck or other wood structure is the day you need to protect it from premature aging and expensive repairs. Proper cleaning of the wood before staining will ensure that it is able to absorb the wood sealer.

Others believe that pressure-treated wood is weatherproofed, but it isn't. Pressure-treated wood has been injected with a chemical that protects it against rot and wood-eating insects such as termites. But this process does nothing to protect the surface of the wood against weather. In fact, pressure treatment actually makes the wood even more porous and vulnerable.

Look to professionals to protect your investment against the ravages of the weather.

Tips On How To Stain Your Deck

Timely and proper maintenance of your deck is essential to its protection and longevity. Your deck faces all the harsh elements of the weather and over time the stain that is on it will be begin to break down and offer very little protection. If left untreated the deck boards will begin to split and rot and you will end up having to replace the deck. That is why proper upkeep is so important. But before you begin to stain there are some important steps that you should take first.

Before you begin to stain you will need to remove any dirt or mold from the pores of the wood. This is very important first step because if you fail to do this the stain that you apply will not adhere properly to the wood. To do this you will need to buy a good cleaning agent which is designed for this. Most paint or hardware stores sell deck wash which you can apply with a garden sprayer. Following the directions on the deck wash that you purchased, apply the deck wash to your deck. In some cases, if your deck is heavily stained you may need want to consider using a pressure washer to clean your deck.

If you decide to use a pressure washer to clean your deck you need to be very careful because if used improperly it can end up ruining your deck. Start out by using a wide fan tip, and keep the nozzle away from the decks surface about 18 to 20 inches. You may have to get closer to the surface in order to remove all of the stains but it is better to start out from a longer distance and move closer if necessary. When using a pressure washer make sure to use long, smooth passes with the wand and always clean in the same direction of the wood grain. Allow the deck to dry 24 hours before applying stain.

Next, you will need to decide what type of stain that you are going to apply. There are generally three types of stains or sealers that are most often used today, clear, semi-transparent and solid stain. Clear finishes go on clear and leave little or no coloration to the deck. The clear finish stains are usually water repellents and some offer U.V protection as well. Semi-transparent wood stains usually are a little longer lasting than clear sealers and will add some color to your deck. Solid wood stains penetrate the wood and allow some of the texture and grain to show through. The biggest disadvantage of solid wood stains is that they are inclined to show wear on high traffic areas, and when the stain begins breaking down, it can peel.

After you have decided on what type of stain that you want to use, it is now time to apply the stain. The best method to apply stain is by using a paint roller or an airless sprayer to apply the stain and then back brush to achieve a smooth, even finish. Start out by staining the vertical sections of your deck first, such as the post and handrails. Next, apply the stain to remainder of the deck.When you apply your stain, be careful not to allow the stain to puddle on the surface of the deck. Also, do not apply the stain in direct sunlight in order for the stain to penetrate and dry properly.

Staining your deck is the best way to keep your deck looking great for a long time while also providing a great layer of protection.

How to Design a Deck to Suit Your Needs

If you love would love to have more room in your home for entertaining, but don't want to add a new room, why not build a deck? After all, decks are much more than an attractive afterthought in home design. Today, people are using them as elegant entertainment areas, private spas, and much more. If you already have a deck, perhaps you want to give it an updated look. So, before you rush to the hardware store, take a few minutes to consider some of the basics of designing a deck.

Basic Factors in Designing a Deck

There are a variety of considerations to make when planning a deck, with perhaps the biggest one being functionality. If you are merely looking for a place to host the family cook outs, then your needs are not the same as someone who wishes to incorporate a hot tub into the design plan. Do you want to have electrical outlets? Maybe you want a deck that has a series of levels or even different floor designs. Then, for those who are part of a homeowner's association, there may be specific guidelines and standards that must be met. As you design your deck keep these things in mind:

What are the building codes for your area? Before buying the first deck board, make sure you understand any city ordinances in regards to zoning, building permits, inspections, etc. that are applicable. In addition, if you live in a neighborhood that is part of a homeowners association there may be restrictions and requirements regarding the deck size, the deck height, types of materials used, shape of the deck, whether or not you must have privacy screens or even how far your deck can be from the property line.

Where do you plan on building the deck? Perhaps one of the most important aspects of a deck is its view. Do you want to be facing the sunrise, the sunset or perhaps that quiet, wooded area in the back of your home? Of course, the layout of your home will be a big factor in this decision, but if you have more than one option, then try setting a chair or picnic table out and relaxing in the various spots to determine if one works better for you than another. If you think you may want to extend the deck at a later time, consider adding a door or way to add a new level later on. Also, think about the temperature, the north side of your home is typically the coolest.

What about the shape of the deck? Decks today are not just a basic single-level rectangle or square. Today they may be several levels connected by steps, walk ways and architectural elements. You can customize your deck to include lighting, decorative railings, an outdoor fireplace or kitchen, and other design elements. Just keep in mind that the more customization you have, the higher the price but also the greater potential.

How to Design a Deck

All you wanted to know about deck design:

Do It Yourself

For those who like to get their hands dirty, building a deck yourself is definitely an option

How to Plan Your Deck and your deck design

Thought and planning will help you to match the needs of your family with a deck you will enjoy for many years to come.

Questions to ask yourself: Do I plan to entertain on the deck? Will the children need an outdoor area for play? Just how much time will my family spend on this deck?

Once you begin to answer such questions like these, you can begin to plan how large the deck will be, what shape and work on any design details that will add a visual picture to match the style of your house.

Lets get even more detailed:

How much entertaining? Will you be throwing many parties? So how big should the deck be? Will you need more seating and or furniture to accommodate your guests?

Perhaps some built in seating or benches would be a good idea. Also decide if there will be enough room for guests to converse easily on the deck. And how about the need for nighttime lighting for security and atmosphere.

Eating and Barbecue: You would want a large enough deck for a table of sorts and chairs or benches. Approximately a 12-13 foot square is comfortable for seating 4 at a table. Also plan how you will move food from the kitchen to the deck. Make sure there is 2 feet of clearance on all sides of the barbecue. Some like to put the barbecue on a surface that is fireproof, such as tile, brick and metal.

Plants and water: If you design the deck with wood planters, allow for proper drainage. Tip In your design take into consideration if the deck will be blocking any outdoor water faucets. It's always easier to move them before work begins.

Pool or Spa: If there is a connecting pool or spa, will you need deck room for sunbathing.

Privacy: When the deck is elevated, this can expose nice views or not so nice views. So try to visualize what advantage or disadvantage an elevated deck might mean. You can always get on a step ladder that is close to the height of the deck and better visualize what things would look like.