We’ve all seen the gorgeous photos. Big decks with all kinds of amenities from pergolas to outdoor ovens. But not everyone lives in a place where they can enjoy such a large outdoor living area—not to mention those big decks are expensive, costing tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

If your space and budget don’t allow for living large, here are some ways you can maximize the small space you do have:

First, what is yard fence?

Other companies might call it semi-privacy fence, but no matter what it’s called, it’s a secure fence with pickets going into a top and bottom rail, and it’s more open than a solid privacy fence. Yard fence is a great choice when you’re looking to blend yard security with a welcoming, open fence.

Vinyl fencing and railing are just part of the picture!

Vinyl fencing and vinyl railing are the most common uses for backyard vinyl. In any neighborhood you visit, you’ll probably spot a vinyl privacy, picket, or yard fence, and you’ll notice vinyl railing on decks and porches.

In addition to railing and fencing, vinyl manufacturers sometimes make or sell porch posts or porch columns. Here’s an overview of posts, columns, and what exactly goes into making them.

What’s the difference between posts and columns?

Have you ever seen an outdoor space that makes you stop and stare? Or one that just gave you a feeling of class and elegance? Sometimes it’s hard to put a finger on exactly what “works” when it comes to outdoor living spaces, but here are a few ideas.

These are subtle touches you can use to bring sophistication to your outdoor space and make it stand out among the many other yards, decks, or porches in your neighborhood.

We know how it goes. People are out on the deck talking, eating, and having fun. The sun goes down, the stars come out—and no one is quite ready for the party to end. But no one wants to sit in the dark, either. Maybe there’s a floodlight on the deck—but that feels too bright. And the light from the house isn’t quite bright enough.

It’s April and spring is finally here (at least in the Northeast US). Now’s the time to get excited about what you’re going to do to improve your outdoor living space. And while maintenance or replacements aren’t the most exciting projects, don’t forget about checking your deck and outdoor areas for safety.

Here are some things to consider as you do your springtime planning. 

The vinyl railing market is saturated with product at different price points, from different countries of origin, and in different styles and colors. But not every vinyl railing is the same. Here are some questions to ask about the vinyl rail you plan to purchase:

To support their claims about the quality and superiority of their vinyl fencing or railing, manufacturers often back their products with warranties. Warranties demonstrate that a company trusts in the quality of their product and stands behind it. In fact, many companies put their warranty on their website, so it’s easy to find and to read.

But warranties vary, both in terms of length and coverage. Here are some things to look for:

These two terms sound alike, but most building codes distinguish between the two. So what is the difference?