The Ideal Decking Solution - Why Choose Composite Decking?

Decking around the garden area always adds a little extra touch to any family home. Before deciding on the type of design and style you want, it is important to differentiate between the two types of decking material, namely, wood and composite. The cost will also vary according to the material and its durability. The most important thing you have to think about when you decide to have a decking area is the maintenance that it will need.

The all-time favourite material used for decking is wood. Wood decking creates a natural feel, smell and warmth to it. It comes in the form of softwood and hardwood. Softwood decking is less expensive and much easier to work with. It is pre heated and chemically treated for preserving the wood for longer durability. Hardwood decking on the other hand is harder to work with but it is more popular because of its rich and wide range of natural colours. This type of decking is more popular compared to its counterpart due to its firm structural strength and resilient properties. However, wood decking is high maintenance and gets expensive because overtime without proper maintenance it begins to crack and split. The natural colour of the wood begins to fade and change colour due to the different weather conditions.

Composite decking fibre or otherwise known as wood-plastic composites is made with recycled plastic and wood. This type of decking is becoming more and more popular as it is eco-friendly in nature and serves as the ideal alternative to wood. There are two versions, namely, solid and hollow composite decking. The solid composite decking looks more like natural wood whereas hollow composite decking looks more engineered.

A composite deck is going to last longer compared to any other kind of decking due to its properties. Composite decking is resilient to weather conditions. Firstly, it is not affected by the moisture in the environment and is resilient to insects and rots. Secondly, it doesn't swell or shrink in size like natural wood due to weather conditions. Thirdly, it cuts and can be installed easily like real wood. Fourthly, it contains slip and water resistant properties.

Everyone loves a newly built deck but you have to constantly maintain it to keep up with the new look. As discussed earlier, the most important thing to consider before investing in a decking area is maintenance. For example, you might like a particular shade of colour amongst the natural wood range however, that particular shade is going to fade and maintaining it is going to cost you a lot more later on.

Wood decking overtime requires repainting as the wood loses it natural colour and starts turning into a dull shade. It starts to warp and crack due to the weather conditions and you will likely have to repair the deck as time passes. Wood decking matures and soon becomes prone to termites and you have to use wood preservatives to keep them away.

Composite decking is easy to maintain, as you only have to wash and scrub it down two or three times per year to avoid moulds or other surface problems building up. It doesn't require painting or heating as it withstands all kind of weather conditions. It is cheaper and its resilient properties make it the lowest maintenance and most popular option in modern day decking solutions.

Patio Ice Chest

A patio ice chest is probably one of the most useful purchases you will ever make. Your patio is the place where you want to sit and relax with family and friends, enjoy a cool drink or even a barbecue. Because your patio is a place where you go to relax, odds are you don't want to be hopping up and down every five minutes to go inside to retrieve another drink from the refrigerator. This is when an ice chest can become your next best friend, because it can reside right there on your patio, keeping your drinks refreshingly cool for you and your friends. If you have a TV out there as well, you no longer have to get up to fetch a drink just at the crucial moment when your favourite team scores a home run, or a goal. If you have just got out of your pool, you can relax with a cool drink without need to drip water all over the kitchen floor on the way to the refrigerator.

If you didn't want to have an electric refrigerator on your patio, a patio ice chest can provide the perfect alternative. There are a lot of different models available these days too, ranging from the traditional ice chests that were commonly used before refrigerators came on the scene, or some modern funky ones.

Top Loading Steel Patio Cooler Cart

This type of ice chest comes with wheels so that you can move it easily to where ever you choose on your patio. If you want to locate it in a different spot when it is not in use, you can, and likewise position it in the exact location you choose when relaxing with friends and family. For example, you could position it so that everyone has easy access to it, yet in such a way that no-one will trip over it. A popular feature with this model is the ability to lock the wheels once it is in place, primarily to prevent it from moving while being opened and closed.

When looks matter, this chest will pass the test. It is powder coated via an electrostatic system, which ensures a high quality finish to compliment the look of your patio. This is important if you intend leaving the cooler on the patio when it isn't in use.

Cedar Storage Ice Chest

This particular ice chest can provide a more rustic look for your patio and besides looking good, is constructed from quality cedar, a hard wood known for it's durability. Like any wood product which resides outdoors, it will require a regular protective coating of varnish, particularly if it is in an unprotected area of the patio.

This model can also be used as extra seating if required, in addition to keeping drinks cool. A few cushions on the top can transform the rustic looking ice chest into a bench seat which will match wooden decking perfectly.

Either of these two patio ice chests can provide a functional, yet stylish drink storage solution for your patio and leaving you free to enjoy seamless, social occasions

Consider Adding Aluminum Deck Balusters to Your Project

When considering a project for your home you have to consider where you want to put your money. So many homeowners have a list of improvements they would like to make. These things may make life easier or offer more space for the family. Sometimes we have to put off our projects for a long time, so when we get to do one we want to be sure it comes out the way we imagine. Perhaps your family is considering a new deck with fancy aluminum deck balusters. Whatever the project, be sure that if you're spending the money that you can get what you really want.

There are many materials to choose from when doing a project. Sometimes you need to choose between wood, composite, or aluminum. The material may change the price of your project dramatically. It may also change the amount of maintenance. For instance, if you choose composite you will not have to paint or stain it. If you choose wood you will need to maintain it so that it lasts. You can even install aluminum and expect that it won't dry, split, or absorb snow and rain water. It is virtually maintenance free.

You also don't only choose the size of the deck you envision. You also have to consider the details. Details are the fun part of the project. You can choose aluminum deck balusters to add that touch of class. You can choose from lighting that is solar powered or low voltage. You could choose fancy post caps to dress up your project, or you might just choose to dress it up with new patio furniture. Color and accessories really make or break your project. There are many companies out there that offer these little details.

When we make a choice about accessories, sometimes we don't realize the extra benefits. For instance, if you choose solar lighting for your deck you will find that the light will not cost you anything and that they turn on automatically. You may need to be sure that they have access to sunlight to get recharged, but that is all you will need to do to enjoy the benefit. You could even choose to use aluminum deck balusters with lighted squares. This would light up your evening with a soft light. You may need to plug these in so you might consider whether your project can accommodate that feature. Whatever you decide, be sure to choose products and accessories that you love and will be able to enjoy for years to come.

Install a Gas Fire Pit Ring Insert to Simplify Operation of Your Fire Pit

A gas fire pit ring insert can be used to create a wonderful, yet easy to use outdoor fire feature for your patio. Just arrange stones or patio blocks in a round pattern around a protruding gas line and keep adding more layers until it is 1-1/2 to 2 feet tall. Fill in the bottom of the pit with gravel and then connect the gas line to the fire pit ring insert. The insert can then be covered with pea-sized lava rock granules or small "fire glass" rocks specially designed for this purpose.

In addition to pits made of stone or concrete block, more complicated units can also be built using poured concrete for an elaborate appearance. Whatever shape or materials you use, just make sure you design your pit to allow for proper water drainage at the bottom.

A custom gas fire pit ring really can be any shape you like, from a traditional circle or square to even a triangle shape. Burners are available to suit most shapes and small, straight burners can be combined to fit even the strangest shapes.

A gas fire pit ring insert is not difficult to install. Due to the many variations of designs and shapes, however, every installation is different. Because of this, many of the stainless steel inserts are sold individually rather than as kits. Make sure you purchase a ring sized properly for your application.

Your gas line should also be the correct size. If it is too small, your fire pit will have small flames because of the lower gas pressure in the line. It may be a good idea to check with your local gas company and let them know how long your gas line will be. Ask them what size line you need to run 200,000 BTU's. The longer the length of gas line to be run, the larger diameter line you will need. If you are installing the gas line underground, use copper pipe in order to prevent corrosion.

Also, be sure to install a gas shut off valve no farther than 3 feet from your fire pit. This is to allow for the gas to be quickly and easily shut off in the event of a fire.

After the gas fire pit ring has been installed, cover the insert with no more than an inch of small lava rock pebbles or fire glass, just enough to visually cover the ring. If you add more than that, your flames will be restricted and the visual effect of the fire will be disappointing.

When you have your fire pit completed, you obviously want it to last for a very long time. This is why it is strongly recommended not to use it for cooking. This is because when the salt of the dripping meat juice or barbeque sauce touches the burners, it causes them to rust.

Right Down to the Deck Handrail

When investing in decks, the deck handrail is one of the most important components. It is, after all, what people will hold onto as they descend the steps or when they walk over to the side to peer over. It should be durable and look great. It also should provide a smooth surface to protect from any type of splinters or injury. Though there may be various requirements on this one component of the decking system, there are other components to think about and plan for, too. When selecting anything that makes up this design, it is critical to think about function, beauty, and long-term maintenance.

Functionality First

The first element in selecting the details for the deck handrail, railings, and other components is the functionality. How does it work? Does it offer the right level of flexibility? When selecting these items, consider if the material is designed to work as you would like it to. For example, you may be looking at various material choices for the handrails. Wood will splinter and this means painful grasping of the railing. Metal can get too hot in the summer months especially in sunlight. Another option may be a resin or composite material that does not cause these concerns.

Beauty Next

Next, consider the overall beauty of the items you are selecting. You can choose from just a basic tubing or rail if you would like to. Select the color that works for your home. On the other hand, you can select from various ornate detailing added to the edges and the top. You may also want to consider factors such as lighting. Did you know some manufacturers offer lighting built into the sides of the railings? This may be low voltage light including solar light.

Maintenance Long-Term

How much work will go into maintaining this system? If you use wood, for example, you will need to keep the surface protected from the elements year in and year out. You will also need to consider factors related to wear and tear. How will you clean off residue? Will it need painting on an annual basis or perhaps staining? Other materials, such as composites wipe clean. You can even use pressure washers on them to remove any ground in debris.

Sure, it may just seem like a deck handrail but this component of your decking system matters. Look for all elements, from the railing to the base material to be something that can contribute to the beauty and durability of the final product. You ultimately want something that is easy to maintain, is long lasting and adds the charm you are hoping for create in this space. You can find products that do it all.