Patio Shade

Making the most out of your outdoor areas is one of the best ways to extend your home's living space. With the right furniture and accessories, it’s easy to transform your patio into a relaxing retreat that will soon become one of your home's best features.

Not sure where to start? No worries! The following patio decorating ideas will help you create a comfortable outdoor space where you can dine al fresco, entertain guests, or kick back and relax with your favorite book after a long day at work.

1. Put Comfort First

If you want to create a space where people will enjoy spending their time, simply decorating isn't enough. First and foremost, you have to make it comfortable. Start with an attractive outdoor rug that will soften the space and feel good under your feet. This is also a great way to add a pop of color and some texture to the space.

Next, add enough quality outdoor furniture, so there’s plenty of seating for you and your guests. Nobody wants to sit on rock-hard furniture, so make sure you also have enough cushions and pillows. You can make the space even cozier by bringing out some throw blankets during the cooler months. Floor pillows are another great addition. They're easy to pull out when extra guests arrive and can add another splash of color.

If you have enough room, make sure you also provide one or two places to lounge. This may be a daybed, lounge chair...

Summer is here, and we love sitting outside as much as the next person, but it's nice to have the luxury of escaping into the shade when the days become too hot and to get out of those UV rays. Some people have perfectly shaded backyards that offer shade at just the right time of day, but a patio gazebo can be a lifesaver for those who don't.

An outdoor gazebo can drastically improve your summer experience and successfully keep your family outside longer. This article will discuss everything you never knew you wanted to know about patio gazebos, from what they are to where they'll work best on your property.

What is a Patio Gazebo?

A patio gazebo is a highly-customizable open-sided structure with a roof and openings on each side. Sometimes they come with a floor from the manufacturer, but people use their decks and patios as the flooring component in most cases. You can pull the cozy look of your patio gazebo together by adding an outdoor rug and conversation seating, resulting in what is essentially an outdoor living room.

Depending on the manufacturer, you can have your patio gazebo made however you want, and some even choose to have benches installed directly into the sides for seating. Gazebos might have walls that slide shut, screens, or curtains to create an enclosure...

If you're a homeowner, then you know that there are always new and exciting things to add to your property to improve its overall design and increase its value. One of the latest trends in home improvement is adding a hot tub gazebo.

But what is a hot tub gazebo, and what benefits does it offer? Keep reading to find out!

Why Is a Hot Tub Gazebo Important?

A hot tub gazebo is a must-have for any hot tub owner. It improves the aesthetics of your outdoor area and has a number of practical benefits.

While there are many benefits, the two main ones that are attractive to homeowners are privacy and safety. Let's take a look at these two benefits.

Privacy

Your hot tub should be a place where you can relax and unwind, away from the prying eyes of your neighbors or those that may be passing by if your gazebo is in a more public part of your home.

A hot tub gazebo will give you the privacy you need to enjoy your hot tub without worry. By installing a gazebo over your hot tub, you can be sure that you and your guests will have the privacy you deserve.

Safety

In addition to providing privacy, there is also the benefit of safety. If you live in an area that experiences bad weather, then a gazebo will protect your hot tub from the elements.

A hot tub gazebo will also keep leaves and other debris out of your hot tub, which can clog the filters and cause problems. In addition, if you have young children you can install a gazebo that has sides with a gate. That way...

A pergola is a great addition to any home. Not only does it add value and curb appeal to your home, but it also provides a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

If you are looking to improve the outdoor area of your home, then a pergola may be the perfect option for you. In this article, we discuss what a pergola is and its purpose, how they offer value, and what the differences are between a pergola and a gazebo. We also share some tips on whether or not you should install a pergola yourself or bring in the professionals.

If you are considering installing a pergola in your home, you'll want to keep reading.

First, let's look at exactly what a pergola is.

What is a pergola?

A pergola is a free-standing structure that most often consists of four vertical posts and a number of horizontal beams. The beams are usually not covered, but homeowners often grow plants up the side beams and across the top. This provides shade and protection from the sun. It’s not the main purpose of a pergola though.

Pergolas can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, or vinyl. Wood is the most popular material, as it is relatively inexpensive and easy to work with. Metal and vinyl pergolas are sometimes the preferred option, but they are more expensive.

Pergolas vary in size, from as small as 4 feet by 4 feet or as large as 20 feet by 20 feet. There are other designs that are introduced, such as those that follow a curved pathway or one that sits above a swimming pool. It really comes down to personal preference, but the only limit is creativity.

What is a Pergola Used For?

Most people install a pergola in their backyard as it is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It provides shade on hot days if they are covered with plants, and can be decorated with lights or plants to create a beautiful outdoor space during the evenings.

The combination of a wooden structure and creeping plants adds unique decor to an outdoor space. Many people add other decor to their pergolas, giving them a personal touch.

They also serve as a great area for a variety of activities, such as yoga, dining, lounging, or meditation.

Does a Pergola Add Value to a Home?

So, are pergolas really worth the investment? Yes, for many reasons. While they improve the aesthetic appeal of your home, add shade, and give you a great entertainment area, they also add value to your property.

Many experts claim that the landscape of a home can improve its value by up to 15%. That's a significant amount if you consider how much that would add to your property. So, when it comes to the outdoor areas of your home, items such as pergolas are important. An increasing number of homeowners are installing these and other features in an effort to drive up the value of their home and make them more appealing.

Above the actual value, they also add special character to your outdoor area, which will become attractive when you are actively looking to sell your property. They are often the final missing piece of any home, which can be attractive to buyers.

What Kind of Surface Do You Put a Pergola on?

When it comes to the surface you put a pergola on, there are a few things to consider. If you're putting it on your lawn, make sure that the posts are long enough to go deep into the ground so that they are secure. You don't want your pergola toppling over in the first gust of wind!

If you're putting it on a patio or deck, make sure that the surface is level and that the posts are securely fastened. It's also important to make sure that the structure is not going to damage the surface beneath it. For example, if you're putting it on a wooden deck, make sure that the posts have rubber feet to protect the decking.

In general, it's best to put your pergola on a level, solid surface. This will ensure that it is stable and secure. It will also make it easier to install, as you won't have to worry about leveling the structure or dealing with uneven ground.

A pergola is a great way to add style and value to your home. With a little bit of planning, you can create an outdoor space that is both beautiful and functional. Just be sure to consider the surface you're putting it on and the overall design of your backyard before you get started.

Is a Pergola Installation a DIY Job?

This is a yes and no. There are a few things to consider before you decide to do a pergola installation yourself, or call in the professionals...

Having a beautiful, shady place in the backyard you can use come summer can be invaluable. Backyard shade allows you to enjoy the outdoors with your family and friends in a comfortable way that full sun simply can’t match. With a comfortable shaded area, you don’t have to worry about the sun shining down too much and you can add value to your home with tasteful visual features that make your property stand out.

What are the best backyard shade solutions? Gazebos, solariums, pergolas, shade sails, canopy tents, and pop-canopies all have specific benefits as structures in your landscape. Depending on your budget and the look you’re going for, one of these selections might stand out over another.

Here’s a bit about each to help you choose the best shade solution for your home this summer.

Gazebos vs Pergolas

You’ve seen them in ads and in brochures but you might not be sure what they’re called: gazebos and pergolas. These two shade solutions present two popular ways you can add physical features to your backyard that help define your space. Both gazebos and pergolas have their different benefits, however, and what you choose can depend on the amount...

If you love the outdoor views, even on cooler days, consider installing a solarium. It's a simple living space that can improve your home aesthetics and take your relaxation to a whole new level.

Apart from making the most of the sun, this structure presents you with a variety of benefits. For example, it can increase your home’s resale value, add a sense of luxury, potentially reduce your electric bill, etc.

If you wish to learn more about solariums, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we will attempt to shed some light on this amazing structure to help you determine if it’s a worthy investment. Read on to learn more.

What Is a Solarium?

A solarium, also referred to as a sunroom, is a structure designed to allow in abundant sunlight and optimal views of the immediate surrounding while sheltering you from the negative aspects of the environment. That includes rain, wind, snow, insects, cold, etc.

Solariums are usually made of glass and feature screen openings you can open and close at your will. They can be secured to your home’s exterior walls (wall-mounted) or placed anywhere in the backyard (free-standing). Either way, these structures will help you capture as much natural light as possible within them.

What Is the Purpose of Solarium?

A solarium works to trap and incorporate as much natural light as possible into your indoor space. As a result...

Have you been dreaming of spending your days relaxing outdoors on your backyard patio? You'll be surprised how easy it is to make this dream a reality! While you might expect installing a patio to be a major project, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, you can create a beautiful gravel patio in your backyard in as little as a day or two.

This simple, economical project will give you years of enjoyment, so don’t let another summer go by without creating the backyard you've always wanted. Here’s everything you need to know so you can get started on installing your own gravel patio right away.   

Why Build a Gravel Patio?

There are many advantages to choosing gravel for your backyard patio. Not only is it a very inexpensive option, but installing a gravel patio is a beginner-level project that you can easily do without any help.

Pea gravel is an excellent material because of its small size. This allows you to create a variety of unique designs using edging and borders for exciting gravel patio ideas for every outdoor style. The stones also drain naturally and won’t crack during winter freezes and thaws. Many homeowners also prefer the attractive, natural look the stones create.

A gravel patio will make your backyard look beautiful and provide you with a functional space where you and your guests can dine, socialize, and relax. Even better, long-term maintenance is a breeze. This will allow you to enjoy a beautiful backyard patio that looks like new for many years. 

When it comes to your home, first impressions really matter! Enhancing your curb appeal will make your home look warm and welcoming and can also increase your property value.

Luckily, it's easier and less expensive than you may think. In fact, taking on a few simple projects will make a major difference. The following curb appeal ideas will help you add some eye-catching charm to your home without blowing your budget.

1. Replace Your Shed

Having a shed on your property is a great idea! Not only does it make it easy to remove clutter that would otherwise be an eyesore, but a nice-looking shed can also add to the visual...

The weather is warming up, making now the perfect time to start thinking about backyard ideas to spruce up your deck and patio. A few simple patio and deck ideas can quickly turn your backyard space into a comfortable and stylish outdoor living area.

Need some inspiration? The following backyard ideas will show you just how easy it is to add a sense of elegance and charm to your backyard patio or deck.  

1. Install Decorative Shade

Adding decorative shade is one of the best ways to keep your deck cool and comfortable. Whether you prefer a contemporary or traditional look, you’re sure to find a source of shade that appeals to you.

A simple sun shade is one of the easiest and least expensive solutions. It’s a great way to add a pop of color to your space while also keeping the sun’s harsh rays away. If you prefer a portable solution, consider a high-quality patio umbrella instead. Not only will this provide you with some extra flexibility, but you'll also be able to adjust it to block out the sun throughout the day. Make sure you anchor your umbrella in a sturdy base so it doesn't blow over. If space is tight, choose a side table that doubles as an umbrella stand and place a chair on either side. 

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, consider adding a gazebo or pergola to your backyard deck. Not only will this create more shade, but it will also change the entire look and feel of...

Can't go to the game, race, or concert? That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the same tailgate party experience at home. here's what you need to make it happen...