Search Results - Laredo

Half Circle Pergola Designs: Curved Pergolas Offer a Variety of Unique Looks

Some half and quarter circle pergola designs use rafters of different lengths to create the curved look. I have a good friend who recently moved into a new house which already had a half circle, curved pergola in the backyard, and it is not exaggerating too much to say that she is obsessed with this pergola. It makes the yard look more elegant, and it creates an outdoor space which is perfect for sitting with a cocktail or a beer. If you want a unique structure in your yard or entryway, you may want to think outside the box–literally. While a...

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Multi-level Pergola Designs That Offer Easy Installation With a Complex Style

A wall-leaning pergola offers lots of flexibility and versatility when it comes to size and location. I had a friend who wanted to build a pergola but didn’t quite have the room for a four-post structure. His entryway was pretty narrow and pergolas tend to be kind of wide. But that was ok. As I told him, the beauty of pergolas is in their flexibility. I suggested a two-post structure, with his house acting as the support for the post-less side. Attaching a pergola to a house can save a bit of space while providing the support the structure needs. With...

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A Backyard Pavilion with a Fireplace Serves As a Multi-Purpose Outdoor Living Space

A backyard pavilion with a fireplace is a functional and cozy addition that will increase the time you’ll want to spend outdoors in your yard. One thing I love about pavilions is their flexibility. You can start out simple, with just a platform and a roof. Or you can go complex and add electricity to provide lighting, run ceiling fans, or even add an outdoor range. With a few simple tweaks, a pavilion can become an outdoor living space that you can enjoy year-round. At least that’s what I was thinking when I added a fireplace to mine. A backyard pavilion with...

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How to Add a Pergola to a Deck: Tips and Considerations

If you choose to add a pergola to your deck you’ll want to keep a few things in mind before and during the project. This past spring, my wife and I made the decision to transform our backyard into a more welcoming, aesthetically-pleasing environment that we could both enjoy and use for entertaining. In fact, it has been part of a larger DIY home improvement project that I’ve mentioned in a few other articles on the topics such as choosing decorative metal brackets for wood beams and how to choose between a gazebo and a pergola. So in one portion of the...

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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 space...

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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 new...

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Find the Right Fence Replacement Parts: Identifying Your Fence and Gate Hardware

Our family recently moved into our new home, a lovely Victorian that most would classify as a “fixer-upper.” As a DIY weekend warrior, I classify it as a dream come true, as it’s given me lots of wonderful home improvement projects to delve into on nights and weekends. But the big obstacle for me is finding the right replacement parts and hardware items. What’s more, I have the added challenge of trying to find parts that match the style of my home. I felt especially out of my element when I went outdoors to fix up the fence and gate...

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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 already...

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