If you have your own children or kids that visit your home regularly you are probably concerned about sun exposure especially during the summer months. Without pergolas or other cover children and adults alike are exposed to harmful ultra-violet rays when they are outside. While kids will need a little time in the sun for their vitamin D if they spend a lot of time outside you might want to consider installing an undercover children’s play area.

Upgrading Your Outdoor Area

The simplest way to upgrade your outdoor area to make a sun safe play spot is to install patios or something similar. While sun sails are a bit cheaper they are much more prone to weathering can often be torn down by strong winds if not installed properly. The first step in creating your children’s new play area is deciding on the right form of covering.

This is because there will be minimal construction work involved and if you start with the play equipment and installation of lawn or other surfaces they might be damaged. Plan everything and you will have a lot less headaches as you complete your project. So not only choose your covering you will use but decide on everything else you need before you begin construction. You should also seek quotes first so that you have a good idea what the entire project will cost including DIY solutions.

Choosing What Play Equipment

Play equipment can be hard to choose but as a rule of thumb you want it to be used for some time to come. Installing a cubby or play house of a good size means the kids can use it for some time. Also, larger play equipment that can be used by small children through to bigger kids (not Dad of course!) is ideal. The other option is to opt for non permanent play equipment to be used so that you can get rid of it as the children grow out of it.

A popular outdoor undercover play area solution these days is to have a play garden with tough plants as well as smaller benching and paths. This allows your children to use their imagination and their own toys to play outside rather than purpose built play equipment. Ask a nursery for advice on the most hardy plants to use that have soft leaves such as cordylines.

Hard or Soft Surfaces?

Having a hard surface can be useful for a children’s play area as it will be much easier to clean if there are spills. However, there is an increased chance that the little ones can hurt themselves on the concrete or pavers. Using rubber surface coverings can take away a lot of these concerns as the kids may graze themselves but not have any impact injuries because of hard surfaces. These are, however, a bit harder to maintain and won’t last as long as pavers.

Safety Concerns

As a parent you will have safety concerns about your outdoor play area. Remember, no matter how much you try to make it ‘child proof’ slip ups will occur. The trick is to avoid any serious injuries by avoiding sharp edged materials as well as spiky or serrated plant leaves. The best way to have a safe children’s play area is always supervision and education so make sure the kids play safe in their new sun safe undercover play area!

Everybody loves the idea of sprucing up their backyards, but sometimes simply finding the time is the hardest part of all. You might think it takes weeks and even months of planning, or the clean-up job after everything is finished will be too much of a pain, or perhaps that the backyard won’t look as good as you’ll imagined it. One of the most time-tested and safe ways to make your backyard look beautiful, however, is to add a pergola. In this article, we’ll look at some of the benefits pergolas can bring to your little corner of the world.

Green up your garden

For those who don’t know, a pergola is a structure supported by columns on the side, with lattices or beams along the top linking the columns. The best thing about a pergola, then, is that it’s a structure that allows climbing plants to intertwine themselves along it, as well as hanging plants to be dangled prettily. By adding a pergola and choosing some fantastic plants to go along with it, you’ll be greening up your garden and adding the type of beauty that only plant life can provide.

Protection from the weather

If you’re avoiding your backyard because of a lack of shade protection from the harshes of an Australian summer, then a pergola is the perfect answer to your problem. Once the climbing plants have covered the pergola,you’ll find that the shade provided when you’re sitting underneath the structure is perfect to protect you from the sun’s rays. What’s more, the fact that the pergola is not completely closed off like a regular roof means it’ll still have that outdoorsy feel without succumbing to the elements. If the plants are dense enough, a pergola can even protect you from the rain!

Block out unsightly views

Sometimes backyards can be perfectly beautiful if not for an ugly structure ruining the view for you and the people who visit your house. Whether it’s an ugly shed at the next door neighbour’s house or a dying tree, a pergola can be strategically placed to block out unsightly views and focus the attention on the views that contribute to a sense of beauty in your backyard.

Combine with other structures

One of the ways to get the most out of a pergola is to use it as a lead-in to other structures, such as gazebos or verandas . Imagine someone entering your yard and discovering a leafy path marked by a pergola which results in a large, inviting veranda. Or perhaps the pergola could lead from your back door towards a solitary gazebo to create an attractive outdoor living area. Whatever the choice, a pergola doesn’t have to exist on its own; sometimes it works best in sync with other backyard designs.

Add value to your home

Finally, adding a pergola is bound to lend extra value to your property. It can add interest to an otherwise boring landscape, it provides a space for plants that literally breathe life into the area, it adds shade and an extra layer of protection from the rain, it can help screen out unsightly views and it can even double as a remarkable outdoor living space. All these factors combine to add significant value to your home and make it a more attractive prospect when it comes time to sell.

Your pergola and home patio can be as unique as you and is only limited to your imagination. Whether immersing yourself in your new environment for relaxation, or using it for parties and other home events, a unique and interesting pergola and patio or veranda, is an excellent way to extend the usable space of your home, without huge costs. Don’t let budget be a deterrent, most patio ideas can be slight modification or addition to what you already have. Here are some interesting theme ideas for you:

• Fire centre piece. A central piece is a great way to spice up and create focus for your patio and pergola. If you live in particular cold climates, a central fire pit is a great and practical, and yet simple, addition to any patio. Using landscaping techniques you may wish to have a low maintenance garden. Centre-pieces are an easy way to create a unique and exciting entertainment space.

• Roman. The Romans were masters of good architecture and luxury. Recreate a Roman look with colour floor tiles, mosaics and earthen bricks and sandstones. You could go one step further with a large central Roman bath and create a feel of absolute luxury in both Summer and Winter.

• Ultra modern. Have the outdoor area to match your home. Modern materials allow for cushions where once could not have been. Highly durable paints and surfaces make the impossible possible. Lime green and white can create an amazing and truly post-modern look. Use tough-glass for flooring to cover running water or intricate sand designs. Use dark polished concrete and dark wooden structures with stainless steel to create that neo-Tokyo style, so famous amongst the best teppanyaki restaurants around. Even have a teppanyaki cooking table as a centre-piece.

• Butterfly garden. Have you ever thought of bringing the wonders of nature to you? A butterfly garden is another relatively easy to do and wonderful theme. Butterfly colour combinations can also be predicted on the nature of what plants you choose to grow. Have a great range of colours or select an individual flower colour to attract particular colour types. Using nature to give develop under utilised patio idea.

• Wild west. What better for hot arid environments. Choose woods to match with wooden, sandstone or other rustic surfaces. Use low maintenance cacti and other desert plants to create full effect. Add a range of features like a bar and seating keeping in style. A pergola and patio that will turn into an entertainment destination.

• Magical. Are you one of those spiritual types? Create a patio of wonder and beauty. Use coloured glass, flowers and purchase readily available stone and concrete-poured figurines. Bring your dreams into reality.

These are only a few ideas. In fact there is no limit to what can be done and still be practical when we think patios and pergolas. Sometimes they can be easier to design and execute than their interior cousins. Use fashion magazines, travel and dining magazines to give you fresh inspiration. Convert an under-used carport into a luxury play area for both adults and kids.

The hot things around the outdoor area have to be kept safe, at all times. Fire hazards, electrical hazards and tripping hazards all have to be locked down. This is actually pretty easy to do, but you have to be sure you’ve got all these things under control, particularly when you have guests who don’t know their way around your place. The good news is that your outdoor veranda, patio, or pergola is very easy to keep safe, all the time.

Fire hazards- Barbeques, propane, firelighters, etc.
These are all potential risks, and they need to be kept under control from the outset:

• Barbeques: Anything flammable, particularly liquids, should be kept well clear of them when in operation. Keep alcohol and any oils separately located, well away from the BBQ.
• Propane: The gas should be removed from the area when not actually required. Make sure there’s no leaks from the valves, or any smell of gas.
• Firelighters: These are extremely flammable, and should be kept in fireproof containers in a storage space. Throw out any damaged bottles, too, because the leaks can be in the wrong places at the wrong time.
• Kids: Kids and flames are a bad combination. Use the kid-safe approach at all times in relation to any flammable materials and hot surfaces.

Electrical hazards- Heat, water and appliances

• Heat: Most wiring is vulnerable to relatively low heat from barbeques and other cookers, so site your BBQ well away from any wiring or electrical fittings.
• Water: There’s often a lot of liquid around the outdoor cooking zones, and it’s best to set up your drinks on the other side of the area from appliances.
• Appliances: Outdoor TVs, stereos, or anything else plugged in to the mains need to be protected from heat, water, and impact. It’s a good idea to put these things in protective housing like an entertainment unit or shelving to keep them safe.

Tripping hazards (cables, etc.)

Anything which can be tripped over probably will be tripped over.

• Try to avoid running any cables at all across floor space.
• If you can’t avoid it, make sure cables are very firmly secured with heavy duty masking tape.
• Small ground level things like toys, and anything else which is likely to be underfoot should be kept under furniture or removed.

Built in safety tips for outdoor areas

You can have some additional safety backup for your outdoor areas as well:

• CO2 fire extinguishers: A couple of these can save a house. These little bottles can carry a lot of CO2, and can shut down any fire hazard from a BBQ easily. (Never use water on a fire containing oil: It spreads the flames and actually makes them hotter as the water and oil interact. Splash can also create more fires.)
• Sprinklers: Outdoor sprinklers are exactly like the indoor version. They’re easy to install, and you can have one or two set up by a local tradesman in no time, wherever you want them.

Your outdoor area can be a perfectly safe place. Save yourself some worry with a few basic safety precautions, and you’ll have no worries.

Dining alfresco is one of the joys of life, and all it needs is a little management to make sure it’s perfect. There are some very simple, easy, no-expense things you can do to cover all the angles. All you need to do is survey the location, and make your plans. You can also throw in a few special touches to the alfresco dining while you’re at it. There’s nothing quite like sitting on the home patio or verandas, eating great food with good friends.

Location, location- What are the possible issues?

Where you dine is important. Depending on where you live, the time of year, and the local environment, there are always some possible situations to avoid when dining alfresco.

Planning ahead

Whatever the situation, you need to consider all the known factors in advance:

• How many people?
• How much food?
• What preparations are required?
• How long will it take to set everything up?
• Any special needs for anyone?
• Any equipment, like fondue, teppanyaki, etc., needed?

This is very like party planning, but it also means you can sit down and enjoy your own meal knowing everything’s under control. It also means you can plan the entire meal and be quite sure you’re not forgetting anything.

Issues and fixes

The weather is the natural first issue. Summer is the preferred season, and with summer come a few natural concerns:

• Daytime: Heat, light, dust, and noise in urban areas: The meal is eaten under good cover in a quiet space, with plenty of cool shade and liquids.
• Night: Insects, lighting, noise, privacy in open areas: Best to use a rear patio or veranda, with no intrusive elements from outside. The insects can be taken care of with a citronella candle or so.
• Space: You need a quiet open space, preferably covered, where you can organize and set up your meal effectively. You also need space for people to maneuver, so if you’re having several people for the meal, allow an area for the meal which includes a dining table, the food table, a drinks table, and perhaps a special area for desserts.

The personal touch

There’s absolutely nothing like your own home patio or veranda for a bit of added class and style. These are great settings for a dinner party, and you can add all the décor you like.

• You can add planters full of flowers, hanging baskets, and any scenic pieces.
• You can use the best dining ware, for once, knowing it will be appreciated.
• You can add special areas of aperitifs, trays, and other nibbles, just by adding a little mobile dinner tray or two.
• A tea and coffee service can be installed using an outdoor power point.

Put another way, you can have a ball. Nothing beats home alfresco dining under an Australian sky, with home cooking and a few friends. It’s the only way to live.

Planting for pergolas is one of the hidden joys of the outdoor covered areas. You can have anything from bonsai to the most exotic plants, even orchids, in this setting, and they all look fantastic. This is a great excuse for the gardener to have all their plants at easy pottering distance, whenever they like, regardless of weather. If you’ve got one of the big new modern pergolas, you can have a ball.

The gardener’s dream, a whole space for planting designs

The really great thing about a pergola is it gives you a good indoor/outdoor space to work. You can plant, pot, raise your seedlings, and generally enjoy yourself, rain or shine. It’s a good “no mess” approach, too, and you can keep your gardening well organized with this extra space.

The pergola itself is also a place to grow your favorite plants. You can grow climbing roses, bougainvilleas, and a host of different foliage climbers like ivies. These tough climbers look fantastic, because they have the space to really develop. They can also afford to get a bit woody, because the pergola can handle their size and weight easily.

The easy maintenance pergola planting mode

Plant maintenance is an absolute breeze, with a pergola. Planting in and around pergolas is also good for making the more advanced and difficult plantings easier. You can install a good drip system for feeding and watering with no fuss. The big advantage is that you can have a great garden setting, directly in the pergola area, and you don’t have to rearrange the house to do your work on the big plants.

Ambitious planting with pergolas- Orchids, and everything

Pergola plants have a “micro climate” which includes shelter and light management. That means you can even grow really beautiful but demanding exotic orchids and Australian native orchids in this environment. These flowers are like an advertisement for gracious living. They’re stunning, and in the right setting they
provide a spectacular display of colour.

You can even have a bonsai garden under a pergola. If you’ve seen the big Japanese bonsai gardens, or the fabulous Chinese landscape bonsai, you’ll appreciate the possibilities. Bonsai plants are actually trees, and they’re tough plants. They often react well to covered areas in preference to indoor settings, too. If you’re a bonsai enthusiast, the pergola environment may be just what you need.

Planters for planting- Real fun with your pergola planting

Another big plus is having the space to put your big, beautiful planters. This is garden décor in the truly elegant style, and with a pergola it’s practical. Putting these types of planters in direct contact with heat, sun and weather and exposed to hail isn’t an option, but with a pergola you can really display your work properly.

The effect is extraordinary, and you’ll find that your plants respond with a riot of foliage and flowers. All you have to do is enjoy it. Tough being a gardener, isn’t it?

The outdoor party is a joy, and you’ll find people don’t need much persuasion to show up. Setting up a pergola is a fairly straightforward process, but you need to plan ahead. You can get most of the planning done with a few simple checks and steps. A good home pergola can provide a lot of good services, too, and you will find you’ve acquired a major asset for the outdoor area.

The party pergola- Issues and fixes

A pergola is basically a frame, covered or otherwise. These frames are often beautiful things, solid wood or steel, with overhead trimmings and design elements. The party pergola is a choice of options, but you’ll find that the one you want not only looks right, but suggests a lot of uses, as well.

The issues with party pergolas are:

• Appearance
• Cover issues
• Cost
• Time factors

The fixes are straightforward:

• Appearance: The look is critical. Do you prefer wood, steel, or something more like a big garden pergola? (Check out the top brand Stratco pergolas to see the modern designs at work.)
• Cover issues: Would you like a traditional frame top, or an open top with a cover? (Tip: Outdoor parties seem to cause rain. Whatever you pick, make sure you have some sort of cover available if you need one.)
• Cost: An obvious issue, but one with an upside. The pergola can be a real property asset, so think ahead about its other uses. It’s well worth checking out the home design websites to see the fabulous things pergolas can do as design features.

Time factors

Some pergolas can be installed very quickly, others take a while, because they’re big and solid, and use heavier materials and fixtures. Make sure you’ve got a good idea of schedules and building approvals involved in installation.

Style and size for party pergolas

Style is a statement, with a pergola. Covered pergolas, like the modern roofed pergola, which is practically a building frame, look quite different from the uncovered traditional frame pergolas. Choosing what you want is a lot of fun.

The party pergola needs to be a good size to achieve the right covered area. If you’re having a lot of people at your party, the bigger sizes will definitely do the job. They also give you spare room if required.

What else has to fit under the pergola?

Things like dining tables, outdoor cookery equipment, gas cylinders, barbecues, food tables, drinks tables, stereos, etc. all take up space and all need to be safely set up. Note: Anything flammable or electrical must be kept clear and not too close to anything it could damage.

Setting up the party pergola

This is where your planning pays off. The pergola is bought, and installed preferably a day or so before the party. This gives you time to check out any organizational situations, and have a quick run through of your setup.

You have decided to build a patio. There are many things to consider when building a patio or pergola so it is a good idea to have check list at hand to ensure you are tackling the right things at the right time.

1) First on the check list is to make sure you have secured all of the approvals and permissions to build your pergola or patio. Each council has different rules and regulations, and heritage listed houses will be even further limited as to scope. So be sure to get the paperwork in order before you do anything else.

2) Next on the list of things to do is the choice of whether to self build or hire a contractor. There are a number of factors that will influence this decision.

• Do you have the skills to build your own structure? Or perhaps do you have mates that can you ask to help?
• Do you have the right tools to build or if not, can they be hired easily and cost effectively?
• Can you afford to hire a contractor, as this is another option to consider?

3) After you know that you are allowed to build a patio, and who is going to build it, the next step is to establish a budget. What can you afford? Can you afford to hire a company to come and do all the work for you or do you have build it yourself?
A tighter budget might mean buying a kit or going on readily available plans from a library or hardware store, where as a larger budget will mean selective the best option from a catalogue. Your budget will not only influence design, it will also influence material selection. Make sure you keep your budget in mind when making these important decisions.

4) Design, style and layout are the next on the list. How the patio functions and looks is your step when building a patio.

• Will it be attached to house or free standing?
• Will it be covered and how? A shade cloth, PVC or a retractable roof cover?
• Does the style complement your house in the context of your property?
• Will the patio be appropriate to your lifestyle? Large, small, wrapping around the house?
• Do you need any special considerations such as ramps, railings or built in cooking equipment?
• Will you require windows, sliding doors, planter boxes or lattice work?

5) The final stage on your road to patio completion is to decide on the materials you would like to use.
The materials you select will depend greatly on your budget and also the style of your patio. A modern, custom designed affair would most likely suit the more modern materials such as powder coated metals and new plastics and composites. Where as a more traditional structure aside an older house will most likely suit timber and more natural materials. Your budget will also have to be considered when choosing materials for the structure and the roof cover. However, do keep in mind that investing in good quality, durable materials will save you time and money in repairs and maintenance in the long run.

With this basic patio check list, you can be sure that you have covered all the major concerns before you begin building your patio or pergola.

When your pergola is complete or perhaps when it is a few years old, you will be looking for ways to make it your own, ways to create a comfortable and desirable environment.
If your pergola, patio or veranda is older and in need of perking up, there are many ways to enhance the look after you have made sure all the cobwebs have been removed, the dirt wiped away and the floors swept clean.

1) Furniture
The furniture you place in your out door area greatly contributes to the feel and comfort of the space. Old, faded plastic chairs and chipped tables will not make a welcoming invitation. Dry and peeling timber and greasy BBQ equipment will not encourage family get togethers. If you can’t afford to splash on some new furniture, keep your existing furniture clean and in good repair and this alone will help remarkably to perk up your pergola. If your budget will allow, then set the mood of your outdoor space with the perfect furniture. Do you prefer to dine alfresco? Then buy a lovely dining set to complement your home. Teak, bamboo or cane furniture will set the tone for a tropical oasis.

2) Lighting
An old light fitting, clogged up with moths and dead flies is not exactly the best way to set the mood. Lighting has a strong influence on the ambiance that your outdoor area will have in the evenings. For a retro, tropical feel you could assemble a line of Tiki torches, or for a romantic hide-away you could place an array of candles, sconces and votives. Or perhaps you just want adequate light to grill the steaks and enjoy a beer on a balmy summer’s eve. If that is more your style then go with simple wall or ceiling mounted fittings. What ever you choose, let it set the tone for your lifestyle.

3) Plants
Adding some greenery is a cost effective way to spruce up any pergola or patio. You could simply buy some colourful pots and succulents for a desert style oasis. For a country veranda or cottage, some terracotta window boxes and tubs would be perfect for potted colour and annuals. Keen gardeners can get stuck in and plant wisteria, a climbing rose, bougainvillea or a grape vine and watch as over the years your pergola is transformed into a garden of delights.

4) Repairs
It might sound obvious, but after a while we all tend to ignore the build up of dirt, cobwebs and dust on our favourite out door spaces. We don’t see the peeling paint and chipped and mossy paving. An inexpensive and highly effective way to spruce up your pergola or patio is to give it a good clean. Hire a gerni or steam cleaner, swipe your broom over the corners and ceiling to get rid of old webs and random nests. Scrape off the mossy paving and give the timber a new lick of paint.

5) Fire
We all know Aussies love to have a BBQ, but have you ever thought of a fire pit or wood fired oven? Build a Mexican chimnea that will not only cook your food but warm your toes in the winter or for an authentic Mediteranean experience, why not build a brick or clay oven to cook pizza or home made bread. Interesting cooking areas add a great focal point to your patio or pergola and will make entertaining exciting again.

So depending on your budget, you can invest in some out door furniture or you can simply give your pergola a good clean out and buy some candles; either way, sprucing up your pergola will give you incentive to spend more time in the great outdoors.

Once you have made the decision to build a pergola and your budgetary limitations have been established and permissions granted, there are many decisions yet to be made.

Things to be considered when you are building your pergola are positioning, material selection,design and layout and roofing selection.

Position
Some things to consider when looking into the positioning of your pergola on your property are;
Aesthetics - does it look good with your home, in the context of the property?
Purpose - what do you want to use it for, BBQs, parties, pool-side entertaining or privacy?
Logistics – where is the best and most logical place to build your pergola? Should it have interior access?
Ambience - do you have a favourite tree or spot in the garden where the light or aspect is ideal?

Material
Another one of those decisions that is limited by your budget, don’t let the material selection dictate your style. With technological advancements and developments in manufacturing, there are so many options for materials that will suit all types of budgets. You can have metal that looks like wood, and plastic that looks like metal. You can achieve the finish and style of timber using the latest composite material. Be sure to explore all the options, keeping in mind the durability and the maintenance requirements. Spending more in the outset, might save you in the long run.

Design
The type of design you pick for your pergola should complement the tone and style of your house. An old fashioned timber frame pergola will add a rustic and old-world finish to your bungalow or cottage and a sleek, contemporary sundeck will be the finishing touch on your new villa or home. What ever you choose will reflect the personality of your family, your lifestyle and the character of your home.

Layout
If you have the opportunity to select a layout for your pergola or veranda, the most important thing to consider is the purpose of the out door area. Will you be entertaining friends and family? If so, you might need enough floor space for a large outdoor table and chair set and plenty of room to move. Do you have small children or pets? Then think about having plenty of space for bike riding and ball games. Or perhaps you just want the freedom to bbq in the rain. If that is your only consideration, then a smaller area, beside the kitchen with plenty of air flow is what you need. The whole reason we intall pergolas and verandas is to improve and enhance our lifestyles.

Roofing
Although roof choice might not seem to be a big decision, there are quite a few types to choose from. There are flat, gabled, curved and slanted roof styles. They can be fixed or retractable, made of corrugated metal, plastic or clear. Perhaps you might prefer a shade cloth or even nothing at all. In a simple timber framed pergola, a clear or tinted PVC might be an economic and subtle choice. For a heritage room or veranda, a classic corrugated metal in grey or green might be more suitable. To allow maximum enjoyment of sunshine and shade, retractable roofing might be something you can afford, or perhaps a simple shade cloth might be adequate for your requirements.

These are just a few of the ideas and tips to keep in mind when designing and building your veranda or pergola.