#1 – From Allegro Classics collection, the Islands Sofa blends beautifully with swimming pools, hot tubs and refinished decks. Its contours are soft and natural, making room for different seating positions. And the backs are removable! Turn them into benches or sun beds. Built from tough aluminum and covered with an all-weather wicker, this patio furniture won’t need replacing anytime soon. Fabric colors come in wheat linen, sunflower, Asian sesame, mojito coffee bean, dupione papaya, dolce mango, cork, champagne linen, and 32 other colors. Yes, they’ve got more flavors than Baskin Robbin’s. Finding a color to match your patio won’t be an issue.

#2 – These lustrous, icy-chic Mezzo outdoor lounge chairs are also from the Allegro Classics collection. The bold, rich colors will dazzle any patio guests. They’re crafted from aluminum tubing and all-weather wicker. The wicker is available in sand and ebony. Color choices include: teal, canvas, Aruba, parrot, ruby, jockey red, dash charcoal, and 29 others.

#3 – Made in Italy, a unique mixture of fancy and chic makes these Varaschin sofas and armchairs stand out in any patio environment. Like the good old-fashioned Adirondack chair, they feature low seating and high backrests, but with the sleek styling that Italian designers consistently produce. The frames are made with powder-coated aluminum finished in a glossy black and hand-woven synthetic fiber. Cushions come with removable covers.

#4 – Contemporary modular seating is a definite showstopper. With no visual square joints in the frame, your eye wanders soothingly over the calming curves. Created by Bonacina Pierantonio, this design is silky smooth.

#5 – Now, this is intriguing. The Tambo Sofa, Fabiano Trabucchi’s stainless-steel creation, doesn’t appear to give much back support. But don’t worry; the back is adjustable for different heights. Available in black, white or honey finish and removable polyethylene foam cushions, the Tambo Sofa collection is perfect for indoor or outdoor use.

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It’s summertime, baby! And you know what that means: picnics, patio BBQs, family reunions, sprints through the sprinklers, and cool dips in the pool. In the winter, we install the storm windows, open the flue and set the fire a-blazing. But in summer, we flock in droves to the outdoors, we reunite with friends & family; in short, we gather.

So where do you like to go? Hopefully, you’ll make it to your favorite park, campground, lake or mountainside. Don’t forget, though, that the best summer gathering spots can be found in our own backyards.

Photo credit: HGTV

Customizing your backyard sweet spot can be as simple as covering the patio, or as intricate as landscaped pathways leading to shaded gazebos on the banks of a bubbling koi pond. Here are some ideas to jumpstart your summer haven:

Deck and Patio

The first step is the one taken out your back door, and where your feet land can dictate the whole scene. That’s why decks and patios are a staple of American life. We all need our stretching and breathing room.

Those of us with backyards should utilize our decks & patios to the fullest extent. As for the art of creating a gathering spot, a new wood deck, stone or concrete patio are fantastic options. Sometimes an existing deck or patio just needs a facelift, or perhaps some attractive adornments, such as planter boxes, container gardens or an outdoor bar.

Shade

Shade is key for summer hangouts. If you’re lucky enough to have towering oak or maple trees in the yard, I congratulate you. But there are ways to create cool and attractive shade where there is none. Build a pergola or arbor. These lovely garden or patio additions are relatively inexpensive and easy to build, do not block out the sky totally (although some homeowners let vine plants create a natural ceiling), and provide a surprising amount of shade all at once.

Sunroom

The sunroom is a refreshing way to blend the in- and outdoors. A small addition attached to the house, the sunroom allows family and friends to gather in the warmth and peace of the outdoors without the hot sun and insects. They can be screened or fitted with glass windows, or even connected to the home’s heating and cooling system for year-round good times.

Landscape

The art and architecture of your landscape can elevate it beyond a simple shady spot to a majestic & dynamic retreat. Water features, stone retaining walls, foot paths and a variety of plant life all contribute to the pleasant panorama of elaborate landscaping.

Gazebo

Like mini retreats within your own backyard, gazebos make for a fine gathering spot at the end of a long day’s activities. Usually octagonal (although variations abound), covered and often screened-in, gazebos act like detached sunrooms. They’re perfect for lazy afternoons with your friends, social club meetings, or just a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of outdoor activity.

Privacy

For all the urban or suburban citizens out there, a privacy fence takes top priority in the list of ways to create a gathering spot. Typically made using cedar boards, an ivy-strewn fence, for example, creates a sense of intimacy invaluable to your peace of mind, home safety, and fun family parties. And you can always invite the neighbors to the barbecue.

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You can start this process by relocating the grill to the gazebo. If you’ve tolerated the hot sun for long enough, this type of open air structure is perfect for a shady barbeque. You’ll also have enough room to accommodate accessory items and storage. This cuts down on those back and forth trips to the house. If you want to eliminate these excursions altogether, think about an outdoor grilling station.

Grill Stations

A scaled back grilling station doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the outdoor station, but they are very functional and aesthetically pleasing. These stone or brick constructions are built around the grill and include permanent storage or food preparation areas. They’re great additions to the patio or deck because of their rustic appeal. You can also convert wood planter boxes into outdoor cabinets. By taking sheet metal and molding it around the planter lid, now you’ve got the makings of a metal door. Just attach some cool-looking hinges and you’ve got a makeshift outdoor cabinet for supplies. More elaborate grill stations include sinks, bottle boots for chilled juices or wine, and an insulated ice box that acts as a mini-refrigerator. These grilling stations are professionally built and installed. They cost right around $1,900 for a top of the line unit.
Photo credit: Rite Remodeling

Outdoor Kitchen

A griller’s sanctuary is The Outdoor Station. It has everything except the T-bones and it’s guaranteed to make barbequing a breeze. It’s a high-end grill station that comes with a fully equipped bar and stools, roof top and all the other grilling amenities you might need. It includes basic features like: Dura-Stone countertops, outdoor cabinets, a sink for food preparation or clean up, and ample space for the gas grill. The best thing is you’re always protected from the glaring sun or sudden thunderstorms. These types of outdoor cooking units are perfect for poolside barbeques or traditional backyard gatherings.
Photo credit: Marco Designs

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After all that enthusiastic carrying-on, I want to share the effervescence of the season with you. You might already be going like a house a-fire on your own deck decorating, or maybe, like some of my friends, you’re in planning mode for building or adding on to your deck this year. In either case, there’s nothing like looking at great examples of deck design for inspiration.

Here are some beauties, custom built by some of CalFinder’s licensed contractors:

Redwood Multi-Level Deck

Equinox Landscape Construction

With all the lush greenery, this large deck gives the luxury of feeling suspended up in the trees. It takes advantage of the hillside terrain by being built on levels, connected by a gracious staircase. The railings are integrated into the design for safety and beauty and enhance the structure’s overall appeal.

Architectural Simplicity and Harmony

Prociw Construction & Roofing

Elegant contemporary architectural design joins this deck seamlessly to the house with ease. The repetition of materials used for the house is complemented with different elements and materials that, all together, make a striking combination. Subtle and welcoming.

All You Need’s a Broom (and a Barbeque)

De Ayala Construction

Don’t you love how this design incorporates the tree while creating a smooth surface that virtually eliminates a whole lot of yard work? The retaining wall shores up the hill as it slopes steeply down towards the house, and at the same time it defines the floor space of the deck. Talk about property improvement!

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The Rolls Royce of wicker patio furniture, Home Infatuation’s new collection will have you chanting ooooh’s and aaaaah’s as you savor each new piece.

Built to last forever, this chic new line offers a sophisticated elegance with sturdy, all-weather construction. Whether it’s a chaise with an Italian influence or a contemporary loveseat, every piece is made with top-quality wicker woven with resin fibers and top-grade, resilient rust- and corrosion-proof aluminum frames.

The new line offers sofas and loveseats, chaise lounges, patio chairs and tables, dining tables, ottomans, and deep seating furniture.

The color choices are amazing. Air blue, mineral blue, sapphire blue, Pacific blue, and navy – that’s 5 shades of blue! My personal favorites are melon and sunflower yellow. The great thing about these fun bold colors is their resistance to color fade. The cushions are plush and made with outdoor-rated foam that is quick to dry. Food and drink spills are no problem – just unzip the cushion covers and throw them in the washing machine.

The new wicker patio furniture line is so posh you’ll feel like you’re on vacation at the Ritz. You’ll have to pinch yourself to make sure it’s not all a dream.

Take a tour through Home Infatuation’s website to view the new line at:
http://www.homeinfatuation.com/

100% Free Landscaping Estimates
No-Obligation Quotes from Deck and Patio Contractors

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Decks can provide a clean and relaxing area to bask in the fresh air while entertaining or simply reading a book. If built out of the wrong material, the deck may demand constant maintenance, ruining the relaxing effect. All in all, any maintenance is definitely worth the benefits a deck can bring to your life, but you should at least start with a material that requires the least amount of maintenance possible.

Here are the 3 top decking materials ranked by least to most maintenance:

Composite

Composite decking, such as the Trex brand, is a wonderful alternative to wood. It is made from recycled plastics, and requires very little maintenance. It is available in many color options, and once installed provides a clean surface that won’t fade, warp, deteriorate, or crack. View pictures of composite decking recently completed by CalFinder contractors.

Vinyl

Vinyl and composite decking compete for the position of the least amount of maintenance. Vinyl products, in many cases, come with lifetime warranties because of their indestructible nature. One drawback to vinyl is that it only comes in light colors. Photo Credit: Vinyl Fence and Deck

Wood

Wood decking is probably the most beautiful, but requires the most maintenance. There are new stains and sealants that help to protect and reduce deterioration, allowing you to still enjoy a more natural appearance. You can also look for woods that are harvested from renewable forests as well.

A new deck can open many doors this coming spring and summer. Get ahead of everyone else, and get your projects scheduled before the holidays are over. Maybe even surprise your spouse with that new hot tub, outdoor kitchen, or gazebo he/she has been wanting! 

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It’s that time of year to do some serious outdoor reconstruction and preparation for the winter to come. Your deck has been serving its purpose for some time now and although summer is about over, there is still plenty of good weather to take a good hard look at your deck’s condition. What are some of the warning signs that it may be time to tear it down and reconstruct?

• Aged and outdated. The timber is old and the design is poor. This summer was perfect for more outdoor activities and a larger deck with room for a Jacuzzi, barbeque, and patio set would have been perfect. Take out the old and bring in the new; get ready for next year’s fun.
• Mold and mildew build up. Mold that appears at ground level or under the deck is a sign of too much moisture. Signs of mold and mildew are deterioration, graying boards, cracking, and splintering. Moisture is never a good thing for a wood deck. Was it built too close to the ground or without enough ventilation under the deck? Check with a professional to access the extent of the damage. If wood rot has taken over, the deck may need removing or reconstruction.
• Wood rot/dry rot. Both are results of moisture and fungus—nasty stuff. The fungus feeds on the moisture then breaks down the wood, causing decomposing. Both have discoloration as beginning signs. There are two main types of wood rot. One produces brown-colored spots and breaks off in cubes, thus called “cube rot.” The other type leaves a white or yellow color on the wood and gives it a spongy, stringy feeling; this is “dry rot.” Dry rot is described as very old wood that has long since rotted and dried out. Nevertheless, moisture was the culprit in the beginning. This is serious damage; see an expert before the deck retires itself.
• Rot caused by fungus. Wood exposed to moisture long enough allows fungus to grow and feed on the wood. The fungus actually causes the wood’s destruction. Microorganisms remove the cellulose from the timber, leaving it brittle and vulnerable to further damage. Fungus requires heat, moisture, dirt, and a dark place to grow, such as the under side, along the structural posts, and up against foundations and walls. If not caught immediately, it will spread like a cancer and the deck will have to be retired. Seek help from a professional as soon as possible.
• Subterranean termites and carpenter ants. Subterranean termites and carpenter ants usually invade wood from the soil along the foundation, entering wood that has been directly exposed to the ground. Carpenter ants chew wood to create nest sites, but do not eat the wood as do termites. Carpenter ants excavate the wood with their strong jaws to create galleries for nests. They’re large in size and a nuisance because of their abundance once established. The carpenter ant chews the wood across the grain, while termites only damage wood with the grain. Termites line their galleries with mud, while the ant galleries are smooth, clean, and devoid of mud and other debris. Breaking off a portion of rotten wood may reveal the culprit by these signs. Again, consult an expert; it may be further than just the deck.

Some of these warning signs may be caught in time to save your deck, but they often go undetected until the deck sags, a portion breaks, or you just wanted a face lift and discover there is no face to lift. If it is time to retire your old deck and reconstruct a new one, be sure to use the best products and the longest lasting ones. Consult a contractor for further guidance.

New members of CalFinder, CA Construction, recently added several new photos of some great decks. Have a look!

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To build an arbor you will need the following materials:

Wood

• Four 6×6 posts
• Two 6×6 beams
• Rafters (usually 4×4 or 2×6)
• Lath, 2×2 or 1×2, to run over rafters
• Wood (2×4) and stakes for bracing of posts

Hardware

• One post base (including anchor bolt) per post if building on concrete
• One concrete pier per post and concrete mix if building on soil
• Galvanized nails
• 10″ lag bolts with washers to fasten beams to posts
• 7″ lag bolts with washers to attach rafters to beams (if using 4×4)

Doing the Work

1. Start by attaching posts, cut to desired length and using post bases, to concrete slab. Or, if building on soil, dig posts holes and fill with concrete. Then set concrete piers on concrete about 3 to 4 inches above grade. Cut posts to length and nail to piers.
2. Use wood, stakes, and a level to brace up posts so that they are plumb in all directions. Leave these braces attached until the arbor framing is complete and everything is nailed down.
3. With help, place the two beams on top of braced posts. Drill a pilot hole through the beam and down into each post. Install 10″ lag bolts and washer to secure the beams at each post location.
4. Install rafters across the beams. If using 4×4 rafters, drill and install 7″ lags through the rafter and into the beam below. If using 2×6 rafters, it is a good idea to use extra 2×6 and install “roll blocking” between each rafter to prevent side-to-side motion. Nail rafters and blocks to beams.
5. Install 1×2, 2×2 lath over rafters to provide shade. You can also use vines if you prefer a more natural look.
6. When everything is nailed off, remove braces and stakes.
7. Congratulations. You now have an arbor!

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• Stairways. The stairs must be at least 35 inches in width, with a maximum rise per stair of 8 inches, and each stair must be at least 9.25 inches in depth.
• Foundation.The stringers underneath the stairs must not be in direct contact with dirt, must be placed at least 36 inches apart, and cannot be any thinner than two inches. The rules vary for the foundation of a deck as a whole, but normally some form of anchor in cement or pier blocks is required.
• Railing. If the deck is lower than 24 inches you are not required to have a railing. If it is between 24 inches and 70 inches, you will need a minimum 36 inch railing. Anything higher than 70 inches, you are required to have a minimum 42 inch railing. Guardrails, such as what lines the stairwell, must be able to withstand over 200lbs of concentrated horizontal weight at any one point.

These are just some of the basics, and the codes can be either more or less complicated than what is listed here. Your contractor should be quite knowledgeable and skilled in this area, and this will not seem overwhelming at all. There are no restrictions as to the materials or design elements, and no reason why your new deck can’t be as comfortable and beautiful as you can imagine. Request free estimates from licensed decking contractors in your area today.

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Gazebos are typically located in parks and gardens. The structure is characterized by having a roof and being open on all sides. Gazebos are enjoyed for many purposes, including weddings, parties, and restful relaxation under the shade.

The most common shape is the octagon, but they can also be shaped as a square, rectangle, oval or circle. The gazebo actually comes from a family of different garden houses that includes the pavilion, pagodas, kiosks, belvederes, follies, alambras, and pergolas.

Gazebos range in size, shape and material. The size completely depends on what works the best in your yard. The different materials include wood, vinyl, and metal; and there are multiple color options.

So what would constitute the “ultimate” gazebo?

• Determine your size preference. A quaint structure in a hidden corner? Or as large of a gazebo as your yard will allow?
• Have your contractor run plumbing and electrical out to the location so you can have lighting and running water on site. This will allow you to have an outdoor kitchen or facilitate nighttime entertaining. There are many beautiful gazebo designs, and your contractor can work with you to create the look you are hoping for.
• Once you have your structure in place, you can have fun adding the extras. Comfortable furniture, cold drinks in your mini-fridge, and candles all contribute to create the perfect environment.
• No gazebo is complete without plenty of flowers. Hang pots from the eaves, strategically place pots around the room, and build flower boxes where appropriate.

The best asset to a feature such as a gazebo is that it can fulfill whatever purpose you can conjure-up. Request free estimates today to build your gazebo.

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