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backyard

Tips To Prepare Your Patio For Winter

Tips To Prepare Your Patio For Winter

In many places, winter can be a time of whipping winds, biting cold, and accumulating snow. We will tell you a few tips to prepare your patio for winter because we know most homeowners choose to pack up their patios once winter arrives and “hibernate.” However, you can prepare this part of your home for the harsh winter months with a few simple patio maintenance tasks.

You may actually be able to use your patio every now and then if you wish to. Here are a couple of outdoor patio ideas that will the transition to the winter season a little more bearable for you – you may even be able to enjoy your morning cup of coffee outside.

Remove Your Patio Furniture: The first thing you need to do before winter comes is remove all furniture and other large items from your patio. Clear away all tables, chairs, backyard tools and plants. Remove debris from all items by giving each a quick wash with a hose and then dry in the sun. If you have an umbrella, take it down from the table and give it a good wipe down to remove accumulated dust and dirt from the summer. Next, cover all the furniture, etc, with a large garbage bag and store them neatly in the shed, garage or beneath a large tarp.

Clean the BBQ Grill: Many people do not think to thoroughly clean their barbeque grill before the winter season sets in. This is often why it looks terrible when spring comes back. If yours is a charcoal, get rid of the ash and old coals.

Scrub it down with a degreasing agent and rinse it thoroughly with a hose. If you have a gas grill, make that you shut off and unscrew the gas lines safely, and then store the tank in a cool, dry place and have your local retailer take it back. Read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to store or dispose it properly.

Tidy Up: If you have trees close to your patio, sweep up the leaves and other debris before they get covered in snow when winter comes. Use a driveway or patio cleaning solution with a high-powered nozzle to thoroughly wash the cement surface or bricks. You need to make sure that your patio gets a fresh start so that when spring arrives again, it will be nice and clean and fully ready to be arranged.

Tips To Prepare Your Patio For Winter

Get New Benches and Lights: If you think that you will be spending time on your patio during the winter, you will need to get weather-proof seating that you can move round easily. A sagacious option is a lightweight plastic bench that is made of recycled materials. Benches like these are usually attractive, easy to lift and move around and can accommodate quite a few people.

If you do want to spend money on a new bench, leave out two patio chairs and get them covered with a heavy-duty, weather-resistant furniture cover. Also, keep in mind that it gets dark earlier outside in the fall and winter, so it is a good idea to get some additional outdoor lighting for your patio, making it more welcoming.

Other tips to prepare your patio for winter that you can try are landscape lighting systems or mini holiday lights to give your patio a warm glow and great ambiance even on those cold, frosty evenings.

Get Ceiling to Floor Shades: There will be times when you crave spending a little time on your patio during the winter. Wind chill, however, deters you from doing so. So how do you solve this problem? A wonderful idea is to get ceiling to floor shades for your patio and reduce wind chill. You will find many different shades and blinds that are made out of natural materials like bamboo or wood.

These are inexpensive additions that will make your outdoor space look beautiful and make it more comfortable when you sit outdoors in winter. You do not have to spend a lot of money on beautiful shades or blinds. Another advantage of this idea is that you can use the shades even when winter passes and spring arrives and the weather gets warmer. It is also a clever way to get a little privacy in your outdoor sitting space.

Maintaining and preparing your patio for winter is not at all a difficult task. Removing and adding a few items is about all you need to do. Nowadays, you will find a wide range of outdoor furniture and other items that are made exclusively for winter.

Make your outdoor living space look chic and cozy for the winter and make sure that it is ready for spring as well by removing your patio furniture or using protective covers on them and add all-weather items. You can still spend time enjoying the winter air outside without damaging any of the furniture and other items you keep out during the rest of the year.

Tips To Prepare Your Patio For Winter

gardening, How to

Water Feature Ideas for Your Garden – Creative and Beautiful

Looking for water feature ideas in your garden? The sound of running water has a relaxing and tranquil effect that calms anyone when they hear it. That is why you see artificial waterfalls in restaurants, hotel lobbies, and so on. No one really knows why it has that soothing effect, but everyone wants to feel it. And you can, by installing a premade fountain or building one on your own.

No matter which you press the button for, you will find an array of beautiful water feature ideas to create these gorgeous features in your yard and make a focal point in your outdoor space that highlights one of the most important elements of nature.

Urn Fountain: A simple urn can make a beautiful, attention-grabbing feature in your garden. It is not overbearingly fancy, so if you want something that is elegant and understated, this is the perfect fountain for you. All you need to do is make sure that the urn or pot that you choose is designed to withstand the elements and last in the outdoors so that it makes it through the year despite whatever Mother Nature has up her sleeves.

Wall Waterfall: If you want decorative water feature ideas, there is nothing quite as stunning as a water wall. It is more modern than a conventional water fountain, so if you are looking something a little more contemporary, this is the one for you. You can get it professionally done, or if you are good with your hands, you can make it a DIY project for your garden and get a striking water fall for your outdoor space.

Stone Pond and Fountain: You can create a lovely water feature in your garden by building a water pond that comes with a little fountain. This is not a difficult DIY project, and you can definitely finish it over a weekend. A pond will make a sweet addition to your garden and add to its visual appeal.

Tiered Pot Fountain: Simply, easy and amazing-looking, a tired pot fountain is a wonderful water feature for your garden. The salient thing about this garden water feature is that you do not need too many materials and tools to build it. You can use two or three pots depending on the size of your garden. Make sure that you take your time looking through gardening stores to find the perfect pots for this project.

water feature ideas

Teapot Fountain: Are you wondering how you can use a teapot to make a fountain? It is really easy and looks adorable. Get a rustic vintage teapot and a wine or whisky barrel and you can create an eye-catching water feature for your outdoor space. The result will be a rustic, charming look that will make your garden look even better, especially when your flowers are in full bloom.

Pond and Waterfall: If you want water feature ideas in your outdoor space but want to save money, you can build a pond with a fountain without spending thousands of dollars. This is an easy DIY project and you will easily find the materials and tools you need at your local stores. Place plants around this feature to enhance its looks and get a stunning water feature in your garden.

water feature ideas

Container Water Garden: Do you want a water feature but do not have the space for it? Well, then this is the perfect one for you. If you do not have the money, space, or time to build a pond for your garden, no worries – you can make a simple mini pond with a container and some water lilies and lettuce. With just a little imaginative effort, you can have something in your backyard that is much more impressive than the 2015 Jurassic World movie which was tired and dull but that is another topic!

Get a large container and fill it with water and a few pretty stones and then add your plants. There you have it – your very own mini pond that beautifies your garden or porch!

Flower Pot Fountain: This feature is all about the pots, so you need to make sure that you find some stunning ones. Forget about regular terra cotta pots if you want something that really catches the eye. Nowadays, you will find a wide array of pots so take your time in picking a couple for this fountain. You can also add some decorative stones in varying sizes to enhance its appeal.

Canoe Water Pond: Do you have an old canoe lying around? Great! You can use it to make a stunning water feature for your garden. Fill it with water and add plants and add other decorative items. You can also have a small submersible filter so you can add some goldfish in it too if you like! This is a fantastic DIY water feature project that you can have loads of fun with.

If you are looking for ways to add a little something extra to your garden or backyard, fabulous water feature ideas will do the trick. In most projects, you will not have to spend too much money and still get a beautiful feature. All you need is a little imagination and creativity and you can create a beautiful pond or fountain for your outdoor space.

backyard, Backyard Inspirations

Backyard Fire Pit – 4 Easy Steps on How to Make Your Own

Winter is coming, and it is time to start planning get-together with loved ones. Nothing beats outdoor entertaining, but with the cold, it can be tough to have a party outside. This is why you need a backyard fire pit.

One solution is to build a fire pit in your backyard. You do not even need to hire a professional to do the job – you can make it a DIY project. You can save that money for something more technical such as installing in lights or bringing in a plumbing for a water fountain and so on. There is nothing wrong with pocketing money and doing a job yourself. With this money, this could be more money towards your kid’s college education.

A few simple steps is all it takes to get a heat fire pit for your backyard. When you are done, you can do all the entertaining you want in your backyard and on your property.

How to Make Your Fire Pit in 4 Steps

So are you ready to make your own fire pit? If yes, let us get started! But before anything else, you need to get your supplies together:

Mattock, shovel, or any other digging tool
Gravel to fill your pit
Colored spray paint
Rubber mallet
Masonry adhesive
Concrete landscaping stones and if you want, a metal fire pit ring. You can buy the stones in a kit that includes the metal ring or by themselves.

backyard fire pit

Step 1: Outline Your Backyard Fire Pit: Put your stones’ bottom ring in the grass where you want your fire pit located. If you are planning to use the metal ring, you can use it to make a circle by placing the stones around in the area for your fire pit. Remove a couple of stones so that there is some space between them. Then, using the spray paint, mark where the outside of the stones would be. Now, you can remove the remaining stones and get your painted circle completed.

Step 2: Dig Your Backyard Fire Pit: Using your mattock, shovel, or whatever digging tool you require or have, dig out the circle the circle you painted 6” deep. This is will be an easy or a more challenging task depending on the area you live. In some areas, there will be a large number of rocks in the soil as well as grass with really strong roots. If you live in such areas, you should be prepared to do quite a lot of hard work to dig a hole for your fire pit.

Step 3: Fill Up Your Backyard Fire Pit: After you have dug a large 6” hole, the next step is to pour the gravel into the hole. You will need to pour gravel until the gravel and ground are level. This is important as the gravel will provide a crucial drainage area for your fire pit when it rains.

Step 4: Build Your Backyard Fire Pit: It is now time to start placing the first ring of stones around the gravel circle’s edge. The rubber mallet will help you tamp down the stones, flat and even. Again, if you are including a metal ring to make your fire pit, you can keep it in the middle so that you can make sure that you fit your stones right up against the metal ring.

When you are placing the second row of stones, use the masonry adhesive and place some on the bottom of every stone so that you can stagger the second row’s placement. This means that each stone’s middle should be sitting on the end seams of the row of stones beneath it. Use the rubber mallet to tighten and even the placement of the stones. Repeat this process with the third row as well.

Building a Fire in Your New Backyard Fire Pit

When the time comes for you to actually build a fire in your new fire pit, you should start with a smaller collection of newspaper, sticks and dry leaves that are may have piled up together. After you have lit the starter pile, you can start adding small logs and a few big branches, and then start placing bigger pieces of wood as the smaller ones start catching on fire.

After having a couple of fires in your fire pit, you may want to scoop out most of the ashes so that they do not accumulate and build up too high and blow around. You can also use a shop vac to vacuum out the ashes or just use the same shovel you used to dig the fire pit in the first place.

backyard fire pit

A Few Small Tips

Before you start making your fire pit, you will want to check on your area’s recreational fire code to make sure that you are allowed to have a fire pit on your property. Also, you should build your fire pit at least 10 feet away from any trees, building structures, fences, or other obstructions. Make sure that you do not have branches that hang directly above the fire pit even if the base of the tree is 10 feet away. If your backyard is large, the fire pit could be much further away, 30 feet or even 20 meters away from any fence, home, or structure.

As you can see, it is not tough to build your own fire pit. You do not even need to hire a professional to do the job. With the right materials and tools, you can make a DIY backyard fire pit without any hassles at all. With your new fire pit, you can get friends and family over and have fabulous parties and get-togethers.

backyard, Backyard Inspirations

Backyard Ideas for Entertaining on a Budget

Are you looking for backyard ideas where you can entertain friends and family, but unable to afford it? What if someone told you that there are many cheap and easy ideas to help you get a backyard that is perfect for all your entertaining needs?

You will be surprised by just how much you can do to transform your backyard into a beautiful space where you can have loads of fun with friends and family.

Get Solar Lights: Do you have an old chandelier that you do not use? Do not be so quick to get rid of it just yet. You can use it to decorate your outdoor space and add light and beauty. Replace the old light bulbs in the chandelier with solar lights. Solar lights are fantastic as they are inexpensive and also help you save money in the long run as you do not have to use electricity. Hang it from a tree branch and get a gorgeous decorative item that provides outdoor lighting and magical charm to your backyard ideas.

Play Glow Games: Do you and your family love to spend time playing outdoors? Well, you do not have to limit those to the day. Get glow bracelets and necklaces and play fun rounds of ring toss at night. This is a poignant way to have a bit of fun with your kids and the glowing neon bracelets and necklaces looks super-cool and add more to the fun!

Tie Vases to Your Fence: Are you planning an outdoor party but not sure what to do about the plain-looking fences? Do not think about doing anything too drastic and expensive. A simple yet gorgeous idea is to tie vases to your fences and fill them with flowers or plants. If you do not have vases, you can use old glass bottles too. They will add loads of charm to your backyard space and you can be sure that your guests will adore your decorating idea.

Spray Paint Metal Folding Chairs: Are you panicking because you have nothing but old metal folding chairs for your outdoor party? Relax! There is a super-quick and easy solution. Just spray paint the folding in bright, vibrant colors and transform them into pretty chairs for your backyard party.

Everyone has several of these chairs lying around in the garage or basement, but are hardly used because they are considered quite ugly. But now you can beautify them with some spray paint and have some bright, funky-looking folding chairs. No doubt your guests will ask where you got them from!

Get a Splash Pad: Want a swimming pool, but cannot afford one? What is the next best thing? A splash pad! They cost a few thousands, but that is still much cheaper than getting a pool. Plus, they are much safer as there is no risk of drowning. Splash pads are loads of fun for kids and adults alike. If you want to entertain on a warm, sunny day, this is the perfect solution. You can bet that everyone will love your idea and start getting splash pads for their own homes.

backyard ideas

Make Mosquito-Repellant Tiki Torches: Do you need outdoor lighting for your backyard party? No problem. Just make a couple of DIY tiki torches that work as mosquito repellants as well. All you need is old wine bottles, citronella oil and thick wicks. They will look great at night and keep your guests safe from irritating mosquitoes so that they can have fun without getting bitten. If you have old wine bottles, keep several aside as you will find many ways to reuse them around your home.

Use Glow-in-the-Dark Paint for Outdoor Lighting: Other backyard ideas are to get some neat lighting for your outdoor space. Coat a few planters around your backyard with glow-in-the-dark paint and you have instant lighting for those nights you are entertaining. They are safe, help you save money, and look amazing. You will love the effects the paint gives off at night, and so will everyone at your party.

Use Mirrors to Make Your Yard Look Bigger: Is your backyard slightly on the smallish side? Well, not to worry because all you need is an illusion to make it look bigger, especially when you are planning to have friends over. A magnificent trick is to hang mirrors on your fence to make your yard look more spacious than it actually is. Use old windows as frames for the mirrors and you will have a unique and beautiful way to do up your fence while creating an illusion of a bigger yard.

As you can see, there are many simple and cheap ways to get the backyard, you want, especially if you are planning to entertain loved ones. Forget about spending a fortune on giving your backyard a makeover – just get creative and use your imagination to create the perfect backyard for parties and get-togethers with friends and family.

Backyard Ideas

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playhouse kits

Build a Playhouse for your Kids or Grand-kids

Would you like to know how to build a playhouse? Building a playhouse and building a house are the same – it is just that a playhouse is on a slightly smaller scale. To make things simple, you can make the little house’s dimensions match the pre-cut lumber that you will be picking up from the home improvement store.

A plywood sheet is 4×8 feet and 2x4s in 8-ft lengths is perfect for a playhouse. So your little house will have a length of 8 feet with 4 foot walls and a roof. This will be a lot less math and minimal work, and your kids will love you for it!

Items You will Need

Shovel
Drill driver
Circular saw
4×4 pressure treated lumber
4×8- foot plywood sheets
2×4 lumber
Joist hangars
Pick
Speed square/rafter square
Landscaping cloth
Sandpaper

Lay the foundation: You will be keeping things simple, but it is still important to start off right. First, find a place in the yard where there is enough room for the playhouse, making sure that the ground is mostly flat already. Take your shovel and pick, break up the earth and making it level and compact. Make a weed barrier by laying down a sheet of landscaping cloth.

Build a playhouse

You may not want to build a playhouse directly on the ground. The moisture and earth will rot away the foundation of the playhouse just like it would a normal house.

Frame the floor: The next step is to set two pressure treated 4x4s (the 8-foot ones) on the foundation. Then cut four 4x4s of 4 feet each to fit between the 8-foot 4x4s. Attach the pieces together with joist hangars. This job is best done with pressure treated lumber because it is going directly on the ground, and that will ensure that it is protected from the elements as already mentioned.

You may want to have a cement foundation. You can look online or hire someone who knows more about that.

Frame the side walls: Make the bottom and top of each wall with two 8-foot 2x4s. Make the walls 4-feet high by cutting ten 2×4 studs and keep in mind that the width of the 8-footers need to be accounted for. You will need to make the studs 4 feet, taking away 1½ inches, which is a 2×4’s actual width, so 3 feet 10½ inches. Now, you can lay the lumber on the ground and screw the studs to the plates both on the bottom and top. Keep them 24 inches apart on each center.

There will be 5 studs on each wall. Next, drill a hole of 5/8^th inches in the bottom plate in the open bay that is between each stud and drill another hole corresponding to the previous, in the foundation’s 8-foot lengths. As you make the walls stand up on the foundation, drive in a 5/8-inch sized bolt through each of the pre-drilled holes. To prevent the walls from falling outward or inward, secure a 2×4 between them temporarily.

Install the floor: The space between the walls should be perfect for a sheet of plywood, meaning it should be 8 feet in length and 4 feet across. Lay a sheet in the space and every foot or so, screw it into the foundation. While the walls are still open, this is the right time to install an indoor or outdoor carpet if you wish to.

Frame the walls: It is now time to frame the front and back walls. Build the end walls the same way that you did the side walls, but with the top and bottom plates at 4 feet. Each wall requires four 3-foot 10 ½ -inch studs, set so that bay in the square’s center is 2 feet wide. Drill 5/8 holes in the outer bays only and then stand the walls up and bolt them down. Next, screw the studs together where they meet at the structure’s corners and you can remove the temporary support.

Frame the roof: For this, 10 rafters (5 on each side) are required, so they match up with the studs you screwed on the side walls. Cut ten 2x4s to 2-feet 15/16 inches with an angle of 45 degrees on each end. To get the angles, mark them with a speed square/rafter square or use a miter saw.

Now match two rafters up, making a V and screw them through the angle. There should be 5 Vs in the end. Set the Vs on the side walls’ top plate so that they match the studs and screw them down. Finally, make a ridge beam by setting an 8-foot 2×4 the length of the roof in the rafters’ angle abs screw it down to each rafter.

Now, you have a completed playhouse skeleton, so the next steps are to skin the side walls, front and back walls and the roof with the plywood sheets. Once you have done that, sand down the rough edges so that the little ones do not get splinter in their skin. That can be unpleasant and ruin the day!

After that, you can add the finishing touches and give it the look you want. You can give it a rustic or polished finish – that is all up to you! You can get the kids involved by letting them help you paint the wood to protect it. If you can make it match your actual home, that could look pretty sharp! You can have loads of fun with your new playhouse.

Build a Playhouse

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Uncategorized

Awesome Playhouse Ideas For Your Kids

Are you looking for some awesome playhouse ideas? Having an outdoor playhouse is a terrific idea as it allows your kids’ imagination to run free. This is why it only makes sense that you personalize your playhouse to suit your little one’s taste and personality. There are many awesome ideas to tailor your kids’ playhouse to their liking – remember, like your little one’s imagination, the sky is the limit!

Playhouse Ideas to make it Functional: The first thing you need to do is consider how your kids are going to use the playhouse. Are your little ones active and like running around, jumping and swinging? You should consider a swing set, a slide, or monkey bars as an addition on the side of the playhouse. You can also add a second story where they can climb up to.

Other magnificent playhouse ideas are to simply use stilts to hold up the playhouse to simulate a tree house. Make sure that the interior has enough floor space, especially if your children like to play “house” or “kitchen” or might occasionally like to have little slumber parties inside. The more functional you make the playhouse, the more your kids will love their playhouse – that is for sure!

playhouse ideas

Add Dimension and Color: Staining or painting a playhouse is one of the most basic ways to personalize it. Color can go a very long way in sparking imagination and establishing mood. If you want a playhouse in “log cabin” style, you can maintain the structure’s rustic feel by putting a fantastic stain both outside and inside. A Victorian playhouse is always a fantastic idea, with bright colored trim and white sides.

A variety of patterns can make drastic changes, like black, green, and brown camouflage for a “fort.” Whether you have a little princess or a mini soldier, with the right color and dimension, you can create perfect little space for them.

Let the Kids Decorate: Your children will be the ones using the playhouse so allow them to pick the décor. Give them some paint swatches or wallpaper options for the interior walls and let them select a design scheme that they want.

Let them hang their favorite posters and their own artwork on the walls. Another super idea is to paint one or two walls inside with chalkboard paint so that the little ones always have a ready canvas. The idea is to give your children a place where they can let their imaginations go wild and have a great time doing creative things, so let them pick out what they would like inside.

playhouse ideas for kids

Furnish the Interior: You cannot have a complete playhouse if there are no furnishings of some sort, and the options to furnish a playhouse that are available these days have never been wider. You will find a large number of stores that dedicate themselves to small-scale furniture like tables, chairs, kitchen utensils and other wares, and even kid-sized sinks!

Place a toy box in one corner, a hammock in a “fort” or small curtains if you have a Victorian-style playhouse. No matter which theme you want to use for the playhouse, you can be sure that you will find the perfect furnishings for it.

Add Plants: As a fun little addition to any playhouse, adding a bit of landscaping can complete the picture. For a “log cabin,” window boxes with flowers are a salient idea while a little white picket fence and shrubs will simulate a cozy cottage in suburbia. To top it all off, allow the kids to put in their own miniature vegetable garden or flowerbed in the “backyard” of the playhouse. This not only allows children to personalize their playhouse, but also encourages them to spend time outdoors and teaches them to look after plants.

Give the Playhouse a Name: Finally, nothing quite says personalization more than putting your name to something – and there is nothing kids love more than claiming ownership by stamping their name on everything. You can paint “Amy’s House” or “My Little Cottage” over the door frame or let the little ones come up with their own creative name for their own little house. They will be super-proud to name their own house and will surely come up with a fabulous one.

You can buy these letters at certain stores and even a home improvement store. You can screw and/or glue these letters in place so nothing Mother Nature unleashes at them can actually dislodge them.

No matter what, get your little ones to tell you what stirs their imaginations and help you in making decisions when you build a playhouse for them. The more you allow them to make decisions, the more responsible towards this playhouse they will feel and this process could help them improve their confidence and self-esteem.

It will also do a lot so that they enjoy their playhouse even more. This is going to be their special place, not just a space to play, so make it as special as you can and they will love every minute they spend in it. With the tips above, you can derive some inspiration and concoct some sagacious ideas to personalize your children’s playhouse.

Playhouse Ideas

backyard, How to, sheds, Uncategorized

How to Secure Your Shed

Do you want to know how to secure your shed? Many people assume that their shed does not need protection. After all, it is nothing more than a storage shack where you keep out-of-season items. But while that lawn mower that you have been storing in your shed for many years may not be of much value on its own, have you considered the accumulated worth of the other contents in your shed – gardening gear, power tools, bikes, electrical cord, portable lights, rope, and lots more.

Despite many valuable items such as these stored in them, sheds are rarely secured properly. Whether or not your shed is attached to your home, you should make sure that the same level of security is provided to it as the rest of your property.

Here are a few tips to help ensure that your shed is as safe and secure as the rest of your home and the surrounding property.

Minimize the Risk of Structural Weaknesses: When there are obvious loose slats and patches of rot, your old shed will be able to provide very minimal defense against thieves. The first thing you need to do is identify the problem areas in the shed. Use new panels to reinforce the internal structure and make sure that you fix loose slats as well.

Replace rotten doors and windows and also patch up holes that you see on your roof. Secondly, make sure that your shed is difficult to for criminals to access. Always keep fence openings closed and secure that are around your yard, use thorny plants as a deterrent, by planting them around the shed and if you have overgrown shrubs surrounding your shed, trim them regularly so that they cannot be used as hiding places.

How to Secure Your Shed

Replace Old Locks: Because many homeowners do not give importance to the security of their sheds, they use old locks. If traditional security is your preferred option, you should replace the old fastener with the strongest hasp and staple you can find with coach bolts. Next, add a strong padlock – preferable one that is rust-resistant or weatherproof – and make sure that you use it each time you close your shed.

Always remember that the harder you make it for a thief to enter your shed, the less likely they will be to try intruding in the first place, because it increases their chances of getting caught. If you prefer a more high-tech option, you should consider investing in an electronic door lock.

Secure Window AC Units: If the window AC units in your shed are not properly secured, burglars looking for access can quickly and easily remove them. You can make sure that it is much more difficult to remove your AC unit by installing a support mechanism that attaches to the exterior wall of your shed.

Although it may take a little more work, you should make sure that you also add a support bracket that can be securely screwed into the wall. This will make it extremely tough for any burglar to move the AC. Once the bracket has been installed, you should also invest in a window security bar. These are affordable improvements that can effectively prevent potential intruders from opening the window above the unit.

Replace Old Hinges: When the hinges of your shed door are exposed and loose, it makes them easy for criminals to unscrew. When this happens, the first thing you should do is replace those old hinges with a set that comes with a non-removable pin. You should look for carriage screws or coach bolts to install the hinges as well, because these types of fasteners come with smooth heads and cannot be removed from the outside once they are screwed in. This will make your shed door stronger and more secure, deterring potential intruders from trying to break in.

secure your shed

Poor Lighting: If your shed is situated in a corner of your yard where it cannot be reached by the porch light, it will make it difficult to see what is going on during the night. The best solution is to invest in motion detector lighting and have it installed. No criminal wants the spotlight on them so this will keep them away for sure. Depending on the strength and range of your lighting, it may also help in deterring intruders from the rest of your property.

There are many effective ways to make sure that your garden shed is properly secured and the items inside are safe. While some are expensive, you will find many affordable and easy ways to secure this structure. They will ensure that potential criminals have a hard time accessing your shed and getting their hands on your hard-earned property.

You can make sure that the equipment, tools, and other items that you store in your shed are safe from the hands of burglars and thieves. So do not neglect your shed and find ways to ensure that it is secure at all times.

How To Secure Your Shed

How to, sheds

How to Level and Install Your Shed’s Foundation

Want to know how to level a shed? Install the foundation? Sheds are a magnificent structure to have if you have the space on your property. You can use it for many things – from storing gardening tools to a private space where you can work.

Nowadays, many homeowners are building sheds to use for a range of purposes. If you want a long-lasting shed, you will need to make sure that its foundation is sturdy so that it stays level and is protected from moisture. It needs to be able to withstand the fury that Mother Nature enjoys hurling once in a while.

Your shed can preserve your tools for many years, decades in fact, if it is built right. It can also increase the value of your home.

Here are steps you should follow to build the foundation of your shed.

Step 1: Choose a spot for your shed that is almost level and does not collect water. It is also good to have a 3 foot clearance around the perimeter from things like structures and fences. Larger sheds, i.e. 160 square and above, require 4 feet of clearance. Having this area ensures that you have room to build the shed.

Step 2: To make sure that there is ample space in your backyard to build a shed, use batter boards and mason’s string to mark the area. For some installation, like the ones with runners, the shed tends to overhang the runners by quite a few inches. Use batter boards and mason’s string in order to easily mark the perimeter of the posts supporting the runners.

Step 3: To square the area, measure 3 feet along one string and 4 feet along the adjacent string. Keep in mind that the distance between the points should be at least five feet. Adjust the string as you need to along the batter boards and mark the string’s location on the batter boards. Also make sure to check the other corners.

Building the Foundation

You can build your foundation in a number of ways. The following instructions are for a shed that uses posts that are set in concrete footers.

Step 1: Make sure that the post holes are roughly 4 feet apart. Set up a mason’s string and batter boards to mark the points. The intersections of the string are indicators of a post corner’s location. Follow the 3-4-5 principle provided above to check for square at each intersection. Adjust the mason’s string alongside the batter boards as you need to and mark the string location on the batter board.

Step 2: Dig the post holes with a diameter of 12 inches and also 12 inches below the frost line. Pour roughly 4 to 6 inches of gravel into the hole, compact it and add concrete – make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s directions for mixing. If you move the string, use marks on the batter boards to get it back to the correct location.

Step 3: Once the concrete has cured, set a post on the footer’s top. To set the post square, use the mason’s string’s intersection. Make sure that the post is plumb and hold it straight, and then compact concrete around the sides and cover it up with soil. Keep each post in position by bracing it while the concrete sets.

Step 4: Once all the posts have been set, it is time to ascertain the height for the shed floor and then mark one post. Now, make use of this as a guide to mark other posts and cut them with a saw.

Step 5: This is when you need to attach post base brackets as well as 4×4 runners.

Step 6: You can now build the frame of the floor with treated 2x4s and nails according to the directions given for your shed. Make sure you follow instructions, you want this to work right and not turn out like the ACA’s website.

Step 7: Now, set the frame on the 4×4 runners, making sure that you leave an overhang at the ends and attach a side to each 4×4 with a screw.

Step 8: Measure the diagonals of the frame to check for square. First, measure the distance between two opposite corners and then, between the remaining corners. You should get the same measurements. If you need to, make adjustments and then secure the other side of the frame to the 4x4s. Next, secure the frame at each point contacting the 4x4s with screws.

Step 9: Now, set a floor panel at the frame’s corner, flush to the edges. Nail down the edge that is short and check the frame for square once more. Many any required adjustments. Nail down the rest of the plywood. Attach the other panels of the floor, according to the directions. Do not forget to check for level.

how to level a shed

Step 10: Now that your foundation is set, you are ready to build the shed. There are kits that come with detailed instructions so you can build a DIY shed, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.

Installing your shed’s foundation is critical since it is what determines how long your shed will last. Without a sturdy foundation, your shed will not stand firm. So make sure that you install your shed’s foundation properly and that it is level. This is the best way to make sure that you have a strong shed that stays with you for years. You want this shed to last many hockey seasons, decades of them in fact.

How To Level a Shed

sheds

How To Make A Backyard Shed Sensational – 7 ways

Want to know how to make a backyard shed sensational? Maybe you have a shed that has seen better days? Well, why not give it a pick-me-up with a makeover? You can make your old garden look pretty and awesome with countless makeover ideas. You do not have to make huge changes or spend a lot of money.

A few simple touches here and there will give your shed a whole new look and feel, and even change the way your yard looks. Here are some fantastic ideas to inspire you to change your shed and make it look stunning.

Give it Color: A new coat of paint can change the way your shed looks in no time. If you are looking for a cheap way to liven up your shed, or just want something quick and easy, all you need is paint. The thing is that you can have a lot of fun and play around with different colors. You can make your old garden shed look bright and fun, and unique – all with just a fresh lick of paint!

Give it New Purpose: If your old shed is just sitting unused in your garden, why not use a new concept for it? You have endless possibilities for a personalized space. You can turn your old shed into almost anything you want. You can turn it into a private retreat where you can escape from everyday life and relax, read, write, or paint. Or you could even transform it into a haven where you and your friends can enjoy afternoon tea without the kids screaming nearby. Another fantastic idea is to turn your shed into the private office you have always wanted.

Create a Secret Hideaway: Love the idea of having a secret hideaway right in your backyard? You can easily do this by planting ivy or any other climber next to your shed. Use a trellis to help the plant grow and eventually, it will blend in with the rest of your garden. If your shed has a porch on the front, you can give it an enchanting look with a climbing rose winding around the front entrance. Every time you need a little peace and quiet, you will have your very own beautiful secret place to hide in!

Add Windows: Most sheds do not have windows and are often dark and dingy inside. You can create a bright and airy space and transform your shed by adding windows. The rays of sunlight that come in will make your shed bright and also make it look a whole lot more spacious. You can use old windows that you may have lying about on your property or make new ones. Whatever you choose, introducing windows to your shed will give it new life and you will love it.

Give it a Fairy Tale Touch: Who does not love the pictures of cottages in fairy tale books? You can create your very own fairy-tale effect by adding fairy lights, bunting, or lanterns. These little additions will make your shed look quaint and cozy and give it a lot of sparkle. With detailing like these, your new oasis will be a far cry from the dark and dingy place that it was before. Create a magical space with this idea.

Surround it with Flowers: Are you tired of looking at your plain garden shed? Well, it is a garden shed, so why not make it look like one? Plant flowers and plants in pots and surround your shed with them. Your tools are all inside, but the flowers will show the work you have been doing. It is also an acute or alluring way to decorate and brighten up an old structure. Adding flowers around your shed will make it look pretty and also enhance your entire yard.

Personalize it with Homemade Stencils: You can add a personal touch to your shed with DIY stencils. The best thing about this idea is that stencils are really easy to make. All you have to do is print your design to size and cut it out using a Stanley knife. Next, stick your stencil in the position you want and paint it over with the same shade of the surface that you are painting on to. Once it dries, paint it over with the second color. Simple and cheap, this is a fabulous idea when you want to give your shed a new, custom look.

As you can see, the possibilities are endless when you want to change the way your rickety old garden shed looks. You can add beautiful colors, or windows, or stencils – the ideas can just keep flowing. All you need is a little imagination. A garden shed is a fantastic space so make the most of it. If you do not like gardening, turn it into another space that you can make good use of. Just remember to make it symbolize your personality.

backyard, Backyard Inspirations

Garden Party Ideas for Your Next Big Party

Looking for garden party ideas? The days are sunny, warm, and longer which can only mean one thing – it is the perfect time to throw a garden party. What better way to celebrate the season and have a little fun with the people you love? Whether you want elegant and sophisticated or hipster and rustic, there are many amazing garden party ideas that you can use as inspiration.

You do not have to spend hours or a fortune preparing for your outdoor get-together. Here is a list of incredible ideas to help you throw the best garden party anyone has ever been to.

Food and Drink

The first thing you need for any party is food and drinks. Here are some awesome ideas to make sure that you are all set when it comes to eats and beverages. There is nothing wrong with some Taco Bell but of course the fresh food from your garden will make everyone happy. Well, the people that feel like eating healthy at least

Beverage Station: Why stress yourself out running around after everyone and serving them? You should be having a good time too. Have a beverage station at your gathering where guests can help themselves to anything they want while you enjoy the party too. You can have a friend monitor this area as well. Could be wise, certainly if alcohol is being served.

Watermelon Keg: This will definitely be a big hit at your party. Forget beer kegs – get a watermelon keg with a refreshing drink in it. It is easy to make, fun, and most importantly, it is delicious. You should certainly use this idea for your garden party.

Potato Salad: You cannot have a party without having a giant batch of easy-to-make potato salad. This is something that almost everyone can eat and because it is so easy to make, it will buy you more time to get other things ready.

Pizza Dip: If you are looking for an easy yet tasty snack for everyone to enjoy, you cannot go wrong with a pizza dip. Just make a batch of this yummy cheese and tomato dip and little toasts – everyone can help themselves to this no-fuss snack.

Iced Tea: You cannot have a garden party without refreshing iced tea. It is super-easy to make in no time at all and is sure to keep everyone refreshed while they enjoy your outdoor party. You should definitely not forget this one for your garden do.

Edible Cup and Saucer: You obviously need cups and saucers for your garden party. But why not surprise your guests by giving them this yummy option that they can munch on once they have finished their drink?

Tableware

Your tableware will set the atmosphere for your garden party so you need to think it out carefully. Here are some prolific ideas to help you out.

Gold Foil Tumblers: This is a simple yet sophisticated DIY that will add a touch of class to any event. It is the perfect way to serve your drinks – your guests will love the idea!

DIY Vases: Who says you need expensive vases to decorate the tables at your garden party? Get simple mason jars and fill them with beautiful flowers. You can add ribbons and other small accessories to make them look elegant without spending too much.

Chalkboard Runner: If you are looking for a fun way to label everything you are serving, a chalkboard table runner is the perfect idea. This is a clever and considerate way to make sure that your guests know what is in the food, especially for those who may have allergies or are just plain fussy.

Confetti Tablecloth: Are you worried that your table will get ruined? An amazing idea is to use this DIY tablecloth which will not cost you much. Just get a plain white tablecloth and paint dots all over it, like confetti. There you have it – a bright confetti tablecloth that looks adorable and serves its purpose of protecting your table.

Cutlery Pouches: Add a little style to your garden party and use cutlery pouches that have your guests’ fork, spoon and napkin ready. They are super-cute and are very easy to make. All you need is Kraft bags. Remove the top flap, cut them in half vertically and then sew a zigzag seam down the bag’s length. Fold the napkin with the fork and spoon inside and out fold them into the pouches. Pretty simple.

General Decorations

Every party needs decorations and there are many fantastic ideas out there. The best part is that you do not need to shell out loads of cash for them.

Candle Lanterns: Candles create an intimate atmosphere and a soft evening glow. You can make your own candle lanterns with DIY dyed baby jars and have cute colored lanterns glowing all around our garden.

Bunting: You definitely need bunting at a party – it is just one of those decorations that add that holiday look and feel. You can make your own without having to sew anything. Just get the fabric you choose for the bunting, get a length of ribbon and glue the bunting on to it.

With these ideas, you can make sure that your garden party is fun and pretty, without working too hard or spending too much. You can have a successful garden party where everyone has a refreshing time and cannot wait for you to throw another one!

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