Articles Index
What is Lattice?
Often seen in landscape design and outdoor structures, lattice is a framework of diagonally crossing flat wood or metal pieces.
What is a Brick Bond?
What is a brick bond? What are bond patterns? When laying a patio or walkway with brick, you will need to choose a style, pattern or design in which to arrange the bricks.
What is Rococo?
Rococo is a style of French design and decor that originated in the mid-18th century. Rococo was the last part of the French Baroque style and is characterized by rich decoration and a variety of motifs, incuding deep swirls. In exterior design, rococo-style balconies are made of detailed ironwork, such as interlacing scrolls supported on ornate brackets. These were a change from classical stone balustrded balconies.
What is a Plunge Pool?
What, exactly, is a plunge pool? Find out why a plunge pool is different than other types of residential swimming pools.
What is a Patio?
Patio Definition - From the Spanish word patio, meaning backyard or back garden. An outdoor living space often adjoining a residence, used for dining, entertaining or relaxation. A patio may or may not have a cover or roof and is usually a paved area connecting the house and garden. Patios can be made of concrete, brick, stone, gravel, pavers, flagstone or numerous other materials.
What Is Espalier?
What is an espalier in relation to outdoor living spaces and landscaping? Learn the meaning of the word and if you want this in your own backyard.
What Is a Gazebo?
What is a gazebo? It's a structure typically used in a yard or an outdoor area. Discover what it is and if it might be the right thing for your yard.
What is a Hot Tub?
Like a spa, a hot tub has built-in jets to provide warmth, relaxation and a massage-effect on people's muscles and joints. They both are used for therapeutic reasons and socialization. In the early days -- the late 1960s, early 1970s -- hot tubs were made from wood, including cedar, redwood, cypress, teak or a composite. In the mid-1970s, the technologically advanced portable acrylic spas were introduced, replacing the wooden tubs in popularity.
What Are Foundation Plantings?
When landscaping, what is a foundation planting? Learn the definition and how it relates to outdoor living spaces.
What Is Bell Footing?
What is bell footing, and does it really have something to do with a bell? Find out how it pertains to your outdoor living space.
What is Pool Coping?
What is pool coping? Besides being a structural part of the pool, find out how it is integral to the design and function of a swimming pool.
What is a Lap Pool?
What, exactly, is a lap pool? Hint: it's for people who are serious about swimming, or at least want a pool in which to exercise.
What is a Fiberglass Pool?
Basically, a fiberglass pool is made of a fiberglass or acrylic shell that is placed in a hole in the ground. There can be above-ground and in-ground fiberglass pools. Find out more about this type of swimming pool and why you might want one.
What Does Centrifugal Force Have to do With a Centrifugal Pump?
A pump is a pool or spa's circulation system. Pool and spa pumps are known as centrifugal pumps. Why? These important pieces of equipment cause water to move, due to the principle of centrifugal force. Learn why it's an important part of keeping your pool clean.
What is a Weir?
What is a weir? Find out in About.com's Pool and Patio glossary, where you will learn pool terms that help you figure out the various components of your in-ground or above-ground swimming pool.
What is a Pool Skimmer?
What is a pool skimmer and when should you use one? A skimmer is a box-like device through which debris and contaminants flow into the filter when the pump is activated.
What is a Main Drain?
What is a main drain in a swimming pool or spa? Find out in About.com's Pool Glossary, one of many pool terms on the Pool and Patio site.
What is Shorea Wood?
Shorea is a tropical hardwood that is used for many of the same purposes as teak, including garden furniture. Like teak and other hardwoods, shorea is resistant to damage from insects, fungus and moisture decay. Learn more about this increasingly popular and desirable wood.
What is a Pathway?
What's the definition of a pathway? A walkway in a landscape that guides foot traffic or links separate spaces. Pathway materials include brick, concrete slabs, flagstone, bark, adobe block, river rock, rough cobbles, wood rounds, gravel or stepping stones. Various groundcovers can be grown to fill in spaces between pathway materials.
What is Ipe Wood?
What is ipe wood, and where does it come from? Is it a good choice for decking materials or outdoor garden furniture? Find out what ipe wood is and is not.
What is Marine-Grade Plywood?
What is marine-grade plywood? Why would you want use it to build outdoor patio furniture or other projects?
What's a Courtyard Patio?
What is a courtyard? A courtyard patio has walls on at least three sides and provide seclusion and privacy, even if is positioned in the center of a house. Historically, some of the oldest patios are courtyards. Location-wise, a courtyard or courtyard patio is directly adjacent to the house. It can also be an intimate enclosure situated within a larger yard or garden.
What is a Pergola?
Definition: A frame structure -- usually made of wood or powder-coated metal -- that consists of posts with a lattice roof, designed to support vines.
What is FSC Certified?
What does it mean if something is labeled 'FSC Certified?' The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), is a non-profit organization that sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible and socially beneficial manner.
What is an Outdoor Kitchen?
Definition: A kitchen area in an outdoor living space, usually designed for a more informal and recreational type of dining and entertaining. Outdoor kitchens may consist of a simple barbecue and counter or can be an elaborate space with a grill, smoker, sink, refrigerator, lighting, cabinetry, fireplace and tile or stone countertops.