Project Ideas Archives - Page 5 of 5 - OZCO Building Products

28JulJuly 28, 2017

Pergola Ideas for Small Patios to Make Maximum Use of Space

The best pergolas for small patios are multi-purpose. When my parents sought a townhome in the city (as part of their quest to live in a more walkable area than the sprawling town they had been living in), they were thrilled to find that their top pick had a small patio and “micro yard.” It was this outdoor space that sealed the deal! But actually decorating and making use of that small space would prove to be quite challenging. My mom–who has a few courses in decorating under her belt–explained to my dad that the key to creating a beautiful outdoor...

20JulJuly 20, 2017

How to Make a Fence Look Better: Dressing Up Your Ugly Fence

A good stain and high-quality, decorative hardware can take a fence from bland or even outright ugly to a stylish complement to your home. When we moved into our house, it was very clear that the old fence had been installed with just one thing in mind: utility. Let’s not mince words: this fence was just plain ugly and aesthetics were obviously not taken into consideration. We purchased the house as a bit of a fixer-upper, so it was basically impossible to convince my wife that we should postpone an interior remodeling project and instead, put the money toward installing a...

12JulJuly 12, 2017

Making a Dog Window in a Fence: Simple Ways to Give Your Dog a Peephole

A decorative metal fence insert can make a strong, beautiful dog window in a fence or gate. I have a paranoid dog. She’s sweet but she has an anxious streak. That’s something that caused me to nearly stop letting her out in my front yard. Someone would walk down the street, and little Hershey would hear a noise and immediately start barking. She couldn’t tell if they were coming onto my property or not, because my yard is hidden from the road by a fence. So, I guess she figured ‘better safe than sorry,’ and just started barking. But before...

30JunJune 30, 2017

How to Choose a Stain Color for a Fence: Pick a Fence Stain Shade You Won’t Regret

The right stain can make a huge difference in how well your fence or pergola fits with the look of your home and yard. I’ve always been pretty good at building things, but choosing decorative elements has never been my strong point. So, I found myself facing a challenge as I set out to choose the right stain color for my new fence. It was a high-stakes decision because stain is not like paint, which sits on the wood’s surface. Stain literally soaks into the wood, staining it. You basically have only one shot because the alternative—layering stain colors—can result...

22JunJune 22, 2017

Clever Pergola Ideas for Shade: The Best Options to Create a Shady Refuge from the Sun

If your pergola is in a sunny area, adding a covering or something to provide shade can make it more pleasant. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing. That’s something I learned when I realized I’d put my pergola in the sunniest part of my yard. Those high noon rays left it near abandoned during the middle of the day, so I decided to look into options like covering it or adding an awning. That’s part of what I love about pergolas: their flexibility. Pergolas are a great option for a do-it-yourself shady spot because they...

09JunJune 9, 2017

The Best Pergola Decorating Ideas: Vines, Fabric, and Decorative Hardware Spruce Up a Bare Pergola

Decorative, powder-coated hardware can take your pergola to the next level, making it look more finished and elegant. I spent a couple weekends constructing my new pergola. I was really happy with the finished result, but when my wife emerged from the house to check out my creation, she said: “It’s nice….but it’s too bare. It needs some decoration!” At first, I was a bit insulted. After all, I’d spent the better part of two weekends working on this project; how could it be anything but fabulous? But if I’m honest with myself, my wife’s words echoed a thought that had...

01JunJune 1, 2017

Pergola vs Gazebo: Building a DIY Pergola or Gazebo in Your Yard for Entertaining

Both pergolas and gazebos make great areas for entertaining and relaxing, although DIYers should know that pergolas are a simpler project. It took a bit of searching, but you finally found the perfect house. There’s just one problem: the yard isn’t exactly inviting and you love to entertain! A fabulous backyard is an absolute must-have for your new home, but you have to work with what you have. To spruce it up, you’ve narrowed it down to just two possibilities: pergola vs. gazebo. But choosing isn’t easy and the right choice will vary depending upon your individual preferences.

18MayMay 18, 2017

How to Build a Raised Wooden Planter Box: Easy DIY Flower Bed Ideas

A raised wooden planter box keeps your deck dry and your plants happy, and it isn’t hard to build. Delving into a new DIY project can be exciting, but if you lack experience, you may be left wondering just where to begin. The key to a smooth and successful backyard DIY project is understanding what materials you’ll need to gather before you can tackle the project. It also helps to explore all your options: There are few things worse than finishing a project only to see a photo on Pinterest that leaves you saying, “I wish I’d thought of that!” If...

01MayMay 1, 2017

DIY Outdoor Privacy Screen Ideas: Functional Deck Decorations to Cozy up Your Backyard Living Space

Privacy screens can shade your backyard from sun and prying eyes and take your outdoor living area to a whole new level. Decks are an extension of our homes’ living spaces—a spot to dine, to read, or to sit back and soak in the sun. But, while they may feel like an outdoor living room, they often lack the privacy offered by the overstuffed sofa in our family room. Last summer, after staining and sealing a raised deck for a client, she mentioned that as excited as she was to decorate her new outdoor living space, she wasn’t thrilled about the...