If you read my column on a regular basis, you may recall that about two months ago I touched on the perils of using paving brick made from concrete. These pavers fade in color over time as the thin cement paste that gives them their color succumbs to Mother Nature and high-pressure streams of water…

Just as you are about to indulge in some well-deserved downtime on the patio with friends or family on a lazy summer evening, you hear that familiar whining buzz or feel a little nip on your exposed skin. Then, suddenly everyone is slapping and smacking themselves and running for cover. You can keep mosquitoes from…

Dear James: Our concrete patio looks pretty drab. We painted it several years ago, but the finish did not last long. How else can we add some lasting color to it?—Debi T. Dear Debi: A newly poured concrete patio can look nice, but it quickly becomes a dull gray. If you have decorative landscaping around…

New products are constantly being introduced by the home improvement industry. If you’ve been around long enough, you can spot ones that have lots of sizzle but most likely won’t stand the test of time. I had that feeling 40 years ago when I first saw colored concrete paving bricks. It turns out my gut…

By Nafeesah Allen From BHG.com Outdoor umbrellas pull double duty to keep us dry from rain and shaded from the sun. However, dirt, tree sap and bird droppings can accumulate over time, and your colorful umbrella shading the patio table or deck can be one of the last things to get a good power wash….