Planning an Outdoor Space: Right Tools for the Right Job
When planning an outdoor space, homeowners can save themselves money by tackling some projects on their own. Those willing to undertake some outdoor projects can keep some moolah in their pockets. A DIY task can give a homeowner a real sense of accomplishment while allowing them to revel in their ingenuity.
Creating outdoor space can be typically split into three phases including foundation, frame, and finish. The finished work will depend on your preferences, and various tools could be required to give you the aesthetics you want. Utilizing the appropriate tools will also simplify the process and increase efficiency.
To Rent or Purchase
Investing in high-quality outdoor tools will make your life easier. While most tools for your outdoor project can be easily found at a hardware store, your project may require tools you don’t own. Unless you have grand plans to start a landscaping company, renting tools could be the way to go. Tools can be rented from stores such as Lowes or Home Depot. Renting will not only trim your budget but free you from the responsibility of storage and maintenance of a new lawn toy.
Digging for a Deck
Building a deck will require the proper lumber or composite materials. You will also need a post hole digger, shovel and wheelbarrow. The framing phase will require a cordless drill, jigsaw, screw gun, bolts, screws, hammer, nail gun and circular saw, preferably a handheld. This is a two-person job, so make sure to recruit a friend or family member with some building skills.
The Perfect Patio
A patio can be built from bricks, pavers or concrete. Most patios are within the skill level of the average homeowner but don’t try to tackle the project alone. Materials needed for a patio include string, stakes, a level, mattock, shovel, landscape fabric, 2x6’s, galvanized nails, expansion joint material, gravel, screed, sand and a broom or brush. Then it will be up to you to add pavers, stone, bricks or concrete. If using concrete, consider renting a cement mixer as mixing concrete is difficult. Pavers require spacers, a club hammer and a notched trowel.
Landscaping Essentials
If you decide to go natural with grass, bushes and trees, you will need some simple lawn equipment. These tools will be worth investing in for future use. A spade, square mouth shovel, trench shovel, round shovel and post hole digger for digging holes, find one to best fit your landscaping needs. A pickaxe is necessary if you need to loosen up the ground. Grass seed, fertilizer, a tiller, and rotary spreader are required for maintaining and planting grass. A lawnmower, hose, edger, clippers and rake will help you keep your outdoor space looking beautiful and inviting.
Are you planning an outdoor space? Check out these blogs for more ideas.
Planning an Outdoor Space: Design Elements and Structural Features
Planning an Outdoor Space: Choosing Material
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