The wood species of pine, cedar and oak are household names, but an exotic type of wood known as Ipe has been making its way across the country as a wonderful decking material. Ipe wood, pronounced “eepay”, is superior to other commonly used deck woods in so many ways. Read on to learn how Ipe wood can change the way you…

Interestingly, only a few different types of materials make up the outdoor fabrics used in patio cushions, shades and other outdoor products. Materials like Olefin, acrylic and polyester are all spun into durable fabrics which resist sun damage as well as humidity, mold and dirt. Regardless of your fabric’s composition, you should always avoid spilling suntan lotion and other oil based…

Not only do some local codes require the installation of a steel chimney liner, but such liners can improve the efficiency and lifespan of your chimney. Steel liners are more durable and long lasting than comparable fabric/plastic ones. Chimney liners serve to prevent fires and increase safety in the home. Use the following steps only as a guide- consult a professional…

Carpet and flooring installation in your hotel or other paid accommodation is a very big decision. As an owner or manager you cannot afford to make a mistake. You are looking for a company that takes responsibility for you during purchase, and for the period of warranty and guarantee. Here is a look at how to go about finding the right supplier and installation provider.

• Identify Your

Aluminum fence kits allow everyday people to build their own customized, long-lasting fence. Aluminum fencing is an excellent investment since it is extremely resistant to rusting, unlike steel fencing. Aluminum fences come in pre-made kits which are relatively easy to assemble. An entire fence can be built in only a weekend or two. Learn the basics on aluminum fence assembly below…

All raised decks should be equipped with sturdy railings which run around all edges of the deck. These railings are designed primarily for safety, but do not have to be an eyesore. Whether building them yourself or hiring a company, a deck railing can be designed to perfectly match your deck’s color and design. Learn the basics on the construction of…

Having a driveway alarm system ensures that you always know what to expect. Driveway alarm systems from Dakota can sense everything from vehicles to people and come in several different varieties. With an incredible range, the alarm signal can be transmitted from the driveway to the interior of the home wirelessly. Whether it’s the pizza guy or an unwanted intruder, Dakota’s wireless driveway alarms keep you “in the know”. Here…

Glass bricks are commonly used indoors such as in kitchens and bathrooms, but they have uses outdoors as well. Glass brick canopies, sidewalks, windows and walls can all be created in an elegant way outdoors. They have also been used in the creation of outdoor kitchens. Since the bricks are made of glass, they are non-porous and will not stain or…

How to Clean Shingles:
Load up your trusty garden sprayer with some detergent, hot water and a bit of gentle roof cleaning solution. Bleach and TSP are commonly used, but these chemicals cannot penetrate the shingles to remove black mold underneath. For best results, apply the cleaner to the roof on a cool, shady day to prevent the solution from drying…

Working on broken gutters can be a real pain, but someone’s got to do it. It does not matter whether gutters and downspouts are made of copper, aluminum or steel- they are bound to fail at some point. Learn how to repair holes, leaking joints and warping gutters below.

Hole Patching:

Steel gutters & downspouts can become so corroded…