Home & Garden

Home improvement expert Ron Hazelton demonstrates how to take your outdoor living to the limit by building an outdoor kitchen. This outdoor kitchen comes equipped with a rinsing sink, refrigerator and gas grill. Build your outdoor cooking area with outdoor kitchen plans that include an attractive weather-proof cabinet to house a rinsing sink, a mini refrigerator, and a gas grill. This design makes outdoor living convenient and permanent. Put your cumbersome wheeled barbecue into a yard sale and let someone else drag it through the grass every time they want to cook/entertain.

• Color: Espresso/Stripe
• Size: 102″H x 120″W x 120″D
• This item ships common carrier.
• Canopy made of ultra-durable fade resistant Olefin fabric
• Ultra durable hand woven PE Rattan wicker

Product Description
The Cantina Gazebo gives your backyard the shady oasis you have been looking for.  The corner posts are constructed of ultra durable, hand woven, polyethylene rattan wicker in a warm espresso color. The wicker is woven over a powder coated aluminum frame in rich bronze finish. With a side clearance of 6’6″ even your tallest guests will move in and out comfortably. The canopy rises to a peak if 8’6″ at the center for a lofty, spacious interior. The body of the can… More >>

• Weather resistant
• Powder coated finish
• Clear beveled glass
• UL Listed
• Requires 1 60-Watt medium base bulb

Product Description
40455 BC Finish: Black Copper Pictured in rust. A perfect Entry-level outdoor triple pole with A familiar traditional design. Features: -One light wall lantern. -Available in: -Rust finish. -Black finish. -Black copper finish. -Black and gold finish. -White finish. -Verde green finish. -Swedish iron finish. . -Cast aluminum construction. -Beveled glass. Specifications: -Accommodates (1) 60W medium base bulbs (not included). -UL listed for wet location. -Overall dime… More >>

• Poly-wood is an eco-friendly solution to wood. Durable recycled material has been crafted to give you the look of wood without the work.
• Wide selection of styles and colors allow you to Mix and Match products to create your perfect custom collection. Sunbrella cushions in several colors are available for all chairs.
• Low Maintenance product ? UV stabilized colors will eliminate the need for painting, staining, waterproofing, stripping or resurfacing your furniture. All hardware is made from zylon-coated stainless steel and will not rust.
• Product is moisture resistant and will not rot, warp, crack, splinter, or support bacterial growth. Impervious to salt and other environmental hazards.
• Easy to maintain. Clean with simple soap and water to make your furniture look new again.

Product Description
The environment-friendly recycled plastic 15″ Side Table is durable, and virtually maintenance-free. Made of amazingly strong and durable recycled plastic polymer crafted to look and feel like real wood…. More >>

• 3-piece bistro set includes a table and two chairs
• Antique Bronze finish with a rose pattern
• Round table has an aluminum top with cast iron legs
• Table dimensions: 23.75″ Diameter X 26″ H. Table has a 1.75″ umbrella hole (umbrella not include
• Chairs are made with aluminum seat and back with cast iron legs.

Product Description
3705-AB The Oakland Rose collection is perfect for flower lovers. Each piece is adorned with several roses in full bloom. The attractive flowers will add beauty and style to any outdoor patio garden setting. Each piece is hand cast and finished for the highest quality possible. This three piece Bistro Set will be a beautiful addition to your patio, balcony or outdoor entertainment area. Bistro sets are perfect for any small space or to accent a larger space. Light… More >>

Product Description
Ushers in fresh outdoor air while keeping heated air in your home. Keep the freshness of outdoor air without spending more on energy!
Filter helps reduce pollen and odors from incoming fresh air.
Digital control panel displays air exchange rate
Filter Service Indicator lets you know when cleaning is needed.
Window kit prevents drafts… More >>

• Weather resistant
• Powder coated finish
• Clear beveled glass
• UL Listed
• Requires 1 100-Watt medium base bulb

Product Description
4349 BN Finish: Brushed Nickel Upgrade your outdoor environment with this ultra-popular traditional style fixture. Features: -One light wall lantern. -Available in: -Brushed nickel finish. -White finish. -Rust finish. -Black finish. -Black gold finish. -Verde green finish. -Swedish iron finish. . -Cast aluminum construction. -Clear beveled glass. Specifications: -Accommodates (1) 100W medium base bulbs (not included). -UL listed for wet location. -Overall dimensions… More >>

There are many reasons why you should go for installing outdoor light fixtures, including the fact that it will make your home’s exterior look very stunning at night. One of the alternatives that you might want to consider is low voltage deck lighting as it offers almost the same kind of charm but with added safety and less cost in electricity.

It is very important to factor in energy efficiency when it comes to installing outdoor lighting fixtures. If you are confronted by the possibility that it might cause an increase in your monthly power bill or if it poses a threat to the safety of your home, then you should consider the possibility of using an alternative.

Low voltage deck lightning does not mean that all aesthetics will be lost. In fact, there are a lot of deck lighting fixtures that you can find which are all still very classy and great to look at especially at night. All the difference is that they are a little cheaper than the high voltage types.

The installation of any and all lighting fixtures especially on the outside should be done by a professional so that you can be sure that everything is working properly and that there are no safety requirements that will be overlooked.

One of the most important things to remember is to mind the spacing of the lights as well as the wires that will be used. Every material and tool has to be there in order for the installation to go smoothly and efficiently. It is to be expected that the lights will be stable for a long time because they will hardly ever be touched.

Low voltage deck lighting is not that complicated. One just has to learn a little about it to see that it is not such a bad idea even as far as design is concerned. You do not have to make a compromise between safety and aesthetics these days because manufacturers and creators of light fixtures always find ways to make things pretty as well as safe to keep a well needed balance in the world of home improvement.

People thing that to conduct an outdoor party they need lots of space and money. But actually it is not; any one who has a patio can convert that into an outdoor party place or for relaxing. Patio is actually a place that is unused or waste. In order to convert this into a party hall you need some patio furniture that is arranged as to the need of the occasion and some outdoor umbrellas that is place to prevent the sunlight and sunburns. That’s you patio is now a party place and also a place were you can relax in summer.
When you plan to buy patio furniture make sure that you consider the design, comfort and the one that best fits your home. As the design and quality of these furniture’s reflects you personality, your personal taste and style. Previously people used to decorate their outdoor patio with plastics or web lawn chairs and loungers, now days you are provided with so many options to choose from, there are lots of fashionable varieties and designs that are available and you can select the one that you desire.
State of the art and classy design of patio furniture have become very common these days. Garden chairs, hammocks to patio loveseats come in many different style and designs for you to choose from. But still due to the recession and the market trend identifying the proper items to furnish your garden or the backyard has been a bit tough and challenging these days.
Outdoor furniture comes in different verities and design. They are also made of different material to fulfill every ones need. So you must look into different factors like the cost, the comfort and the need of the furniture before choosing one. Cane furniture comes with reasonable price and easy to maintain. With little care these type of furniture can last long, all you got to do is spray some insecticides few times to prevent from getting destroyed and try keeping these furniture’s away from the sunlight and rain.
One other type of outdoor furniture is the one that is made of synthetic material like plastic, fiber or plywood. The also come for reasonable price and are weight less and can be easy accommodated and are also custom made. The major problem with synthetic furniture is they look very cheap from the out fit that can spoil the appearance of the patio, but by choosing a good and fashionable design you can overcome this problem.
Patio umbrellas are one of the integral parts in decoration of a patio. It looks incomplete without these. Patio umbrellas come in various designs and color, so it very important that you choose the correct one that suits your living space. The patio umbrella not only provides shade but also they add the color and the attraction to your outdoor spaces. So when selecting the umbrella you must consider the space and the patio furniture so that you pick the apt one.
Patio umbrellas come in different types. Each type as is designed to serve different purposes. If you look at the wooden umbrellas they are really good looking and classy, the aluminum frame umbrellas are durable, strong and last very long, the fiberglass frame umbrellas has both elegant look and durability and also they are flexible and last long. So when choosing a patio umbrella see to that you select the one that best serves you purpose, which is within the budget and the one that fits your living space. So if your budget is more go for the fiberglass frame, if not you can select the wooden or the aluminum patio umbrella.
Before buying a patio umbrella understand the need of these patio umbrellas. Select the one that best suits your patio in terms of color, size and the need. Also look into the comfort factor before selecting. As these patio umbrellas must be easy to maneuver and portable and the color should suit you patio. If you are planning to by some thing different and not the regular one, then go for the patio umbrella that as pole positioned on the side, as there are elegant and also some thing different.

Nothing says “summer” quite like a cookout. Kids love them. Adults, too-because they get to feel like kids again. The aroma of cooking food mixed with fresh air makes everyone’s mouth water. And no one has yet explained how everything cooked outdoors somehow tastes better.

Outdoor kitchens are the newest trend in Houston landscaping. These structures create a focus point similar to the kitchen inside the home. It becomes the center of all the action and entertainment. In other words, outdoor kitchens give you a natural gathering place in a natural setting.

Best of all, an outdoor kitchen allows you, as the host, to enjoy the good times, too. You may be the chief cook and bottlewasher, but, with an outdoor kitchen, you get to do all your necessary-and much appreciated-work right in the midst of your family, friends and guests.

An Expert Call to help with your Outdoor Kitchen

Building an outdoor kitchen is not any different than any other remodeling project-except it must withstand extremely high levels of heat from the grill and, if not built properly, it can damage or destroy your property. Therefore, it makes sense to use a professional.

A pro will help you during the landscape design phase to check your deed restrictions concerning rules regulating such items as size, lot coverage percentages, height, and color materials. They will also be familiar with city regulations prior to and during construction. It is also imperative that you have a good layout so that all your appliances fit and are convenient for use.

Another consideration for which a professional will provide advice is tying your outdoor kitchen’s design into the larger space; things like, complementing any existing structures, easy access to the indoor kitchen and the outdoor kitchen’s relationship to a swimming pool and outdoor fountain. There might be important factors concerning the layout; for instance, if the outdoor kitchen is at your beach house, it might be best positioned to catch the prevailing breeze.

Additions and Subtractions

Decisions to make concerning your outdoor kitchen include:

• Do you want your outdoor kitchen covered so that you can cook and entertain even when it rains? If you opt out of a roof, fabric covers keep your grill and other furnishings clean. Plus they’ll last longer with extra protection.

• You will want to consider the overall size needed. For instance, for the chairs at the dining table, you need at least four feet away from any other element, especially the grill or any step-downs.

• Plan for adequate cabinet space. This way you can keep your outdoor kitchen properly supplied, which will help cut down on trips back and forth to the indoor kitchen.

• Counter top options include tile, granite, stone and concrete. Consider a counter top with a minimum of grout so that it reduces your clean-up time.

• Overhead fans.

• Refrigerator: Undercounter units are popular for outdoor kitchens because they are out of sight, protected by the counter and handy for storage. Look for models that include automatic ice makers and frost-free features.

• Sinks: Stainless-steel sinks are preferable for outdoor kitchens because they won’t corrode.

• Other accoutrements to consider: Waterproof TV and sound systems, hot water heaters, warming drawers, and fireplaces.

The Star of the Show: The Outdoor Grill

Grills can be either custom-built or pre-fabricated. Custom-built grills provide a more permanent appearance. They also require a non-combustible surround, usually made of brick or masonry. Prefabricated grills use a steel frame and are available with decorative finishes such as stucco, brick or stone.

Other nice-to-have features for the grill include a smoker, side burners and a rotisserie.

Whether you go with a custom or ready-made grill, your builder will need to check for any necessary permitting. Electricity, water and natural gas lines are usually brought to the outdoor kitchen from the service in the house.

Don’t Forget!

Jeff Halper with Exterior Worlds suggests three elements that often get overlooked when designing an outdoor kitchen:

• Outdoor kitchens need adequate landscape lighting-and lighting that not only provides general and task lighting, but accent lighting as well. “Lights can be attached to the grill or lighting can be mounted in beams in the arbor, in nearby trees or on the house eaves,” says Halper. “Lights create dramatic effects by casting shadows from plantings and trees. They provide an artistic element that can be enjoyed indoors or out.”

• Plenty of electrical outlets should be included in plans for the cooking and dining areas.

• Think about landscaping, an herb garden nearby. “It’s a nice touch and you can easily add the garden-fresh ingredients to your cooking,” says Halper.