 |
| Canopy anchors Screw-in ground anchors are the best defense against strong winds. |
Two elements make for a great backyard retreat—shade from the sun and protection from irritating insects. The good news: You can now choose from a wide range of screened canopies (also called gazebos) that handle both sun and insects. They're easy to put up and maintain, you can plant them in almost any flat spot, and they're reasonably priced, typically $200 to $500, depending on the size. Typical sizes range from 10 x 10-ft. to 12 x 12 ft. You can create a comfortable sitting area in just a few hours. Look for screened canopies at home centers and outdoor furniture dealers.
A grass floor is inviting, but it'll wear out fast. If you don't have an existing deck or patio that's suitable, we recommend building a paver patio for the floor. Brick and concrete pavers are durable, handsome, and available in many styles and colors. And you don't need special skills or experience to lay them successfully. Even a novice can do a first-class job and complete a small project in a weekend. OK, it is hard work. You'll have to dig a bit and rent and operate a heavy plate compactor. Look for pavers at home centers and patio and garden centers.
 |
Screened canopy
Photo courtesy of Home Depot
|
Begin by choosing a canopy style and size. Then make your patio slightly larger to accommodate it. Or consider an even larger patio, leaving part of it open.
Cost: $150 and up for a screened canopy; about $3.50 per sq. ft. for a paver patio.
Time: Two hours for a canopy; a weekend for a small patio.
From the Family Handyman - Affordable Home Improvement Ideas
No comments:
Post a Comment