The basics of making your own patio for your house is not as hard and difficult as you think. If you want to build your patio from a loose-brick design that does rely on mortar then the process will not be difficult. Building the very basic patio will only need at least a day if you prepare the surface properly and have enough of materials to work with. However, this is a work that consumes a lot of energy because of the physical work such as digging the sod and bricks hauling. Here are the steps on how to make the basic patio.

You will need:

1. Flat snow shovel.
2. Sand to cover the patio area.
3. Stones or bricks.
4. Broom.
5. Large spade.
6. Long carpenter’s level.
7. Garden hose with a light spray setting.

Patios

Steps:

1. First, dig out the sod in the area where you want to build the patio with a large spade. Get it as level as leveled and smooth as you can. Roll out the weed blocker and overlapping them within the long edges, cutting any unnecessary blocker with a razor.
2. Spread the sand over the area about 3 inches of depth. Level the surface with a snow shovel before laying the long level at random points on the surface to check the level. You can adjust and flatten it with the back of snow shovel if needed.
3. Turn on your garden hose and set it with a light spray setting to soak the area thoroughly and to prevent the sand from being disturbed. Leave it to dry about one hour before repeat the same process about three times. After the soaking process, let the area dry under the sun for several hours to get well-packed sand.
4. Be careful not to disturb the sand while gently laying your paving bricks down over the sand. To prevent yourselves from getting four corners meeting in one place, lay the bricks in a staggered pattern. The space between the bricks should be about ¼ inch.
5. Fill in the cracks between the bricks by sweeping in remaining sand with a broom. Use your feet while walking around the perimeter to push the surrounding sod up against the bricks. This will help to stabilize them.

Image Credit:

Flickr CC

Additional Reading:

Building Your Own Greenhouse (Greenhouse Basics)

Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Patios & Walkways: Money-Saving Do-It-Yourself Projects for Improving Outdoor Living Space (Black & Decker Complete Guide)

Basics of Patios is a post from: DIY Guides

Related posts:

1. Installing Pavers Basics
2. Stage Lighting Design Basics
3. Installing Patio Paver Blocks

You will need:

1. Shovel
2. Edge restraints.
3. Pavers (brick,clay or concrete)
4. Crushed stone or processed gravel
5. 12 inch spikes.
6. 2 by 4 inch board
7. Table saw with diamond blade
8. Broom.
9. Plate compactor.
10. Coarse sand.
11. Wood strips or plastic piping.
12. Edge restraints.

Pavers

Steps:

1. First, excavate the area where you want to install the pavers with the size of 7 to 9 inches deep for walkways and patios, or 9 to 11 inches for driveways. You should at least dig 12 inches wider than the intended paved area.
2. Place the crushed stone or processed gravel to form a base. Add in layers to form 3 inches to 3 ½ inches of base from the top of the excavated area. For patio and walkways, the base should be around 6 to 8 inches deep and for driveway about 8 to 12 inches. For every foot in one direction, slope 1/8 inch to allow better water drainage.
3. To shape the area where you plan to pave, install aluminum, plastic or steel edge. Secure the shaping with 12 inch spikes nailed into the ground.
4. In case you need to reset, do not pound the spikes down to the ground fully to secure the edge restraints until you have the desired shape. In order to create your desired shape for the paved area, cut the restraints as you needed.
5. For rails to set 6 to 8 feet apart, use strips of wood or piping. Pack the sand underneath to adjust the height and then pack the sand around the rails to secure into place.
6. Pour the sand between the rails until the sand is slightly higher. Smooth the surface with a 2 by 4-inch board. Fill in low spots and repeat the same process. Remove the rails before filing in the sand into the indentations. Trowel to smooth the surface.
7. Set the pavers, according to your desired pattern, on the walkway, driveway or patio. Use a table saw with a diamond blade to cut where needed.
8. Press the pavers into the sand bed with a plate compactor. Sweep dry the sand into gaps between the compact and pavers.
9. It is best to start your paving at the outer edge and work your way in. So, don’t step on it while laying the pavers and walk on or wet the sand level once it has been smooth out.

Image Credit:

Flickr CC

Additional Reading:

Lowe’ s Complete Patio & Deck Book: Creative Ideas & Fabulous Fix Ups (Lowe’s Home Improvement)

Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Masonry & Stonework: Includes Decorative Concrete Treatments (Black & Decker Complete Guide)

Installing Pavers Basics is a post from: DIY Guides

Related posts:

1. Building a Patio with Pavers
2. How to Install Tactile Pavers
3. Basics of Patios

You will need:

1. Jigsaw
2. Sandpaper
3. New Year’s Celebration Accessories To Add To The Theme
4. Marine Plywood
5. Wood For The Ground Support

Steps:

1. Take exterior plywood and cut out your main theme for display. Pick marine plywood as it lasts longer and is more resistant to weather changes. The main feature cutout should select the New Year’s theme; you can search themes from online sites, store decorations, TV ads and magazines.
2. Sketch your ideas on graph paper to blow up the size that you need easily. Then, transfer the sketch to a plywood sheet before cutting it out using jigsaw and paint according to your desired colors.
3. Make an easel for support and place in yard. You can also use a simple Happy New Year banner or an hour glass display with the same message. If you dare, you could even display your New Year’s resolutions for all guests to see!
4. Collect ideas for the other small cutouts to add to your yard display as the same sources for your main display. Perform your design, cut out, paint and place the selected smaller New Year’s related items near the main display.
5. Make them simple so it is easy to cut out and paint. For a banner, try accessories such as empty champagne bottle and cap, cutouts of confetti and noise makers. Make them large enough to be seen and fastened each other and the ground securely.
6. Then string some colorful ribbons or spray can stringers all around and connected to the other displays. Keep some of the same materials on hand to replace the ribbons and spray can stringers. The reason is because sometimes the weather will not cooperate and you may have to redo portions.
7. It is also a good idea to use sparkling and shining materials such as for the table decorations, noisemakers and hats. Anchor and glue everything down well so they won’t be disappearing during the night of the celebration. Light up the entire display and your porch too. It is also fun to get your family members to be involved and help to decorate your porch and door too.

Additional Reading:

The Lawn Bible: How to Keep It Green, Groomed, and Growing Every Season of the Year

Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways: Big Ideas for Small Backyard Destinations

Decorating Yard for New Year’s is a post from: DIY Guides

Related posts:

1. Decorating for a New Year’s Eve Party
2. Decorating Yard for Fall Festival
3. Activities to do on New Year

You will need:

1. Plumber’s tape

Swimming Pool

Steps:

1. First, take a look at the pool hose connections. Start with the easiest and most accessible area first when searching for air leaks in a swimming pool filter. Look at all of the pool hose connections to see if they are leaking.
2. Air will easily get into the system through leaky hoses, so tighten the connection if you detect any leak. You can apply the plumber’s tape to the male end of the hose before tightening if you have the screw-on type of the hose.
3. Then, check the pool water level. The air can get into the pool filter system through the skimmer if the water level is allowed to drop too low.
4. The level should not be lower than the mid-height of the skimmer faceplate. Add more water to the pool if the water level is too low.
5. Next, check the pool pump basket. The vacuum environment in the pool filter will be affected if the water level in the pool pump is too low.
6. Turn off the water filter and open the pump basket’s lid to allow water to flow into it. Close the lid once the area is filled with water and run the filter.
7. On top of the pool filter, open the pressure relief valve to allow trapped air to escape. Make sure not to close the pressure relief valve until you see a steady stream of water pouring through the valve. You will know that all of the air has escaped when the water is steady.
8. Then, check the ground below the pool pump and filter for wet spots. If there are unexplained wet spots that appear underneath the filter system, it is evidence of a leakage.
9. Be careful not to mistake between the filter housing and the pump. It might be a seal or a loose connection that needs to be replaced.
10. Notice the exact location of the leak to help you fix this problem. However, you will need professional to repair the system if the leak is caused by an internal part failure.

Image Credit:

Flickr CC

Additional Reading:

Cruising Through Pool Care The Wise Way (English Edition)

The Ultimate Pool Maintenance Manual: Spas, Pools, Hot Tubs, Rockscapes and Other Water Features, 2nd Edition

Repairing an Air Leak in a Swimming Pool Filter is a post from: DIY Guides

Related posts:

1. Maintaining Your Swimming Pool
2. Winterizing a Sand Filter for an Above Ground Pool
3. Repairing a leak in your bathtub

What you need to do:

1. 6-foot copper or galvanized ground rod
   
2. Sledgehammer
   
3. Ground rod clamp
   
4. Phillips or slotted screwdriver
   
5. 12-gauge THHN green electrical ground wire
   
6. Wire cutter/stripper
   

Electric Dog Fence

Method:

1. Firstly, you have to drive a 6-foot copper or galvanized ground rod into the area (ground) where you decide to install the electric dog fence. You can do this by using a sledgehammer within 20 feet of your electric dog fence controller.
   
2. Next, you need to place the rod along the fence line or beside a structure to avoid any tripping hazard when you are in the area. It is recommended that you leave at least 2 to 3 inches of ground rod visible enough to everyone above the ground.
   
3. After that, you have to attach a ground rod clamp onto the exposed parts of the ground rod by sliding the clamp over the rod and ensure that the screws are tighten on both sides of the clamp so that it will be secured to the rod.
   
4. Then, using a wire cutter/stripper you need to remove 3/4-inch of insulation off both ends of a length of 12-gauge THHN green electrical ground wire.
   
5. Take one end of your ground wire and wrap it around the green/negative terminal that you see on the dog fence controller. Make sure to tighten the terminal using your fingers or a screwdriver depending on the model of your controller.
   
6. Once done, you have to insert the other end of your green ground wire into the ground clamp wire opening and also ensure that the screw is tighten on the ground clamp so that the ground wire is securely attached to the ground rod.
   

Image Credit:

Flickr CC

Additional Reading:

Dog Shock Collars – Everything You Need To Know Before Purchasing A Shock Collar For Your Beloved Pet Dog!”!

Grounding an Electric Dog Fence is a post from: DIY Guides

Related posts:

1. Why do you need a solar electric fence
2. Wiring an Electric Water Heater
3. How to Make Homemade Electric Windmills

Things that you will need:

1. Water Test Kit

Hot Tubs

Steps:

1. First, use a water test kit to test the water in spa for the chlorine level. It is best to test several times for at least two times to ensure that the reading result is consistent. Follow the directions on the test kit for testing chlorine as some might come in vary brands and directions. It is important to rest the chlorine level first so that we know what to do next, all depending on the chlorine level.
2. The chlorine level for spa should be tested two or three times parts per million. The suitable chlorine level for your spa should not reach higher than 10 parts per million or lower than one part per million. If the level is too low, add chlorine to the water. This step is better to work out the best deal for your spa. It is better to stay in the required level as it will be the best and proper way for your spa.
3. Bear in mind that there are many types of chlorine that are been used in spas and you will need different amounts to add depending on what type of chlorine is being used. Then only you can decide on the best one for your spa, best ones or only one. It all depends on what is more suitable for your spa.
4. Follow the directions on the type of chlorine you are using for the capacity of your spa. The other important thing is to know how much you will need to raise the level of chlorine.
5. If the level of chlorine is too high, do not add more chlorine for a few days. Perform daily tests to the water until the level of chlorine is within the optimum range of two to three parts per million.

Image Credit:

Flickr CC

Additional Reading:

Spas & Hot Tubs, Saunas & Home Gyms: Award-Winning Design Ideas, Step-by-Step Installation Projects, Water Care & Equipment (Creative Homeowner Press)

Spas & hot tubs: how to plan, install & enjoy

Measuring chlorine for hot tubs is a post from: DIY Guides

Related posts:

1. What are Walk in Tubs?
2. Removing Chlorine from Your Bathing Suits
3. Repairing an Air Leak in a Swimming Pool Filter

To have a patio is really nice as a patio is a nice place to hang out and relax. To have tiles in your patio is even nicer. But, before having tiles in your patio, one has to install them first one by one. There are many types of tiles available that you can choose from for your patio. By having a tile patio will certainly add some class to your old patio design because tile is always available in a wide range of textures, materials and colors for you to choose from. It will give your patio a whole different look, one that you certainly would like. When it comes to the weather, tiles for your patio are more durable. Installation on your own will take a lot of your effort and patience, plus also a sunny weather condition in order for the tile to dry thoroughly.

What you need:

1. Sponge
   
2. Grout
   
3. Cement
   
4. Wood spacers for the tile
   
5. Circular saw or a snap cutter
   
6. Mixing container
   
7. Square shovel
   
8. Mason\’s twine
   
9. Jointing tool
   

Method:

1. For cutting patio tile, you can use a circular saw that comes with a masonry blade or a wet saw. A snap cutter can also be used for setting the tile in place so that your marks align over the middle part of the cutter. In order to do that, you need to hold the snap cutter in place before sliding it over the tile while pressing downward and quickly bringing the handle back to the center of the tile to snap the tile in half.
   
2. Next step is to lay a concrete slab (at least 4-inch thick) as your base for the patio tile. Then, set up some guides for grouting your tile onto the cement around the slab before leveling the mortar to at least 1-inch bed.
   
3. After that, you have to mix your mortar where you need at least 4 parts sand per 1 part cement for getting the consistency in making the tile stick.

1. You need to lay down your selected tile onto the patio using tile spacers between each tile for allowing you to organize it accordingly before laying the grout.
   
2. Next step is to remove the spacers one at a time and at the same time, add the grout. The joints of your tile also need to be dampened and if there is any grout spills around the area, you have to wipe them immediately before it dries. Once your grout on the joints has dried, you should smooth the joints using a joint tool and pack the grout into the joints tightly.
   
3. Finally, use a sponge in order to wipe away any excess grout from the joints.
   

By now, you must have successfully laid the tiles on your patio. From there after, take good care of your patio and make sure it doesn\’t get spoil easily. Hereafter, enjoy your new patio with its new look.

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/captainfats/4288707184/

Additional Reading:

Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Landscape Construction: 60 Step-by-step Projects for Creating a Perfect Landscape (Black & Decker Complete Guide)

The Complete Photo Guide to Outdoor Home Improvement (Black & Decker Outdoor Home)

Laying Patio Tile is a post from: DIY Guides

Related posts:

1. Laying a Brick Paver Patio
2. Ceramic Floor Tile Installation
3. Adhering a Glass Tile

Stop Koi Pond Algae

The growth of algae in your Koi pond is definitely not a good sight to be seen and moreover, it also provides a bad odor to the surrounding environment. If algae are not removed from the pond, it will somehow produce ammonia and if your Koi pond has excessive ammonia, it will reduce the oxygen supply thus threatening the lives of your fishes.

What you need:

1. To restrict the amount of direct sunlight
   
2. Add plenty of plants in the pond
   
3. Use UV filters
   
4. Installing proper filtration
   
5. Use supplement products to fight algae
   

Method:

1. The Koi pond needs to be placed in an area with partial sunlight because algae need sunshine for its growth. Placing the Koi pond in a partially shaded area will provide you with healthy water plants plus also limiting the amount of sunlight that can help the algae to feed on.
   
2. You can add plenty of plants in the pond to enable the usage of nutrients in the pond water and releasing oxygen. By doing this, the plants also help to cover the surface of the Koi pond and blocking sunlight from coming through and also preventing the growth of algae.
   
3. If you have the budget, you can also use the UV filter for your Koi pond. It may be expensive but it is a great solution in preventing algae growth. The UV filter works whenever the pond\’s water flows through a channel and is exposed to the UV light, it will kill off the algae before the water returns back to the pond.
   
   
4. You will need to install UV sterilisers if you have green water. You should however remember that you should not rely solely on the UV unit to get rid of algae in the water. The filter that you\’ve installed should be sufficient to solve the green water problem.
   
5. The filtration system that you installed should move approximately half of the pond\’s water every hour. Although the Koi fishes are not fond of strong currents, making half of the water in your pond per hour should be sufficient enough to filter the water. Using biological filters help prevent algae growth and also maintain environmental balance properly.
   
6. Supplement fish-friendly products can also be used in fighting algae for example; some of the products in the market will kill the algae automatically when they are used and also clean all the murky water inside the pond. There are also supplements that can only tint the pond\’s water into deep blue in order to limit the amount of sunlight from penetrating into the water thus preventing algae\’s growth.
   
7. You can also depend on the Koi fish to help you prevent algae\’s growth because Koi fish eats algae and other plants as a natural part of their diet. If you reduce the amount of food given, the Koi fish will definitely clean the bottom and also the sides of your pond.
   

By now, you must have successfully stopped and ended your Koi Pond algae.

Image Credit:

Flickr

Additional Reading:

The Guide to Owning Koi

Raising Healthy Koi Secrets

Stopping Koi Pond Algae is a post from: DIY Guides

Related posts:

1. Koi Pond – Ultra Violet Sterilizers
2. Koi Pond – Pumps & Systems
3. How to Build a Pond Filter System

Hide a Brick Fence

Brick fence post has become one of the ways to protect your property well. It is considered one of the best ways, in terms of brick fence, to secure your property well. There are many ways and designs to build your brick fence post, and there are even more ways to hide it, but overall the process is not that complicated. Most people like to have a more authentic look when it comes to their brick fences. In this way, passersby can see it and there will be no unwanted intruders as well. It\’s strange to think that there are also people who would like to hide their brick fences. Making your brick fences invisible is the right option for those who would like to show their yard or garden with beautiful plants and flowers. A lot of those who fancy a hidden brick fence like it, as it gives their yard a better and more natural look.

If you want to achieve a yard with a brick fence to have a more natural look, the option that you have to do is to hide the brick fence. It is not complicated, and you can do this project by yourself. If you have someone to help you, it\’s even better. Here are the steps on how to do it.

You will need:

1. Bushes
   
2. Spade
   
3. Landscape objects
   
4. Vines
   
5. Paint
   

Steps:

1. First, start by planting some bushes or shrubs along the front of your brick fence. Choose the bushes that you find suitable and how fast they will grow. You can find a wide variety of sources where you can be obtained enough information such as at the local nursery. If you choose mature plants, they will grow quicker, than younger plants but cost you more. Roses and lilacs are among the most popular bushes to plant along a brick fence.
   
2. Add vines along the fence. You can choose a wide variety of vines to plant. Choose the vines with the same criteria of choosing bushes and shrubs. Planting vines over bushes require less maintenance and takes less time to grow.
   
3. Use your imagination and be creative. There are many ideas of how to achieve a different look for brick fence. You can either paint it green so it can easily blend in with the plants and grass. Or you can paint the fence the same color as the exterior of the house or shed to make it less noticeable. You can combine different colors and styles in the brisk fence, this can make the brick fence more attractive if done creatively.
   
4. Various objects can be placed along the top of the fence or in front of the wall. Although they won\’t hide or cover the fence, they still can provide a different look rather than a plain looking wall. Flowerpots will also look wonderful to put on top of the fence as well as birdbath that you can place in front of the fence.
   

Additional Reading:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5513055_hide-brick-fence.html
Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dustin/357466039/

Hiding a brick fence is a post from: DIY Guides

Related posts:

1. Building a brick fence post
2. Constructing a Brick Fence
3. Installing a cheap fence

To have a patio is really nice as a patio is a nice place to hang out and relax. A patio is an area which extends the living space of the home to the outdoors. The patio provides homeowners with a place for entertainment, relaxation and to enjoy outdoor living. Although, the construction of a patio is simple, you still have to get into it some time and careful preparation for the entire process of planning, permitting, framing and decking.

If you want to create the visions of Mediterranean summers without having to take the trip to that place, building a patio with the theme is the perfect gateway. A Mediterranean patio is the perfect place to have a refreshing summer with emphasis on light and beautiful colors. Here are the steps on how you can create your own Mediterranean patio.

You will need:

1. Paint
   
2. Containers
   

Steps:

1. First, use a shade to portray a Mediterranean patio. Your patio should include a shaded area to offer relief from the sun on the hottest days. Stand a simple pergola over a seat or table and plant climbers to scramble over it. Bleach or paint the surrounding structures with palette colors of clear blues, terracotta, dusky pinks or white.
   
2. Use patio materials that can retain heat. You can either use gravel or if you have more budgets, opt for dolomite chippings. It will be so much better if you can layout the garden as a series of terraces that faces the sun. A brick or a stone wall that faces the sun will retain the day\’s heat and radiate it at dusk. Stone and terracotta pots and paving will do the same function to a lesser temperature.
   
3. Always keep the patio area dry as this will make you feel as if you are always on holiday. You will also notice that the gravel starts to turn green moss and lichens take hold when the wet weather arrives. To solve this problem, you can use either pressure washer or chemical treatments to blasts off this problem.
   
4. You should know that typical plants in the Mediterranean will include most of the woody herbs such as rosemary, lavender and thyme, which live in well-drained and gritty soil. Fill the patio with lovely scents that will attract the butterflies and bees with planting rock roes or oleanders flowers.
   

If you decide to build a Mediterranean patio, it will definitely provide a more stylish and beautiful look to your house. By building a Mediterranean patio, you will add more value to your house and yard, but this task will definitely test your patience and take a lot of effort in order to create it the correct way. However, if you manage to plan it very well and get some help from your friends, it will be completed very fast and you will be able to see a great outdoor surrounding within your house.

Image Credit:

Flickr CC

Additional Reading:

Building Your Garden: Create Planters, Patios, Ponds, & Everything in Between With Brick, Wood and Sto ne

Patio & Stone: A Sunset Design Guide

Creating a Mediterranean patio is a post from: DIY Guides

Related posts:

1. Building a Brick Paver Patio
2. Laying a Brick Paver Patio
3. Covering your patio