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Tag Archive 'Outdoor Living'

May 30 2018

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Deck Enhancements for Maximum Usability – The House Plan Shop

Filed under Outdoor Living

Deck EnhancementsDoes your deck live up to its potential? If the answer is no https://decksofamerica.us/ is here to help you transform your outdoor living space.

Besides periodic cleaning and sealing, you may want to spruce things up a bit with additions from this Sofa Retailer furniture store that may better suit your family’s outdoor needs and lifestyle.

Lighting – If you find yourself out on the deck in the dark, you may want to explore some lighting options. There are a number of choices available for outdoor deck lighting, and many of them are solar powered so there’s no need for electrical wiring, if you want to do the same check this solar panels installation company suggests. There are even small lights that can be installed in stair risers to illuminate the steps.

Seating – Built-in benches are one way increase available seating on your deck. Being stationary they aid in traffic control and are available even when other lawn furniture has been stored for the season.

Planters – Bringing some plant life to your deck is a natural way to decorate with colorful pots and flowers. No floor space for pots?  Consider installing flower boxes over the railings.

Grill – If your deck is large enough to keep the heat and smoke away from the house, consider moving the grill onto the deck and include the grill master in the party. Some built-in end tables will keep tools and platters handy for the chef.

Shade – Too much sun can spoil an outdoor get-together, so you might wat explore adding some shade to your deck. Table umbrellas or awnings attached to the house may help. A pergola is similar to a trellis.  With vining plants adding their shade, a pergola is an attractive and natural addition to your deck. There are even pergola kits available that may suit your needs.

Storage – Many decks are built high enough to walk underneath and create a natural storage space for lawn furniture and pool accessories. If that space is not already enclosed, investigate adding some latticework to “hide” your treasures and then buy some Outdoor Furniture in Sydney to decorate the space.

When your imagination for improving your deck wanes a bit, definitely turn to the internet.  Pinterest posts countless pictures and plans for your contemplation.

This article brought to you by The HousePlanShop, LLC, the home of the best selling house plans from the best designers!

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Sep 15 2010

Profile Image of Curtis Cadenhead

Add Value to your House: Build a Deck

DeckWant a way to add value to your home and actually enjoy it? Consider building custom designed deck with help from deck builders Austin TX. A deck is a very versatile addition to any house.

It can be used for grilling and outdoor dining, entertaining friends, stargazing, observing nature and just plain relaxing! Furthermore, a deck can be covered providing shade or it can be open for those who love the sun. According to joiner Paul Shultz you may wish to hire an experienced professional such as a builder, contractor, carpenter or remodeler to do the deck installation and build a custom deck railing for you, or you might decide to tackle the project on your own. Either way, building a deck can be rewarding. The driveway extension can be emptied to act as a patio, mulling area for guests or can be a large table, seating area and while it is not in use, these patio covers could be useful.  The shed is in the back corner of the lot, blocking the view to the back of the neighbor’s garage.  To add some interest a wide path curves around a tree back to the shed.

Master bedroom with multiple closets and en suite bath that has custom vanity built in and walk in shower. Ample 2nd bedroom also with en suite bath. Roof deck has a spacious full head house that makes an ideal tree top office, with walk out to the over sized roof deck with city views, water and power. Central A/C, in unit laundry, plethora of closet space, and a strong self managed association. Maintaining a place like this can be hard if you get a lot of rain in the area, you might actually get water damage from this. If you ever need to fix up your deck then you can contact this deck repair service.

Working with a professional will ensure custom touches that you might not be able to create, build or accomplish on your own, while building the deck yourself can be rewarding and offer the satisfaction of completing the job. If you do decide to build the deck on your own, consider purchasing a woodworking or deck plan. They are available online in a variety of sizes ranging from a basic platform with railing to more detailed deck designs that might include built-in wooded benches for seating, plant shelves, a built-in barbecue area or even a hot tub from Hot Tubs For You, it would be a great feature. No matter which route you take, you’ll be pleased with the new deck you can enjoy year-round and feel confident that you have just added value to your home.

This article brought to you by The HousePlanShop, LLC, the home of the best selling house plans from the best designers!

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Jul 22 2009

Profile Image of Curtis Cadenhead

House Plans with Outdoor Living Spaces

Filed under Outdoor Living

House Plan 035H-0034If you are planning to build a new house chances are you’ve consider a wide range of aspects and elements about the interior of your home from efficiency and comfort to form and function. You’ve probably even considered the exterior appearance. But before you make your final decision about the house plan you wish to build, take some time to think about the usefulness and other benefits of choosing a floor plan with at least one outdoor living space making the most of your lot and yard.

 

As per Stilus Design and Construction Sunshine Coast, outdoor living spaces include a wide range of possibilities. They can be almost any size and can satisfy one or more purposes.  They include covered front or rear porches, wrap-around porches, screened porches, covered or open decks, patios, terraces, lanais, balconies and more. Furthermore, special features such as outdoor fireplaces, grills, outdoor kitchens, pools, hot tubs, spas, gazebos, cabanas, built in seating and planters improve usefulness, function and enjoyment of outdoor living spaces. Other additions include sound systems to listen to music or the ball game, a TV tucked into a weather proof cabinet, outdoor lighting, ceiling fans and weather poof furniture.

 

How could your family use an outdoor living space?  Think about your family and the activities you enjoy.  The following ideas will help you decide what outdoor living space is right for you.

 

·         Do you enjoy barbecues and outdoor gatherings? A deck, patio, covered porch or screened porch work well for grilling and outdoor dining. If you tune into your favorite radio station you can enjoy some music too.

·         Maybe you prefer to prepare an entire outdoor meal. Consider a grilling porch or outdoor kitchen keeping the heat outside while leaving your indoor kitchen clean and spotless. Furthermore, your family and friends will enjoy as tasty meal outside without leaving a mess inside for you to clean up when everyone’s gone home.

House Plan 043H-0155·         Do you envision your kids swimming all summer long? Does your family hope to throw pool parties through the summer months? A patio, lanai or a deck will make a nice complement to any home with a pool.  Add built in benches for extra seating and outdoor lighting so your gatherings can continue after sunset.

·         Maybe you just enjoy reading or relaxing outdoors after a day at the office.  Consider a courtyard or covered porch. Planters will add a splash of color and satisfy any gardener’s green thumb. Perhaps an upper level balcony is more what you desire, a wonderful place to watch the sunset.

·         Do you have a lot with beautiful panoramic views? Do you enjoy submerging yourself in the sights and sounds of Mother Nature? A sweeping deck or full-length covered porch will give you a great place to take in the view or observe surrounding wildlife.

·         Does your family like to entertain? Maybe a covered porch with an outdoor fireplace is the answer. You’ll have a great place for gathering and conversation without being crowded inside the house and the fireplace will give the kids an opportunity to roast marshmallows and make S’mores when they want a snack. Not to mention everyone will enjoy the warmth of a crackling fire on a crisp fall evening.

·         Looking for a romantic evening? How about dessert and stargazing with your loved one on an open deck? An open deck is also great for sunbathing. 

Outdoor living spaces offer endless possibilities. With a little imagination, your family can use and enjoy the spaces surrounding your new home just as much as the interior living areas. Be sure to consider the outdoor living spaces of every home plan you review.

This article brought to you by The HousePlanShop, LLC, the home of the best selling house plans from the best designers!

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