Installing pavers in your driveway or patio area is a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal, increase your home’s value and create something that reflects your unique style. In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages of decorative pavers and explore ways to use them creatively. Read more

With the beautiful weather in the Bay Area, it’s no wonder that one of the biggest local home improvement trends is to extend one’s living space to the outside with add-ons like decks and covered patios. However, even though these exterior additions are great, you can take your alfresco experience to a whole new level by building an outdoor kitchen, which will allow you to prepare meals and dine under the sun or stars. To learn about the process of outdoor kitchen construction, we’re joined by North Bay Area landscaping contractor Alain Joske.

Plan way in advance. An outdoor kitchen isn’t built overnight—it’s a lengthy process, and the actual construction is often the shortest part. Read more

Guest post by Jennifer Filzen, Marketing Representative at Acme Sunshades Enterprise Inc, a Diamond Certified company.

Let’s say you own a restaurant and want to create an outdoor dining space for your customers. You can have any type of pergola, sunshade or awning built for you, but there are several things to consider before making a final decision.

Is your outdoor area surrounded by lots of trees? Too many trees could blow a heavy pile of leaves on top of your sunshade and cause it to collapse. If you want an outdoor area with a sunshade, you should consider a retractable shade that you can move out of the way in the event of rain or wind. Read more

If you’re like most Bay Area residents, as the long days and balmy evenings of summer set in, you’ll want to be spending as much time as possible outside. An outdoor living space can serve a variety of functions, whether an ambient setting to entertain guests or a relaxing oasis for lounging during your annual staycation. In order to get the most enjoyment out of your space, however, you’ll first need to get it clean and functional again after having sat unused all winter. Here are a few aspects likely to require your attention:

Swimming Pool
Following its winter dormancy, your swimming pool needs a bit of maintenance to get it ready for summer use. Read more

Between winter rain and summer sun, a wood deck can take quite a beating, which is why annual maintenance is crucial to keep it looking and functioning optimally. With increases in both temperature and daylight hours, spring is the ideal time to refinish your deck in preparation of summer leisure. Here are the steps to take to achieve a properly refinished deck:

Preliminary cleaning
Start by sweeping the deck with a stiff broom. Use a hammer or drill to countersink all nails or screws, particularly those which have started to protrude. Next, fill a bucket with soapy water and use a scrub brush to scour the deck boards and railings. When finished, Read more

While it may not be immediately evident, the lifespan of a fence can vary significantly depending on a number of crucial details. One of the most important is the quality of materials used, from the actual lumber to anchoring and fastening materials. Here are some areas where quality is crucial:

Lumber
Wood is the most essential constitutive element of a fence, which is why it’s important to regard quality when choosing board, post and railing materials. Read more

One reason vinyl fences are so popular is because they’re essentially maintenance-free after they’re installed. However, there are still simple steps you can take to ensure your vinyl fence maintains its appearance and efficiency for many years:

Clean the fence regularly. Mix a bit of non-abrasive household detergent with water, gently sponge away any grime and spray the fence down with a hose. Most greasy or oily stains can be easily wiped away with mineral spirits and a soft cloth.

Check the fence’s stability. No matter how securely your vinyl fence has been installed, sometimes freeze, thaw cycles and other natural forces can loosen its posts. It’s a good idea to periodically walk the fence line and make sure everything is still firm and straight. Read more