Guides
A patio furniture checklist for measuring, access, storm stowing and upkeep
A homeowner checklist for patio furniture: measuring space and access, setting clearances, agreeing a storm routine, teaching household rules and spring upkeep.
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Guides
Guides
What CMHC and CHBA do for a Canadian covered patio build
What CMHC and CHBA do for a Canadian covered patio build: permits first, envelope-linked renovation financing, and RenoMark vetting.
Guides
Frost heave and patio foundations, what Canadian homeowners should expect
Frost heave lifts patios when wet, fine-grained soil freezes, so Canadian bases need depth, drainage and compaction sized to local frost data.
Guides
How Vancouver rain and Victoria's coastal climate change patio material choices
Vancouver rain and Victoria's coastal climate change patio material choices by making drainage, salt air, and drying speed more important than looks.
Guides
Aluminum Patio Cover Snow Load: Questions to Ask
Aluminum patio cover snow load questions for your designer: ask about site loads, spans, snow landing zones, footings and house connections.
Guides
Low-Voltage Patio Lighting: A Layout That Avoids Glare
A low voltage patio lighting layout that avoids glare starts with fixture height, beam spread and one run of 12-gauge cable. Here is the sequence.
Guides
How to Prep a Paver Patio Base That Won't Sink in Texas Clay
Paver patio base clay soil prep in Texas: the depth, moisture and compaction that keep pavers flat through shrink-swell cycles. Here is the sequence.
Guides
Screened Porch vs Three-Season Room: Which Adds More Usable Days?
Screened porch vs three season room: which one adds more usable days in a Midwest or Northeast climate, and what each option costs per square foot.
Guides
Porch restoration checklist for documenting and planning
Use this porch restoration checklist to record conditions, check local code and historic approvals, sequence permits and millwork, and close out safe repairs.
Guides
3 pointers on inside porch restoration that hold up
Inside porch restoration: from assessment and shoring to decking, columns, rails and finish. What each stage of a porch restoration involves and where hidden damage.
Guides
Small patio designs checklist for homeowners
A small patio designs checklist ordered by consequence, covering layout, local approvals, drainage, materials, shade, contractor scope and closeout.
Guides
Outdoor living: drainage, shade, seating and light
An outdoor living plan built around four systems — drainage, shade, seating and light — plus heat, fire and carbon monoxide safety and permit basics.
Guides
Patio Projects Planning: 3 Lessons
Patio projects planning starts with a site survey, a call to 811, a drainage plan, and decisions about base, edge, and finished height before excavation.