Protect Your Pet From the Cold

Dogs are commonly known as man’s best friend, and for good reason. If you are lucky enough to own one of these cuddly creatures, you know exactly how important a part of your life your pet can become. So, you naturally want to take the best care of your beloved pet as you possibly can. This desire is probably why you bought your dog a dog house; to give him a place to rest his head and protect him from the weather. However, if you do not spend the extra money to buy an insulated dog house, all of your efforts will be in vain.
Insulated dog houses go the extra mile to help keep your dog nice and warm, even during the coldest weather. When you combine the use of an insulated dog house with a dog house heater, your pet can survive outdoors all winter long. Don’t underestimate the effects of cold weather on your dog; prolonged exposure to low temperatures can cause permanent damage to both your dog’s health and demeanor. If you love your dog and he is going to spend significant amounts of time outdoors, be sure that you buy him the insulated dog house that he deserves. He is, after all, your best friend.

Planter Box Thickness

A cedar planter box can be an excellent addition to your backyard, providing you with a space to showcase your gardening abilities and add beauty and color to your backyard. However, you need to make sure that you have the best planter box available. If you choose a low-quality box, although it may last for one season, it will not be good the next time you want to grow flowers in it.
If you want to reuse your planter box, it is essential that you choose a wooden planter that is at least ¾” thick. Planters that are only ½” thick will become warped and twisted from the moisture in the soil after only one season. This warping will render even the most attractive of planter boxes of no use, after only being able to plant one set of flowers in it. To keep your cedar planter boxes from warping, be sure your planters are at very least ¾” thick, so it can withstand water damage without warping. It also helps to use a plastic planter box liner, which offers further protection from the soil moisture. This added protection decreases the chance of your wooden planter box warping due to water damage.

The Advantages of Teak Furniture (Part Two)

Teak is a popular material for outdoor furniture. Many people choose to use teak benches to decorate their backyard. In my previous post, I started to explain the advantages teak offers, and I will give you a few more reasons in this one.
Advantage #4 – Durable and Strong

Another advantage is that teak is an incredibly strong and durable wood. This beautiful hardwood grows in India, Thailand or Malaysia, and was first used in the Middle Ages as a shipbuilding material. It had to be strong to undergo long voyages at sea, and that same potency will keep your teak furniture standing strong for years and years.

Advantage #5 – Stylish

The final benefit to choosing teak is how attractive and chic it is. To keep teak’s original color, all you have to do is apply teak cleaner and protector regularly. Or, if you prefer, you can allow the color to naturally fade to a regal silvery-gray over time. With so many options, there is sure to be at least one type of finish that will suit your tastes.If you’re in the market for new garden furniture, I recommend that you check out teak. There are clearly many benefits to choosing teak, and if you do, you will not be disappointed.

The Advantages of Teak Furniture (Part One)

A teak chair can be an incredibly attractive addition to your backyard. However, you might be wondering what are the advantages to choosing teak furniture? Is teak quality worth the extra buck?
Advantage #1– Low Maintenance Some garden furniture requires a lot of maintenance. A lot of materials attract a lot of dirt and grime. Luckily, teak wood is not one of those woods that need a lot of attention. It does not call for a lot of upkeep, which making teak garden furniture a great buy. If you are looking for a low maintenance material for your garden furniture, teak wood is the way to go.

Advantage #2– Waterproof Teak was originally a shipbuilding material. After these boats were decommissioned, the teak was still salvageable, because teak does not rot or rust, even when joined with metal. This is one of the reasons that teak is such a great material for making garden furniture. If teak could survive long trips on the harsh ocean, image how well it will stand up in your garden—without rusting or rotting! This waterproofing advantage is one reason that teak garden furniture is an exceptional choice for your outdoor furniture.
Advantage #3 – Long-lastingLike me, most people can’t afford to purchase new garden furniture each year. Therefore it’s important to buy furniture that is built to last. One distinct advantage of teak garden furniture over garden furniture made from other materials is that it is extremely long-lasting. Teak garden furniture is extremely cost-effective, because it is so strong that it can stand the test of time.

Build Your Own Firewood Rack

A firewood rack is an important accessory for everyone who likes to have fires, both in their home fireplace and in their backyard fire pit. Firewood racks can be quite elaborate and be full of many exciting features that will dazzle you. However, if you just want an easy way to keep your firewood organized and off the ground, you can choose to build your own firewood rack in four simple steps.
1. Decide on the best location for your rack. Ideally it will be flat, provide sufficient space for the amount of wood you want to store, and close enough to your fireplace or fire pit that it will be conveniently located.
2. Set the cinder blocks on the ground and place two 4x4 posts into the blocks, maintaining a slight two to three inch gap between the blocks. Make sure both the blocks and the posts are as close to level as you can possibly get them.
3. Drive one metal fencing post into the ground at each end of the firewood rack and then drive one more into the center. The best tools for driving in the metal stake are a sledge hammer or a post driver. Typically, the stake should be driven between 8 to 10 inches into the ground.
4. Finish off your rack by stacking two cords of wood, ready for burning.
And there you have it! A great do-it-yourself project with the end result of creating a place for you to store your firewood.

Why Buy Cedar?

A cedar garden bench is undoubtedly a beautiful choice for any homeowner’s backyard. However, when purchasing outdoor furniture, aesthetics is not the only concern you must take into consideration. Luckily, there are many other reasons why buying cedar furniture is a great decision.

Unlike plastic or resin furniture, cedar furniture does not bow, sag or get brittle over time. It is also substantial enough that the wind won’t pick it up and blow it across your yard. However, it is also not too heavy to be easily relocated if you should choose to do so.

Cedar wood also has no need for any treatments or finishes. It naturally resists both rot and insects, and can last between twenty-five and thirty years unfinished. During those years, cedar also requires very little maintenance. If you leave it unfinished, it will weather to a regal, silvery gray over time. If you hope to preserve the original color, it can easily be stained to match.

Because cedar furniture does not require finishing, it is altogether much safer and more natural than most other outdoor furniture you can buy. Plastic and resins are artificial materials, and most other woods require treatment with chemical preservatives or some sort of other chemical finish to maintain its quality as long as cedar wood.

So, not only is cedar wood furniture gorgeous, it’s also an incredibly practical purchase! It is a safe, durable, and attractive choice for your outdoor furniture.

How to Build a Deck Box (Part Three)

The last couple posts have been devoted to instructions on how to build a deck box. This project is a great way to improve your elementary carpentry skills, and the resulting storage box is incredibly practical and useful. Here are the last two steps to finishing up your box.

4. Screw the sides to the front and back of the storage box. Set the bottom on the box. Drill and countersink pilot holes. Attach the bottom to the cedar box. Turn the box upright so that it is standing on its feet.

5. Position the piano hinge flush with the back edge of the top piece for the cedar box, so that there are six inches at each end that will be unhinged. Use the brass wood screws to secure the hinge to the top of the chest. Have someone else hold the top in place while you position it on the top edge of the cedar storage chest. Use brass wood screws to finish securing the top to the rest of the box.

And now you’re done! Pat yourself on the back, dust yourself off, and go try that box out! With this box you can finally get your patio and backyard organized, or at least make it look that way.

How to Build a Deck Box (Part Two)

In my last post, I began my instructions on how to build a deck box. Now that you have your supplies, it’s time to get started!
1. Place the front and back cedar boards in between the sideboards. Mark screw positions one inch from both the top and the bottom, so that the screw holes will be centered in the 1/2" thickness of the front and backboards. Then, make pilot holes using a 1/8" drill bit and power drill

2. Sand the four cedar chunks until they have smooth, rounded edges. Position one of them in each of the four corners of the bottom cedar board. Apply the carpenter's glue to each foot and press it into place. Clamp the feet until glue dries overnight.

3. Drill pilot holes into each foot for two wood screws, one in the outer corner, and one on the diagonal from the first. Then, countersink all the holes. Use a belt sander to sand away any rough spots on any of the cedar boards of the box or the feet. Screw the feet into place using 1" brass wood screws.

The rest of your patio box instructions will come in the next post, and after reading and following those directions, you will be able to finish your deck box.

Storage Box Construction

As I have always said, you can never have too much outdoor storage. I know that my home and yard are often full of clutter, and the amount of “stuff” I have just seems to keep growing and then growing some more. There are many items that you can put into a deck box, such as pool toys and cleaning supplies, extra pool towels, outdoor toys, furniture cushions and pillows, and many other similar objects. The sheer amount of junk you have in your backyard is definitely reason enough to invest in some outdoor storage,.
You can easily construct a wooden deck box that will provide the storage you need in your backyard. And, you can make it even if you are not a master carpenter.
First, you need to purchase your supplies. Here’s a list of the items you will need:
• Two 3' x 4' x 1/2" cedar boards
• Two 24" x 4' x 1/2" cedar boards
• Four 2" x 1" x 3" cedar chunks
• One 3' Brass piano hinge
• Brass wood screws
• Four C-clamps
• Power drill 1/8” bit
• Countersink bit
• Belt sander
• Sanding paper
• Carpenter’s glue
Once you have your supplies accumulated, you’re ready to begin your construction project. In my next post, I will begin to tell you how to build a deck box.

Why You Need a Wooden Beverage Table

One furniture item that is often overlooked is the beverage table. While you probably won’t notice it when it’s there, this small piece of furniture will definitely be missed when your patio is lacking a beverage table.
Have you ever been sitting on a porch swing or chair, enjoying a cool drink, and then realized you had nowhere to put it? I know this has happened to me. When you are having a drink on a porch without a beverage table, your options are very limited. You can either set your drink on the ground and risk spillage, or you have to hold your cup in your hand the entire time you are on the porch. Neither option is ideal, and honestly, both are rather annoying. This problem is why every porch needs a beverage table.
Whether you purchase a large table for the middle of your seating area, or you decide to go with a simple end table, some sort of beverage table is an absolutely necessity to be included on your patio. Trust me, it will make all the difference in the world the first time you decide to enjoy a cold beverage in your backyard or on your patio.

The History of the Rocking Chair (Part Two)

In my last post, I began to discuss the history of the rocking chair. Here is the rest of the story!
The first bentwood rocking chair was designed by Michael Thonet, a German craftsman, in 1860. What makes this design different is its graceful shape and light weight design. Thonet used wood that was bent and steamed to make these rocking chairs. Bentwood rocking chairs became famous around the world because of their affordability and gorgeous design. They also spawned countless imitators as well.
During the 1890’s, Neoclassical designs became a trend in the United States. These rocking chairs were influenced by classical Greek and Roman designs, with a hint of Renaissance flair and the artistry of the colonial era.
Then in the 1920s, folding rocking chairs became more popular in Europe and the United States. They were convenient for traveling and could be stored in a much smaller space. By the 1950s, rocking chairs built by Sam Maloof, an American craftsman, gained renown for their durability and deluxe appearance. These rocking chairs are differentiated from other designs by their ski-shaped rockers.
Today, there are countless different rocking chair designs. Basically every type of chair available has been adapted to be able to rock back and forth. They are an excellent addition to any backyard, and you can definitely find a model that suits you perfectly.

The History of the Rocking Chair (Part One)

A wood rocking chair is one of the rest ways to relax and enjoy the peacefulness of your backyard. The original inventor of the rocking chair is actually unknown. Some people want to attribute Benjamin Franklin with its invention, although there is no historical evidence to back these stories up. In fact, historians are only able to trace the origins of the rocking chair to 18th century North America.
Originally, the chairs were simply ordinary chairs with two rockers on the bottoms. They were only used as garden chairs.
In 1725, the early rocking chair first arrived in England. These chairs had hoop-shaped backs and were also used in the garden. However, these chairs were invented in the North American colonies and made their way over to England.
Windsor rockers, as this design was called, were first built near the Windsor Castle in the early 1700s. These rocking chairs featured a round hoop back, a birdcage (with spindles that are known for its cage-like appearance), and a comb-back (with comb-shaped head rest).
The wicker rocking chair is another popular design that was created during that time. The production of wicker rocking peaked in America during the middle of the 18th century. These wicker rockers, as they were commonly called, were famous for their well-crafted and creative designs.

Take Your Armoire Outdoors

Most people think of an armoire as a purely indoor furniture item. However, it can be fun to break the mold and push the barriers of what is normal. Shock your guests (in a good way) and show off your taste and creativity by taking this piece of indoor furniture outdoors. Certain wooden armoires are able to be taken outdoors, and used as an outdoor storage unit.
Cedar wood is incredibly resilient and can stand outdoor weather. Make sure that you treat your rustic armoire with a finish or paint so that it will remain water-repellent and keep the contents of your armoire dry and safe.
An armoire is a perfect spot to store extra towels by the pool, or your pool accessories. It also can be used to keep your outdoor blankets by your fire pit, or even grill tools and spices.
Even though armoires are typically used to store clothes in bedrooms, you can bend tradition by bringing your cedar wooden armoire outdoors and using it as a storage unit. Just make sure you prepare your armoire for outdoor weather!

Why You Need Outdoor Storage

I personally believe that you can never, ever have enough storage. This statement is even true when it comes to your backyard. Although you might think that you don’t need outdoor storage, there are plenty of things for which you could use it, you probably just haven’t thought of it!
One untraditional use for small wooden storage boxes is to store outdoor accessories, such as cushions for your outdoor furniture, when not in use. Rain and sun damage shortens the life of your cushions. However, simply placing your pillows and cushions in an outdoor storage box when not in use will protect it from the damaging weather elements. This will save you money in the long run, and makes outdoor storage worth the investment.
Another idea for outdoor storage use is a place to store your children’s outdoor toys. Having separate outdoor storage for outside toys has several benefits. First, it will keep their outdoor and indoor toys separated, providing increased organization. It also gives them easy access to their playthings, so they don’t have to tromp through the house, carrying their toys.
If you own a pool, outdoor storage can make your life much easier. You can store all your pool accessories, toys, and cleaning tools in a wooden chest. Also, it’s great to have a place to store extra towels; it will keep your house drier and cleaner. Wooden outdoor storage boxes save you time and money, and help you to keep organized.

Flip Up Your Picnic Table Benches!

Wooden picnic tables are a great addition to any backyard. They create a great area for you and your family to enjoy time together, great food, and the outdoors. However, the benches of your picnic table can sometimes pose a problem when you are mowing your lawn. Traditional picnic tables are also very bulky, and take up a ton of space in your garage.
This is why I recommend purchasing a picnic table with flip-up benches. When you need to mow the lawn, simply flip up your benches so you can mow right underneath the table. You don’t even have to move the table, just put up the benches and mow away. This feature saves you time and energy. Mowing the lawn will not be such a huge job when you don’t have to move all your outdoor furniture around.
Another benefit to flip-up benches is storage. It is important to take your picnic table inside for the winter to extend the life of your furniture. By flipping up the benches, you can save a lot of space in your garage or other storage facility. That way, you can store as much furniture as possible so your patio furniture has a long life.

Time to Relax With an Outdoor Rocking Chair

Americans today are busier than ever. It seems like we are always going, always working, and always stressed. It is always essential to make sure you have time to relax, no matter how busy your schedule may get.
There are few things that relax me more than the peaceful sounds and beauty of nature. After a long day of work and stress, I love coming home, pouring a glass of wine, and sitting outside, enjoying the cool evening air. It gives me time to wind down and just enjoy some time by myself.
A classic indoor option for relaxation is the rocking chair. The soothing back and forth movement rocks you into a calm state of repose while you unwind from your busy day. I often find myself so relaxed that I actually drift off to sleep while sitting in a rocking chair.
Recently, I discovered the outdoor rocking chair. Now I can have the best of both worlds! I can have the peaceful atmosphere of the outdoors and the relaxation motion of the rocking chair. Relaxation, although it may not seem like it, is incredibly important. If you don’t take time to recharge and rest, you will quickly wear yourself down and be unable to get through your busy, productive days.

Quaint Garden Bridges

Most backyards have at least some terrain that is difficult to cross. Whether it your problem is a stream, uneven terrain, or a swampy area, you can make it traversable with a simple garden bridge kit. These kits are easy to assemble (it only takes about 2 hours to build!), and are completely adorable. It can be a fun project for you and your kids to take on together, and build not only a bridge, but also a bond.
There are several different sizes of bridges available, so you can fit your bridge to the area you need to cross. Most bridges come in either cedar or pine, both of which are strong hardwoods that can support a lot of weight.
If you don’t want a bridge that draws a lot of attention to itself, choose a kit without railing. These bridges lay close to the ground and are completely understated, allowing the natural beauty of your backyard to be the main aesthetic appeal. However, if you’re looking to make a statement, or if you have limited mobility and need support, pick out a garden bridge kit that also has railings. These kits will take a little longer to assemble and produce a bulkier bridge, but the railings make the bridge more substantial, if that is what you need.

The Swing's the Thing

Well, the wooden swing is at least. A rocking glider is the perfect addition to your backyard or even your front porch. It creates a place for conversation, romance, or personal reflection. There is just something incredible soothing and relaxing about sitting and swinging back and forth, enjoying nature. I love to relax, swing, and read a good book. It’s also a great place to cuddle up with a loved one. However, I think it’s really important to buy a wooden glider instead of a plastic or metal one.
Over time, plastic will tear or sag. It is lightweight and can easily blow away. Metal will rust. Neither material is capable of holding up over years of wear-and-tear. And trust me; your rocking glider will get plenty of use. Although metal and plastic are both cheaper materials, the quality you get with a wooden glider pays off in the long run. Think about it; is it cheaper to buy one quality piece of wooden furniture that will last for years and years, or several cheaper piece of metal or plastic furniture? Wood is sturdy, durable, and quite frankly just looks really good.
If you want to find a way to get more use out of your backyard and enjoy the beauty of nature, you have to buy a rocking glider. And if you want to get the most for your money, it is essential to buy a wooden one instead of paying less for plastic or metal. Being cheap now will cost you more in the long run.

The Storage Shed and Other Outdoor Storage Solutions

The outdoor storage shed and other storage solutions target a common problem in modern households. With everyone, me included, leading such busy lifestyles, organization often seems to be lacking. But we all want it. Work is easier when we can find the tools we need. Relaxation is more enjoyable when we’re not looking at a mess.

Outdoor storage can be a problem if you have no garage or limited space in the garage. This is why the storage shed has become a popular fixture on many lawns. But if you’re looking for other options, don’t worry. There are several alternatives to a large storage shed.

The garden storage bench contains a hollow inner compartment for storage. It also functions as seating. Pretty handy.

The tool shed isn’t that different from the large storage shed. It’s just smaller. It won’t house all your outdoor things, such as lawnmower, soil, mulch, lawn chairs, and so forth. But it’s big enough to store tools, as the name implies. It’s tall enough for rakes and shovels, too.

An outdoor storage box, such as one made from wicker or teak, can hold about the same amount of things as a bench, but it’s not meant for seating. You could however, use it for a coffee table among a group of lounge chairs.

Whether you choose a large storage shed or another alternative will depend on how many things you need to store, how big these items are, and how much space you can devote to outdoor storage.

Why an Insulated Dog House?

An insulated dog house is designed to keep your dog comfortable in the extreme temperatures of both the winter and summer. Some owners, of course, just prefer to keep their pets indoors. Others want to keep fleas and muddy paws outside.

Why an insulated dog house instead of a regular house? The insulation, just like that inside our walls, works to slow the rate of heat transfer between the air inside and outside the structure. Reflective insulation reflects the heat coming from the outside.

The walls of an insulated dog house also trap air pockets that separate the heat outside from materials that conduct the heat more easily than air, which is not a good conductor of heat. This same principle helps slow heat transfer even more when the insulated dog house contains a raised floor, which traps an air pocket between the ground and the house.

An insulated dog house is a necessary accompaniment to a heating and air conditioning unit. If you want to keep your energy bill lower, the insulated dog house makes the air conditioning most efficient. You probably wouldn’t run an air conditioner in your house if its walls contained no insulation. I know I wouldn’t want to. The same principles apply to a dog house. So to give your furry friend the ultimate in summer comfort, an insulated dog house is the way to go.

Completing Your Wooden Glider with Wooden Décor

Bringing home a wooden glider is only one step of a patio decoration plan. Sometimes, with careful coordination of colors, shapes, and patterns, you can mix materials effectively in a décor scheme. But sometimes these efforts only land you with a mismatched group of items that don’t look like they belong together. Perhaps your best option is to use all wooden pieces in various natural wood shades to complement your wooden glider.

Here are the some of the wooden décor items I have either seen in other locations or used in my own home:

• Mats/rugs
• Side tables
• Wall hangings
• Vases
• Cups and bowls
• Planters
• Potting tables
• Storage boxes
• Coffee tables
• Lounge chairs
• Serving trays
• Bird cages
• Candleholders
• Carved figurines or animals
• Lamps

I certainly wouldn’t stuff all these items onto my patio. But a few well-placed wooden accents can increase the warm glow that emanates from a wooden glider. I find that I feel more at rest when my surroundings seem to contain order and a sense of harmony. And I believe that I am not alone, that many people feel the same way. One way to create order and harmony with your wooden glider is to choose surrounding items with care.

Wooden Storage Box Organizing Tips

A wooden storage box is a helpful organization tool. When I recently downsized to a smaller apartment, I found one closet at my disposal. As a result, I searched for free-standing organizers that would allow me to give everything a place.

A wooden storage box, however, usually contains no dividers, shelves, drawers, or compartments. If you toss multiple small items into a wooden storage box, you may not aid your organization; instead you may only move the mess from one location to another. If you want to get the most out of your wooden storage box, try some of the following organizing tips:

• Stow only large items in the wooden storage box, things such as blankets or chair cushions.


• If you want to use the wooden storage box for small items, divide them into several categories. Box these up in smaller bins or containers and then stack these inside the wooden storage box.


• When you have finished using an item, return it to its designated place.


• Don’t overstuff the wooden storage box. If everything you want to store doesn’t fit, get rid of items or buy another storage box.


• Put the less frequently used items on the bottom of the wood storage box. Place the items you use often near the top of the box.

Places to Put a Cedar Sports Bench

When I first heard of a cedar sports bench, I didn’t have the faintest idea what it was. I found all sorts of things called sports benches. But I discovered that a cedar sports bench is simply a style of backless bench.

I think backless benches are attractive, but they don’t really lend themselves to deep relaxation. For one thing, the lack of a backrest means that I have to hold myself upright. Oh, what woefully hard work! I don’t exactly want to fall asleep and flip off backwards—that is, if I could fall asleep.

Well, the sports bench doesn’t fit in the living room with the easy chair and couch. But it still looks cool, right? Plus, the really nice thing about a cedar sports bench, or any other backless bench, is that it can serve multiple functions: seating, table, climbing stool, stand, footrest. I love the multiple functions in one piece of furniture.

So I got to thinking. Where could I put a sports bench or other backless bench? These are some of the ideas I envisioned:

• Against the wall in a hallway


• Next to my front door, on the outside


• Around a fire pit


• At the foot of my bed


• On a garden path


• Against a bathroom wall


• Across from my porch swing, as table/stationary seating.

Outdoor Umbrellas for Patio Tables

Outdoor umbrellas can provide the perfect finishing touch to arrangements of chairs and patio tables. A good source of shade provides relief from the heat and glaring sun. When you perform a simple search for outdoor umbrellas on shopping websites, you will find more than one type. Know what each of these types are so you can narrow down your search to the appropriate selection of outdoor umbrellas for you.

Market or patio umbrellas may be slightly different, but the terms are often used interchangeably. These outdoor umbrellas work well for shading chairs and patio tables. Both types are made from materials that hold up well to extended sun and weathering. Canopies come in a range of materials, but mostly they are polyester or acrylic, both synthetic materials that block sunlight and moisture. Poles are usually made of either wood or aluminum.

The difference between market and patio umbrellas is that the market umbrella contains an extra layer of material at the peak of the canopy. It forms a vent that allows wind to pass through. This feature is supposed to prevent wind from causing damage to these outdoor umbrellas.

A nice feature that some of these outdoor umbrellas offer is a tilt option. There are several kinds of tilt mechanisms, but they all have one aim—to allow you more control over the angle of the canopy so you can achieve better coverage from the sun. As you can see, these two types of outdoor umbrellas have been designed to enhance comfort around patio tables.

Gardening with Wood Planters

Wood planters are strong containers you can use to plant all sorts of things, from greenery and flowers to herbs and even vegetables. Here’s a quick overview of the steps you can follow when you plan to garden with wood planters.

Perform any customization of your wood planters first. Painting, staining, waterproofing, decorating—these all fall under the customization category. Once you have finished this process and allowed time for materials to dry or harden, you can move on to the actual preparation for planting.

You may choose to line your wood planters with heavy plastic in order to separate water from the wood. Top the plastic with a layer of gravel, pebbles, or a similar material. This layer aids proper drainage for your plants. Fill the remaining space with soil or potting mix, but don’t fill the wood planters to the brim; leave a few inches of space at the top.

Lay out your flowers, seeds, or cuttings in an approximate planting pattern. Dig the holes, plant, and cover again with soil. That’s it. Enjoy the results of your work!

Choosing Wood Planters

Wood planters can offer both beauty and strength, but you may find your choices are much more varied than you imagined. Here are a couple things to consider as you choose wood planters.

Why wood planters? They do come in other materials, of course. For one thing, wood planters made of quality materials maintain an attractive appearance year after year. They also do better in colder weather because they offer greater insulation than planters made of other substances. Finally, wood is much easier to customize than plastic or ceramic. You can stain wood, paint it, stencil on it, or glue mosaic tiles to it, among other options.

Which woods? The best materials for wood planters are teak, cedar, and cypress. Each of these types of wood lasts long. These woods resist decay and rotting. In fact, these are such durable woods that they have been used for siding and shingles in houses, and they have lasted 100 years with no maintenance. These woods are worth their price.

Check out some of the many options available to you. You’ll find many wood planters online that come in various shades and finishes. If you buy planters of unfinished teak, cedar, or cypress, you can choose either to finish them or to leave them natural.