A retaining wall must be strong enough to hold back the pressure of a great weight of soil, yet it must be porous enough to allow for drainage. The most popular types of walls are built of stone. In using stone to build a retaining wall, there are two basic types of construction: the dry-wall, which uses earth as a filler between the stones, and the mortar type, which uses cement as a bonding agent.

First, the base of any retaining wall must be sunk below the frost line. This is about 6-12 inches in the northern half of the United States but may be more in some areas. For a flat wall (one without buttresses or projections), the width of the base should equal one-fourth the height of the wall. The wall can taper to a width of about one-fourth of the width of the base.

For buttressed walls, the base should be approximately one-fourth as wide as the wall is to be high. This refers to the widest points, when buttressing is to be used. In the narrower areas, the base may have slimmer proportions

Drainage pipes should be imbedded in the wall at intervals of about 24 inches, and about 6 inches from the lower ground level of the retaining wall,. In some walls, it is possible to eliminate these drains, if the wall itself is porous enough, but any construction using mortar as a bonding agent, makes drainage pipes essential.

In dry-wall construction it is possible (though not advisable) to start the wall at ground level, and not sink it below the frost line. The most inexpensive way to construct a dry wall is to choose local stone, picking large stones for the main ones and smaller stones for the chinks. The largest stones should be used to form the base of the wall with the smaller ones leading to the top.

The side of the wall facing out should be as level as possible. Any obstructions and edges of outside stones should face inward. This gives the wall a better footing on the soil it retains and insures a good appearance. Stones with round surfaces do not form a good wall and should be discarded.

Stones should be placed in a good bond, which simply means that the edges of stones on one course should overlap spaces in the lower courses. Where a stone on an upper course is crooked or does not fit firmly, earth and small stones should be packed in to improve the bond and no vertical crevices should be left.

The wall itself should slope back against the soil that it is retaining. This gives it greater strength. As a rule of thumb, the width of the base should be one-third of the height. Although this degree of slope is not essential, it is the practice in many areas to slope the wall as much as five or six inches for each vertical foot. Soil should be firmly packed into all pockets in the wall and should be continued back into the earth being retained.

Both the strength and attractiveness of a dry stone wall may be enhanced by using it as a wall garden. It may acquire a mossy and aged appearance simply by green-planting in the crevices. More color can be obtained, however, by planting any of several flowering plants, whose strong roots will serve the added function of holding the wall together.

Plants which may be used to good effect are: flowering types such as phlox, garden pinks, sedum, snowy rock cress, azaleas, alyssum, evergreen candytuft, heather, and creeping veronicas; spreading plants such as moss, phlox, lavender and hardy verbenna; small rosettes as well as little tufts that need sun and room for roots like sempervivium, yarrow, dwarf iris and dwarf pinks; and plants you can grow from seed sown among the rocks such as some ivies, bleeding heart and varieties of poppy and phlox. Semperviviums, prostrate, junipers, azaleas and dwarf azaleas could keep a rock wall green all winter long.

Mortared and Concrete Walls

Mortared walls are simpler than dry walls. The mortar serves as the bond so it is not as essential to make the stones match. For a masonry wall, a cement mixture of one part Portland cement and two parts sand makes for a good bonding agent.

Apply the mortar liberally to form a bed for each stone as it is added. Chinks between stones should be well filled with smaller pebbles or gravel. The mortared wall is more permanent than a dry wall and, in fact, easier to build.

The top of every stone wall, whether dry wall, or masonry, needs protection. This is accomplished by using broad, flat stones as capstones. These can either be slate or other flat stones acquired in the course of collecting the material for the wall.

Plants aren’t the only thing you should think about when you are
planning a landscape. Rocks are also very important. They are
beautiful and can be functional as well. You should choose the
correct rocks for your landscaping carefully.

Landscape: Hardscapes and Softscapes

The term Softcapes refers to the living elements of the
landscapes, such as plants and flowers.

Hardscapes, on the other hand, refer to the non-living elements
such as the rocks and stones.

Rocks and Stones

Besides looking nice and adding a natural quality to your
landscaping, rocks are very durable. This makes them great for
walkways and retaining walls, or just to decorate a small pond or
waterfall. The can be functional or just for looks. No matter
what, using rocks or stones will make any landscape more
interesting to look at. The type of rock or stone you choose
will depend on what its use will be.

Rocks are particularly durable and not easily destroyed. They are
perfect to use for pathways and retaining walls. They enhance
the appearance of a pond mini-waterfalls.

Boulders Boulders are normally rather large rocks that work well
for use in water landscapes. They can also be used to mark a
driveway or the entrance of a garden. They can be very
dramatic, and if placed correctly, will attract plenty of
attention. Very large flat boulders can even be used as a place
to sit and enjoy nature.

Flag Stones Flag stones work best for walkways and patios. They
come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, but they are all
thin and smooth. You can place them in different designs on top
of sand.

River pebbles River pebbles help with water conservations, so
work the best in dry climates. Besides this function, they can
also look nice around plants.

Granite

Granites are very beautiful. They can be made into tables or
benches, or stand alone as decoration.

Other Tips in Choosing the Appropriate Rock

1. You need to take the amount of space that you have into
consideration. Do you have enough room for boulders? Are you
putting too many rocks into a small area? Are they too close
together or far apart? You need to find a balance so there will
be enough interesting rocks or stones, without having too many.

2. The color of the rocks or stones is important. They can come
in shades of red, yellow, white, or brown, gray, etc. You want
the colors to compliment each other and the style of your
landscape.

3. If you want the rocks to look weathered, you should use
porous rock since mosses and other plants will grow well on them.

This makes your landscaping look more natural.

4. To save your feet, you should not use sharp rocks around a
pathway.

5. Choosing rocks that look similar, in shape, color, and
texture, will make your landscaping look more natural.

6. If you dig a small hole for larger rocks before placing them,
they will look like they belong, instead of being placed on top
of grass or mulch.

Be creative when landscaping with rocks and stones in using them for functional and
stylistic purposes in your garden. In general, the more natural
the rocks look, the better.

There is a lot of chatter, these days, about “going green” in homebuilding and remodeling, but what does “green” really mean? House hunters and homeowners wanting to make a positive environmental impact are finding that green can mean virtually anything a marketer says it does. As with every other growing consumer trend, a variety of marketers have discovered the sales boost a green claim can give, and it’s sometimes difficult to distinguish facts from hype.

No universal standard yet

It would certainly be helpful if there were an “official” definition for what makes a building, project, or product “green,” but, at this point, there isn’t. At least, not yet, but it’s coming. The National Association of Homebuilders is working on a national green building standard, and they have certified several hundred contractors in green building practices. There are also organizations that provide levels of certification for homes and remodels built with green features, such as the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council with its LEED certification program. Similar certification programs exist in many states, and even in some municipalities. For consumer appliances, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has the ENERGY STAR rating system. However, the “green” field is so wide, that with many products and materials, and even with some supposedly “green built” homes, consumers are still on their own in determining the legitimacy of green claims. The caveat here is the same as with any other type of consumer purchase: whatever the size of your project, doing thorough research up front will help you make choices you’ll be satisfied with, not just when the project’s done, but for years to come.

Common features of green built projects

Despite the absence of a universal standard, green built projects do tend to have a number of features in common. If you want your own project to create a positive impact — on the environment, on your comfort and health, and even on your utility bills — you now have more choices than ever in eco-friendly designs, methods, and materials. Generally speaking, if your project can incorporate one or more of the following features, you’re on the right track.

• Site the project in such a way that:
  • The new structure will make use of natural heating and cooling principles such as shade and passive solar.
  • The construction process and the building itself have a minimal adverse impact on the site.
• Reuse an existing structure rather than build a new one.
• Deconstruct rather than demolish, if all or part of an existing structure must be replaced.
• Reuse materials from the old structure where possible.
• Consider using salvaged materials from other sources.
• Use materials made from recycled content where possible.
• Recycle as much project waste as possible.
• Use building materials efficiently.
• Use energy efficiently:
  • Incorporate insulation into structural members (e.g., structural insulated panels) as well as walls and attic.
  • Use low-e (low emissivity) windows.
  • Use a high-efficiency heating/cooling system.
  • Design to recycle waste heat.
  • Design-in lighting fixtures that utilize fluorescent or halogen bulbs, rather than incandescent bulbs.
• Choose materials and products with low or no toxic emissions (e.g., wall board, cabinets, carpets, paint and other finishes).
• Choose sustainably harvested natural products (e.g., wood products that are certified sustainably harvested, bamboo flooring, carpets made of natural fibers).
• Choose materials, where possible, that come from local sources (e.g., local quarries for stone, or anything that didn’t have to get shipped long distances).
• Use water efficiently:
  • Use water-saving appliances, such as low-flow or dual flush toilets and a tankless water heater.
  • Design to recycle wastewater (greywater systems).
  • Design to capture and store rainwater (sometimes called rainwater harvesting).
  • Choose landscaping that is climate-appropriate (e.g., if you’re living in a permanently arid climate, consider xeriscaping instead of sod).
  • If you choose landscaping that will need irrigation, design-in a drip, soaker, or emitter system controlled by a climate-sensor and timing device.

Choose what’s right for you

There’s room for flexibility. “Going green,” says energy writer Marilyn Lewis, “can mean anything from where and how you build a home to the appliances and materials you pick, to strategies for cutting water and energy waste.” This applies to remodeling projects as well. If you can’t do as much as you’d like because of budget or other considerations, heed Lewis’s advice: it’s OK, you can be “a little bit green.” Know what you want out of your new space, and do your “homework.” Even a few carefully chosen features can help to lower your energy bills, improve your family’s comfort and health, and potentially even improve the resale value of your home.

With global warming and pollution being ever-present topics on the news, it is important for everyone to contribute to making the world a cleaner place. One way to do this is to use ecologically friendly materials when building your home. The wave of the future is green roofing.

A green roof is a roof that is covered with vegetation. Essentially a rooftop garden, green roofs were developed in the 1960s in Germany, and have become quite popular in many European countries. It is only recently however, that green roof technology has begun to catch on in the U.S.

A green roof is excellent for city dwellers who often lack green space such as a yard or a deck. The addition of a green roof can provide a space to express one’s creativity, and bring nature back to the city. In fact, by planting native vegetation, you can invite insects, birds, and butterflies that would otherwise have nowhere else to go. As an added benefit, green rooftops are aesthetically pleasing and offer a visual contrast to the pavement and steel that dominates the cityscape.

The environmental benefits of a green roof are many, and include the reduction of water runoff that occurs with typical homes. A reduction of runoff is good for the entire community, as too much runoff can result in flooding and water contamination. Because green roofs feature soil and plant life, these roofs are able to absorb as much as 75% of falling rainwater. This moisture is then released back into the air through condensation. A typical roof on the other hand is built to be totally waterproof, so every drop of water runs off and drains into the sewers.

Besides reducing water runoff, green roofs are also able to reduce the presence of toxins in the environment. Pollutants in the air and water, as well as carbon dioxide are absorbed by plant life and rendered harmless. These plants also produce oxygen.

Not only are green roofs great for the environment, but they are also an excellent investment. A properly installed green roof can last at least twice as long as typical roofing material, thereby saving you thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs.

Green roofing can also significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills throughout the year. According to a recent study, building a green roof can reduce your heating and cooling needs by 26%. In cities especially, changes need to be made to the way that structures are built. Temperatures in cities are much higher than in surrounding areas because there is such a prevalence of buildings in a small area. These buildings are made with traditional materials, which absorb and then re-direct the sun’s heat. Cities are therefore much hotter than rural areas where there are less structures, and more green space. In order to combat the rising temperatures, some cities are offering incentives to builders to add green roofing to their projects.

If you decide to build a green roof, you need to keep a couple of things in mind. First, there are two types of green roofs. Traditional style roof gardens, which feature large plants or lawns, require a great deal of maintenance. Feeding, watering, and soil care are all necessary to keep this garden in good condition. Extensive roof gardens on the other hand, have only a thin layer of soil, and require very little work to maintain.

Great for the environment, good for your pocket book, and pleasing to the eye, green roofs are a budding trend that can have a positive impact on the environment. Not only that, but a well constructed green roof can increase the value of your home by thousands of dollars.

Deck railings are beautiful, elegant additions to your home, but their primary purpose is protection. Anyone on the deck
is protected against falling off the deck because the railing creates a safety barrier for them. A deck railing is a
necessary item on a deck. If a deck is built, and a railing is not included, it will be unsafe, and probably even be a violation of building codes. You are setting yourself up for a legal suit if you do not have a deck railing, especially if your local code calls for one. Bad enough that you created a dangerous situation, but if you did it against the law, you are really going to be sued. It is foolish to take such a risk, it is easier to just build the railing. You may want to build a railing that is lower than the height required by the code, but this is against the law.

The building codes for decks and railings differ from municipality to municipality, but most of them are in agreement that if
you have a deck that is more than three feet above the ground, you require a deck railing to prevent people from falling off.
A wall, built out of brick, cement, wood or even PVC is probably acceptable, but not usually the preferred solution. A wall
is more expensive to build and will block the view completely. For the fraction of the amount of weight on the deck, you can
have a railing which affords just as much protection as a wall.

There are many choices available for deck railings. Even though the primary purpose of a railing is safety, it can be used to
add a great deal of elegance and beauty to your home. You can even incorporate color in to the railing to make it more
interesting. Choices for railing materials are wood, PVC and aluminum. You can even combine all three, but this is unusual.

Certain requirements must usually be met when constructing railings. The height of the railing is very important. Every
building code will most certainly indicate the heights railings should be, and this code should be followed. Most building
codes will require a height of at least 30 inches. Construction requirements of railings will also be stipulated by the
code. Posts should be placed at certain minimum intervals. The post spacing required may depend upon the material you are using for the railing. The code in your town may have different spacing based on how strong the materials are. Deck railings have a bottom rail, a top rail, and verticals (posts and verticals). Verticals will always have to be spaced so that a child will not be able to slip through the railing. A bottom rail adds extra design to the rail and keeps costs down since verticals don’t have to be attached to the deck. Top rails can be single or double. If a double rail is used, they are usually about 6 inches apart; double railings give extra strength to your railing.

First, let’s envision how this new construction could affect your life. Close your eyes and imagine entertaining your friends and family on a brand-new deck. It’s a comfortable summer evening with a light breeze. Some of your friends are seated; others are standing, enjoying each other’s conversation. Refreshments crowd the table. The barbecue grill is working overtime at the deck’s edge to keep up with the requests for burgers. The children are romping on the garden lawn. You and your loved one have now become the envy of every neighbor.

So, where do you begin? If you have the tools and building experience it’s a project you may want to take on yourself. Be warned, however, that building a deck is not a weekend project. It will probably take weeks to complete.

If you don’t have a background in construction or contracting of some sort, consider hiring someone who does — a deck designer, architect or independent contractor. Before construction gets under way, be aware that there may be property covenants and zoning ordinances with which you will need to comply. Be sure and get a building permit before you start.

Once the necessary paperwork is in place and you have assembled your construction team, you’ll need to come up with a good design. There are several computer modeling programs available that can help you plan your deck. Most are easy to use and relatively inexpensive. These programs allow you to try different design options to help you and your contractor to visualize the final look before breaking ground. Some provide helpful hints and can give you a very close estimate of the materials and costs involved. The internet is also a great source for helpful ideas, and there are even free design programs available online.

Your design needs to be both functional and inviting. Remember, your deck will probably become a popular spot for cookouts, parties, sunbathing, relaxing and maybe even a wedding reception or two. Think about privacy and noise issues, as well as the layout itself. Safety should also be a key issue. Make sure there are railings in place.

When planning the layout of your deck, be sure to include areas for seating, storage and cooking. It’s better to plan big than to find out later there isn’t enough space to comfortably accommodate all of your furniture and guests.

Decking materials and hardware need to be selected carefully. Pressure-treated pine is the least expensive option. Better choices would be white or red cedar. If your budget allows, alternative composite materials return the best investment. They are dimensionally stable, low-maintenance and good-looking. Do not use nails to hold the decking down because they eventually will work loose. Instead, use rust-proof screws designed specifically for decking. Pre-drill and countersink the screw holes to prevent splitting and save time.

Now that you’ve finished your deck, you’ll need to think about furnishing it. You’ve invested time and money in a new deck, so why not showcase it to its best advantage with comfortable cedar or teak furniture? Sturdy Adirondack chairs, side tables and benches will make a cozy retreat. They provide plenty of room for party dishes, individual food plates and drinks. Wood furniture is also easy to care for, lightweight and cool. A cedar glider or porch swing would be the perfect finishing touch for enjoying the autumn evenings with your loved ones on your brand-new deck.

Ideas abound for creating the perfect deck design for your needs. Homeowners find an outside deck is an oasis of peace and
calm. They are perfect if you want to lounge around by yourself, or if you want to entertain a group of friends in the
evening. Because of all of the use you will get out of it, you want to make sure you choose the right kind of railing for your deck. The railing is the most important feature of the deck, since it is the most visible. The deck railing is viewable
from outside the house, inside the house and, of course, from the deck itself. Make sure you have your deck railing plan
already figured out before you start to build your deck, because you will most likely have to tie the railings to the posts
of the deck. Even though you do not have to match the post material to the railing material, you do not want to have them
completely clash with one another. Most likely you will use a composite material for the decking material because of durability,
but you would not want that mateial for your railings. You will most likely want the materials of the different components of
your deck to match each other, and also to match the materials of your home.

Design ideas to choose from when picking your deck railings include stainless steel cable railings. This is an interesting
design in that it uses cables instead of balusters. The top rail is solid stainless. The advantage of this type of railing
is the added security, as well as the better visibility, since the cables do not create a sold block. Another idea that is different is glass balusters. This is another solution to gaining visibility, and they are also elegant looking. You mayalso consider ornamental metal, such as iron, to design your deck railing in. A metal such as this offers your deck beauty plus durability. You have to make sure to take care of metal railings, however, because they can rust if they are not finished and maintained properly.

A final feature that will add a unique touch to your deck railing design is to put some ornaments or features on it. You can
add flower boxes to bring nature right to your home. You may also consider centerpieces for the balusters. These add a
unique customized touch to your railing and they are available in a number of designs. Adding post caps and finials into the
post can further top off your railings for a beautiful look.

With all these different ideas for designing a deck railing, you may have too much of a choice in finding the perfect one.

Energy costs have been on the rise for a good few years now. In fact they have always been on the rise but, of late, that rise seems to be a bit steeper than normal. This is mainly because of the concerns over the use of fossil fuels. Fossils fuels are running out, yet the demand of energy seems to be increasing all the time. The developed nations consume more than their fair share of coal, oil and gas but it’s developing countries like China and India that are now increasing their demands for energy. This trend in high fossil fuels will not abate so alternatives are being explored both by governments and individuals alike.

Governments tend to be leaning towards nuclear energy as chief source of energy supplies because they feel that it is a more scalable solution despite the average person feeling that nuclear power is unsafe.

Individuals tend to lean towards sustainable or renewable sources of energy because they want to save money on the energy bills and they feel that renewable energy sources are a cleaner way to produce and consume energy. A popular renewable energy source is the sun. The sun’s energy can be utilized through solar cell technology to provide heating and lighting to a household.

One such application that is proving very popular is solar garden lighting. Solar garden lighting is useful to provide guide light along driveways or pathways. It is also handy for creating mood lighting in gardens setting or patios.

One of the major advantages of solar garden lights, apart from the saving on electricity bills, is that they are easy to install. There are no wires that need to be connected up and then concealed to prevent accidents. Simply plant the solar garden light into the ground where you want and allow it to charge up. This has to be quantified by the fact that the spot has to receive direct sunlight during the day. If there is no sunlight the light or battery in the light cannot recharge and will not operate.

Two things to consider before you buy a solar light are the length of time that they stay on and the brightness of the light they produce. Fully charged, you want the lights to stay on for at least 10 hours. You can ask at the shop before you buy or research on the internet for these details.

In terms of brightness, solar lighting is best for mood or guide lighting. It will not replace the kind of light that a florescent tube might create. Again, if you are concerned about the brightness then ask at the store before you buy. They may allow you to try before you buy. Most solar garden lights are quite cheap anyhow so you could buy one and see if it was suitable for your needs and then buy more if you were happy.

Solar garden lights now come is a variety of choices from unobtrusive to elaborate and decorative designs. They can help create a perfect atmosphere in your garden and can save you money on the electricity bills.