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Restoring An Old Deck

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Your old deck might be an eyesore now, but it doesn’t have to be! With just a little bit of elbow grease and minimal investment you can have it looking as good as new in a very short time.

Restoring an old deck is not as difficult as it might seem. It only requires a good cleaning, the replacement or fixing or rotten boards and the staining or painting of the structure to keep it going for another few years

Step One
The first thing you have to do when undertaking the restoration of your old deck is to check for structural damage. The spots to focus on are places where the deck touches the ground. If you can sink the tip of your screwdriver easily into posts or joints, then your deck’s foundation is no longer solid and you will be looking at a major overhaul. However, if the structural elements of your deck are still in good shape, then you are good to go.

Step Two
Replace or repair any rotten or loose deck boards. If your deck board has small knots or is splintering you might be able to reinforce it with exterior wood putty – as long as the damage is not significant. However, the better route would be to replace the board entirely. Removing old deck boards can be done with two hammers (if the boards were secured with nails) or with a reversible drill if secured with screws. The two hammer technique is very effective – just plae the hook side of hammer one against the nail head and hammer the hammer down until the nail is firmly wedged between the hooks – then use the hammer like a crowbar to pry the nail free.

Step Three
Cleaning. Although decks are supposed to be cleaned every year, most homeowners don’t realize this. If a deck is cleaned every year, then you can get away with a simple cleanse before moving to the next step. However, if you haven’t really washed your deck in a while, then you should get a good product such as Thompson’s Deck Wash. You simply mix it in a bucket and apply it to the surface of your deck with a good stiff-bristled brush so that you can really scrub at it. You can also use a pressure washer for really tough stains – but be careful not to put it on the highest settings, which can damage your deck boards.

Step Four
Allow your deck to dry COMPLETELY before applying any kind of stain. You should wait a good 24 hours so that your deck is absolutely dry before staining. However, if it rains before you stain, you have to wait longer.

Step Five
Most contractors recommend a semi-transparent stain for old decks as the grain can still show through but the pigment will make the new boards blend in better with the old boards. However, there are also dark stains and paint options that provide startlingly beautiful results. Read the instructions on whatever stain you use for proper application techniques.

Step Six
Wait until the stain/paint dries – and enjoy your restored deck!

Toronto Backyard Oasis

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Backyards are no longer considered just a patch of land for growing grass and putting out a couple of lawn chairs. Backyard designs have evolved to turn these private spaces into personal havens of enchantment and escape. With just a little bit of imagination you can transform your yard into a resort-like retreat for enjoying year-round.

There are a few elements to incorporate into a backyard design that will take it from ordinary to extraordinary.

Texture

Using materials such as wood and stone in your design for patios and decks will add a nice natural look and feel to your creation. The materials blend beautifully into the surroundings and don’t look out of place. However, if you choose to use concrete or composite materials for patios and decking, there are ways of incorporating them without having them stand out too much. A good plan will help you blend these materials into your overall concept for a more seamless look and feel.

Water

Nothing is more soothing that the sight and sound of water rippling. Whether you have space for a large pond or swimming pool, or just enough space for a fountain, having some sort of water feature will go a long way towards creating a relaxing yard.

A touch of Romance

Whether through the use of candles, lanterns or fairy lights, adding a touch of romance to your yard will soften the environs and make it even more inviting for family and guests – especially in the evenings after the sun has set.

Privacy

No one can fully relax if they feel their neighbours staring down at them from beyond their fence. To ensure privacy, a good fence is necessary. Although wood slats is the standards, planting some tall evergreen or even some seasonal shrubbery to further close any gaps is a good idea. Not only will it create a sense of isolation from the world around you, but greenery will also contribute to your sense of being ensconced in nature or at your own private get-away.

Seating

If at all possible, create several different seating areas – one for dining with a larger group, one for sitting alone and contemplating life, one for a discreet tête-à-tête – and whatever you do, make sure that the seating is comfy and inviting!

Fire

What’s a backyard without a fire pit? Ideal for roasting marshmallows, sitting around and talking or keeping you warm on a chilly night, a fire pit is a terrific idea for adding a fun element to your overall design.

Flowers

Landscaping plays an integral role in what your backyard design will ultimately look like. If you are not savvy with flowers and plants, then get input from your local horticulturist to find out what plants best suit your needs. A mix of annuals and perennials is the best way to go so that you have your foundation plants and your splashes of colour all year round.

pic by Taryn Elliot

Outdoor Living Spaces

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Outdoor living spaces in Toronto have become de rigeur. Everyone and anyone has realized the vast potential and real enjoyment quotient inherent in using their backyard as an extension of their regular living quarters. Not only does extending your living to the outdoors mean that you are creating an even larger space for hosting summertime events, but you are making it a place that you want to use. Forget about the plastic garden chairs and sprinklers of your youth, today’s backyards have taken on a life of their own.

Although you might think that you need a large backyard or lots of land to create an outdoor living space, this is far from true. All you need is a bit of imagination and the willingness to see beyond what’s already there. Even if you live in a condo with nothing more than a balcony or a rooftop terrace as outdoor space, there are ways to transform what you have into something magical.
 

Balconies

Even the tiniest of balconies can be a refuge from the world. Great ideas include adding some kind of flooring whether it be as simple as a throw-rug or even some easy-to-assemble wood tiles, laying a floor covering can change the look of your balcony. Adding a couple of potted plants or flower boxes will also create the illusion of a garden regardless of where you are. Another fun element that will bring your balcony to life are light features such as lanterns, candles or torches. Here is a good list of fun ideas to brighten your balcony //bit.ly/1HVxBi0.
 

Decks/Patios

Decks are any raised surface attached to or near your home. They can be made from wood, composite materials or concrete. Patios are laid directly on the ground and are generally made from stone although they can also be made of wood or concrete. Both structures are ideal for creating an outdoor living room as often they are attached to the home and are easily accessible. Adding a pergola, an awning (if attached to the home) or a gazebo are great ideas as they provide shelter from the elements and can create a very cozy atmosphere. If your deck or patio is large enough, you can create sections by using different design elements including the creation of a bar, using tall planters to create divisions or by placing furniture strategically.

Again here, using some form of ground covering can also help to create divisions on your deck or patio and can add a splash of colour or enhance your overall design while a great lighting plan will also go a long way to creating the perfect mood.
 

Luxe Accessories

The real key to creating an outdoor living room or kitchen is to have luxurious patio accessories. Whether you hunt for treasures that you can restore to use in your design or whether you buy your favorites items, choosing the right fabrics, textures and colours will go a long way towards making your outdoor space inviting. A good link to some interesting ideas can be found over here //bit.ly/1g8ht5X.

Pool Time in Toronto!

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It’s summertime in Toronto and pool season is open! There’s nothing like a crystal pool of clear and refreshing water to take the edge off those 30-degree days. Whether you want to simply soak for a bit, party, play or exercise, pools are the ultimate backyard boost for those water-babies who love the aqua.

When it comes to choosing the kind of pool to install in your backyard, there are several things to consider – do you want an above-ground or inground version? Will it be vinyl, concrete, gunite or fiberglass? Will it be have a graded depth? Will it be chlorinated or salinated? What will be the surrounding surface? Although your pool company will definitely be able to help you make the best decision for your property, your needs and, above all, your budget, it is good to have an idea of what is available.

Cost
Above-ground pools are are the most affordable of the options listed running anywhere between four to seven thousand dollars while a realistic budget for in-ground pools will be between thirty to seventy thousand. Don’t believe too-good-to-be-true deals for in-ground pools listing them at below fifteen thousand dollars – that price certainly doesn’t include the installation, the liner, the surrounding surface, the landscaping or the accessories such as heaters, covers, etc…

Materials & Longevity
Vinyl refers to the liners used in both above-ground and in-ground pools. In an above-ground pool they usually have to be replaced in about 5 years while they have a slightly longer life in in-ground pools with an average replacement rate after 6 years. Concrete pools are very sturdy and last the longest but will need to be resurfaced every 9-13 years. Gunite is a form of concrete that is also very popular for pools and also lasts a very long time. Fiberglass pools will last around 20 years or longer depending on use and how well it is maintained.

Chlorine or Salt?
Many people are opting for salt instead of chlorine pools now-a-days. Although the salt is actually a naturally chlorine producing variant, it is not as harsh on eyes and skin as regular chlorine. It is also easier to store than chlorine but can damage plumbing and fixtures if not maintained properly.

Surround
The surface surrounding your pool will depend on your overall landscape design. Typically people choose stone or concrete patios for in-ground pools and wood decks for above-ground pools. However, the choice you make will be in-line with your home’s aesthetics and also your budget.

Decks vs Patios

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Decks and patios are now key features looked for by homebuyers when on the hunt for a new home. With the creation of the “outdoor living space” these structures have almost become a necessity. As a homeowner wondering whether to install a deck or a patio, there are a few items to keep in mind. First, whatever you install should not break your bank account. Second, it should suit your yard. Third, it should suit your needs.

Before we take a look at the differences between decks and patios, however, let’s clearly define what they are. Although many people use the two words interchangeably, a deck is a supported structure usually made out of wood, vinyl or concrete while a patio is laid directly on the ground and is typically made from stone, pavers, poured concrete, gravel or, sometimes, mulch.

Cost
The cost of installing a deck can run anywhere from $6,000 to $20,000 depending on the size and intricacy of your deck as well as the material you use. Composite decking is far more expensive per square foot than regular treated wood, while cedar planking comes in at the midrange of the two. A good cost calculator for decks can be found here //bit.ly/1Cpn7uw.

Patios are far more affordable than decks. Pavers can be as little as $0.50 but can go as high as $30 although you do have to take into consideration the cost of leveling the ground and adding enough crushed stone to make a stable base. If you plan on doing the work yourself, then a patio can run you as little as $200 or can go as high as $10,000 depending on the size and scope of your design. A good calculator can for patios can be found here //bit.ly/1HOrYFL.

Suitability
Choosing the material that best suits your yard and your needs are also two very important considerations. If you have a sloping yard, then you will have to level the ground before installing a patio, whereas installing a deck will make leveling the surface much easier. However, if you want to incorporate your sitting area into your landscaping, it is easier to do so with patios, which can be surrounded by gardens and vegetation.

What you need is another factor that will influence your decision. If you want a spotlight place overlooking a view, then a deck is definitely the way to go. However, if you want a cozy spot for seeking shade and tranquility or for installing a fire pit, then a patio surrounded by lush gardens is probably a better idea. Many landscape designs will, in fact, incorporate both a deck and a patio in the same design to better serve different needs.

Regardless of whether you go with a deck or a patio, the options for both are endless and the results, if done well, can serve your family and home for years to come.

Toronto Perennials vs Annuals

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The eternal question when planning a garden is whether to include perennials or annuals in your design. The right answer is somewhere in the middle as both varieties of plants are used for different purposes.

Perennials
Perennials are plants that return every year, require little maintenance and will produce attractive, fragrant flowers – but for only for a specific time during the growing season. If you opt to only grow perennials, the trick is to select varieties that have staggered blooming times so that you always have colour in your garden. Otherwise, you will have one glorious burst of colour from all of your plants at once and then have only their green leaves for company the rest of the summer.

Perennials are ideal for xeriscapes and for large gardens as they provide a consistent backdrop against which to plant other flowers.

Annuals
Annuals are plants that flower for only one season and then die. They are grown from seed, produce really bright, attractive blooms and then seed. The beauty of annuals is that they will flower for the entire growing season giving you masses of lovely flowers for the entire summer. The drawback with annuals is that you have to plant them every year, which is costlier and more time-consuming than only having perennials in your garden.

Annuals are ideal for mixed borders, planters and areas of high visibility where you want a lot of show.

Ideally speaking…
The ideal situation for any garden is to have a mix of annuals and perennials. The perennials should form the backbone of your garden that is then complemented by the annuals that you include in your design. Matching the annuals to your perennials in terms of colour and texture will produce a truly attractive garden that will provide colour and spectacle throughout the summer.

A good mix of both annuals and perennials will also ensure that you are not stuck having to replant your entire garden every year.

Choosing the plants to include in your landscape is probably one of the more pleasing aspect of gardening. Watching them grow, flower and reproduce can provide years of enjoyment to any homeowner – even those who leave the gardening to others.