January 26, 2006
Residential Swimming Pool Enclosures
Tired of just being able to use your backyard swimming pool for a few months in the summer? If you install a pool enclosure, you can turn your pool into an all-year-round recreation area. Most enclosures offer see-through walls and ceilings that retain the idea of being outdoors. Many have roof panels and sections of walls that can be opened in the summer, whereas the buildings can be closed up and heated in the winter. CCSI International makes Garden Prairie pool and spa enclosures, which are customizable structures that can be freestanding, lean-to style, or attached to your home. Prices for pool enclosures range from $2,000 to $6,000.
http://www.ccsiusa.com
January 22, 2006
Decorative Outdoor Water Faucets
Looking for ways to add decorative touches to your backyard or garden? How about a water spigot with a bit of personality? This faucet has a dragonfly on top that you turn to manage the flow of water. It is one of several options in the Whitehall faucet collection. If you don't care for dragonflies, they offer birds like Chickadees and Sparrows or animals like turtles and horses. Available from HomeClick, these outdoor water faucets will run you $35.35:
Whitehall Flora & Fauna Dragonfly Faucet
January 18, 2006
Firefly Lights for Fun Landscape Lighting
For those of us who aren't lucky enough to live somewhere with fireflies brightening our yards at night, we can now get the feeling with computerized firefly lights. Put out by Firefly Magic, these tiny lanterns are sized to match the real thing. Embedded microchips command the lights to simulate the flash and flicker of genuine fireflies. A bit like Christmas lights, they come on a strand that you hang in your shrubbery. Unlike Christmas lights, they don't need to be plugged into an outlet. They are available in models powered by solar power or via 12-volt batteries. Prices start at $57.95 for one set of lights, which includes seven individual electronic fireflies.
http://www.fireflymagic.com
via HGTV's I Want That
January 16, 2006
Fiber Optic Lighting in Swimming Pools
It may still be winter in most parts of the world, but that doesn't mean it's too early to start plotting improvements to your backyard swimming pool (or maybe plotting a backyard pool period, if you don't have one yet). The purple glow coming from this is pool is created by fiber optic lighting, a trend that is increasingly popular for residential spas and pools. Fiberstars, a company specializing in fiber optics, offers systems which allow the lights to continually change colors through the night. According to the company, fiber optics are energy efficient too, saving you up to 90% on electrical use.
http://www.fiberstars.com
January 06, 2006
Garden Path Lighting
Whether you have a tinkling water garden or a luxuriously landscaped backyard (or both), there's no reason why it shouldn't look good at night as well as in the day. Escort Lighting specializes in landscape lighting to bring your garden to life. If you do any evening entertaining, it's a good idea to brighten up paths through the yard as well as water features, so that people can take a stroll without worrying about tripping over the lawn mower. From the path lighting section, this mushroom garden light imitates "nature with a finely hammered reflector and a delicate, torch carved margin." If fungus-inspired lamps aren't your cup of tea, they have other shapes and sizes in the section. The mushroom comes in two sizes and three finishes, with prices starting at $70 per lamp.
http://www.escortlighting.com
January 05, 2006
Weber Q Portable Propane Grill
Most backyard grills are a little clunky to throw in the back of the car for a road trip. The Weber Q, on the other hand, is a portable gas grill that's designed for home and away use. The manufacturer calls the grill "cool, unique, and incredibly inconvenient...The compact design includes a cast aluminum lid and body with built-in drip ducts, plus 2 durable work tables that fold and store inside the grill. Featuring a reliable push-button ignition, the tubular stainless steel burner features 12,000 BTU-per-hour input to deliver consistent, powerful heat." But if you don't want to rely on their say so, there are a number of positive reviews over at Amazon. One review says: "The Q is a perfect hybrid grill. It works great for everyday cooking at home (when I don't feel like starting up the charcoal) and doubles as an awsome beach grill."
The grill costs $199: Weber Q 200 Portable Propane Gas Grill
January 04, 2006
Outdoor Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans aren't just for the living room and the bedroom anymore. If you've got an outdoor living area (especially if you live in a muggy climate), a ceiling fan for the porch/deck/lanai (insert appropriate choice) can help create a breeze when nature is being stingy about providing one. It can also whisk away smoke from the slightly charred burgers on the grill. Seagull Lighting has a selection of outdoor ceiling fans such as this piece from the Long Beach collection. Made from bronze and white oak, the fan is UL listed for wet locations, and it is Energy Star qualified. The price is about $155, depending on which local dealer you go through.
http://www.seagulllighting.com
December 14, 2005
Solar-powered Fountain
Fountains are a fun addition to the backyard or outdoor living area, but the required plumbing makes them a bit of a chore to install. You can go with a portable tabletop fountain powered by electricity, but who wants to run extension cords all over the yard to those rare outlets on the side of the house? This cute little solar fountain may offer a better solution. It's powered by a solar collector that can be placed up to fifteen feet away, leaving only the gurgling fountain in view. The solar fountain is available for under $100 from Hammacher Schlemmer:
Solar-Powered Copper Fountain
December 11, 2005
Granite Outdoor Fire Table
Outdoor fireplaces are cool. Outdoor fireplaces embedded in tables, even cooler. The Shanxi Granite Hearth Table is made from Chinese granite, hand-crafted so each tabletop is different, and has a 16" dimater stainless steel fire pit in the middle so you can cook your hot dogs and marshmellows right from the comfort of your own backyard (camping may be fun, but there's something to be said for sitting on your own patio with the fridge close by and the mosquito zapper humming along happily). The pit runs on propane gas, so no need to worry about charred wood and ashes sticking to your meat. The fire table is available from Hammacher Schlemmer for $2,199:
Shanxi Granite Hearth Table
December 03, 2005
Castle Bird House Feeds Visitors in a Kingly Manner
No, it's not a picture of your children's fantasy playhouse; it's a bird feeder, and yes, it's shaped like a castle. I know what you're thinking--why would birds need a feeder as stylish as this? They probably don't, but hey, you're the one who has to look out the window at the thing. Why not get something snazzy? This "luxury" bird feeder from Naturally Wood is designed after the Kennebunk Castle, a home/tourist attraction in Maine. The company offers other New England-inspired bird houses as well. The price for the castle feeder is $185.
http://www.nlbbs.com/~natwd/
December 02, 2005
Under Deck Systems Keep Things Dry
For those of us who live in rainy areas like the Pacific Northwest, areas under the backyard deck can turn into a swamp. Not a big deal if your deck is at ground level, but if you have a second story deck, that's a lot of wasted space getting wet and soggy. Under deck systems are basically ceilings that get installed under the planks to keep the area under the deck dry, so you can use it for storage or a protected outdoor living area. Mason Corp sells a system with "E-Z Lok" aluminum pans available in white or ivory that can be customized to fit any deck. More information is available via their web site: http://www.masoncorp.com/
November 17, 2005
Solar Bird Feeder
A solar-powered bird feeder that doubles as a lantern? I know what you're thinking--why do birds need to feed at night? They probably don't (although maybe they like the occasional midnight snack too), but this lantern/feeder is designed to feed them during the day and light up your front or backyard during the night. The birdfeeder is styled after an old pewter carriage lantern, and it can light your path long after the sun has gone down and without the need for an electrical outlet. So it's a good choice for people who want to kill (er feed) two birds with one stone (er lantern). Available at Garderners Supply, the solar bird feeder costs $125.
Solar Birdfeeder with Stand
November 16, 2005
Rubber Mulch
Here's a product that was featured on HGTV the other night. Put out by GroundScape Technologies, this rubber mulch is made from recycled tires. The bright color is supposed to make your flowers stand out and, unlike with wood mulch, the rubber is guaranteed to keep its color fastness for 10 years. The rubber mulch is non-allergenic and resists mold and mildew growth. The company also sells a version of the material for playground use that comes in a number of vibrant colors like green, blue, and red. Just in case you're looking to do something unique at the base of that old swing set in the backyard.
http://www.groundscape.com/
November 13, 2005
Outdoor Gas Fireplaces
Fireplaces are one of the first things people think of adding when they start planning outdoor living space. Most are wood-burning fireplaces with all that work that involves (chopping wood, cleaning ashes and soot, scrubbing away smoke stains from the exterior...). That's fine if you like to do extra yardwork in your off time, or you've got a few kids you don't mind charging with extra chores, but for the rest of us (you know, the lazy ones), the work involved can be a bit off a turn off to wood-burning fireplaces. That's why gas fireplaces were made. Flip the switch, and you've got flames. Designs by Garry, Inc. is a company that makes outdoor gas fireplaces and ships them in pieces you can assemble without a lot of hassle (though you'll need an expert to hook up the gas line for you). Pictured here is the Coronado; it comes in four different sizes/styles with prices starting at $4,495.
http://www.exteriorfireplaces.com/
Sit Down on Your Very Own Tree Bench
You need seating in the backyard. You have trees in the backyard. The logical answer? A tree seat. Put out by Country Casual, the Brunswich Tree Bench encircles most mature evergreen or shade trees. It ships in two fully-assembled halves that, when put together, have an internal diameter of 34.5 inches at the top and 40.5 inches at seat and ground level. The price for the tree bench is $4,350.
http://www.countrycasual.com
October 20, 2005
Complete Stone Outdoor Fireplace
For most of us, the outdoor entertaining season may be on the wane, but it's never too early to start drooling over the outdoor living additions we're thinking about for next spring. Hargrove Hearth Products sells a complete outdoor fireplace (no need to start hacking away at the patio and buying bricks from Home Depot) that can simply install on your existing patio. Wood-burning fireplaces are a nice backyard feature since fires not only keep folks warm, but they drive away mosquitos. The Hargrove stone unit comes in several finishes: natural stone, brick, stucco, or their own stone veneer. The MSRP is $1,250.
http://www.hargrovegaslogs.com/
September 22, 2005
Stone Lanterns for the Garden
Stone Forest offers a number of hand-carved stone lanterns for the backyard or garden. This granite Craftsman Lantern is one of several with eastern themes. It measures 25 inches high, 14 inches wide, and 14 inches deep. Prices and catalogues are available on their site.
http://www.stoneforest.com/
September 17, 2005
Outdoor Heaters Extend Outdoor Living Months
If you're looking for a way to heat up your deck or patio now that nights are getting cooler, Solaira offers an outdoor heater just for that purpose. A little sleeker than a patio umbrella stand heater, the Solaira Quartz Heater warms up to 96 square feet--the size of an average patio table plus six chairs. The wall-mounted heater is instant and directional, producing a warm ambient glow. It requires little maintenance and, unlike gas-powered heaters, operates silently and emits no odor. The price is around $330.
http://www.solairaheaters.com/
September 09, 2005
Exercise Bike... for the Swimming Pool?
Just incase you're not ready to turn your swimming pool into a lap swimming treadmill, SwimEx, Inc. offers the Hydrobike, an exercise bicycle meant for underwater use. It's designed for athletes, trainers, physical therapists, and anyone else who wants the benefits of aquatic therapy. Water exercise is frequently touted because it is no-impact--important for those recovering from injuries.
The Hydrobike is based on the traditional land-based exercise bike and offers five levels of resistance and adjustable seat and handlebars.
http://www.swimex.com/
September 06, 2005
Outdoor Gas Fire Pits
Just because summer is winding down doesn't mean you have to give up your outdoor living space. Outdoor fire pits warm up the night and extend the outdoor entertaining season. Gas fire pits, like the Desert Sun from Fire Science, make things even easier by running off natural or LP gas. The pit itself is made from a slate mixture of multiple shades of red, orange, and brown. The price for the Desert Sun pit is $1,799.
http://www.fire-science.com/
September 05, 2005
Outdoor Cedar Saunas
There's something about Northern Lights' Cedar Saunas that really makes them fit into an outdoor environment. The cedar wood structure is even reminiscent of a tree trunk with its cylindrical shape. Despite its rustic look, the company says the cedar saunas use modern technology; they're energy-efficient and portable. The 7ft x 8ft units come as modular kits that are supposed to be easy to assemble. All parts are made from clear western red cedar with the exception of the steel straps and screws, digital controls, and heating elements. The saunas seat up to eight people and start at $4,387.
http://www.cedarbarrelsauna.com/
August 19, 2005
Phantom Pool Cleaner Gets It All
Hayward's Phantom Pool Cleaner looks a bit like a shark skimming along the surface of the pool. But that's the point. It doesn't just remove the debris from the pool's bottom, sides, and steps like most pool cleaners do; it rises up and skims along the top, too, and collects leaves, pine needles, etc. before they end up in your skimmer basket where they'd need to be removed by you. Here's a blurb from the manufacturer: "In auto mode, Phantom cleans the bottom and sides for approximately 13 minutes, and then the surface for seven minutes – repeating the cycle until your pool is amazingly, totally clean. The average pool can be completely cleaned in under three hours." The price is about $800 for the Phantom pool cleaner with booster pump.
http://www.haywardnet.com/
August 14, 2005
ExerSwim Turns Your Backyard Pool into a Treadmill
Unless you built your backyard pool specifically with the thought of lap swimming in mind, it's probably not quite the right length and shape to offer a true workout. Enter ExerSwim. This swim machine hangs over the edge of your pool and generates a current for you to swim against. Adjustable speeds make it usable by both novices and pros (it tops out at 7mph or a sub-minute 100 yard pace). Since it's battery-operated (comes with plug-in charger), it's easy to move around your pool without worrying about power outlets.
http://www.exerswim.net/
August 12, 2005
Interchangeable "JetPaks" Add Variety to Your Hot Tub
In most hot tubs, the jets are stationary. Usually there are enough seats and positions to add variety, but generally speaking you're stuck with the jet layout that originally comes with the tub. Bullfrog Spas has come up with a new idea to add customization to their line of spas. The JetPak is a removable jetted seat back designed to snap into any seat in a Bullfrog Spa. Currently, there are fifteen JetPaks (with more planned for the future) all with different features. The "Hurricane Shower" has 128 tiny jets that gently rain against your back. The "Bodywand" has one powerful handheld jet that vigorously massages your sore muscles with hot water. This system allows you to add new life to your spa at any time by purchasing a new JetPak. (Come to think of it, this sounds like a great marketing strategy. As a spa owner and lover, I can't tell you how appealing this sounds...)
http://www.bullfrogspas.com/
August 11, 2005
Outdoor Towel and Robe Warmer
If you've got a backyard swimming pool or hot tub, you probably just throw your towels over the back of a patio chair while you're in the water. Baltic Leisure offers another solution. Their outdoor towel and robe warmer is built from weather-resistant western red cedar. It keeps the inside of the cabinet a toasty 150 degrees that is suitable for drying and warming towels, swimming suits, and robes. An unheated lower cabinet provides room for storing pool or spa chemicals. The price for the towel warmer is $1899.
http://www.balticleisure.com/
August 09, 2005
Home Sauna from Cal Heat
Many people tout the health benefits of spending time in the dry heat of a sauna. The Outdoor OD200 Home Sauna from Cal Heat offers homeowners the sauna experience without a trip to a fitness club where you have to hang out with sweaty strangers. This sauna seats five and has an optional CD stereo system and inside LED lighting. Rather than closing users up in a wood box, it leaves a wall of windows so you can look out over your yard as you relax.
Saunas from Cal Heat
August 05, 2005
Decorate Your Deck with Glass Balusters
Deckorators Scenic Glass Deck Balusters are a decorative alternative to plain old wood or metal balusters. I've seen glass panels placed in decks before, but these look like they'd be a little easier to clean (insofar as you could reach the backside without leaning over the railing) while providing a similar window effect out to the backyard. The glass balusters are made of 5/16" thick safety glass and come in 4" x 32" pieces that fit a standard 36" railing. The glass is available in three tints: clear, autumn, and dusk.
Deckorators: Glass Deck Balusters
August 04, 2005
Removable Pool Fence Keeps Toddlers Safe
A swimming pool is a fun upgrade to the backyard, especially in warmer climates, but parents with young children need to be concerned about their little ones wandering out to the pool unsupervised. Baby-Loc Removable Fencing keeps toddlers from gaining access to the swimming pool, and unlike many other fencing solutions, it isn't necessarily a permanent fixture in your yard. When the kids get older and have learned to swim on their own, you can take it down without damage to the deck.
http://www.babyloc.com
July 29, 2005
Lighting the Deck with LEDs
If solar deck lights aren't your cup of tea, or you're just looking to add some unique accent lighting, De-Kor's LED Perfect Panel might be of interest. According to the manufacturer, "These solid cast aluminum panels offer a distinctive and classy look. With the addition of two LED lights we have created a unique living environment by providing safe, natural light to compliment your deck or indoor area." The low-voltage LEDs come with a 30 year warranty, and the panels are available in 20 different coating colors. The Perfect Panels (including lights) start at $74.95.
http://www.de-kor.com/
July 26, 2005
Best Deck Materials?
In today's home improvement market, there are a lot of deck materials available, everything from synthetics made to look like wood to a variety of wood species, tropical and domestic. Visiting your local home improvement store and getting samples of the materials they offer is a good way to get a feel for what you like. In the mean time, here's a look at some of the decking options out there:
Pressure-treated Wood
Pressure-treated wood is inexpensive (compared to other deck materials) and very popular. It's usually made from hemlock, southern pine, or fir (sometimes a combination). One of the downsides of pressure-treated wood is it uses chemicals like arsenic to help it resist rot (though the toxic treatments are being phased out). To be on the safe side, you should wear gloves and safety goggles when working with it (it's fine to touch and walk across once it's in a deck).
Tropical Hardwood Decks
Tropical hardwoods include ipe, mahogany, and meranti. These woods are often used in high-end housing because of their extreme durability and resistance to rot and insects. You pay more for those qualities though.
Softwoods
Softwoods include cedar and redwood. They are handsome deck choices and naturally resist decay and rot. Though not as expensive as the tropical hardwoods, softwoods are pricier than pressure-treated wood.
Synthetic Wood Planking
Synthetic woods are environmentally friendly deck choices. Though they don't have quite the same look as real wood, they don't require the maintenance, such as applying a protective sealer annually, and there's no danger of getting a splinter from them. However, synthetics are not strong enough to use for structural framing and can only be used for decking. They are made from materials such as recycled plastics and wood fibers and PVC.
Source: Taunton's Deck & Patio Idea Book
July 25, 2005
Outdoor Speakers... in the Planter?
Outdoor speakers are nothing new, but how about speaker planters? We love our backyard entertaining, and we love our music, but no one wants big ugly speaker boxes cluttering up the landscaping. If outdoor speakers shaped like rocks aren't inobtrusive enough for you, how about ones concealed by a flower planter? The Rockustics Planter is designed to pump out the jams and accomodate live plants (haven't seen any comments yet on how well plants respond to the jams being pumped out beneath them). Yes, these high-tech pots can be watered. A pair of Rockustics speaker planters will run you $550 to a little under $900, depending on the style and speaker you want. If planters aren't your style, they also offer speakers hidden inside cocounts (oh, come on, like a coconut speaker wasn't on your Christmas wish-list?).
http://www.rockusticsinc.com/
Custom BBQ Pits/Grills/Smokers
For some BBQ enthusaists, a classy stainless steel grill from the likes of Viking is all they'll ever need, but if you want something with a little more, er, character, you might need a custom BBQ from David Klose down in (where else?) Texas. One example is the "Beer Bottle Smoker" shown below. The company, BBQ Pits by Klose, has been in business since 1986 and makes grills, pits, smokers, and mobile cookers to your specifications. And they do it without fancy machinery or assembly lines: "All BBQ Pits are made by hand, with no machinery involved in the manufacturing process except a welding machine, in the spirit of the old style iron foundries. One welder to one pit from the beginning to the finished product. Handmade all the way." Prices range from $300 to $50,000.
http://www.bbqpits.com/
July 19, 2005
Outdoor Misting Fan
If you're looking for a way to cool off in the summer heat, and the misting cactus just wouldn't go with the landscaping in your backyard, a portable misting fan might be a pleasing alternative. The Windchaser outdoor fan oscillates and has a three speed weather-proof motor. The misting knob is UV and rust resistant. The fan can be adjusted in height from 4 1/2 to 6 feet in height. You can find it online for a little under $150.
WindChaser Outdoor Misting Fan
July 16, 2005
Outdoor Pizza Oven
With outdoor living areas and outdoor kitchens being so popular these days, it shouldn't be any surprise that outdoor pizza ovens are a big hit. According to a blurb in the July 15, 2005 issue of the Wall Street Journal (print), sales for residential pizza ovens grew 50% in 2004 from a year earlier, and they're expected to see similar gains this year. What cost your own pizza oven, you ask? Expect to pay about $3,000 ($6,000 installed) for a wood-burning model from a specialist like Earthstone Ovens, Inc. Gas-fired ovens start at $9,000 (not including installation).
http://www.earthstoneovens.com/
July 10, 2005
Flat Top Outdoor Grill, Anyone?
You didn't think that snazzy gas grill you purchased for the summer would be enough for your outdoor entertaining needs, did you? Just incase you've ever wanted to use a flat grill (like a big round griddle) outside for cooking pizzas, pancakes, stir fry, etc., Evo is ready to supply you with the necessary machine. The stainless steel Evo Flattop Grill is basically a big, circular griddle with two concetric burners under a 30 inch wide cooking service. The 48,000 Btus can crank the heat up to 630 degrees F. The round grill has no backside so several people can gather around it to share in the cooking duties (or just comment on your ability to burn stuff). The lack of an open flame makes it a little safer to use for younger chefs.
The cost of the 30-inch standalone model is $2,600, so the evo isn't a grill for the budget-minded.
http://www.evo-web.com/
July 06, 2005
Outdoor Art Prints
Now that outdoor living is popular, people are looking for ways to spruce up the decor on the deck and in the backyard. Why not hang something on the wall? Outdoor art prints are designed to be water and weatherproof so they can stand up to the elements when they're hung outside. One company, Open Air Designs, offers hundreds of reproductions of fine art, guaranteeing them to withstand weather of all seasons for five years without rusting, fading, or otherwise deteriorating.
http://www.openairdesigns.com/
Natural-looking Swimming Pools Are In
The old square blue rectangular swimming pools are out and natural is in. Natural pools are designed to fit into the landscape with boulders, dark bottoms, waterfalls, and pebblestone finishes.
This look doesn't come cheap though. While traditional inground pools cost about $15,000 (nation-wide average), natural pools can start at $50,000. Just adding a boulder waterfall to your design will cost $8,500.
Why are people willing to invest in these luxury swimming pools? They're trying to spend more time at home with friends and family. Some of these pools are such incredible sanctuaries that there's no need for travel; you've got peace and relaxation from your own backyard.
But what about if you're going to sell? Despite the fact that in the US, swimming pools are an $8 billion dollar industry, they're not a very good investment. Adding a swimming pool (even a cool luxury one), probably won't add as much value to your home as you might think. Expect to only get 35%-50% back on every dollar spent. If you decide to install a pool, make sure you're doing it to add value to your life, not your home.
Source: CNN Open House
June 25, 2005
Smoker Grills Heat Up the Backyard
Smoker grills are popular backyard additions because they allow you not only to grill those chicken breasts, but to smoke the whole chicken if you want. One of the more unique looking smoker grills out there is the Big Green Egg which is adapted from an ancient Asian style cooker. The Big Green Egg company has been around for more than 30 years and is one of the acknowledged authorities on smokers and grills. (Their site has a forum where you can ask questions).
Big Green Egg Smoker Grill
(Picture from The Big Green Egg: Smoker Grill in Action)
June 24, 2005
Fire Stone Grill Island = Plug and Play Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens are growing in popularity, but you may not be interested in a huge backyard renovation project. The St. Martin Fire Stone Grill Island is an easy to install backyard island that includes a premium grill, refrigerator, counter space, sound equipment, and lighting. The grill island is available in tile, stucco, or custom finishes to match any decor. MSRP is $7,339.
http://www.firestonehp.com/
June 23, 2005
Solar Deck Lighting
Deck lighting is important if you're going to be doing any entertaining outside after the sun sets. Installing electrical can be a tedious do-it-yourself project, but using solar deck lighting can makes things easy since it runs off batteries charged by the sun. http://www.fencecaps.com/ offers nifty caps that snap onto existing deck or fence posts. The light caps come in 3.5" x 3.5", 4" x 4", and 5" x 5" so they should work on most wood or vinyl posts. They provide up to 10 hours of light a night.
Solar Fence Caps
June 21, 2005
Hot Tub for Two
This year's Dimension One Spas' Dupree Bay model has a unique triangular look and is designed for two people to get cozy together. The "unique triangular shape effectively heightens the connection between bathers and accommodates a couple's need for privacy, intimacy and hydrotherapy." The spa has 44 jets, holds 225 gallons of water, and sports the "Dancing Wave"--a mood-setting fountain that can range from "babbling brook to majestic waterfall."
Quote from: http://www.americastophottubsandspas.com/
Also visit:
http://www.d1spas.com/featuredproducts.asp
http://www.hot-tub-reviews.com
Unique Tiki Torches
If you're looking for some unique tiki torches for the backyard, check out John T. Unger's recycled steel garden torches. The flame design top parts are handcut from scrap oxygen tanks while the long stem is made from a natural gas pipe. Voltive candles set in the top make them flicker and light up the yard at night without the need to buy canisters of gas or other potentially hazardous fuels.
Flame Design Garden Torches In Recycled Steel
June 08, 2005
Mosquito Control Made Easy
There's nothing like a swarm of mosquitos lurking around the swimming pool to turn you off from outdoor living. There are lots of mosquito repellents and sprays on the market, but if you're sticking to one area, something like the Mega-Catch Outdoor Mosquito Trap might be a good bet. It's cheaper (and has more positive reviews) than highly advertised competitor the Mosquito Magnet, and it's small enough that you can tuck it into your RV for camping trips but powerful enough to keep your backyard mosquito free. According to the manufacturer's site: "In testing Premier traps have caught up to 7,500 mosquitoes in one night." (One wonders what South American jungle they set up camp in to test it.)
How mosquito control works with the trap: "Mosquitoes attracted to the Premeir by visual and other cues seek to land on and probe specially designed surfaces and enter the Trap where they are collected in the Catch Bag or Liquid Catch Container."
Mega-Catch Outddor Mosquito Trap Premier - MCP400
June 06, 2005
Outdoor Electric Grill with Small Footprint
A lot of people are moving back into the city these days, trading suburban homes for lofts and condos. That means space is at a premium, however, even in nicer buildings. Just because you have a small patio instead of a big yard, doesn't mean you don't want to grill. Masterbuilt's Electric Veranda Grill was designed for use where space is an issue. Its petite footprint lets it be placed in the corner of even tiny patios or decks. Despite it's size, it delivers plenty of heat. The grill has a 1,650 watt heating element that has enough oomph to sear your steak. The cooking surface is 200 square inches, so plenty of room to cook for the family. And when you're done, just unplug it to clean. No need to worry about bulky gas tanks.
Masterbuilt Veranda Electric Pedestal Grill
June 03, 2005
Patio Umbrella Stand Heater
The first I heard (or rather felt) of patio umbrella stand heaters was at a local wine cafe in Woodinville, WA (a land of frequent rains and temperate wewather) where patrons were sipping from their glasses outside on the patio even though it was late evening and in the 50s. When I walked past on the way to the entrance, I realized why. Their umbrellas (or rather heaters doubling as umbrella stands under the table) were giving off a cozy warmth.
Outdoor living is big, but in cooler climates the weather can limit the number of months it's a viable option. Outdoor Leisure's patio umbrella stand heater can add to your outdoor entertaining hours. The heater increases the surrounding temperature by 10 to 15 degrees and warms up your feet and lower body. You can use the heater with or without the umbrella. You do need a power outlet to plug it into (the heater comes with a 6 foot power cord), so make sure you've got a spot nearby before thinking of purchasing. MSRP is $99.
http://www.desaint.com
May 30, 2005
Robotic Lawnmower Takes the Work Out of Mowing the Lawn
We've mentioned the Roomba robotic vacuum before, but how about a robotic lawn mower to cut your grass for you? The RoboMower was designed for just that purpose. It isn't the most efficient thing out there (it works much like a pool vacuum, going in a straight line until it bumps into a birdbath, deck, or the wire you put around your yard to contain it), but given enough time, it will whack your grass down to the desired length.
There are a few different models of the RoboMower put out by Friendly Robotics, a company that was founded by two former Israeli fighter pilots, one an engineer with an interest in robotics, another a businessman. They've been selling Robomowers since 1994, and you can find them today in two dozen different companies (no matter what our differences from nation to nation, it looks like no one wants to mow their own grass).
Robomower
May 26, 2005
Outdoor Living--Ideas for Sprucing Up the Backyard
In "Home Comforts Move Outdoors," writer Ruth Mullen takes a look at the trend towards expanding outdoor living spaces. We don't just want a little deck with a barbeque anymore; we want the hot tub, water garden, relaxing outdoor furniture, fire pit, professional landscaping, ambiance lighting for the evenings, decorative pergolas, and more. If you're looking for ideas for sprucing up your backyard this summer, here are a few articles you can check out on the web:
The Ultimate Backyard
Trends at 2005 Hardware Show Note Outdoor Living Is Sprouting
Whether Pricey or High-end, Outdoor Decor Makes Living Easy
Experts Offer Tips On Outdoor Living and Bringing the Sun In
Outdoor Fireplaces
May 19, 2005
Porch Swings with Spunk--This One Plays Music
Porch swings always bring to mind relaxed idyllic settings. If you're thinking about adding one to your deck or front porch, you may be interested in something more exotic than the traditional wood porch swing. Musical Furnishings is a company that takes regular furniture and makes it musical, allowing your kids (or you) to play songs on everything from trunks to coffee tables. One of their neater looking offerings is this musical porch swing which doubles as a real musical instrument (think large xylophone). You can sit on it of course, but it also comes with a songbook and a set of mallets. Visitors will get a kick out of playing your porch swing.
Infrared Grills, the Barbecue of the Future
As summer approaches, more people are wheeling their old grill out of the garage or thinking of buying an upgrade. While gas and charcoal grills remain popular, today's technology is offering something new: an infrared grill. One example is the Fire Magic "Ultimate Barbecue" from RH Peterson. The grill's infrared elements heat up to 1700 degrees; this certainly cooks meat swiftly and (according to the site) is great for sealing in flavor. These infrared grills aren't cheap, but if you're serious about your grilling, it may be something to look into.
Also read: Pricey New Gadgets Heat Up Winter Grilling from the Wall Street Journal (the article looks at infrared grills and other toys).
April 01, 2005
Tiki Bars Bring the Islands to Your Backyard
Granted, tiki bars aren't for everyone, but if you live in a warm climate, and you've ever fantasized about a tropical setting for your backyard, tiki bars can bring in a touch of the islands. Safari Thatch sells tiki bars, gazebos and pergolas, umbrellas, and bamboo furniture, all made with their trademark grass and palm thatch. If you're not ready for that kind of commitment, you can start small with some tiki torches, decorative rope, or hand-carved masks.
March 27, 2005
Improved Outdoor Furniture Fabrics
Outdoor furniture used to be pretty much limited to those ubiquitous plastic lawn chairs and the occasional wicker beast. With outdoor living the trendy new thing, people have been looking for fabrics and materials that can stand up against mildew, fading, bad weather, and corrosion. Oh, and we want it to look good, too. After all, outdoor living areas are also a way to increase the value of a home.
For ideas on what's out there, try Sun-Sentinel article New fabrics and finishes allow outdoor rooms to be stylish.
March 12, 2005
Hot Tubs Increasing in Popularity and Features
There are a lot of things you buy and never use, but a hot tub probably isn't going to fall into that category (speaking from experience!). Today's hot tubs are much easier to maintain than they were in the past, and technology and imagination are combining to give them great, new features that can wow party guests or set the mood for a romantic evening. News article Hot Tubs Getting Hotter takes a look hot tub trends and their increasing popularity amongst home owners. Just some of the mentioned add-ons are: waterfall effects, stereo systems with regular and underwater speakers, "color-kinetic lighting," and a wide variety of high powered jets designed to hit all your different muscles.
February 27, 2005
Above-Ground Pools vs. In-Ground Swimming Pools
Above ground swimming pools have long been viewed as the distant second choice for backyard swimming pools. According to an article on the benefits of above ground pools, that view may be changing. Today's above ground pools aren't the clunky metal (or worse--blow-up) beasts of old. They come in a variety of sizes and materials, and can be anything from large recreational pools to dedicated lap pools. While they might not increase the value of your house the way an in ground pool can (also read: Does a Swimming Pool Increase Your Property Value?), they can go with you if you decide to move.
February 09, 2005
Outdoor Living
Remember when fixing up the backyard just meant some landscaping or perhaps adding a pool? Outdoor living (which includes everything from building soothing water gardens to installing entire outdoor kitchens for entertaining) is becoming more and more popular. The backyard is the new living room, at least in warm months. Additions like outdoor fireplaces can tack on a couple more months of usuability at the beginning and ending of those warm months as well. An article in the Arizona Central takes a look at outdoor trends in Arizona, noting that "proper landscaping can increase your home's value by 25 percent or more, and if it will also add value to your lifestyle, then you've got a winning combination."
More at Outdoor living alters ground rules
February 07, 2005
Solar Floating Pool Lights
If you have a pond or a pool and always thought floating lights would be a nice addition, why not try solar powered lights? Since they're powered by the sun, no need to change batteries or worry about electricity, and floating pool lights create a neat look in your backyard at night. Most are small enough that they could be used in a water garden or even a bird bath as well.
More information on pool lighting or view products for sale at Smart Home.
February 03, 2005
Building a Backyard Pool? Don't Forget Building Codes
If you're thinking about building a swimming pool in the backyard, there's more to it than just hiring a contractor and digging a hole. According to the Pool Idea Book, a pool is considered a major construction project and anytime you do something like that local officials and utility companies are going to want to chat with you. Before you get started, you should check your local zoning laws, building codes, and safety/health codes. You'll also need to take a look at your property deed and any restrictions that might be in place because of "subdivision covenants" (p. 17).
January 31, 2005
"Misting" Cactus?
Last night on ABC Extreme Home Makeover, they gave one of the families a swimming pool, a hot tub, and... misting cactuses (or is that cacti?). It was the first I had heard of such things, but the fog looked like a neat effect. The company that makes them, Cool Zone USA, says the purpose of the misting cactus is to cool down residential yards and homes in hot climates. Here's a misting cactus in its natural milieu.
January 29, 2005
Ponds & Water Gardens
If you've ever considered adding a pond to your backyard, the Certified Aquascape Contrator site may be a good place to start. They offer a wealth of information on everything from water garden shapes and options, pond biology, how to build ponds and water gardens, how to create waterfalls, and how to handle maintenance. If you're not ready to dig up the backyard, you might be interested in the Half-Barrel Pond page, an informative site about building small but thriving ponds in regular barrels that have been cut in half. The pictures on the page show an interesting array of plant life that the owner has cultivated in his half-barrel ponds.
January 20, 2005
Wood-fueled Hot Tubs
Portable hot tubs (those purchased from a dealer rather than custom-built) are all looking fairly similiar these days. Remember those round wood hot tubs that Hollywood made popular back in the 70s? Instead of being fueled by gas or electricity, they were fueled by wood-burning fires. Technology may have made them nearly obsolete, but there are still those who enjoy the idea of soaking in a wood-fired hot tub made from cedar planks with the crackling of a fire in the background.
If that sounds appealing to you, check out Snorkel, a company in the Pacific Northwest that specializes in making those old-fashioned hot tubs with modern day technology.
January 19, 2005
Outdoor Kitchens
With outdoor fireplaces, water gardens, and pools and spas growing in popularity, the backyard is becoming the new living area. The large, open areas make it ideal for entertaining. And if your guests are going to get hungry, as guests have a tendency to do, you'll need to feed them.
Your menu need not be limited to what you can barbeque any more. Outdoor kitchens, complete with wood-burning ovens, are expanding the possibilities. Instead of ordering pizza, a wood-burning oven lets you make your own. They're not limited to that, though. Wood-burning ovens are excellent choices for roasted, baked, and grilled dishes as well.
Prefer to stick with the barbeque? Why not try cedar grill planks to add a citrusy-smoky flavor to your meats?
Outdoor kitchens aren't just about perking up your eats. Beer tappers and protected refrigerators provide drinks.
Wondering about the cost of an outdoor kitchen? As with anything, it depends on what you want, but you can get an outdoor kitchen island installed, complete with countertops, chairs, and umbrellas from outdoor cooking specialists like Pacific Island Grills for about $3,800.
Further reading:
Wood-burning Ovens For People Who Really Like Their Pizza
South Bay Spring Home and Garden Show Summary
January 18, 2005
Swimming Pool Automation
Got a backyard swimming pool or spa? There are all sorts of new technologies coming out to make care and maintenance easier. Swimming Pool Maintenance Meets Technology is an article that discusses automating things like lighting timers, pumps, heaters, and chemical distribution. Safety is also mentioned with a look at some of the options available to lessen the likelihood of accidents in and around your pool, especially important for families/neighborhoods with lots of kids.
January 08, 2005
Vanishing Edge Swimming Pools
Remember when a luxury swimming pool was a kidney-shaped deal in the backyard? Modern pool building technology knows no bounds. Vanishing edges are very trendy today, a feature that makes the end or side of the pool seem to disappear into thin air. For more information on this and other residential pool trends, visit Swimming Pool & Hot Tub Information's article on Pool Design Trends.
