Your outdoor space is intended to be enjoyed by you and your family. And, how you and your family choose to do this is entirely a personal preference. So, take a moment to think about your family as well as your current circumstances and establish how you can get the most out of your yard.

If you are presently childless, but the odds are that this could change, you might want to choose lawn and landscaping (such as grass, shrubbery, flowers and plants) that are easily cared for, and will adjust to future usage and “traffic” increases.

While you’re at it, think ahead and plan on where that play equipment might eventually be located, and do some advance preparation in that area by planting a sturdier type of grass, leveling irregular surfaces, planting matured shade trees and shade-providing foliage or maintaining what already exists. Then, you can focus on the areas of the yard that remain, and decide how the grounds will be used or how you want to it presented.

If it is just you and one other person, consider your age, living situation and health both at present and in the near future. If you enjoy maintaining a yard, are still able to do so, now is the time to finally have that visionary yard you always wanted. If your concept of the “perfect yard” includes having a lawn whose look would compete with any golf course, along with the flowers and other plants that you always wished for, then go for it.

If you are someone who absolutely detests keeping up with grass, then feel free to design a space outside that will be appealing to you. If you adore birds and butterflies more than you adore a green lawn that looks like a golf course, than you can create the space you want by planting flowers that will call the attention of birds and butterflies. Remember, this is your area to design how you please.

Some areas of the nation have a weather and climate pattern that allows for outdoor entertaining almost all year long. If this describes the area you live in, then an outdoor entertaining area would be ideal. You could add a gazebo, a dining area or whatever else you like. Add a fireplace and a fountain or perhaps even an outdoor bar area.

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Author: Anita Koppens
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Here’s a guide to which patio and backyard chores kids can do around the yard the summer, organized by age group.

Once a child reaches a certain skill or age level, he can generally do the chores for his age group and those for the age groups below.

Of course, some of these chores need to be done each day, others once a week, and still others once a month or even less frequently.

Use your best judgment for what gets done when.

Ages 2 and under:

- Pick up outside toys

- Collect snails in a pail

Ages 3 to 5:

- Previous chores, plus:

- Put away outside toys and games (and all their pieces) in the proper boxes or bins

- Help with planting

- Water outside plants

- Debug plants

- Sponge down the outdoor play table

Ages 6 to 9:

- Previous chores, plus:

- Hang up (pool) towel

- Rake leaves

- Sweep the patio and porches

- Wipe outside table and chairs

- Do easy yard work such as weeding

- Help test the pool or hot tub water

- Help balance the pool or hot tub pH

- Help clean the pool strainer baskets

- Prepare recyclables for pickup

- Clean doormats

Ages 10 to 13:

- Previous chores, plus:

- Take trash and recycling containers to the curb

- Clean outdoor furniture

- Plant plants and bulbs

- Harvest vegetables

- Mulch plants

- Take compostable material to the compost pile

- Cut flowers for the house

- Vacuum the pool once a week

- Scrub the pool sides occasionally

- Fish surface litter out of a pool (with a grown-up’s supervision, of course)

Ages 14 to 17:

- Previous chores, plus:

- Mow the lawn

- Wash exterior windows

- Do yard work such as pruning

- Spring-clean the garage

- Check the pool or hot-tub filter

- Maintain the compost pile

- Clean out the fireplace and tools

- Change furnace filters.

Tara Aronson is a mom of three, lifestyle expert, and author of “Mrs. Clean Jeans’ Housekeeping with Kids” (Rodale) and “Simplify Your Household” (Reader’s Digest Publishing). Tara most recently shared her tips for family laundering on “The Rachael Ray Show” (February 4, 2009). Tara’s website offers tips and strategies for simplifying family life, including “Motivating Kids to – Gasp! – Clean.”

Author: Tara Aronson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Have you ever been walking through one of those big name stores and stopped to look at that outdoor accessories they have on display? You think it would be something cool to have, but you don’t like the design. Well, there are many different styles of fire pits available. Heck, you can even build your own!

Types of Fire Pits

There are four styles you can choose from. They are the column, ring, pit table, and table top. All can be fueled by propane or wood. You can usually find prices starting at around sixty dollars.

A table top pit is one that you can actually place on top of a table. Usually they use a small propane tank for fuel. These are good for small, intimate settings and provide great light. Obviously due to the size they are not going to provide much warmth. These are the cheapest pits you will find and prices are considerably under $100.

If you want more fire, don’t want to spend more money, and don’t mind getting a bit dirty, then fire rings are for you! You can find rings that are portable as well. These are pretty simple, not much to look at actually. But they get the job done keeping you warm late into the night.

For those looking for style in a compact fireplace, look no further than fire columns. Standing 4 feet tall at most, these use smaller propane tanks, but they are great for light and for heat. They cost a bit more, starting at about $125 at most online retailers.

Finally, fire ring pit tables are for the home owner that is looking to add a centerpiece to their outdoor living space. These amazing pits can be fueled by wood or propane. They will provide lighting, heat, and a place to cook. They are great for large gatherings on those chilly nights.

These outdoor flame pits are a great addition to any backyard. Take the time to research the best pit for you and you will have a great outdoor entertainment center for years to come!

Setting up patio fire pits on your own is easier than you think. Don’t forget your fire pit accessories!

Author: Michael Justice
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Your backyard can be an extension of your living space for entertaining family and friends while adding to the value of your home. First you need to consider a few things like budget, architecture of your home, landscape, family needs and your lifestyle. If you are on a tight budget then you can do this in steps while taking into consideration what the completed project will be.

You will then want to check with your local building department what their requirements are like easements or restrictions. Before construction starts it is always good to have your local utility companies mark any underground utilities. A good deck contractor will do this.

A good starting base would be a deck. Will this be a wood deck ( pressure treated pine, cedar, redwood) that will require maintenance from time to time like a good wood preservative or will it be an exotic hard wood or composite deck material that requires less attention? Will it be constructed with screws or nails? Check with your supplier to make sure that you get the best fasteners for you application if doing this yourself.

You can make this an outdoor living room with a fireplace or fire pit with a outdoor kitchen complete with a sink with running water, built in gas grill and refrigerator or just a deck with a portable gas or charcoal grill.

Consider shading this with a pergola or getting a little more protection from the rain with a shingled roof over the area and maybe install a set of french doors linking the indoors out to your new backyard paradise.

A nice water feature like a fish pond with a waterfall can add a relaxing touch for those days when you want to nap in your rope hammock or use your laptop surfing the internet. You can add a gas heater for the cooler days or screen it in to keep those pesky bugs out while still letting the breeze flow through.

You can then add lighting, ceiling fan, outdoor rug, outdoor furniture, landscaping, wall mounted LCD TV and outdoor art work.

As you can see the possibilities are endless and this will give you endless memories for you family and friend photo albums.

Do a search for outdoor living. The internet is full of images that will help you with your design.

Terry Campbell has over thirty years experience as a fence, patio cover, and deck contractor in the Dallas Texas metro area.

Author: Terry Campbell
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Are you interested in an outdoor firepit? An outdoor fireplace can be an amazing attraction on your patio, or use anywhere in the yawn. Use it like a campfire in your own backyard! Most firepits can easily be transported anywhere, so you can take on a camping trip or to a friends place if you desire. An outdoor fireplace is like sitting around the campfire, everyone will enjoy gathering around the fire and some will sure want to roast marsh mellows.

There are so many types of firepits on the market today. Take the time to shop around, you may find more and more, and may have a hard time deciding which type to choose. Some common styles are bowl, square, and rounded cylinder. Combine with screened, covered or open style. They are also made from stainless steel, porcelain, slate, iron, or cast aluminum, and with different designs and colors.

Firepits can also provide beauty and warmth. Many have several types of cooking racks, some are designed well for artificial logs. Some are large to hold even the big logs you have to burn and there are sure small pits for those smaller patio areas for a nice small fire.

An example of an affordable porcelain screened type is the Heatwave from Landmann USA. It costs about 60 dollars and is a great starter outdoor fireplace. It is portable with large wheels and has a cover with screen door.

Another example is to build a firepit from scratch using a steel ring and retaining wall blocks around the pit. Cobble circle pavers can also be used around the fireplace. Learn more below!

Hope you find a fire pit to enjoy for many years!

For Detailed Examples and photos visit us here

For a Detailed Project “how to” project of cobble circle pavers around a block firepit ring

Author: Steve Hildebrand
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Indoor/Outdoor Fire pits combines the soft and warm subtleness with paired cozy feeling in around the area it’s installed as in the backyard, at a campsite or even on the beach, these compact units come in a variety of shapes and finishes to accommodate any decor or natural setting. An outdoor patio fireplace turns a patio into an outdoor room, a fully usable extension of the interior. Add toasty warmth to your outside gatherings with invited guests/visitors. The fire pits or Hearths are not totally made up of furniture accessories but with slight wooden appearance is attached to it. For enhanced burn longevity and heat productivity a `Log Grabber` is introduced. The Log Grabber resists heat from burning firewood due to its durable steel construction and powder coat finish. The rubber grip handle stays cool to the touch and features three-grip tongs for extra safety and adaptability. A spring-loaded lever action allows users to manipulate firewood with relative ease and comfort.

Fireplace features:

1. All sturdy Hard wooden construction;

2. Black Enamel Lid And Bowl For Extra Durability;

3. Galvanized Spark Guard for Rust Resistance and Ember Control;

4. 360 Degree oval view of round fire pit console;

5. Cooking and Charcoal Grate for Grilling Versatility;

6. Large Removable Ash Drawer;

7. Hinged Front Door Panel with Latch for Easy Access;

8. Diamond Matrix Border Creates Even Vent System;

9. Large Wooden Roller Wheels For Portability (mobility);

10. Heat Shield on Bowl Handle For Hands Protection;

11. High Quality Heat paint for protection of wooden sections of the hearth;

12. Strong Tubular Legs With Angled Feet For hearth’s Stability(charcoal fall);

13. Large Removable Ash Drawer Multiple Fire Handling capacity and cleaning facility;

14. Stainless steel wood ash tray/pan attached with wooden console fire pit

2007 Homelement.com

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Author: Charlie Kumar
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Eco Friendly

With the weather warming up, what a great time to drift on a raft in a backyard swimming pool. There is no better place to getaway from life’s little stresses than your own backyard. Travel time is minimal and the stay is free!

With so many new swimming pool products and landscape ideas available, there is no reason you can’t create that special retreat at your own home. There are an array of new pool decking materials available, new filtration systems (salt water is in), waterfalls cascading into the pool and outdoor living rooms are all the rage! It is not just a pool anymore; it is your own backyard luxury resort.

Below are some of the new trends we have been seeing in swimming pool design and landscaping.

Swimming Pool Design – The best place to start with any major project is with a comprehensive design. Whether you plan to do things in stages or all at once, you will want to be certain you receive a complete design to ensure the entire yard blends together. Start by determining a few key points for the design – the size and shape of the swimming pool, how you intend to use the space (relaxation, exercise, sports) and any special design elements you would like incorporate that suit your lifestyle. Your imagination is your only limitation (well and possibly your budget).

Swimming Pool Decks – The new trend in pool decking is to throw out the stark white concrete and use more exciting, natural pool decking products. You can easily give an old pool new life by changing the decking. We are seeing homeowners use more natural products – brick pavers, blue stone, and travertine – that blend in with their overall landscaping and add a little bit of color to their pool.

Total Outdoor Living Spaces – The new rage in landscaping is to create outdoor living rooms, and this includes swimming pools. Incorporating a gourmet kitchen, outdoor fireplace or cabanas and pool houses into your pool area can provide a perfect place to gather and entertain friends and family.

Water Features – Whether it is water cascading from a rock waterfall or an intricate grotto located behind the falls, the new trend for pools is to add the relaxing element of falling water. Customers are incorporating water features into their pools – fountains that shoot bursts of water through the air, elaborate cascades that drop a sheet of water into the pool and intricate waterslides for the kids (and you too). You can create your own natural wonder of the world.

Salt Water Pools – The new trend in pool filtration systems is salt! Benefits of this natural cleaning process include: no chlorine smell, no red eyes, reduced cost (your just buying salt), and no pool “shocking” with chemicals. Talk to your local pool company to learn more about how the salt filtration system works.

Swimming Pool Landscaping – Remember to add color and beauty to your swimming pools landscape. Bring in lush plantings around the pool deck to soften the hardscape and a few evergreens to add some privacy. Also think about shade elements; will you be using carefully planted trees, umbrellas or awnings.

Swimming Pool Lighting – Don’t forget the lighting, you may want to enjoy your pool well into the evening. You can use a mix of landscape lighting for pathways, trees and gardens, use fountain lights in the pool and add a few Tiki torches for the island resort experience. You can set any mood with the right lighting!

Tim Sanford, President of Carville Landscape Co. serving customers in Virginia. Visit Carville Landscape Co. at [http://www.carvillelandscape.com] For more landscape and hardscape information read Tim’s blog at http://www.AskTheLandscapeGuy.com

Author: Tim Sanford
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The summer season will be here sooner than you know it. You know what that means don’t you? You better get your backyard patio all cleaned up and ready for summer barbecues and outdoor family gatherings. It isn’t difficult at all to get your backyard in party condition. All it takes is a few simple decorative touches such as new patio furniture or adding outdoor soapstone stoves to cook on.

Decorating your outdoor patio is fairly easy. The most difficult part is deciding on just one idea from the thousands of different ways to liven it up. Some people choose to transform their patio into a cooler, pleasant looking one while not spending that much money to do so. All you need is a little imagination in coming up with a design and theme. Most do this with patio furniture from umbrellas to shelter you from the sun or rain to soapstone countertops to set your summer drinks on.

The first step is to invest in some really good quality patio furniture. You need somewhere for everyone to gather, after all. Patio furniture can be found in a wide range of materials such as plastic, wood, wicker, resin, aluminum, chaises, metals and glass. You’ll want outdoor furniture that is built to withstand the outdoors too. Make sure it is both water and sunlight resistant.

One of the most popular types of patio furniture is the lounge chairs. These classic chairs never go out of style. These chairs make us feel like we are floating on air and are sold in a variety of eye catching colors. No outdoor deck or backyard is complete without at least one lounge chair. We have a pair set up next to our fireplace made of soapstone for those cool spring nights.

Among the different types of furniture for the outdoors, resin furniture is the hardiest and requires the least amount of maintenance and care. We use two resin chairs next to a soapstone counter as a place to eat lunch. If your resin chair is looking a little dirty, simply spray it clean with some water and let it dry off. Most scuff marks can be removed using a gentle abrasive.

If your furniture is hard to sit in, try adding a cushion to your chairs. Try to keep a storage place in mind when you’re done with these cushions. We try to keep ours in a space underneath our soapstone countertops. This is a cool, dry place which helps limit the amount of cleaning needed for them.

Anne has worked on many home improvement projects with soapstone. Her specialties are redesigning ordinary kitchens into the extraordinary using soapstone stoves [http://www.doradosoapstone.com/_Fireplaces/index.htm] or soapstone countertops.

Author: Anne Harvester
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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There are several exciting ways to enjoy the outdoors and have some fun with family and friends even in the cold winter season. One of which is to sit by the patio fire pit. A patio fire pit turns any outdoor patio area into a cozy warm place to gather. This type of pit can be easily installed so you can start enjoying its benefits that bring closer bond to family and friends.

Placing a outdoor fireplace on your patio or near your home garden creates a good ambiance for a romantic moment with your loved one or a great party with family and friends.

In warmer climates, it makes a lot of sense to make use of the space around your house as living space like the porch area, your backyard, or patio. Even in some countries with four seasons, people will always find ways to have fun and group activities outside the house. Simply hanging around outside with family and friends, dining, or having a party seems to look enjoyable if done outside. A patio fire pit is the best and inexpensive way to create greater comfort and entertainment during the cold winter or even in the summer.

The most common design of a fire pit is circular. This shape resembles the traditional campfire used to gather family and friends around. There are several available styles and designs to suit your taste. It also comes in various materials such as copper, steel, clay, stone, and bricks. If you don’t like to use wood for burning, you can opt for natural gas or propane.

You can also purchase an outdoor fireplace that is portable. This is great for having the option to move it around wherever it is needed. Several people would prefer to buy portable fire pits while others opt for permanent fixture. If should you choose a permanent design, you might as well consider a design that you can do yourself. It simply involves digging a hole in the ground and piles some bricks around it. If you want to have a pit for your patio, this do it yourself design is not applicable, so you have to choose a ready made one.

Having a patio fire pit also requires safety precautionary measures. Since you will be dealing with open flame, several certain designs employ a protective screen that prevents sparks that may be considered as fire hazard. It is also important to consider the proper location in relation to your house and other structures that are flammable.

Before purchasing, find out more about gas fire pits by checking out our recommended outdoor fire pits first.

Author: James T. Woodson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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California Wine Country residents have enjoyed outdoor kitchens for years, and now this once considered luxurious trend is riding a wave of popularity in warm weather states across the nation. As gasoline prices soar, more homeowners are investing in amenities for enjoying good food and friends at home, including high quality grills, outdoor furniture, outdoor fireplaces, and outdoor lighting. Creating an outdoor kitchen in your own backyard also adds to your home’s value, though you probably won’t want to part with your custom kitchen alfresco and may even find yourself out there grilling on weeknights too.

Today’s outdoor kitchens come complete with built in grills that include stovetop style burners, roasting spits, and griddles; bar and service centers with sinks and refrigerators; storage space for cooking gear and dishes; counters for prep work; even built in lighting and stereo systems. Patio umbrellas, custom designed awnings or arbors protect cooking and food prep areas. Outdoor carpets and special rubber chef’s mats cover the “floor” for standing comfortably while cooking. Outdoor fireplaces, patio heaters, and fire pits provide warmth on cool days and evenings. “Exterior decorating” includes wall art and sculpture, and weather resistant outdoor dining sets, couches, and ottomans complete the comfy indoor feel.

What you include in your outdoor kitchen will depend on your budget and how much you enjoy grilling and outdoor dining. Cost ranges from about $2,500 for the basics: a high quality free standing grill and patio dining set, to well over $25,000 for a top of the line built in grill, bar, sink, service center, and more. More elaborate outdoor kitchens include automatic dishwashers and special wine refrigerators. Outdoor “cabinetry” is stocked with top quality grilling accessories, grilling spices, and wine tools, and all indoor cooking necessities are included, right down to the paper towel holder.

The heart of the outdoor kitchen is the grill, and experts recommend purchasing the best you can afford. Top of the line outdoor grills made of high grade stainless steel, such as Lynx grills and Twin Eagles grills, come with lifetime warranties and provide professional grade heat output, restaurant style searing marks, and special amenities, including griddles and side burners for whipping up breakfast alfresco on the weekends. These upscale grills are fueled by gas or propane. Budget conscious homeowners will find fueling with bottled propane the least expensive choice with no need for running costly gas lines from the house to the outdoor cooking area.

Efficient layout is just as important when building an outdoor kitchen as it is with indoor kitchen design. Grilling with ease makes the outdoor cooking experience all the more enjoyable. Design experts suggest that the grill and sink flank the food prep area, and that an outdoor refrigerator or food cooler be available to keep ingredients fresh as you assemble your meal. Providing for even the smallest storage space will cut down on trips inside to retrieve barbecuing accessories, cooking gear, and serving dishes. However, a short and easy path to your indoor kitchen may be an important consideration, especially if you often entertain large groups, requiring use of both cooking areas. Making the most of a pleasant view and providing shaded seating may also be important considerations.

To create an outdoor kitchen on a tight budget or enjoy the outdoor cooking experience in a less permanent way before installing built in appliances, outdoor kitchen designers recommend opting for a freestanding grill with rollers, side trays, and storage. Pair with a comfy outdoor dining set, and you’ll have the basics in portable form while considering the kitchen and dining layout best for you. You’ll also enjoy amazing grilled meals while planning your ultimate outdoor kitchen.

Sue Capella is a Northern California writer/editor who enjoys writing about home and garden. Sue is a copywriter for Outdora, a retailer that specializes in heightening the outdoor experience.
Located in Sonoma, California, Outdora is committed to customer service excellence and providing top of the line merchandise at unbeatable prices! Outdora offers an extensive inventory of high-end barbeque grills such as Twin Eagles and Lynx Grills. This summer, the staff at Outdora is excited to announce the opening of the Outdora Showroom in downtown Sonoma which will continue to offer the top names in barbeque grills including Big Green Egg and Viking.

Author: Sue Capella
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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