Outdoor Living Ideas

If you’re looking for a way to turn your ugly, gray, cracked concrete patio into something beautiful, these snap-together deck tiles could be just the ticket. Easy to install (you literally just snap them together; you don’t need a hammer and nails or even glue) they’re perfect for the do-it-yourself type without much experience (though I’m sure experienced DIY folks are welcome to use them too). They let you build a new deck over an existing foundation and could also be used on rooftop decks or apartment balconies as well as patios.

The deck tiles are fairly inexpensive too. Though you’ll pay a bit for shipping (hey, wood isn’t light), you can get a kit of 20 tiles (which covers 18.5 square feet) from Amazon for $120: Snapping Deck Tiles

Unless you’re out in the backyard grinding your own flour, you probably don’t need a millstone, but they do make lovely focal points in a garden. If your yard just seems to be missing something, this could be a fun addition.

Maine Millstones fabricates hand-carved traditional granite millstones in many shapes and sizes. The company “antiques” their millstones, so they look like authentic pieces from centuries-old flour mills. This lends them a lot of character and makes them handsome additions to the garden or yard.

The company also makes half millstones for doorstops, or you could try their custom carved posts or other architectural ornaments.

http://www.mainemillstones.com

Looking for some classy residential lighting to brighten up your front walkway or backyard entertaining area in the evenings? This pedestal lamp from Dahlhaus Lighting is one of several outdoor lamps they offer, specifically designed to be mounted on a wall or pedestal. At nearly 24 inches high, the handsome fixtures are made not only to provide outdoor lighting but to act as focal points along your walkway or deck/porch. The lamps can add a lot of elegance to an otherwise plain brick pedestal or post. If you don’t see anything you’re in love with in their online catalogue, the company also offers custom gas and electric light fixtures.

http://www.dahlhaus-lighting.com

When I decided to add a “hot tub and spa” category to this blog, I figured I’d be writing about the latest and greatest models for the backyard (and I do plan on making the majority of the posts about that…), but how about this Ford F-250 “Tiki Truck”? The hot tub is built into the bed of the truck (one does wonder how the jets are powered and the water kept warm), so you can take your spa to your next tailgating party.

The “portable island paradise” was created by Galpin Auto Sports, the team that’s put together many of the shall we say unique vehicles on MTV’s Pimp My Ride show. Behind the hot tub is a giant tiki head with a waterfall that flows into the spa, which is big enough to hold four bathers. It’s all surrounded by a beautiful teak wood deck, so we’re talking high style (high cost) here.

Source

Is your deck looking a little drab? Or maybe you’re in the process of building a new deck and you want to give it a special touch. Something memorable. Well, a cedar post cap in the shape of a ball would be memorable (and provide a good place to grab as your swinging around the rail to head down the stairs). This one even has dental molding on the bottom. High class, all right.

The wood post cap is available from http://www.woodin.com along with several other styles (just in case the ball isn’t your thing).