Timber & Textiles » Garage

How to Get the Most From Your Backyard Gas Grills

Phil Riklis — Thu, 26 May 2011 07:06:14 +0000

When the summer sun comes up there’s no better way to enjoy your own backyard than to throw a barbecue party. You can fill the guest list with friends and neighbors that you enjoy spending time with, or you can just make it a small family affair. Considering the fact that you only have a few months each year where the weather is right for barbecue, you should take every advantage every time you fire up your gas grills. A lot of people are a bit too lax with their barbecue habits these days and that results in a generic tasting barbecue that really isn’t all that memorable. If you take the time to plan things carefully and take a few calculated risks here and there, you can get some truly wonderful eating experiences that will leave all of your guests satisfied and stuffed. After all, there’s nothing better than being known as the best barbecue master in town – but remember that you have to put effort into the process if you want to claim the title.

Your first step for every barbecue should be to make sure that your equipment is in proper working order. That involves cleaning your barbecue in addition to the grill itself. A lot of people have the habit of cleaning their barbecue every time before they use it. But in order to cut down on grease buildup it’s a lot better to clean your barbecue after each cooking session. You should also invest in a good barbecue cover so that your grill stays protected in the off-season as well. There are many gas grills with weatherproof designs but even they need tender loving care in order to keep them in proper order.

When it comes to the cooking process, the most important step is coming up with your menu. You can choose to go with old standards that don’t deviate from what you usually serve, but you might be depriving yourself an opportunity to try wonderful new things. There will always be popular favorites like hamburgers and juicy steaks that make regular appearances, but there’s no reason you can’t try something entirely new either. Don’t forget about dishes from other cultures and cuisines with a multicultural touch, and make sure to explore the wonderful world of seafood and vegetables as well. Even if it doesn’t make it onto your grill, there are plenty of ways to enjoy different types of food as side dishes or appetizers.

The number one rule you should always follow is to use the freshest ingredients possible, and this is absolutely essential if you want true authentic barbecue. Cooking on gas grills is not about frozen food nor should it involve a tremendous amount of barbecue sauce. It’s about real home flavors that are unique to your cooking style because you have taken the time to come up with your own special blend. Don’t be afraid to experiment with various herbs and spices for flavoring, and take into account that some meats work better with certain side dishes and vegetables when other. In time, you will come up with a personalized barbecue approach that you will be proud to call your own.

How to Choose the Right Pergola Plans

Phil Riklis — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 13:26:59 +0000

Pergolas are the beautiful way to cover outdoor living spaces. Pergolas are particularly beautiful when installed in a garden or over a patio. There are many different pergola plans and designs to choose from. By following pergolas plans, you can easily save a lot of more money because you will be able to choose your own materials.

Most homeowners prefer freestanding or a partial pergola for decorating and sheltering their walkways, patios, and decks. Freestanding patio pergola plans are an excellent option because they are simple and cheaper to construct. It is always a good idea to have a professional builder look over your pergola plan to ensure that it is a safe and durable design. For bigger patios or long walkways, installing series of smaller pergolas is an excellent option. There are many DIY pergola plans available for free or sale on the internet which make pergola installation easy and inexpensive for homeowners.

The two basic types of pergolas are freestanding and attached. The freestanding types are supported by poles and the common or preferred shape for this design is rectangular. Climbing vines or draping fabric materials can be added to give more coverage. Attached pergolas are attached to an existing structure. There are also many other types such as a walkway pergola which can be used to highlight particular spaces in your landscape or a swing pergola which contains a swing so you can sit and relax in your outdoor oasis.

If you have decided to purchase a kit, you will still have to decide on which pergola designs or types will work best for your property. You will also have to choose which building material is best for pergolas. There are many materials to choose from but aluminum and vinyl are by far the most affordable. Aluminum pergolas are very easy to maintain, pest proof, and do not rust or deteriorate like many other materials. These pergolas may lack traditional feel, but many come with faux wood grain designs that make the aluminum look very much like wooden materials. Powder coating the aluminum structure increases the lifetime of the pergola and also gives luxurious finish.

Vinyl pergolas are just as popular and very cost-effective options. These require even less maintenance than the aluminum and typically come with lifetime warranty. Vinyl is flexible, contains a softer feel, and looks almost similar to wood depending on the appearance that you choose.

The Benefits of a Prefab Garage

Phil Riklis — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:10:03 +0000

A prefab garage is very beneficial to your property. It can provide not only your vehicles but also some of your other belongings an added security, even protecting it from hail and some other types of natural weather system. Prefab garages come readily obtainable and can include basic and elaborated designs of your choice that will surely match your home.

These structures can be modified: you can choose from different sizes depending on which will suit best the space in your place and you can also opt to have a walk-through or roll-up doors. You will also be provided with a secure area to pile or store your gardening kit and some other tools. Moreover, they will be an ideal place to store seasonal decors without taking away accessibility especially with enough space and contemporary storing solutions then you can definitely utilize your prefabricated garage to its maximum.

A prefab garage can come in a variety of colours. These types are positive to surviving wear and tear and these can even provide you with a reasonable means of preserving your things which are typically kept out of view within the garage’s barriers. Choosing the coloured models would really be an affordable option since these will require little maintenance and you even won’t need to paint them regularly to keep them looking good.

Yet another common security feature for the prefab garage is the automatic door opener which will allow you to open the garage entrance without a sweat from your car. To be able to open and shut the door automatically without having to get out of the car in a heavy snow or downpour also guarantees safety while you are unpacking or unloading things from your car after shopping. And the best yet of this feature is that high-quality doors that possess decent locks will surely keep out those who shouldn’t have access to your garage.

If these options seem to be too expensive for your taste or budget you can always opt to seeking more affordable alternatives. You can try venturing into the cookie cutter models that are very affordable and very easy to assemble; some are even priced with the installation. Choose the best prefab garage that will best suit your needs and your property area.

Prefabricated garages certainly hold numerous advantages from storage to protection. You might want to start considering getting one for your home mows

Building A Timber Carport

Phil Riklis — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 06:45:06 +0000

If you are looking for a stylistic alternative to regular metal or steel carports, you can try looking into timber carports. Not only does a timber carport protect your vehicle from the sun and other nature elements, but it could also help you increase the value of your home. Furthermore, you get the added benefit of having a beautiful woodwork structure to accent your landscape. There are many options available to those who like timber frame carports. You can find a contractor to build your structure or you may build a carport yourself. For example, you can build a free-standing flat roof carport for a single car. This structure is typically 20 inches long and 10 inches wide. You can choose your timber according to texture. If you prefer dressed, meaning gauged or with a smooth finish, you may need to adjust your plans to accommodate the thickness and width of your wood as opposed to rough sawed wood.

If you choose to do the project yourself, you will need to decide what type of material you will need for your roof in addition to the wood pieces you will need for beams, end rafters, noggins, posts and rafters. You can either make a flat roof with metal or a pitched roof with various materials such as metals, shingles, tiles, etc. Whatever you choose, you may want to consider something that can be easily painted or otherwise matched to your house. You can take some of the stress out of building your own timber carport by finding a do it yourself kit. These kits not only have all the instructions you need to complete the project but also includes the materials. You could have your carport over the course of a few weekends depending on how much time you have to devote to the project.

Be sure that you check with your local regulatory authorities and zoning establishments so that you can be sure that you can legally put one of these unit or structures on your property before making any final purchases, so you can save yourself both time and hassle. Also make sure you take into consideration how many vehicles or pieces of equipment you may be storing under this carport so you can get accurate dimensions and specs should you need to order a custom built timber carport. You might also want to consider the type of finish you give your carport so it can withstand the elements as well.

Finding the Right Sprinkler Timer For Your Lawn

GuestPoster — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 01:36:05 +0000

There’s a lot to think about in the area of finding the right sprinkler timer for your lawn online. It isn’t so difficult to manage when you know how. This article is to help you attain whatever goals you have as you attempt to purchase and install your very own sprinkler timer. Keep reading and learn how to find the right sprinkler timer for you in 3 easy steps…

The first thing you should do is do your research online to find sprinkler timers in your price range. You’ll need to do this because there is a wide variety of different options out there, and price is always going to be an important factor. You will need to carefully avoid sprinkler timers that are both too expensive, and avoid cheap off brand models as well.

You need to do this 1st step correctly and completely. If you’re still having problems finding something in your price range, or don’t even know where to start, then you can also try going to a retail store and talking with an expert if you aren’t able to find what you’re looking for online.

Your second step will be finding a sprinkler timer with many positive reviews from others who have purchased it. Items that you should avoid here are ones that have many reviews with a good percentage being negative. And you’ll also want to avoid timers that haven’t been reviewed much at all. Overall, look for a sprinkler timer that has a great deal of reviews, with an overwhelming percentage of them being positive.

The 3rd step is Make sure the sprinkler timer you choose has clear installation instructions as well as some kind of limited warranty. This is very important because without clear instructions, you may experience difficulty installing the timer. The most important thing to avoid is buying a sprinkler timer you don’t know how to install, or that doesn’t have at least some kind of limited warranty.

Just go through the steps as specified and you ought to not have any issues finding a great sprinkler timer. Just stick to the stages in order, for the reasons as explained, while carefully avoiding the traps, problems and potential mistakes mentioned. Once you have found a sprinkler timer that suits you, you’ll reap the full benefits of a lush, green lawn with a fully automated sprinkler system doing all the dirty work.

Uncover the best way to automate your lawn-watering process the easy and inexpensive way at my sprinkler timer website at www.sprinklertimer.org.

How to Use Garage Door Insulation

GuestPoster — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 01:09:01 +0000

Garage door insulation can help you in save money in energy costs and also help keep bugs and other unwanted pests out. It also can help prevent rain and snow from coming into your garage as well. The insulating material works by forming a seal between the bottom of the garage door and the floor. This is a project that can done by yourself. Here are the steps on how to use and install garage door insulation.

Before you purchase your materials, you will want to measure the door. The materials that you will need for this project are polyurethane or polystyrene foam, nails, a hammer and you may want to purchase weather stripping material as well. Other tools that you will need are a utility knife and a putty knife. If you do not want to purchase each material separately, you can find garage door insulation kits at hardware store. Be sure that it includes all of the materials listed previously.

Cut the polyurethane foam to the precise measurements of the door. The foam can be cut with a utility knife and a metal straight edge. Using a putty knife, insert each piece of insulation along the panels of the garage door.

Then install the weather stripping material. This is not a required step but it will help ensure a complete seal to prevent any drafts from entering the garage. To install this, remove the backing of the weather stripping to expose the adhesive side. Install the strip by placing it, with the adhesive side towards the door panels. Apply pressure and then hammer it in with the nails to make sure that it stays in place.

Using an insulation kit will have similar steps but follow the directions that it will come with. Whichever method that you use, test to see if all drafts have been eliminated by closing the door and feel for any air coming in from the outside.

When you decide to do this project, purchase quality materials so that the insulation will last for many years. Make sure the insulation has a high R-value. The R-value is a measurement of the insulation’s thermal resistance. A high R-value number means that it is better quality. When you purchase the material, it will list its rating. Also be sure not to stretch the weather stripping material because it will lower the integrity of it.

By insulating your garage door, you will help lower your energy bills and enjoy cooler summers and warmer winters.

Epoxy: The Number One Garage Floor Coating

GuestPoster — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 22:46:05 +0000

a guest post by Carlos Valencia

If you are looking for a product to seal your concrete floor you can’t get anything better than epoxy. There are many reasons that an epoxy floor coating is superior but the two most important are the wear ability and the safety factor that comes from applying a non-slip additive to the floor surface. You can buy many different floor paints, including latex, enamel, and stains, but you will never be able to surpass the functionality of a high quality epoxy product.

An epoxy is actually a solid coating that is created when two liquids are mixed together. The main ingredient is the resin which is a petroleum based product that stays liquid until the second ingredient, the hardener, is added. The hardener creates a chemical reaction in the resin which causes it to set up or cure. It really takes very little hardener, about an ounce or two, to cause a large portion of resin to morph into an extremely hard surface. This is the same idea behind fiberglass. A hardener is mixed with the resin and then when the mixture cures it is very hard. The only difference is a fiberglass actually has a web of spun glass embedded in it for lateral strength. On your floor, the underlying concrete gives the support for the epoxy on the surface.

The epoxy cures very hard and is not permeable which means it is great as a garage floor sealant. Even if petroleum products such as engine oil, transmission oil, or grease are spilled on it they will not soak in and you can just clean them up with a detergent and water.

The other great aspect of epoxy is its ability to accept non-slip additives such as paint chips or grit. Once the coating is rolled out, the additives are cast on top just like as if you were feeding chickens. As the floor cures, the additives stay on the surface and the result is great traction for walking even if the floor is wet or has an oil sheen. This is very important as concrete can get very slick and many accidents are caused every year from this problem.

Outdoor Xmas Lights

Mitch Gimber — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:24:31 +0000

The Xmas bells are ringing, the snow is falling and you’re busy decorating the outside of your home with outdoor Xmas lights. It’s all part of the jolly holiday atmosphere. Without the lighting, the holiday just isn’t complete.

There are some families that really like to decorate. They go all out and buy all sorts of figures and lights, turning their property into holiday central. Others just like to decorate simply by placing minimal outdoor Xmas lighting on their house. And then there are the people in the middle who noticeably decorate but don’t go overboard. All three ways are needed in any neighborhood and on any block, as they complement and balance each other out. No matter how you decorate, know that your efforts contribute to the overall holiday spirit.

Your options are numerous. Outdoor LED Xmas lights are a popular choice, as they are long lasting and energy efficient. If you really want to save on those bills, you should look into outdoor solar Xmas lights, which store the energy during the daylight hours to power your lights when it turns dark outside. You can put them on a special timer or sensor to save you the job of remembering to turn them on, and they will be activated for you when you’re not home. This was you can be rest assured that your lights will illuminate the holiday season in a timely fashion. Just a friendly tip- when you are packing your lights away at the end of the season, don’t forget to pack them neatly and loosely, so next year you won’t have to spend hours and hours sitting there and untangling the string of lights, inevitably breaking some in the process.

One thing to keep in mind- have fun and enjoy the decorating. Remember that you’re creating memories that last a life time.

Solar Christmas Lights: What To Look For

Mitch Gimber — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:08:48 +0000

It’s hard enough to invest in holiday decorations without having to fathom the electricity bill you’ll receive in the mail. If you want to drastically reduce your electricity costs, and make light installation easier, then it’s time to get yourself some solar Christmas lights. Solar powered Christmas lights charge during the day and light up at night. To buy the best lights, be sure to read solar Christmas lights reviews on whatever brand you’re considering. Remember that solar LED Christmas lights are the most energy efficient, compact, and long living. The LED bulb filament can’t break or die. Most companies offer a generous warranty on their life.

What do you want to look for in a solar Christmas light? Here are some design and installation points to look out for:

1. Solar Christmas lighting means that you need a light (bulb) and a solar panel to soak up the sun’s energy in daylight hours. Some lights, like figurines and statues, come with their panels attached making installation tremendously easy. Generally without wiring. Solar Christmas string lights, however, need a separate solar panel. Compare panel sizes and installation options before buying these. Know what space you’ll need (like the roof).

2. Companies will state how long their bulbs will be lit for according to how many sunlight hours they receive. For example, 3 nights of light per day of full sunlight. That’s a high call, but your best solar Christmas lights might be able to live up to it. Depending on how much sun you usually receive in Christmas season, you might be able to buy less expensive versions, too.

3. Also, some lights begin to blink out as their power runs low; this often does not mean they’re broken. They just need more sun. Don’t assume your lights are broken until they don’t recharge again. That’s when your warranty comes in handy.

4. Solar Christmas tree lights will work just like other string lights. You’ll probably need a separate solar panel. Ornament lights, figurines, and stake lights, can be used to decorate around the tree itself. These usually require no extra wiring or panel installation.

5. If you’re looking specifically for solar Christmas candle lights, then check the lighting description on your package. The original LED bulb design gives off a bright light; that’s typical white solar Christmas lights. For solar candles, you want a warmer glow. Recently, warm LED bulbs and amber LED’s have come on the market. Just make sure before you finalize your purchase.

So make your way to that solar Christmas lights sale without worries or qualms! You can decorate your entire home and lawn with beautiful, inexpensive lighting.

Always With Icicle Lights

Mitch Gimber — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 00:12:55 +0000

It does not take much investigation to know that outdoor icicle lights are the most popular Christmas decoration around. Charming, elegant, enchanting in the wintry season, from year to year, icicle lighting simply doesn’t get old. It does not matter how many neighbors use them, or how old your lights are. Every winter when you set them up, your home transforms into a magical holiday.

Now that December has arrived, it is far past time to take down the Halloween icicle lights. Unless you want to intertwine those orange icicle lights with white and blue icicle lights, orange is for autumn. Blue, white, red, and green are for Christmas. Make the transition. It is amazing what the difference in color can do for Christmas icicle lights.

If you would like to deck your house with a complete icicle light set, you’ll need a number of ropes. Measure the distance for all your porch trimming, window trims, and roof trims. If you have a fence around your front lawn, you may want to use icicle lights there as well. Many people like to drape their bushes or string their trees with white icicle lights, giving an otherworldly appearance of glowing snow. It is fascinating how a single lighting style won’t go old on any home. Even if you choose to stay away from multicolor icicle lights, no one will call you redundant.

You may be wondering how expensive such thorough light decoration will get. Well, you can save a bundle by going for the LED icicle light. LED lighting has made solar lighting compact and inexpensive, so that you can enjoy a light filled Christmas at minimal expense. Most lighting stores will carry white, amber, and blue LED icicle lights. Save money, and still get variety. To add to the excitement, LED bulbs won’t die from year to year. LED’s can last up to a decade. Since the batteries are solar rechargeable, you won’t spend money on those every Christmas season, either.

So, no matter how many neighbors have told you they’re going with the icicle design, don’t shy away. Your home, your lawn, your shrubs…with the right draping and hanging of LED icicle Christmas lights, will look like a different world than anyone else. Want to really top it? Set up a Christmas train or elves to complete the set. Your holiday season will have never been more merry.