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Get Started On Those Spring Patio Plans

You may have lastly performed it! You just finished moving into your dream residence and are so enthusiastic about what the long run shall be like. You spent a variety of time through the years attempting to design the proper house and are glad you did. By taking your time you bought a house designed particularly for you.

Now that your property is living as much as your expectations its time to get started dreaming about your out of doors space. That outside house often called the patio is just begging for completion. The query is what do you actually want to do with this exterior extension to your own home?

Patios are places where you may go for a breath of contemporary air and watch nature because it performs its wonders round you. When creating a panoramic out of doors space patios are the place to start. You might be only limited by your imagination relating to outdoor patios so go forward and dream.

Most individuals start with an out of doors hearth and build their designs around that. In fact you don’t have to follow the lead of others because in spite of everything it’s your dream. You may wish to start Modaqueen Coupons in your imaginative journey from the ground up by exploring all the completely different pavement choices that can make your patio the very best it may possibly be.

Paving stones are an excellent place to start out if you end up in search of something that’s all yours. Stones will be locations with a selected sample in mind or randomly if that is what you wish. Both way the look can be no matter you want it to be. Pure materials like stone, brick and tile can all be used to create that certainly one of a kind look, and will add timeless beauty and worth to any home.

When you find yourself able to get began making decisions about what is sure to be the discuss of the neighborhood, it is best to communicate with knowledgeable to get all the correct information about what it’ll take to put in the patio of your dreams. Professionals have the training and expertise that can assist you with the planning and design when utilizing natural materials.

They will even aid you determine the place to put the completely different elements that may become part of your new outside space. Parts like outdoor fireplaces that can create ambiance, heat and light are a should for any of in the present day’s patios. Different components that can be added to outside patios are numerous sizes of kitchen gardens for fast access to those little touches and garnishes for any recipe. Whereas sipping coffee and dreaming of your new patio why not get a head start in your spring plans? You’ll be glad you did.

Tags: Stone Brick

10 Useful Ways to Include Travertine in Projects

As the popularity of travertine is quickly spreading nationwide, it is worth discovering the many qualities and advantages that travertine has to offer. Travertine is a great natural stone that is convenient for both indoor and outdoor projects. In a concise manner, the following suggestions demonstrate the various ways that travertine can be incorporated into household projects.

1) Retaining walls

In order to prevent erosion on a hilly terrain, a retaining wall can be formed by stacking together various sizes of Travertine Pavers. Tumbled Travertine Pavers are the ideal material to be used on retaining walls due to their robust and porous surface.

2) Outdoor kitchens

Brushed & Chiseled Travertine Tiles are an excellent way to add sophistication and functionality to an outdoor kitchen project. These tiles are ideal for a high traffic area and should be sealed in case of spills and other occurrences that happen in the kitchen. Doing so will help to preserve and protect the travertine from stains. Travertine Tiles can also be used for the backsplash.

3) Fire pits/Fireplaces & Hearths

Traditional fireplaces have long been associated with bricks, but the decision to build a modern or even a rustic fireplace leaves plenty of room for other material options. The different colors, sizes and finishes of Travertine make it easier for homeowners to obtain the fireplace or hearth that they desire. Tumbled Travertine Pavers can also be used for outdoor fire pits as well as the walkways leading to the pit.

4) Walkways and steps

The tumbled surface of a Travertine Paver makes it a great choice for walkways, providing good traction for foot traffic. They are also strong enough to take on the load of heavier objects you may find along the way, such as large planters and patio sets. Travertine can be used for stairs, which is usually done with stair treads. It is a great way to incorporate the stairs with the walkway and is easy to install. Travertine comes in sizes that make the stair design more ergonomic.

5) Patios

One of the main uses of Travertine Pavers is on an outdoor patio. Patios made with Travertine Pavers are not only safer, but more accommodating as well. The pavers retain heat and as such will not burn your feet in hotter temperatures. They come in different sizes and colors differentiating them from the monotony of concrete and the busy illusion of bricks.

6) Driveways

At 1.25″ thick, Chiseled Travertine Pavers are a great option for driveways. The chiseled edges allow a closer fit, giving the pavers a higher load capacity and the honed surface will not immediately absorb spills, (i.e. the oil dripping on the driveway for instance).

7) Bathrooms

Travertine Tiles and Mosaics come in various colors and designs to appeal to any bathroom project. They cost less than other materials in their category yet are easy to maintain. They are great for countertop backsplashes and are an innovative way to replace the typical subway bathroom tiles that are so common today.

Flooring

Travertine Pavers and Tiles are a simple way to increase your home’s value. At a price that is more economical than other natural stone flooring, Travertine has become the obvious choice for home projects. It is recommended to have any high traffic areas sealed in order to preserve the Travertine’s beauty and to protect it.

9) Walls

Travertine Tiles can be used on walls and ceilings to give the look of a room built entirely of stone. They can also be used in hallways, dens, studies or wine cellars. Travertine is extremely durable and is a great investment that will really stand the test of time.

10) Pool decks

Tumbled Travertine Pavers create a beautiful and refined space around a pool deck. Their porous surface ensures that any standing water will be immediately absorbed, leaving the area safe to walk upon. As mentioned earlier, they stay cool to the touch and will not burn your feet during hot summer months or in tropical climates. Travertine Pavers also work in cold weather climates as they are able to withstand repeat freeze/thaw cycles without so much as a crack, if properly installed.

As you can see, Travertine can be included in all types of projects and will add elegance and great taste to any mundane space – making it a natural stone not to overlook.

For more information about travertine pavers visit: http://www.travertinemart.com

Tags: b, driveway, fire pit, fireplace, outdoor kitchen, patio, retaining wall, steps, travertine, walkway

Why Not Compliment Your Home With A Brick Walkway?

Brick walkways and patios evoke the feeling of a bygone era, a golden time of progress and certainty and can imbue your yard and garden with a similar feeling of steadfast permanence. Using brick in landscaping is always a good option, but particularly appropriate when paired with a brick home. It can turn a drab, dull, or awkward outdoor area into the favorite family room.

Whether the backyard is small or large, regular or irregular, or even sloping, an outdoor brick patio can create the intimate backyard room your family has always wanted. Wouldn’t it be lovely to have an expansive multi-room outdoor area, perfect for entertaining?

The brick itself can conform to create an outdoor fireplace, a thoroughfare, a garden area with or without raised beds, an open floor for eating, dancing, and socializing or a tranquil and removed area just perfect for getting away from it all. Walkways can artfully surround your in-ground pool, hot tub, or sauna, guiding traffic in, around, and through, from the door of your home to the places you most want to end up outside.

The finest historical houses in the country enjoy brick terraces, walkways and patios, and when walking on them it is easy to imagine how large gatherings were hosted, intimate dinners were enjoyed, and morning coffee was drunk as the news of the day was perused. Modern homes are no different, and it is so much easier to relax and enjoy a space, no matter what you wish to do, when that space is both beautiful and useful.

Brick can be used very easily to provide not just simple patios, but also steps in and out of your home and to different levels of a sloping yard. It is an ideal building material for barriers and gateposts, fences and entrance arches. Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are ideal uses for brick, and it is perfectly suited to provide multi-level patios to a deeply sloped yard. Brick comes in a variety of shades and hues and it may be easier than you imagine to pair the perfect color for your backyard room to the bricks of your house.

Finishing or rehabilitating your backyard may seem like a monumental task, but with the help of experts who have an eye for design and an ear for your wants and needs you can have a backyard room of which you may be proud. What was once an outdoor wasteland, nondescript at best and an eyesore at worst can quickly become the place you always drink your morning coffee. It can be the sanctuary you seek after work, and the place family and friends gather to share laughter, love and lasting memories. Brick can turn your backyard into something beautiful.

At Perfect Pavements, we provide you with a wide range of products to suit your every need including Ashburn VA patios and fireplaces. Our experienced staff is available to assist you in product selection and can help you with all aspects of your construction project.

Tags: Ashbur, Ashburn VA patios, Leesburg VA outdoor fireplace, Leesburg VA outdoor patios, Leesburg VA patios

Installing Manufactured Stone Veneer

Manufactured stone veneer can be used to greatly enhance the look and feel of a project. These hand crafted thin veneer stones are cast from natural stone in a process that captures the natural elegance and beauty of genuine stone. In this article we will be discussing some basic step-by-step installation procedures that can help with your next stone veneer project.

Determining Type of Substrate: There are several types of substrates that manufactured stone veneer can be applied to if the surface is properly prepared. The most commonly used are plywood, cement board and CMU. Varies substrates require different preparation processes. It is important to use the right preparation techniques and tools for each project. (Note: Review the stone manufacturers detailed installation instructions before installation any project)

Applying Weather Resistant Barrier: It is recommended that you install two separate layers of WRB in shingle fashion, starting at the bottom of the wall. The upper layers of WRB should overlap the top of the lower layers by a minimum of two inches. The WRB should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. (Note: This step may not be required for some installations. Please review your stone manufacturers detailed installation instructions.) Recommended Material: #15 felt or Grade D paper

Applying Galvanized Metal Lath: Lath should be installed horizontally with the cups up, and should overlap a minimum of one inch on the horizontal and vertical seams. Around inside and outside corners, lath should be attached every six inches allowing a 16 inch overlap around corners. Recommended Material: 2.5 lb. or 3.4 lb. self-furring corrosion resistant lath

Applying Scratch Coat: Apply a nominal ½” thick layer of mortar over the lath, ensure the lath is completely covered with mortar to allow for scoring of the surface. The mortar should be applied with sufficient pressure and thickness to fully embed the lath. Once the mortar is thumb-print hard, scratch the surface horizontally with a notched trowel or scarifier to create a scratch coat. Recommended Tools: Notched trowel or scarifier

Snapping Chalk Lines: After the scratch coat dries (usually 48 hours) and before the stone is applied, chalk lines are snapped across the wall for the purpose of proper horizontal alignment of stone. The chalk lines are necessary in keeping the courses of stone straight and level during installation, which provides for a beautiful and professional result. Recommended Tools: Chalk Line

Mortar Coverage (Back of Stone): Cover the entire back of the stone with approximately ½” of mortar. This will ensure a proper adhesion between the stone and the scratch coated wall surface. Please follow the manufactures recommendations regarding mortar mixture formulas. (Note: Weather conditions can affect the adhesion of mortar to the scratch coat. Please review the stone manufacturers detailed installation instructions for different weather environments.) Recommended Material: Polymer modified Type-S mortar / Recommended Tools: Trowel

Installing the First Course: When installing the first course, start at the bottom corner of a wall installing one or two corner stones first. Corner pieces have a long and a short return, these returns should alternate in opposite directions on the wall’s corner staying within the 8″ chalk lines. Continue the project by installing flats off of these corner pieces. Work the stones into the wall with a side to side motion to create a bond. Each additional course that is installed will always begin with a cornerstone.

Cutting Stones to Fit: Manufactured stone veneer is easily shaped or cut as desired. This enables you to fit stones quickly into place, insuring a natural looking wall with tight mortar joints. (Note: Always wear safety glasses while cutting stone veneer.) Recommended Tools: Makita 4.5″ handheld disc grinder with diamond blade, or nippers.

Grouting the joints: If grouting is required, use a grout bag to fill in the joints. Try to avoid smearing grout on the face of the stone. If grout does come in contact with the face of the stone, use a clean damp sponge to remove the residue.(note: make sure sponge is clean to avoid smearing grout elsewhere) Once the grout is thumb print hard, use a metal joint tool or wood stick to finish joints. Use a whisk broom to sweep away any left over debris. Recommended Tools: Metal joint tool or wood stick

Grout Color and Style: The color of the grout joint has a dramatic impact on the final appearance of the installation. From varying depth raked joints to full brushed joints, there are several grouting techniques that also impact the final appearance.

For information on flashing details or specialty installations please consult the stone manufacturer for detailed installation instructions.

Visit http://www.coronado.com for more information on manufactured stone veneer products.

Derrick Johnson
Coronado Stone Products®
http://www.coronado.com

Tags: architectural stone, manufactured stone, simulated stone, stone products, stone siding, stone veneer

How to Prepare Ground For and Lay Paving

Before laying paving in your garden, you first need to prepare the ground. There are a number of steps that need to be taken to ensure not just that your paving looks good once laid, but that it remains looking good for a long time afterward.

Poor preparation is the greatest cause of paving problems and there are no real short-cuts, so make the effort and you will only have to do the job once and won’t need to make repairs and adjustments subsequently.

First of all, remove the topsoil and dig down. You need to dig fairly deep, preferably until you reach hard ground as this will provide a firm foundation. Next, you need to calculate what level the paving will sit at after you have laid it and don’t forget to allow a fall so that water can drain.

Lay around 30mm of sand. If you are laying a patio, you will need around 100mm of stone. For driveways, (which will have to support greater weight) you will need 150mm. Once this is laid, compact it with a plate vibrator. Sand will be laid on top of this as the first part of the actual paving process.

Once you have properly prepared the ground by digging down and compacting sand and stone, you are now ready to lay your paving.

First of all, you need to create falls for water run-off. Having chosen a coarse concrete sand, spread it evenly, deep enough for compaction. Use a plate vibrator to then compact it.

You will now need to set up the screed boards. Set them so that the top is 5mm higher than the bottom of the paving will be. Screed the compacted sand off. If the sand is not high enough, add more and compact once again. Having done this and screeded, remove the boards and fill the gaps, screeding again.

Now, having chosen a pattern for your paving, you are ready to start laying. A builder’s line can function as a guide. The edge slabs can be cut using a power saw or guillotine. Once these have been positioned, you can now compact your paving and spread jointing sand to fill the gaps. Compact the jointing sand and then top them up. Your paving is now laid and assuming you have prepared the ground properly, should last for many years to come.

http://buildersuperstore.co.uk

Tags: garden paving, lay paving, paving, prepare ground, prepare ground for paving, preparing for paving

Adding That Something Special to Your Home With Brick Pavers

Brick pavers are used to dress up landscapes all over the world. They can be the perfect way to add a little definition to outside spaces. They are ideal for some many outdoor projects. They are durable and easy to install. Many folks use them as a point of interest in their landscaping endeavors.

These pavers are not only beautiful but they are very functional. They can be used to make driveways pop; walkways stand out and generally bring interest to any area that needs it.

The Driveway

Having a great driveway in front of your home really can increase the value of your home, by increasing the curb appeal of the home. Using brick pavers to line your driveway or to completely create your driveway is an excellent way of adding some curb appeal to your home.

Installing the pavers is simple but a bit of hard work. Installation will require that the ground is level. This can be achieved in several ways, the easiest way is to have a sand base that has been tamped down using an earth tamper, and if an earth tamper is not available a walk behind steam roller will do the job nicely.

Brick pavers do not have to be mortared down they can simply be laid and have a thin layer of sand poured over them to fill the spaces in between the pavers. It is actually cheaper to install the pavers this way.

There are several designs that can be used to lay the pavers. A favored design that looks rather elegant is the herringbone design.

Sidewalk

Brick pavers can be used to make a great sidewalk. The process is the same as building a driveway, of course on a much smaller scale. The process is very simple and actually can be completed in one day if there are at least two people involved in the process.

Types

There are several different color choices and shape choices when it comes to these pavers. The favorite type is the square shaped or rectangular shaped brick pavers. The range of colors is from brick red to cream colored.

These pavers can be chosen to match the color of the home.

Costs

The cost will vary, depending on whether they are new or reclaimed bricks. You can expect to pay anywhere from less than a dollar per paver to over three dollars per paver depending on how thick the paver is and color, texture of the brick.

Brick pavers are one of the simplest ways to give the outside of your home a little flair. Whether you have a brick house or one made of another material, you are sure to find some use for attractive pavers.

Tags: 1 brick pavers, brick house, brick pavers, home improvements

Tips to Build a Fire Pit

A fire pit can be simply a hole dug into the ground or it can be a composition of stone, brick or metal and can be either charcoal or gas burning. Having a fire pit in your backyard may be a really useful element when you are having friends over and choose to do some grilling. Sitting by the fire is no doubt one of the most relaxing things in the world, whether on a warm summer evening or on a cool autumn evening. Building a fire pit is a pretty simple do-it-yourself project. So here are some tips on putting a fire pit together for your upcoming social gathering.

Required Tools
Shovel
Hammer
String
Level
Brush
Required Materials
Bricks
Stake
Gravel
Sand
Metal grate
Cement (optional)
Steel pit ring with tabs

Instructions
If you are using stones they must be as smooth as doable but for now we will presume that you are using landscaping blocks. In the location you select for your pit, dig a hole about 2 feet deep and around 4 inches in circumference and load it with gravel to drain away water that may otherwise settle inside the pit.

Dig a hole around the area where the fire pit will be around 2 feet wider than the fire pit will be. To make sure that this hole is completely round, use a hammer and drive a stake into the very center of where the pit will be and tie a string around 3½ feet long onto the stake. While holding the string walk in a full circle around the stake and mark out a circle. Your circle ought to be more or less perfect after this.

Dig down about 12 inches right around your fire pit location using the circle as a outline and fill the hole with 4 inches of gravel and 4 inches of sand. Press the sand as level as you are able and place your first set of bricks on top of it. Use the level to make sure that this layer is completely flat and then completely fill the hole outside of the bricks with gravel. The blocks will be nearly fully covered but this will make sure your fire pit has a strong base.

Carry on with setting more rows of bricks. You can use the steel ring every couple of layers to ensure that the grill is still round and the ring fits inside. You may use cement if you want to keep the bricks in place. But not using cement makes it simpler to remove lone blocks if necessary later on. The cement may give off fumes when the fire is burning therefore it is advised to simply lay the bricks with nothing between.

Use the brush to remove debris from the bricks while you place them and leave random gaps between the stones to allow air to pass through or the fire will stifle and die. When you have set a few layers of the bricks, throw gravel inside the middle and spread it over the floor of the fire pit.

Around 6 layers of bricks should be sufficient thus when you have laid 5 layers, set the steel ring in place and lay the final layer of bricks on the tabs of the ring to hold it firmly in place. Finally place the metal grate in place and you’re ready for a fire.

Tips and Warnings
Make sure the bricks or stones you use were not in water because heat from the fire can cause them to explode.

It is in every instance recommended to saturate the area around the pit with water before you make a fire to guarantee that there are no stray fires. You should furthermore keep a bucket of water and a shovel handy every time you are going to light a fire.

Please visit these links for more information on: How To Build A Fire Pit and Build A Fire Pit.

Tags: circle around, full circle around, right around

Using Travertine Tiles For the Mediterranean Feel

If you are thinking about adding a Mediterranean look and feel to your home then the tiles to consider are Travertine. Most people are under the mistaken belief that marble was the stone of choice for building but that is just not true. Marble was used for temples and columns but the majority of the stone work was done with travertine as the largest quarry in the world at that time was located about 60 miles away from Ancient Rome. In fact, the Roman Coliseum is the largest building in the world comprised of mostly travertine stone.

Travertine tiles are actually applied to a variety of uses in the home. Travertine bathrooms are becoming very popular in which the entire shower along with the vanity top and floors are all done in different hues of this versatile stone. Travertine is a sedimentary rock which means it is porous unlike marble which is a metamorphous rock. Due to this fact, the travertine must be sealed when used in a water rich environment such as a bathroom or kitchen. It also must be sealed when utilized as a floor tile to guard against staining and to give long life.

One of the positives of travertine is it is so easy to work with. Since it is less dense than marble it is much easier to apply to a wall and takes less support while the cement is drying. It also can be easily cut because it is not one of the harder stones. If you plan to bull nose the edges be sure to watch out for any filler that has been added. Often times large voids need to have a filling material applied and this can chip out when cutting. Other than that, this is a very good tile for accents, trim, and walls and floors. It is also very popular in the garden as accents and pavers.

If you are not familiar with travertine tiles you owe it to yourself to see how beautiful and versatile they are. Visit us at the Travertine Tile Store and find out for yourself what a classic Roman tile is.

Tags: travertine bathrooms, travertine floor tile, travertine stone, travertine tile, travertine tiles

How Do You Clean Brick on a Fireplace?

One of the things that first drew you to your home was the fantasy of you and your family sitting down next to a crackling blaze inside those wonderful brick fireplaces. While you have spent many great evenings and weekends sitting comfortably around a roaring fire, the reality is that where there is a fire, there are smoky stains, black soot and piles of old ashes on your brick fireplaces.

Tips on Cleaning Brick Fireplaces with Wood Fireboxes:

In many cases, you can clean fireplaces with some simple household items. First, gather together your “toolbox”. Most of these items can be gotten affordably at most hardware or home maintenance stores.

You will need:

o A couple of plastic buckets and a good stiff scrub brush
o A vacuum cleaner with disposable bags
o A rubber gloves
o A set of goggles or safety glasses for protecting your eyes
o A disposable drop cloth
o A container of TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate) or a commercial scrubbing powder
o A “green” substitute for TSP is white household vinegar
o A small bottle of chlorine bleach (optional – for mold and mildew removal)
o A heavy duty broom, shovel and metal bucket for handling wood ashes
o Paper towels, sponges and cloth cleaning rags
o A soot removal sponge

First, you need to remove any piles of ashes from inside the firebox or ash pit, if you fireplace has one. Be careful how you trash your ash…always store ashes inside a metal container until you can dispose of them properly. Remember ashes can keep embers hot and combustible for as long as four days!

You can use a wet-and-dry vacuum to clean up any leftover dust or small bits too small to sweep from the pit and firebox. Next you start the cleaning up process. If you have glass fire screens you can use a half-and-half mixture of the white vinegar and water to make a streak-free cleaner.

Now for the smoke – take a bucket of clean water and a sponge and wet down section of facing you will be working with. Work your way from top to bottom. This water saturation is to keep any cleaners and solvents from soaking into the pores of the mortar and brick.

Next mix up a mild solution of TSP or use your scouring powder and scrub brush to go over the face of each brick of the fireplace. You should do only one section at time and rinse as you go along. Be careful of the mortar joints or else you run the risk damaging the masonry or mantels for brick fireplaces and resurfacing fireplaces can be very expensive.

Once you have finished working the mantel, hearth and external walls, you can move into working on the firebox. Here you will find more soot and ash debris. Since it is a carbonized residue, it will literally turn into a quick staining ink if you wet it.

First, you must clean up the soot as much as possible using your broom, shovel and soot removal sponge. Don’t wet this sponge! Just use it on drag down the soot from the top of the firebox to the bottom.

Remove the debris with the broom, shovel or shop vacuum. Polish any metalwork and you are done cleaning your brick fireplaces.

My dad was a shipping magnet and because of that, me and my family had to travel with him constantly.I gained a lot of knowledge through that. With my dad’s influence I went into importing and exporting and this kept me on the road. I am settled now in one place and find it most fulfilling in writing articles. View some more articles by Marc Willis at http://www.fireplaceguide.net

Tags: brick fireplaces, brick fireplaces with wood, mantels for brick fireplaces, resurfacing