Posts Tagged ‘backyard’

 

What is a Fire Pit and What Can it Do for A Backyard?

Thursday, September 12th, 2013

What is a Fire Pit and What Can it Do for A Backyard? - Landscapers

Need to spice up your backyard a bit, while enjoying the cooler weather of fall? You could always turn your backyard into your personal relaxation area by building a fire pit. What is a fire pit, you ask? We’ll tell you!

A Fire Pit Has Numerous Benefits When Added to a Landscape

A fire pit is a permanent and attractive looking location to have a relaxing fire in the evening after a long day of work. It can also be a viable way to get rid of yard debris and some garbage, depending on the burn laws in your area.

What is a fire pit? A fire pit can be made of stone, metal, or other materials that aren’t easily set on fire. A patio can attractively surround the pit, or it can be set in the yard as a separate area. A fire pit must have enough distance from the house, other structures, and trees to protect those areas from the heat and the possibility of catching fire.

Help customers understand that there are many answers when they ask, what is a fire pit? The answer has a common area in general answers. Specific details, however, make all the difference for their situation.

Other Options for Adding Appeal to the Backyard

A fire pit does not have to be the only addition to the backyard to make it more appealing to the adult residents. There are additions like a hot tub that can help that as well.

If a hot tub is part of the backyard environment, make sure that you have properly prepared for all weather and all potential issues with the hot tub installation. Things like the location of the tub, the type of skirting used, and the type of cover for when the hot tub is not in use are all considerations that should be handled carefully.

When in Doubt, Call in the Professionals

The features of the backyard are important factors in a makeover for the area to become a fun place for the adults to relax. Remember that it is important for the backyard to look the part as well. One possibility is to plant shrubbery to add to the visual appeal of the backyard.

For help making these determinations, there is one reliable concierge to call first. That is TalkLocal, where you can talk to a professional and have questions answered quickly. The call is free, your information is kept personal, and the pro addresses your specific situation and questions.

Tips For Power Washing A Painted Deck

Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013

Tips For Power Washing A Painted Deck - Handyman

Your deck is exposed to all of the elements, including dirt and natural grime that can build up over time. If you have painted the exterior of your home, and your deck to compliment, you may find yourself in need of some tips for power washing a painted deck.

There are certain things you do not want to do:

– You want to make sure you avoid using a power washer at close range. This can damage the paint and cause it to fade or peel.

– Avoid using really harsh chemicals, as well.

– Don’t leave furniture, décor, or plants on the deck if you can help it. Anything you can move should be removed from the area, and anything that cannot  be removed should be covered up.

– Avoid trying to clean your painted deck on very windy days so that the risk of debris infiltrating your cleaning system is lower.

When you’re ready to start washing, follow these tips for power washing a painted deck:

You will need:

– A bucket

– Unscented dish detergent

– A garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment

How to Power Wash Your Deck

1. Fill a mop bucket with about 3 ounces of unscented dish detergent. Mix with water until you have a soapy mixture and either use a mop, or splash the mixture to spread it around the deck. We recommend using a mop on larger areas.

2. Let the soapy mixture sit on the deck for about 5 to 10 minutes and soak into the grime and dirt, but don’t wait much longer than that.

3. Connect the spray nozzle attachment to your garden hose and spray the soapy mixture off of the deck. If your spray nozzle attachment has adjustable speeds, start spraying on medium and only switch to high if medium is too weak to remove the dirt and grime.

This should take care of the majority of the filth on the deck. If you find you still have a mess, here are some tips for washing a painted deck with stubborn grime and muck:

1. After following the above steps, get a long-handled cleaning brush with soft bristles.

2. Mix 1 or 2 ounces of dish detergent and water.

3. Dip the brush into this new soapy mixture and gently scrub the grime in circular motions. Go slowly so you avoid scratching or removing paint.

Looking For Help?

These tips and tricks will help you wash your painted deck without a blast washer or harmful chemicals that may affect your paint. If you need professional assistance or find that your grime is too stubborn, TalkLocal can help you by connecting you with a qualified handyman in you area, when you need one.