The layout of an outdoor fireplace

Adding an outdoor fireplace has been part of the landscaping in Austin of a backyard for a few years now. Faced with this demand, several manufacturers have developed ranges of uni-stone which allow a durable construction with a unique design.

Whether your backyard has a classic or contemporary look, it will be easy to find a paver that will match your decor. Before presenting some of the products available, let’s see some rules to follow.

Where to install an outdoor fireplace?

It is essential to check with our municipality before purchasing an outdoor fireplace. Safety standards and regulations vary from city to city. While some ban wood-burning fireplaces, others will require a use permit.

A minimum distance of three (3) meters or 10 feet from any building must be respected. It is also strongly recommended, if not required, to use a fireplace equipped with a spark arrester for the chimney and another for the hearth. Obviously, certain conditions could vary depending on the type of fireplace chosen when landscaping in Austin.

In order to optimize the use of the fireplace, it is more advantageous to position it close to living areas. Since a fireplace is unifying, it would be better to provide enough space for guests to sit in.

Type of fireplace 

Whether it is embedded in the ground, integrated into your plain paving stone decor, or even placed as a decorative element, the fireplace will certainly set the mood for the outdoor courtyard. But what type of household should we prioritize?

Gas fireplace

There are all kinds of gas fireplace models. Sometimes it is contemporary in the form of a saucer placed on a terrace and sometimes more traditional because of a stone wall. Compared to a wood fireplace, a gas fireplace does not require a chimney. However, you must respect the manufacturer’s installation rules and follow municipal recommendations. Note that the flame and heat offered by the gas fireplace are different from those generated by the wood fireplace. In addition, the appropriate connection must be provided for both propane and natural gas supply.

Glass embers, artificial logs, rectangular or square format, Landscaping in Austin offers a wide range of gas fireplaces that can suit all tastes and budgets. It is possible to combine their outdoor fireplaces with models of concrete block fireplaces from different manufacturers

Wood fireplace

Whether it is a steel model including a chimney or a steel pan integrated into a stone structure, it is essential to respect municipal by-laws. To optimize the life of a wood-burning fireplace, opt for durable materials such as concrete blocks or stones. Many of the manufacturers of uni-stone offer models that can match the chosen layout style.

Your landscaping in Austin expert will certainly be able to advise you on the choice of an outdoor fireplace. The integration of a fireplace will enhance your layout and extend the time you can enjoy your outdoor courtyard.

3 min read

A Successful Scuba Diving Trip In Jordan

The first criterion required to dive is to want to do it! It is normal to have a little
apprehension before starting, but anxieties should not take over. You have to indulge
in this sport to please yourself (not someone else) and when you feel ready.
It is important to be in a good general state of health to be able to dive, not to suffer
from any contraindicated pathology in this type of recreation. This means that you
have to be in good physical and psychological shape. But it also means that it is
better to have slept well the day before and not have the flu.
Even if it is not in any case to run a marathon, it is advisable to do a little physical
exercise during the days preceding the activity, in order to prepare your body for
something intense, to relax, to channel your breathing and thus to be comfortable
underwater.

Before diving into the seabed

Before diving in Jordan, you can relax and admire the landscapes, during a walk and boat trip,
which will take you to the place where the activity is to take place. The best is to
choose a formula, including boat rental and a session with a state-certified instructor.
The best is to make sure that all the external conditions are met for the outing to be
successful: it is, therefore, advisable to inform yourself about the weather and the
tides in particular.
It is important to follow all the recommendations of your instructor to the letter, who is
not only your guide in the seabed but also the guarantor of your safety.
Protect your body adequately and make sure you understand all the instructions.

During the scuba diving trip

Take in your eyes: you set off to discover one of the most magnificent and surprising
places that exist on the planet.
Pay attention to the instructions of your instructor and watch out for the gestures of
people who dive with you (if there are several of you).
Be respectful of the underwater environment: do not disturb the fish and shellfish, do
not move anything or take anything with you. If you have an aquatic camera, you will
still be able to capture some sublime photos, without harming anyone.…

2 min read

Everything you need to know about building a deck for your new home

Summer is coming soon, and you certainly want to install a deck area outside your home to enjoy it. Discover our tips – professional deck builders San Antonio – for setting up a deck before or after the construction of your new home!

 

Whether you have planned a deck in your house’s plans or after its construction, it remains an important project and one of the first arrangements that one carries out outside his house.

 

How to carry out the installation of your deck? All our advice for setting up a deck on your property!

 

Define the location:

 

Start by thinking about the project: exhibition, dimensions, circulation, materials, budget… all this comes into account when you build your deck to make the most of it.

 

Exhibition:

 

Sunshine is one of the most important criteria for installing a deck. Indeed, if it is exposed south or west, your deck will be better exposed to the sun than if it is located in the north, where it will also be more prone to humidity. Also, design your plans taking into account the wind and water flow on the ground.

 

Dimensions:

 

Fancy a small deck for meals or a large space for entertaining? Depending on your needs, the surface of your garden, and your budget, define your deck’s ideal dimensions. Think about the traffic on your deck and visualize the furniture and decorative elements to optimize the space.

 

Note that depending on its size, your deck may be subject to various formalities before construction and will have an impact on your taxes once built: also take this criterion into account to avoid unpleasant surprises.

 

Materials choice:

 

Most deck companies choose what type of foundation will accommodate your future deck. A concrete screed will be more stable but will take longer because it will take a month to cover it. A sand bed will be less stable and will require shuttering. There is no need for concrete or foundations for a wooden deck: we will use joists or adjustable pedestals capable of supporting high loads.

 

Regarding the coating, there is a multitude of floors to cover your deck: it’s up to you to choose the one that best suits your project. Beyond the aesthetic aspect and the ease of construction and maintenance, the essential is to choose a resistant coating intended for outdoor installation.

 

Concrete deck:

 

This is very easy to install because it is placed directly on the screen after drying. For a trendy and resistant finish, opt for a waxed concrete coating, easy to clean.

 

Stone deck:

 

You can choose natural or engineered stone for a natural look and a deck that will stand up to time and weather. The cost varies depending on the material chosen.

 

Tiled deck:

 

It is also a very popular material for covering a deck, and for a good reason: resistant and easy to maintain, tiles offer a wide range of choices and prices for a decorative effect.

 

Wooden deck:

 

Wooden decks are popular: easy to install without a foundation or concrete screed; they have the particularity of combining a natural and modern appearance. The price varies a lot depending on the wood chosen: common natural, exotic, or composite.

 

Pay attention to the quality of the material because that is what will condition the durability of your deck.

 

Synthetic grass deck:

 

For a green and natural look, opt for synthetic grass rollers specially designed for outdoor use.

 

Resin deck:

 

If the use of PVC is not recommended for a deck exposed to the sun, the resin is a resistant material that offers a multitude of designs and finishes.

 

It is time to plan the decorative elements for your future deck: railings, stairs, lighting, and plants will dress it up and integrate it into your garden for a harmonious whole.

 …

4 min read

How To Make The Most Of The Aisles

The hallway is one of the most neglected areas in home decoration. Being a transit area, functionality always comes before aesthetics. Discover how you can beautify hallways and make the most of these spaces, limited but with great potential.

Wide corridors

The decoration possibilities of a wide corridor are similar to those of a small room : dark colors are not recommended, but it is possible to enliven yourself with red, gray, green or strong colors.

Lighting is very important in all corridors and, at this point, wide corridors offer several options: recessed spotlights, wall lights or indirect lighting. The main thing is that the whole space is perfectly lit.

The furniture for this type of space is varied: you can choose a purely decorative space, with large paintings, plants and vases , or make it functional and use cabinets, shelves and trunks. If the width of the corridor allows it, you can place a small desk or mini sofa to add a new relaxing space to the home.

Narrow corridors

Narrower aisles are a decorative challenge, but there are tricks to optimizing this tight space.

In them, light colors are a must , but the result should not be monotonous or boring; You can use wallpaper with drawings or horizontal stripes up to half the height of the wall, to reduce the feeling of tightness.

Lighting can help to visually expand the space, if you put pendant lamps, so that the upper part of the hallway and the ceiling are not visible. And is that, reducing the height of the corridor, increases the feeling of spaciousness .

The furniture should not obstruct the passage: narrow furniture and shelves, wall racks, floor lamps and stylized plants are great helpers. A great decorative resource for narrow corridors are mirrors, and if they can be placed opposite each other, the visual effect will be even better.

Tips for all types of hallways

It does not matter its size: the corridor must allow comfortable and unhindered circulation. Therefore, you should try not to overload the space with furniture or objects that disturb the passage (both at ground level and on the walls) and ensure that there is a minimum of 90 centimeters of free space between wall and wall, to achieve a circulation without startles.…

2 min read

Trends: decorate your house with bicycles

Did you ever imagine that a bicycle could be part of the home decoration? It seems crazy but currently it is a must that you cannot miss. Recycling a bike can be a very fun task and is a very original contribution to any environment in the house.

In the classroom

In this environment you can play with different possibilities: add an old bicycle as a fixed decoration or use a modern bicycle as a decorative element. With this last option, we add decoration, comfort and space saving .

In the room

A bicycle can act as a decorative object on its own, but it can also serve an additional function . In this case, a bicycle used as an ornament and another that, in addition to decorating, acts as a coat rack.

In the bathroom

The bathrooms are not characterized by their spaciousness and, therefore, the bicycle can be integrated as a functional element. For example, as a sink foot, a very attractive option that can work in any environment.

In the kitchen

With few exceptions, kitchens are small spaces, so it is the ideal environment to recycle parts of old bikes and transform them into lamps, utensils or watches. You can also choose to transform a bicycle into a table and make it the center of all eyes.

In the dining room

In an environment where functionality is paramount, our advice is to hang your bike on the wall to prevent it from becoming a hindrance. The result will be incredible, since such a particular and simple object can be turned into a jewel.

In the garden or terrace

Touring or old-style bikes are widely used in gardens as flower pots. It does not take a large investment and imagination is the limit. If you don’t have a garden but you do have a terrace or a small living room, don’t be shy and expose your bike.…

2 min read