Reducing Your Heating Bill

Rising energy costs, combined with the current economic situation, have caused many people to look for alternative ways of heating their homes. One of the most popular options is using a wood-burning stove or fireplace. These heating options use the natural warmth of fire to keep you home nice and toasty, and do not require propane or electricity to do so.
If you have started using this method to lower your heating costs, or if you are thinking of doing so, it is essential that you invest in a firewood rack. Firewood racks keep the wood you will burn in your stove or fireplace stacked in neat, orderly piles, so that when you need to stoke your fire, it is completely ready to go.
Order is not the only benefit of a firewood rack. If you just pile your wood on the ground, it is almost like sending out written invitations to insects and animals to come live in the pile, infest your yard, and possibly attack your children or pets. Even if you don’t have small children or pets, you certainly don’t want snakes and other possibly dangerous animals so close to your home. Wood also attracts termites, which, once they eat through your firewood pile, could easily move on to your home, especially if your wood pile is near to your house.
These are just a few reasons why it’s so important to invest in purchasing a firewood rack. You started using your wood-burning stove or fireplace to save money; don’t let a disorderly wood pile cost you more.

Outdoor Bench Options

If you are looking to add a bench to your backyard décor, there are many choices you will have to make. Not only will you have to decide what style you want and what material from which you would like your bench to be made, you will also have the option of buying a backless bench or a bench with a back.
If you choose to buy a bench that features an attached back, it will provide more support for your back while sitting. This quality will allow you to sit in your bench for a longer period of time with more comfort than a backless bench would permit. The back of the bench also provides another surface for additional adornment, allowing benches with backs to be more ornate than the simpler, backless variety.
The advantages of the wood backless bench, on the other hand, are its simplicity and its mobility. If you just want to add seating to your yard without distracting from its natural beauty, a backless bench will surely do the trick. These benches are the perfect seating choice if you are looking to create a spot from which to view a pond, waterfall, or other water feature. Wooden backless benches are also much lighter in weight than their backed counterparts, so it is much easier to transport them if you want to move your sitting area to a different spot.

Give Your Outdoor Cat a Place to Sleep

Most people have heard of a dog house. Almost anyone who has an outdoor dog knows the importance of having a place for them to call home and to shelter them from the sometimes harsh forces of the weather. However, a lot of people don’t give the same treatment to their beloved family cat.

If you own an outdoor cat, then you really should consider investing in an outdoor cat house for your pet. This house not only gives your cat a place to belong, but it also will protect him or her from the rain, snow, wind, and cold. If you have multiple cats, you can find cat houses that have room for as many cats as for which you can care. They also come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and sizes, so you can find the perfect cat house for your backyard.

A cat is just as an important part of your family as your dog, so why shouldn’t it receive equal treatment and housing? Providing shelter for your cat is just as essential as lodging your dog, so why shouldn’t your cats have a home of their own? Take your time in shopping, and you are sure to pick out a cat house that both you and your pets can adore.

Making the Most of Your Sundial

A garden sundial is a wonderful choice to place in your yard because they will add an element of quaint charm to your decorating. However, sundials are not just decorative. They are an ancient method of keeping time, which you can still use today to determine the time.
Simply reading your sundial will give you a fairly close approximation of the actual clock time. However, if you want a more accurate reading, you’ll have to make a few adjustments.
First, you will have to alter your reading to compensate for your location within your time zone. Sundials on the eastern edge of the time zone will be about thirty minutes fast, while western edge sundials will be thirty minutes slow.

The general rules you should follow when adjusting your sundial reading as follows.
1. For every degree of longitude east of the center of the time zone you are, subtract four minutes from the time you read on your sundial.
2. For every degree of longitude west of the center of the time zone you are add four minutes to the time you read on your sundial.
3. Don’t forget about daylight savings time! During the summer, you need to add one hour to the time you read on your sundial in order to find the actual clock time.
Follow these simple rules, and your garden sundial will transform from a simple backyard decoration into an attractive timepiece!

Safe and Fun Bonfires

Spring and summer are the perfect time to gather your family together to enjoy your backyard, as well as each other’s company. One fun way to bring your family together is through a bonfire on a cool summer night, or even a chilly autumn one! Bonfires provide the perfect venue for telling stories, singing songs, and roasting marshmallows or hot dogs.
However, if you live in the city, a free-burning bonfire is out of the question. Most city and suburb codes forbid simply starting up a fire in your backyard, and with good reasons. Since suburban and urban houses and trees are so close together, your backyard bonfire could easily turn into a raging neighborhood fire. However, if you purchase an enclosed fire pit and install it in your backyard, you can enjoy night after night of safe, bonfire fun.
Fire pits come in all shapes and sizes, and are made of many different materials as well. Typically, the simpler the design, the less expensive the fire pit. If you shop around a little, you are sure to find the perfect size and style for your backyard. Don’t worry, you can have a bonfire, be safe and stay within the confines of law all at the same time; as long as you purchase a fire pit, that is!

Take a Beachside Stay-cation

Financially, times are really tough right now. I know I’ve had to start pinches my pennies more than I would like to do. However, everyone still deserves a vacation; or at least an escape from the everyday. That’s why I recommend putting a themed nautical bar in your backyard.
Start by putting any outdoor bar in your yard or on your patio. Styles that will particularly go with this theme is a tiki bar or a Hawaiian bar, but what will really drive your nautical theme home are resin nautical bar chairs.
These chairs are very reminiscent of a lifeguard chair. They feature long legs and a curved back and cradle. They are tall enough to sit at any bar, or even just at a higher table. They are made of recycled plastic, so they are good for the environment too.
Finally, be sure to top your design off with some nautical decorations and accessories. These little details will put a finishing touch on your seaside theme, and help your backyard feel more like a vacation than ever.
A nautical themed bar set will transform your yard or patio from boring to beachside. Even if you can’t afford that beach vacation this year, go ahead and take a stay-cation in your own backyard! Serve up some cocktails, kick back, and relax!

Swing or Glider?

If you are trying to decide whether to buy a classic glider swing or a suspended swing for your porch, here are a few things to take into consideration.
• Do you have a stable surface? If you want to enjoy a rocking swing in your backyard, you may want to invest in a hanging swing instead of a glider, especially if the terrain in your yard gets muddy or is uneven.
• How much room do you have? A glider takes up less space than a suspended swing, especially if the swing is hung from a stand.
• How long do you want your swing to last? Suspended swings tend to last a little longer than gliders do, because they contain fewer parts to get damaged or break down.
• Which look do you prefer? The purely aesthetic aspects of swings and gliders are just as important as any other consideration. You want a swing that you like to look at and enjoy.
These are a just a few important questions to ask yourself before you go shopping for your new porch swing. Keep these things in mind when you are trying to pick out what swing you want.

Why Granite?

A granite coffee table is a gorgeous addition to any patio or living room. Here are a few reasons why granite is worth the investment.
• Granite furniture can be used both inside and outside.
• Granite tables are very affordable.
• Every single granite stone is completely unique.
• Granite will go well with any decor.
• There are hundreds of different color choices.
• Many different patterns... veins, specks, and swirls.
• Granite is a natural stone which is readily available.
• Granite is easy to clean.
• Granite does not harbor bacteria.
• Granite can almost always be repaired if it's damaged.
• Granite is strong.
• Granite is difficult to scratch.
• Granite can be used as a cutting board.
• Granite is really durable and will last for years and years.
• Hot items such as griddles, fryers, and toaster ovens won't burn or leave char marks on your granite coffee table.
These are just a few of the reasons why granite is such a good investment. Not only is it incredibly beautiful, but its also is very strong and durable. You can do anything on granite, and it will still hold up and stay beautiful. A granite coffee tables are both attractive and practical; what else do you need?

What's A Lattice?

A lattice window box is an attractive addition to any home. They provide you with a place to grow beautiful flowers, and add a charm and quaintness to your house. I feel like “lattice” was one of those words I’ve heard a million times, but never really knew what it meant. So I decided to look it up.
All the word refers to is the design on the window much. According to dictionary.com, a lattice the “structure of crossed wooden or metal strips usually arranged to form a diagonal pattern of open spaces between the strips.” In other words, it is a wooden or metal diagonal pattern or crisscross pattern that is made of strips and the spaces in between. Lattices are often found in fences, window boxes, and other similar pieces of outdoor furniture.
So, now we all know what a lattice actually is!

Water Features Create Tranquility

There are few ways to create tranquility in your garden that work better than the natural calming ability of water features. Ponds, pools, fountains, waterfalls, and wall fountains all are beautiful ways to create a peaceful feeling in your garden.
No matter what your decorating scheme may be, outdoor water features will go with it. The placement of water features in your backyard will allow you to create a place to sit quietly with a cup of coffee or a book while you enjoy the beauty of water and the tranquility of water. Just add a bench near your water feature, and you’ll create the perfect nook for spending some quality time with yourself. Or, you can use it as an incredibly romantic place to snuggle up with that special someone.
My favorite water feature is definitely the outdoor patio fountain. There are so many different types of fountains, and are an easy way to add sophistication and tranquility to your patio. They do not take up as much space or cost as much as the other options, and also create a peaceful sound. Start looking around; there are so many options from which to choose, you’ll need plenty of time to find the perfect fountain for your yard.

Why You Need a Corner Trellis Planter Bench Set

I have always been a huge fan of trellises. They are a beautiful addition to any backyard, and provide you with an opportunity to show off your gardening skills. Similarly, I love planter benches as well. Not only are they excellent seating, but they also have planter boxes in which you can plant even more gorgeous flowers. So, you can imagine how excited I was when I discovered the corner trellis planter bench set!
This set contains two planter benches and two trellises. The benches meet at an angle, and are the perfect way to make any corner stunning. With three planter boxes and two trellises, a corner trellis planter bench set provides you with so many opportunities to grow the flowers of your choice and enjoy the beautiful results of your green thumb. You can even plant several different kinds of complementary flowers, adding many different colors to your backyard.
I personally think that there is no better way to make your yard aesthetically appealing than with the natural beauty of flowers. And the corner trellis planter bench set is the best way to easily grow flowers in a confined container. Try it out and give your creativity an attractive outlet.

All About Trestles

A trestle is a rigid frame used as a support. Typically, the term trestle is used to refer to bridges. Timber trestles were widely used in the 1800s in the mountain regions and also to cross floodplains next to rivers as approaches to bridges.
Trestles are also commonly used in furniture as well. Trestle tables are a popular option, as well as trestles with shelves. Trestle tables consist of two or three trestle supports attached by a longitudinal cross-member over which the table top is place. It is actually the second-oldest known kind of table. The earliest tables were the basic pedestal-style table used in ancient times. The trestle tables used in ancient Rome were mostly made of stone or marble.
Trestles can also be used to make trestle shelves, which have three or four levels of shelves connected by the rigid frame. These shelves are attractive, and can be made from virtually any material. They are strong, supportive, and durable.
Another form of trestle furniture is the trestle desk. It is a very simple form of desk, consisting of minimal drawers and one trestle support. The trestle desk, too, is one of the oldest kinds of desk. This simple design has been used for thousands of years.

Tete-a-Tete or Settee?

There are so many different terms in the outdoor furniture world that I sometimes have a hard time keeping them straight. It can be difficult to remember what all the vocabulary means, and especially to mentally separate terms that refer to similar pieces of furniture. For example, the tete-a-tete and the settee both refer to outdoor furniture seating. But what is the difference between the two?
According the Merriam-Webster, a tete-a-tete is “a short piece of furniture (as a sofa) intended to seat two persons especially facing each other.” It literally means, in French, head to head. Most tete-a-tetes have two separate chairs, angled to face each other, with a table of some sort in between.
A settee, on the other hand, is a much broader term. Merriam-Webster defined it either as “a long seat with a back” or “a medium-sized sofa with arms and a back.” In other words, the term “settee” refers to a bench with a back and arms. What makes it different than a tete-a-tete is that a settee seats multiple people on the same surface, whereas a tete-a-tete has separate seating surfaces in the same piece of furniture.

Keeping Your Gazing Ball Clean

Garden globes / gazing balls are a beautiful addition to your backyard. However, if you let your gazing ball get dirty and streaky, it is incredibly unattractive. It is important to clean your garden globe on a regular basis in order to make your backyard as aesthetically appealing as possible. Here are the steps to keeping your gazing ball sparkling.
1. First, determine from what your gazing globe is made, and choose a cleaner made specifically for the material of which your globe is created, in order to prevent streaking on the reflective service. The majority of globes are made of glass or stainless steel.
2. If your gazing ball sits on a decorative stand, remove the globe and wipe dirt from the stand using soap and water.
3. Wipe the excess dirt from surface of ball with a clean chamois. This action alone may be enough to enhance the ball’s shine. If the ball is still dirty or streaked after this, go on to step four.
4. Then spray the surface of the globe with the proper cleaner and wipe it clean with the chamois. Be sure to follow the directions on the cleaner carefully to prevent streaking or staining.
5. Allow the ball to dry completely before replacing it on stand. Leaving moisture or drops of cleaner on the garden globe might leave streaks or sports.

Tips For Heating a Doghouse

A doghouse is a great place for your beloved family pet to live, especially if you don’t want them to destroy the interior of your house. However, when the weather gets cold, you have to make sure that your puppy will stay warm throughout the winter. Especially for older dogs, extreme cold can have a detrimental effect on their health and even their demeanor. It is important to protect your dog from the cold, but that does not mean you have to give up and make it an indoor dog. Here are several tips for heating a doghouse that will keep your dog healthy and your home a pet-free zone.
• Start by purchasing a small, cozy, INSULATED dog house. The smaller the house is, the better it maintains your dog’s body heat. Their house should be just big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
• Positioning your dog house is also important. Place your doghouse where it be shielded from as much wind as possible. Also, be sure to put it where it can take advantage of the sun’s natural heat as much as possible.
• Many companies sell dog house heaters if you are still worried about keeping your puppy warm and healthy. These are a good option, but be sure to do your research first!

What is Shorea?

If you’re anything like me, you’ve never even heard of Shorea wood. Until today, I had no idea what it even was. But then I stumbled upon some beautiful Shorea furniture, and of course I had to investigate!
What I discovered was that Shorea is a genus of about 196 species of trees, found in southeast Asia, from Northern India to Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. It is a tropical hardwood that resists decaying from insects, disfigurement, and other such defects. These wood grains are full of natural oils, and therefore do not require chemical treatments or finishes. After a year, the wood will obtain a whitish-gray color as a result of the natural weathering process.
Shorea is known by a variety of names, including Meranti, Lauan or Luan, Seraya, Balau, and Bangkirai or Bankarai. A mixture of Shorea woods is also sometimes marketed in America as Philippine Mahogany, even though it is not a mahogany at all.
This wood, no matter what you call it, is ample throughout the Pacific Rim. It is much more plentiful than Teak wood, and therefore Shorea is much more cost-effective. Shorea furniture comes in many different forms, and is a highly attractive and affordable addition to your backyard.

How to Enjoy Your Patio Every Day of the Year!

I love nature and the outdoors, and if I was able to, I’d spend every minute of my day outside. I don’t know about you, but I am sick and tired of rainy days ruining my outdoor fun. I live in Ohio, which is known for its completely unpredictable weather, most of which is bad. I’ve had way too many cookouts, social gatherings, and days spent reading a good book outside ruined by the weather. The perfect solution? Choosing patio sets with an umbrella!

These umbrellas, which come in sizes up to 12 feet, can make my patio completely weatherproof. I can fit your entire outdoor table set under the gigantic span of these umbrellas. Why would I ever go inside again? With patio umbrellas, I don’t have to. I can’t believe I didn’t think of this before.

Although an umbrella cannot create the sunshine and warmth of a nice, sunny day, it at least will keep the rain from forcing me inside. I decided to make rainy days a thing of the past with my patio set with umbrella. I’m so excited to get to enjoy my patio year-round; no matter what weather the day might decide to send my way.

Ice Chest in Stately Teak

An ice chest can be used time after time during the summer months. It’s the perfect solution to keep large amounts of drinks cool for a Saturday barbecue or family reunion. You can’t give up your entire fridge, and no one wants a tepid drink on a warm summer afternoon. Of course, if you hold an aversion to the typical plastic ice chest, you can now buy one in stately teak wood.

My favorite model is probably the one that doubles as a storage bench. During warm months, you can snap in the liner to use the ice chest function. When the warm months end, you don’t have to pack the teak ice chest away. Just pull out the liner and use the gutted ice chest to store winter items, such as blankets, scarves, gloves, and hats.

I’ve said it many times, and I’ll say it again. I love furniture that serves more than one purpose. Using an ice chest throughout the whole year? That is definitely the way to get the most out of your money. And if that's not enough, it looks handsome with other teak patio furniture.

The Firewood Rack and Other Tips for Wood Burning

I’ll provide some information about the firewood rack, as well as other tips for wood burning, in this post. I’ve learned these things in the past couple years since owning my first wood stove. Now, I know this seems like an odd topic for the middle of the summer, but bear with me. You’ll see why it’s actually very timely.

In my experience, a fire is easier to keep going than it is to get going. A common hindrance to building fires is the use of unseasoned, or wet, wood. A firewood rack is a great tool to both season and store wood. When the bottom edge of the firewood rack sits elevated from the ground, it prevents additional moisture from seeping from the ground into the wood. It also allows air to circulate around the wood to dry the existing moisture inside the wood. The firewood rack keeps your kindling orderly and makes it less attractive to nesting rodents.

But the seasoning process can take months. That’s why the time to buy a firewood rack is now. If you start seasoning wood in proper conditions now, it’s much more ready for the cooler weather of fall and winter than if you wait for several more months to buy a firewood rack.

In addition to using seasoned wood, it helps if you can warm the wood stove quickly. Use materials such as crumpled paper, cardboard, or thin bits of wood kindling. I’ve learned that a draft is essential, as well. An air flow feeds the fire, which can’t burn without oxygen. Your wood stove should have a handle or mechanism to open and close the air flow in the chimney. Open this when you need to start a fire. It can also help to start the fire in the back of wood stove; because the fire is closer to chimney, it warms the chimney faster. Fans or a hair dryer can also help to feed air to the fire.

The Space-Saving Folding Teak Chair

A folding teak chair can be a wonderful space saver. I can recall many holidays and family gatherings where we needed extra seats. Everything was game, from piano benches, to living room chairs, to card table chairs.

If you own a teak patio set and tend to conduct family gatherings outdoors, a folding teak chair can provide you with the extra seating and look like it actually belongs there. And these advantages are paired with another huge benefit. You can stow these chairs when not in use.

Places you can stow a folding teak chair might include one or more of the following: (1) under a bed, (2) beside or behind a dresser, (3) between the refrigerator and a side wall, (4) in the back of a coat or bedroom closet, (5) under a couch, (6) in a free-standing cabinet. Based on the setup of your home, you can probably find other possible storage locations, as well.

I think I would have to say that I find a folding teak chair to be the best possible option for additional teak patio seating. If it looks attractive, matches my existing patio set, and doesn’t require a lot of storage space, I say, “Why not?”

The Dog House Air Conditioner: How to Keep Puppy Cool This Summer

There are two good ways to keep your puppy cool this summer: an insulated dog house and a dog house air conditioner. I remember how excited I was to bring home my first dog, choose a name for her, and make her comfortable. If you’ve acquired a puppy recently, the summer heat might be a concern. All dogs are susceptible to the heat, but old dogs and puppies especially.

Of course, one of the advantages to staying in a vacation home or condo, as opposed to a hotel, is that your dog has more room to run, relax, and play—just like you. You can keep outside puppies cool with a dog house air conditioner and an insulated dog house. A dog house air conditioner attaches right to the side of the house. The insulation in the walls then conserves the cool air by slowing the rate of heat transfer. The principles are the same as the air conditioning and insulation in our homes.

When you shop for a dog house to use in conjunction with a dog house air conditioner, check the R-value on the insulation. The insulation receives its R-value rating based on how effective the insulation will be. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

I have also cut the hair on my long-haired dog to keep her cool in the summer. However, this practice is best at the beginning of the summer. If you wait too long, the dog could be too cold when the weather turns cooler in the fall.

The Perfect Teak Bench, Part 3

If you’re looking for the perfect teak bench for your new home, you may have crossed all kinds of descriptions. We’ve discussed several styles of benches in previous posts. Here are four more additional styles.

The Tahawus teak bench is a bit different than the other styles we’ve examined. What it does have in common is a rectangular seat and armrests. But unlike the traditional slatted backs of the other designs, the Tahawus boasts an elaborate weaving of tapered wood pieces. Rounded edges and armrests mimic that rounded shape.

The Lakeside teak bench also builds on rounded edges and tapered slats. However, the slats in this bench’s back run straight up and down, instead of crisscrossed. Another difference is how the back curves along the top beam.

The Saranac teak bench offers a less traditional design. Rounded legs sit close together where they attach to the seat, then flare out in an “A” shape at the bottom. A cross-supporting beam parallels the wide planks on the top of the seat. The Saranac is a backless bench.

The Courting teak bench is the least traditional we’ve discussed. It’s actually two connected benches. They sit back-to-back, joined by a curved back. This back serves as the arm and backrests for both seats. You’ll know this style when you look at it from above and see it has an “S” shape.

So there you have it. Ten teak bench styles from which to choose. Bring the perfect one home.

The Perfect Teak Bench, Part 2

On the quest for the perfect teak bench, you might come across a variety of styles. The Classic, Savoy, and Columbia benches are just three variations of the basic teak bench.

The Essex teak bench isn’t so different from these three types. In fact, many of the Essex benches look similar to the Classic, except that they offer curved armrests instead of flat.

The Charleston teak bench comes in a number of variations, but the most common one has no back. In this way, it’s different from the previous styles we’ve discussed. A crossbeam attaches the legs, as well. Fewer slats fit more closely together in this design than in the others.

The Victoria teak bench tends to look more ornate that its cousins. It, too, incorporates slats into its design. The back is taller and curved along its top. The seat curves slightly, as well. And the armrests curve. All these curves are designed to conform to the body’s natural shape and provide a more comfortable seat.

Now we’ve covered the Classic, Savoy, Columbia, Essex, Charleston, and Victoria styles. Read the final installment for some additional style descriptions. After all, your perfect teak bench could be one of those.

The Perfect Teak Bench, Part 1

If you’re decorating a new vacation home, consider a teak bench. These beauties come in a variety of styles. Find the perfect one for your hall, sunroom, patio, pool, or garden by perusing these explanations of teak bench designs.

The Classic teak bench features a rectangular shape and armrests. Slats form the seat and backrest. The slats of the seat and back run perpendicular to each other. Four straight legs support the bench. Traditional, simple, classic.

The Savoy teak bench appears in similar fashion to the Classic. However, the backrest bears detailing and sits at a slant with the seat. For some, the angled backrest may seem more comfortable since it provides more lumbar support.

The Columbia teak bench isn’t much different from the Classic and Savoy. One major difference is that the slats of the backrest and the seat run parallel to each other, instead of perpendicular. It shares the straight armrests with the Classic, but offers a curved back. Like the Savoy, the curved back offers a higher degree of lumbar support.
So you have the Classic, Savoy, and Columbia—three variations of the beautiful teak bench. Read parts 2 and 3 for more descriptions of various bench styles.

Adirondack Chair Assembly

The Adirondack chair goes with vacation homes. The first one, after all, was designed by a man who enjoyed spending time at his vacation home. The design has been around for over 100 years, so it’s not surprising that many people see the Adirondack chair when they think back on their fondest summer memories.

But if this is your first time assembling an Adirondack chair, you might not know where to start. If a set of instructions accompanied your Adirondack chair, these would be a great place to start. If you didn’t receive any instructions, you have several options. Check the manufacturer’s website for instructions. Call or e-mail the company that sold you the chair. Ask them to send a replacement set.

If neither of these options works, check some online plans for making an Adirondack chair. Look for a plan that contains similar pieces to the ones that came in your box. These plans may also be helpful if you have the manufacturer’s instructions but can’t understand them very well. Good luck!