Check for any exposed bolts that could catch a child's skin. Any set should be anchored firmly to the ground. Before purchasing pressure treated wood, check that it was treated with non-toxic chemicals. Although they are more expensive, wooden swing sets will last longer because they can accomm......[Read More]

Proper preparation leads to meat that stays fresher longer.Venison roast with roasted potatos image by Elzbieta Sekowska from Fotolia.comResidential FreezersResidential freezers commonly reach a temperature of zero degrees. At this temperature, venison can be stored for six months..........[Read More]

Lawn mower blades chip, dull and require replacement after a year or two of cutting grass. Lawn mower companies realize this and have conveniently created a system that makes it easy for consumers to replace the blades at their home with just a wrench. When you go to the parts store to replace your ......[Read More]

Ponds and lakes are a valuable natural resource. They add beauty to the landscape, provide recreation and are a habitat for fish and wildlife. A natural body of water is a complex biological, chemical and ... ......[Read More]

Custom waterfalls can improve a view significantly by taking a plain landscape view and transforming it into something completely different. Most people feel waterfalls are beautiful to look at and that they have inherent relaxing qualities as well.They also offer the opportunity to take time out of......[Read More]

Concrete blocks are a sturdy construction material often used in the construction of walls. Building a concrete wall can take muscle but it's not a complicated task. You will need supplies such as mortar, a trowel and stakes to complete the job.......[Read More]

Outdoor kitchens can enhance the look and viability of your home, especially during those spring and summer months when you simply must cook outside. While these kitchen design plans are a little different from their indoor brethren, you should still turn to what works in your standard kitchen for i......[Read More]

A rock climbing wall made for your kids is a great way to keep them active and interested in the outdoors. If you already have vertical wall space outside the addition of a rock climbing wall can be easier than you think.......[Read More]

A herringbone pattern provides a patio with a classic and attractive look. Using the same bricks that you would use for a conventional patio, you can make it much more visually interesting simply by laying the bricks at right angles and creating a herringbone pattern. The only aspect of this techniq......[Read More]

Dog manure should not be placed in a compost pile because it may contaminate any lawns or food crops grown with that compost. However, dog feces may be added to compost that is being used to grow non-edible plants.......[Read More]

Wood burners, or wood-burning stoves, are used to provide heat. Building a fire in one can be done by using kindling or a starter log. Keep in mind that building a fire requires allowing air to vent so the fire will continue to burn.......[Read More]

Greenhouses are buildings that utilize the greenhouse effect to trap heat and extend the growing season of numerous plants, sometimes all the way through the winter season. Many greenhouses are used to produce food or ornamental flowers for sale or individual consumption, and greenhouses can be util......[Read More]

Watching wild birds build a nest and raise their chicks can be an entertaining experience. That experience loses its thrill when the birds begin building nests beneath your deck, making messes, becoming menacing to your family or guests and destroying your home in the process. Several methods are av......[Read More]

Most gardeners appreciate the value of rich, black compost for amending soil. Many gardeners have also come to appreciate a product of compost called "compost tea." Make compost tea by adding water to rich compost and allowing this mixture to steep for up to one week. After the compost tea steeps, s......[Read More]

Garden lighting can immensely enhance the beauty of your home. People usually focus on the plants and flowers and end up ignoring other basic elements needed in a garden such as lighting. However people mostly get their gardens crowded with huge lamps which really make the garden look an absolute ey......[Read More]

Exterior design plans don't have to be pricey, if you use free resources from the Internet. Doing a preliminary design allows you to try out different ideas before you waste money purchasing items that you won't like or use later. If you're feeling stuck for inspiration, it's a good idea to take a l......[Read More]

When having a party or event, a juice dispenser works well, as you can hold a large amount of juice from which friends and family can serve themselves. When storing juice in a large dispenser such as this it is often difficult to keep the juice cold, especially when the juice dispenser is outdoors d......[Read More]

Installing a decorative metal gate isn't a difficult process if you understand how the pieces of the gate work together. Many decorative metal gates come equipped with all the hardware needed to properly install them, so a few household tools are all that is needed to complete the job. You should al......[Read More]

Splitting logs for firewood is essential for the homeowner who heats his house by burning wood. Splitting logs is a simple task but requires a lot of time to split enough firewood to last for a substantial time. Splitting logs for firewood involves swinging a heavy object at a high speed. Because of......[Read More]

When choosing a cast iron umbrella stand for your patio umbrella make sure you chose the right size and weight. If you plan on erecting a permanent feature you will need a base that weighs about 75 lbs to support a decent sized umbrella.......[Read More]