DIY Builds
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Whats cheaper wood deck or pavers?

Although wooden decking can offer a high percentage of return on the initial investment if you're looking to quickly increase the resale value of your home, over the long run, however, pavers are more cost-effective, lower in maintenance cost, and provide the better option for saving money over the course of your ...

Should I put carpet in the shed?
Should I put carpet in the shed?

Carpet or Laminate is a bold choice for a garden shed, as it is usually reserved for indoor rooms, but it can also be a great addition to your...

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Where should you lower your anchor?
Where should you lower your anchor?

A proper method for lowering an anchor is from the bow. Anchoring from the stern could cause the boat to swamp or capsize. Pick a spot with...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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Although wooden decking can offer a high percentage of return on the initial investment if you’re looking to quickly increase the resale value of your home, over the long run, however, pavers are more cost-effective, lower in maintenance cost, and provide the better option for saving money over the course of your home’s lifetime.

Maintenance

A paved patio is by far a better option if you’re looking for a low maintenance feature. Once your pavers are installed, there is very little further maintenance required apart from the occasional hose down or quick replacement of an individual faulty paver. On the other hand, wooden decks require regular cleaning, staining, and replacement of rotten or worn deck boards. Using wood-plastic composite materials for your decking, however, can greatly reduce long-term maintenance.

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Lifespan

Wooden decks have a shorter lifespan. If not protected properly, wood is predisposed to rot, fungus and general decay. While regular maintenance can extend a deck’s lifetime, a paver patio definitely has the advantage when it comes to permanence. Paver patios last a lifetime, with Unilock offering a transferable lifetime guarantee for their pavers.

Design

When choosing between these two materials, take a look at your overall landscape design and home and consider which one will blend in more naturally with the existing design and architecture. Concrete pavers often integrate better with other hardscaped outdoor elements, such as fire pits, steps, grill islands, and water features. If you’re looking to enhance the visual appearance of your landscape by adding these elements, concrete pavers make a good match. Although wood offers warmth and rich character, the same can be said for pavers. Many are designed to replicate the appearance of natural stone. Brussels Block pavers from Unilock, for example, are ideal for creating a timeless natural stone look for your outdoor space. Camelot pavers from Unilock give an amazing cobblestone/brick paver warmth with a contemporary touch. With all the pattern and color options available, pavers allow for a multitude of designs and can be selected to match the style of a property and add appropriate color accents.

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Did Google buy SketchUp?
Did Google buy SketchUp?

Google acquired SketchUp from its developer, @Last Software, in 2006. As part of the SketchUp platform, Trimble will also partner with Google on...

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Should I put a membrane under shed?
Should I put a membrane under shed?

The concrete, or slab base, should contain a damp-proof membrane (sized to the entire surface area the shed will occupy). This should be inserted...

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Does a nice yard add value?

Good landscape design can add up to 20 percent to your home's value, so it's no surprise that poor exterior choices can have the opposite effect.

Poor drainage on a property can cause both safety risks and a suffering landscape that hurts home value. Standing water can make a yard unusable and attract mosquitoes and other pests. Any yard can look a bit swampy after heavy rains, but if you notice standing water on a regular basis, it might be time to pursue yard drainage solutions. Another thing to watch for is if downspouts on the house discharge too close to the foundation (less than 10 feet). Spadaro says, “This water can travel along the foundation of the house, get trapped, and then when the freeze/thaw cycle happens lead to structural cracks in the foundation wall.”

How do I build a shed budget?
How do I build a shed budget?

Using pallets to build a shed is the most affordable of shed building methods. There are nearly infinite ways to make a pallet shed, but most use...

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Do composting toilets smell?
Do composting toilets smell?

Pro - If you maintain a composting toilet properly, there will be virtually no smell. Con - If your composting toilet isn't maintained properly it...

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What will an 8x10 shed hold?
What will an 8x10 shed hold?

According to LP's Shed Size Calculator, an 8×10 shed would be able to fit only about 2 fuel cans, 2 garden tools, a generator, a propane grill, a...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Why do English homes have sinks in bedrooms?
Why do English homes have sinks in bedrooms?

Indoor plumbing was an innovation in the Victorian era. In middle-class homes having a separate room for bathing was often a luxury. Bathroom sinks...

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