We’re still in the middle of the COVID social-distancing woes, which means a lot of public spaces are closed for business. With the cooler months fast approaching, I’m giving some serious thought into how I’m going to prolong the life of my outdoor space this year. After all, we’ll likely be stuck at home for …
Unfortunately, COVID-19 has kept many parents indoors or close to the house for months now. If your family is anything like mine, you may be driving each other crazy trying to find things to do. The craziness could be double if your household has a newly-minted toddler roaming around! Thankfully, our family was able to …
A balcony is just a marvelous aerial patio. In fact, if you’re an apartment dweller, it might be the only kind of patio experience you can regularly have. Naturally, you want to extend the usage of your balcony into the dreary, grey days of winter. But how can you accomplish this? Besides completely winterizing your …
It goes without saying — water slides are one of the highlights of being a child. Speeding down a watery ramp is the very definition of thrill for younger folks. However, the fun doesn’t have to end just because you get a bit older. Several manufacturers make water slides that are adult-friendly and are guaranteed …
Porch swings are a treasured topic for me — I have spent countless evenings watching the sun go down, idly swinging on the porch. I’ve installed my fair share and I’ve even researched how much they typically weigh! As much time as I’ve spent reading about them and installing them, I finally have some recommendations …
Decay, corrosion, rust, and mildew — rainy weather absolutely wreaks havoc on non-water-resistant outdoor furniture. The good news is that rain doesn’t have to be the bane of your patio’s existence. With the correct materials, fabrics, and a little elbow grease, patio furniture can withstand all kinds of weather. From torrential downpours to light drizzles, …
Any excuse to eat outdoors is a good excuse. There’s a special kind of feeling one gets when they break bread with their loved ones in the great outdoors (even if the great outdoors is actually the backyard). I’m here to tell you that this feeling is amplified and deepened when you throw a glowing …
A few years ago, my wife and I were able to finally purchase our first home. Since then, I’ve been able to outfit my back patio area however I’d like — I’m fortunate enough to have plenty of space. However, not so long ago we lived in a third-floor apartment with a balcony. All of …
There’s no doubt about it — the Traeger brand is a force to be reckoned with. They’ve built a reputation as a quality, high-tech grill/smoker company. For good reason — you’ll find no shortage of pit-masters, hunters, and meat enthusiasts singing their praises. However, that quality and reputation comes at a premium price. If you’re …
I need to be open and honest with you all — I cannot stand the doormat industry. As someone who values function drastically above form, I have had so many problems finding a doormat that actually cleans shoes. Most are cute, decorative, and utterly useless. After I’m done with a hard session of outside work, …