Flooring Options for Verandas and Patios

If you’re designing or redoing your veranda or patio, there is a large range of outdoor flooring options you can choose from.

Timber

Timber decking is a common choice for verandas and patios. Hardwood timbers are considered to be very durable when treated and are effectively resistant against the elements and against insects. If your veranda or patio does not have a roof, though, timber decking will need to be regularly maintained and can need re-staining and re-sealing every few years.

Composite Decking

An even more popular option for outdoor flooring, however, is composite decking. Composite decking is made from a blend of natural, recycled materials and is highly durable and environmentally friendly. It’s also very easy to install, if you are planning a DIY job and it is very easy to keep clean. Composite decking is also insect resistant and fire resistant and won’t rot or decay.

However, note that composite decking is not ideal for structural or load-bearing work. Composite decking is also not repairable, so if it does sustain any damage, the materials must be fully replaced. Some people also find composite decking less durable than real hardwoods.

Bamboo

Bamboo is fast becoming a popular flooring choice for home owners, particularly for those wanting natural floors with a beautiful finish. Bamboo can be used in both indoor and outdoor flooring, including decks, verandas and patios and is very easy to install. Bamboo is a top choice for builders as it very dense and has the same finish as a hardwood floor. Depending on which type of bamboo you choose, it can be very low maintenance. However, just like a hardwood floor, bamboo can be damaged by moisture.

Tiles & Bricks

Tiles, bricks and paving are very popular when it comes to patios, but they can be used in verandas too. The benefit of paving is that it gives you the freedom to create the look or pattern you want for your flooring area.

As bricks are easy to install, brick flooring for your patio or veranda is a durable and inexpensive choice. Ensure you use bricks that are weather resistant and slip resistant. If you are installing tiles, ensure that they are slip resistant too. Porcelain tiles are generally better for outdoor flooring, since they absorb moisture and water.

Concrete & Stone

Stone and concrete are highly durable options for your veranda or patio flooring, though your veranda may not be sturdy enough for concrete. Stone and concrete pavers are regularly used as flooring and they are cheaper than most other options. If you want your patio or veranda to mesh with your garden, stone pavers can also be used to create stepping stones or pathways. Other options include flagstone, cobblestone and kota stone, to provide a more luxurious look.

Floating Candle

This floating candle was put on our table. Captured when we had lunch at a restaurant. It functions to get away flies around our table.

Mellow Yellow

5 Ways Lighting Can Improve Your Home

If you are looking to sell your house, or if you simply want to improve the atmosphere for your own enjoyment, there are several things you can do to make the most of your house. And these improvements don’t have to break the bank. The most common ways to make your home look its best, without making major changes, are using fresh flower arrangements and good lighting. Although you might not have realised it, lighting has a huge impact on the look and feel of our homes, and it can make a world of difference.

Lighting largely comes from two places – windows and electric lights. Buyers often look for places that have good natural lighting, with big windows. Additions such as skylights add to this and bring an aura of nature that can’t be obtained artificially.

Nevertheless, artificial lights can dramatically impact a space, so don’t despair if your home is not blessed with lots of natural light. Hotel are a prime example of this, they use both flowers and good lighting design to make the best of rooms that may not have much light or personality otherwise.

So how can lighting improve your home?

1.       Security

The most obvious improvement comes in the form of security. While fancy back-to-base systems, and home automations provide amazing security, lighting around the exterior of the home, operated by sensors, will alert you to a guest – wanted or unwanted – immediately. This improvement in security is all from the simple act of flicking a switch.

2.       Feature

Lights can either become a feature of your room, or highlight it. A beautiful lighting display, unique floor lamp, or even a just a shade can change the look of your entire room, and command the attention of your guests.  Likewise, a spotlight directed onto an artwork can make it a true highlight.

3.       Ambience

Lighting can also help you achieve your design desires. If, for example, you are holding a sophisticated dinner in a dining room influenced by formal English dining rooms, soft lighting will go a great way to achieving what you’re aiming for.

4.       In the Bedroom

It is not often spoken about, but lighting plays a big role in the bedroom. For those with less confidence, soft, background lights provide a subtle, sensuous mood. Rather than turning the lights right out, good lighting can be used to make you feel better about yourself and enable you to see your loved one.

5.       On the Bills

Electricity is rising in price. Solar power and wind turbines aren’t at full strength yet but that doesn’t mean that lighting your home has to be expensive. ‘Dollar saver’ light bulbs save an amazing amount of energy and last a long time, meaning that your lighting choice can actually play a role in decreasing your bills.

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Inside a Japanese Restaurant

My husband and I had lunch at this place last Tuesday. I saw interesting decoration inside. But as my husband is a smoker, we prefer to eat outside. Our lunch was so nice. Good place, good food.

The Weekend in Black and White