Hardscaping, Structures & Designs for Outdoor Rooms
Your outdoor living space may be plus-sized, a petite plot, or something in between. Learn all about hardscaping, and how you can maximize the potential of each square inch that might be peacefully waiting outside your door. Discover what you or your contractor can build -- like porches, terraces, ponds, planting beds, seating -- in materials with which you may or may not be familiar.
Is Your Property at Risk for a Wildfire?
Wildfires can catch you offguard and rapidly change your life forever. In some parts of the world, like Southern California and Australia, there is no "fire season" -- wildfires are a year-round threat. But how do you know if your house is in a wildfire zone? Check over this brief inventory list compiled from Firewise and blank to see if your property falls in one of these hot spots. And if it do…
Wildfires can catch you offguard and rapidly change your life forever. In some parts of the world, like Southern California and Australia, there is no "fire season" -- wildfires are a year-round threat. But how do you know if your house is in a wildfire zone? Check over this brief inventory list compiled from Firewise and blank to see if your property falls in one of these hot spots. And if it do…
Fence Me In
A wall or a fence are both obvious choices for gaining privacy, marking bounaries and creating barriers. Not all walls and fences have to be typical or boring. Once you start investigating, you'll find that there are many materials and styles you can use. But if you've always dreamed of a white picket fence and it goes with the architectural style of your house, then folow that dream! If not, sta…
A wall or a fence are both obvious choices for gaining privacy, marking bounaries and creating barriers. Not all walls and fences have to be typical or boring. Once you start investigating, you'll find that there are many materials and styles you can use. But if you've always dreamed of a white picket fence and it goes with the architectural style of your house, then folow that dream! If not, sta…
Outdoor Privacy Screens
Regardless of your property's size, there are some areas of your outdoor living space you'll want to screen for privacy. Whether it's a pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, patio, or just a spot for enjoying some solitude, you're going to need to figure out how to create that screen, barrier, fence, etc.
Regardless of your property's size, there are some areas of your outdoor living space you'll want to screen for privacy. Whether it's a pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, patio, or just a spot for enjoying some solitude, you're going to need to figure out how to create that screen, barrier, fence, etc.
Obvious ways to create privacy screens are walls, fences or hedges. But these structures aren't alw…
Creative Solutions for Outdoor Privacy Screens
Whether you want to add some privacy to your spa area or are seeking a small space for a backyard retreat, an outdoor privacy screen gives you that much-needed personal space away from the view of neighbors or passers-by. Follow these creative solutions to gain some privacy in your outdoor living area.
Whether you want to add some privacy to your spa area or are seeking a small space for a backyard retreat, an outdoor privacy screen gives you that much-needed personal space away from the view of neighbors or passers-by. Follow these creative solutions to gain some privacy in your outdoor living area.
Outdoor Privacy Screens - Idea Galleries of Outdoor Privacy Screens
With an outdoor privacy screen, you can add some much-needed privacy to your pool, hot tub or spa area. Maybe you're seeking a private space for a backyard retreat or a patio, deck or balcony. An outdoor privacy screen gives you personal space away from the view of neighbors or passers-by. Check out this ga…
With an outdoor privacy screen, you can add some much-needed privacy to your pool, hot tub or spa area. Maybe you're seeking a private space for a backyard retreat or a patio, deck or balcony. An outdoor privacy screen gives you personal space away from the view of neighbors or passers-by. Check out this ga…
How to Tile a Countertop for an Outdoor Kitchen
Follow along, step-by-step, as a tile-setting pro completes an outdoor kitchen project by laying tile for countertop. From <i>The Journal of Light Construction</i>.
Follow along, step-by-step, as a tile-setting pro completes an outdoor kitchen project by laying tile for countertop. From <i>The Journal of Light Construction</i>.
Outdoor Privacy Screens - Shrubs, Trees, Vines and Other Plants Provi…
With an outdoor privacy screen, you can add some much-needed privacy to your pool, hot tub or spa area. Maybe you want privacy for a small space or certain area of your yard, patio, deck or balcony. An outdoor privacy screen gives you personal space away from the view of neighbors or passers-by. This photo gallery of shrubs, trees and other living privacy screens provide inspiration and creative …
With an outdoor privacy screen, you can add some much-needed privacy to your pool, hot tub or spa area. Maybe you want privacy for a small space or certain area of your yard, patio, deck or balcony. An outdoor privacy screen gives you personal space away from the view of neighbors or passers-by. This photo gallery of shrubs, trees and other living privacy screens provide inspiration and creative …
Bamboo Screen Ideas
With an outdoor privacy screen, you can add some much-needed privacy to your pool, hot tub or spa area. Maybe you're seeking a small space for a backyard retreat or a patio, deck or balcony. An outdoor privacy screen gives you personal space away from the view of neighbors or passers-by. Follow these creative solutions to gain some privacy in your backyard or outdoor living space.
With an outdoor privacy screen, you can add some much-needed privacy to your pool, hot tub or spa area. Maybe you're seeking a small space for a backyard retreat or a patio, deck or balcony. An outdoor privacy screen gives you personal space away from the view of neighbors or passers-by. Follow these creative solutions to gain some privacy in your backyard or outdoor living space.
What Can You Build With That Backyard Bamboo?
So what <i>can</i> you build with that backyard bamboo? Apparently, lots of things, like trellises, fences and outdoor furniture, according to Planet Green.
So what <i>can</i> you build with that backyard bamboo? Apparently, lots of things, like trellises, fences and outdoor furniture, according to Planet Green.
Inspiration for Your Outdoor Living Space
At a loss for what you want to do with your backyard or outdoor living space? Are you tired of living in a cookie-cutter environment but don't know how to subtly break out of the mold? Ready to try something totally new, but not sure where to start?
At a loss for what you want to do with your backyard or outdoor living space? Are you tired of living in a cookie-cutter environment but don't know how to subtly break out of the mold? Ready to try something totally new, but not sure where to start?
Follow these ideas to give you ideas on where to go to for inspiration. Have fun!
How to Dig Post Holes & Install Posts: Arbor Project
Follow these simple steps to dig post holes and install posts. While this is for a pre-fabricated arbor, you can use this tutorial for decks, fences, gazebos and other outdoor structures.
Follow these simple steps to dig post holes and install posts. While this is for a pre-fabricated arbor, you can use this tutorial for decks, fences, gazebos and other outdoor structures.
Fountains and Water Features for Your Outdoor Space
Besides plants, there's another component for creating a beautiful landscape: hardscape. And water fountains are one of the hottest features in hardscape's repertoire. David Beaulieu, About.com's Guide to Landscaping, presents a photo gallery of outdoor fountains and water features.
Besides plants, there's another component for creating a beautiful landscape: hardscape. And water fountains are one of the hottest features in hardscape's repertoire. David Beaulieu, About.com's Guide to Landscaping, presents a photo gallery of outdoor fountains and water features.
Hardscaping with Stone
Attractive landscaping stone can enhance the natural elements of your outdoor space, along with raising the value of your property. Skillful arrangements of stone and other hardscape components provide a framework for artistic landscape design. Stones can be natural or manmade, and can be used in gardens, walkways, walls, and water features.
Attractive landscaping stone can enhance the natural elements of your outdoor space, along with raising the value of your property. Skillful arrangements of stone and other hardscape components provide a framework for artistic landscape design. Stones can be natural or manmade, and can be used in gardens, walkways, walls, and water features.
How to Make Concrete Stepping Stones for Your Outdoor Living Space
Garden stepping stones aren't just made of rock or stone. Follow David Beaulieu's "recipe" for making concrete pavers or stepping stones. Enlist your children and their friends to help -- they'll actually have fun!
Garden stepping stones aren't just made of rock or stone. Follow David Beaulieu's "recipe" for making concrete pavers or stepping stones. Enlist your children and their friends to help -- they'll actually have fun!
Quick Clean-ups for Your Backyard Before the Big Bash
Summertime and the living is easy. That is, once you get your outdoor space spruced-up and looking like a place where you and your gang love to hang. If have have a party coming up in a few days, follow this checklist to get your outdoor room in order. Just simple suggestions to make your outdoors an extension of your fun and comfortable lifestyle.
Summertime and the living is easy. That is, once you get your outdoor space spruced-up and looking like a place where you and your gang love to hang. If have have a party coming up in a few days, follow this checklist to get your outdoor room in order. Just simple suggestions to make your outdoors an extension of your fun and comfortable lifestyle.
Photo Gallery: A Historical Look at the White House's Pools & Spas
*The United States' second president, John Adams, was the first to occupy the White House. Since then, each presidential family has left its mark on the outdoor living spaces of the executive mansion, whether it's been through planting trees and gardens or adding swimming pools and tennis courts, or replacing them with something else. At various times, the White House has had indoor and outdoor s…
*The United States' second president, John Adams, was the first to occupy the White House. Since then, each presidential family has left its mark on the outdoor living spaces of the executive mansion, whether it's been through planting trees and gardens or adding swimming pools and tennis courts, or replacing them with something else. At various times, the White House has had indoor and outdoor s…
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Fence?
It surprises many homeowners that building permits are not confined solely to buildings. Even a fence must, in most cases, be permitted. Fence permitting is not universal. Some localities require it, while others don't. Also, the fence permits may be issued either on the city or county level. Here's how to find out if you need a permit before putting up a new fence.
It surprises many homeowners that building permits are not confined solely to buildings. Even a fence must, in most cases, be permitted. Fence permitting is not universal. Some localities require it, while others don't. Also, the fence permits may be issued either on the city or county level. Here's how to find out if you need a permit before putting up a new fence.
Hiring a Fence Company to Install a Fence: Questions to Ask
If you've ever had the pleasure of spending an entire summer's worth of weekends installing fencing around your yard, you'll find that it's kind of nice to have a fence company install your fence. But it's not all smooth sailing. Here's the process.
If you've ever had the pleasure of spending an entire summer's worth of weekends installing fencing around your yard, you'll find that it's kind of nice to have a fence company install your fence. But it's not all smooth sailing. Here's the process.
A Porch Swing Built for Two: An Easy Weekend Project
Swing yourself into the season with a great-looking porch swing that can be built in a weekend or so. Download the free plans from Sunset, and create a small-space swing that will be the focal point and fun part of your outdoor living space.
Swing yourself into the season with a great-looking porch swing that can be built in a weekend or so. Download the free plans from Sunset, and create a small-space swing that will be the focal point and fun part of your outdoor living space.
Build a Victorian-Style Gazebo
If you want a gazebo in your outdoor space, you can build one from a set of plans, put together a kit, or commission an original design. Find out the pros and cons of each approach in this article from <i>This Old House</i>.
If you want a gazebo in your outdoor space, you can build one from a set of plans, put together a kit, or commission an original design. Find out the pros and cons of each approach in this article from <i>This Old House</i>.
Innovative Dog Houses: Barkitecture Dallas Design Gallery
Barkitecture 2008 brought together several of Dallas' most creative architects to create unique dog houses. The dog houses were raffled off at $5 a ticket and the proceeds went to correct the annual flooding of White Rock Lake Dog Park.
Barkitecture 2008 brought together several of Dallas' most creative architects to create unique dog houses. The dog houses were raffled off at $5 a ticket and the proceeds went to correct the annual flooding of White Rock Lake Dog Park.
The White House Menagerie
Besides the White House dogs and cats the nation has gotten to know, the ample 18 acres has also seen its share of more unusual pets. Through the years, the White House lawns and grounds have been the home of horses, snakes, rare birds, domesticated raccoons, goats, sheep, and even a cow or two. Take a look at the White House menagerie for the past century or so. And remember -- we're talking abo…
Besides the White House dogs and cats the nation has gotten to know, the ample 18 acres has also seen its share of more unusual pets. Through the years, the White House lawns and grounds have been the home of horses, snakes, rare birds, domesticated raccoons, goats, sheep, and even a cow or two. Take a look at the White House menagerie for the past century or so. And remember -- we're talking abo…
White House Trivia: Outdoor Living Spaces at the President's Park
We've heard interesting facts and trivia about the presidents, their families, and the White House. But what about the White House grounds, or more specifically, the swimming pools, patios, porches, secret retreats, outdoor furniture and other features we may not know about. Enjoy these bits of information about the White House landscape, past and present.
We've heard interesting facts and trivia about the presidents, their families, and the White House. But what about the White House grounds, or more specifically, the swimming pools, patios, porches, secret retreats, outdoor furniture and other features we may not know about. Enjoy these bits of information about the White House landscape, past and present.