Two words for outdoor living spaces are frequently interchanged: deck and patio. Both are homeowner favorites and add value to the home. Decks and patios provide excellent space for outdoor relaxation and entertaining. What exactly is involved in making a deck vs patio decision? First, you need to understand the differences between the two, as your property may be better...
You're browsing through home listings, looking at the overly saturated and highly styled professional photos, and reading the engaging descriptions real estate agents craft to entice you. One common phrase you’ll see in these descriptions is “ranch-style”. It seems like this phrase makes its way into most property descriptions these days. However, does anyone know what this phrase even means?...
Basking in the sun is one of the small pleasures of summer, but there’s also a lot to be said for lounging in the shade. Whether your backyard has a patio or deck, having a source of shade is imperative for getting the most out of your outdoor living space. You may wish to hire a contractor to build a...
Ever since the first greenhouse was built in ancient Italy, the “gardini botanici” has been a favorite way to extend the growing season. Explorers used these structures to house exotic plants brought back from tropical journeys, and they remain a great place to start seedlings and shelter tender plants. America’s first greenhouse was built in 1737. Today, there are countless...
A Zen garden is meant to be a serene place where visitors experience a state of harmony and tranquility. Originally created as an area for Buddhist monk meditation, today’s Japanese Zen garden designs still provide a place for people to ponder the deeper things of life. In fact, the word “Zen” is derived from a Sanskrit root that means “meditation.” ...
Man caves have gotten all of the attention over the years. It’s time for a change. Instead of letting the men have all the fun, why not claim the old shed in the backyard and turn it into a woman cave? Instead of a cave, turn it into a bright and inviting space, better known as a she shed. These...
Adding a walkway to your property increases its curb appeal, functionality, safety, and usability. For example, you could build a sidewalk in front of your home, making it easier for people to walk up to your front door. Add another sidewalk around the side of your house to create a path around to the backside of your home. Then build...
You’ve done a lot of work to upgrade and renovate your backyard. Now it’s the perfect place to hang out with friends and family. However, when the sun goes down, it starts to get too dark. Without the right backyard lighting, your outdoor space is unusable at night. You could string up outdoor string lights, but they aren’t your only...
The open space under a deck can be quite an eyesore. Not only is it unpleasant to look at, not having a deck skirting can actually lower your home’s resell value. Deck skirting ideas have evolved far beyond the typical wood lattice skirting. From faux stone to natural wood panels, there’s a great deck skirting idea for every home. Check...
Create your own secret garden by building a wall around your plant beds. The right wall keeps unwanted guests and pests out of your garden while also adding privacy. This lets you enjoy your property and encourage your plants to grow with the added benefit of peace and quiet. So take a pass on the chain link fence and build...
