Archive for July, 2008
Types Of Patios
Get the latest articles from Install-a-Veranda. Subscribe to our RSS feed.
If you are looking to build a patio in your back garden you will need to decide what kind of patio you want to go for. The type you choose will make a big difference to how the finished patio will look, so it pays to think about the kind of environment you are putting it into and how it will weather over time.
Patios can be made from several different types of material. Brick is a good choice if you want your patio to have an elaborate design, because you can make many different kinds of patterns with them. Herringbone designs in particular can look very effective.
Flagstones also look extremely good and you can get these ready made in specific designs as well if you wish. They also have a classic feel to them that can look good in any garden.
Types Of Hanging Outdoor Plants
One of the best parts of having a garden is that you can build up a wonderful array of foliage and flowers to brighten it up all the year round. From a lush green lawn, to wonderful vibrant flowerbeds and planters, there is a lot you can do to transform an otherwise lifeless garden into a stunning swathe of scenery to look at and enjoy all year round.
If you have an outdoor pergola or other structure that you want to liven up a bit, you might think that you are restricted to having a variety of pots scattered here and there, but don’t forget the power of hanging plants to soften up the whole thing as well.
Hanging baskets make a great addition to any home, and you can use them in a number of ways to create different effects. The types of plants you use make a lot of difference to the final result, so choose carefully and plan the contents of each one before you begin.
Patios And Hot Tubs
If you are lucky enough to live in an area that enjoys good weather for much of the year, then you should consider decking out your garden with a patio and a hot tub.
Hot tubs are a wonderful excuse for getting out in the garden more often, and with care they can be designed to blend into their surroundings so they don’t stick out as an eyesore.
If you already have a patio then you will need to have a hot tub built to sit on top of it. Look for a suitable area to place it in; somewhere that is partially shaded by trees can be a good option, but be wary of overhanging trees since these can lead to unwanted accidents with birds!
If you don’t already have a patio then you have a superb opportunity to create something that is truly unique and built to complement the best that your garden has to offer. A patio that is designed to be enjoyed on more than one level allows for the construction of a hot tub that fits in perfectly with the design, and instead of climbing into it you will be able to step down into it instead.
Patio Fire Pits
The long summer evenings mean we have even more time to enjoy our outdoor spaces, and if you have your own veranda to relax on then you will find it easy to spend more and more time outside in the fresh air.
Of course this kind of area is just the beginning of how to enjoy your garden. It takes a few finishing touches to really make it desirable and more stunning to the eye. One great example of how to make the most of your patio area or veranda is by adding a fire pit to your overall design.
Fire pits are exactly what they sound like – a manmade pit in which you can build a roaring fire to keep you warm during the late summer evenings. But instead of being built on the ground they are now designed in a modern way, using materials such as stainless steel and cast iron to create a free standing structure that can be placed wherever you wish.
Styles vary considerably, ranging from ultra modern designs to more basic fire pits are more traditional in appearance. Some of them also have built in grills which allow you to use them as a simple kind of barbecue – and there is nothing quite like tasting a burger cooked over a flaming fire pit!
Differences Between Patios And Verandahs
Everyone likes to make the best of their back gardens, but there are a number of ways to do it and some of these involve having a permanent structure added to your home.
Some people get confused when faced with whether to go for a patio or a veranda, since the difference isn’t always that well known. An outdoor patio is made of a hard material such as brick or tiles, and can range in size from being quite a small area to a very large one depending on the amount of space available and the needs of the owners.
Outdoor verandahs differ from patios in that they are always covered areas which are attached to the building. By contrast a patio can often be uncovered, but a veranda will always have some kind of roof – possibly fixed or sometimes with retractable sections so that you can still enjoy the sun if you want to.
If you are in a position of trying to decide which one you would prefer, you need to think about what your individual needs are to be able to make the right decision. For example a veranda will be attached to the rear of your property and can extend round the side as well if you have the room. It is also ideal if you like to stay outside but don’t like the sun too much, as you can sit in the shaded areas all day. You will need to determine when and where the sun falls on the rear of your property before you decide how far out from your house the veranda should extend.