Exteriors - Eco-Friendly Alternatives

When we were spring gardening and had azaleas to plant, we remembered reading that coffee grounds might help certain garden plants so thought we'd check it out. We all know that coffee has many a wonderful benefit, from that ever-so-necessary espresso first thing in the morning, to rubbing it on your skin for a bit…

Shou sugi ban burnt wood exterior cladding is naturally made, very durable & originated as a Japanese wood finish for homes revealing the beauty of the natural preserved timber. What is Shou sugi ban siding? © Resawn Timber Co. Shou sugi ban is an ancient Japanese carbonized wood finish created by burning the…

Are you planning on repainting brick finishes on the exterior or interior of your home? Using standard oil or latex paint can trap moisture & at best may cause the paint to chip or peel. Discover more here. Is painting brick a good idea? Bricks will absorb moisture from the interior of a home and they need to be…

Drainage planes and air spaces: Siding installation tips so your walls can dry. Siding Installation The walls of your home are an environmental separator. Their job is to keep the inside in and the outside out. Exterior cladding or siding is your first line of defense against weather elements, and its job is to…

Top Tips for choosing the best siding for your house - comparisons of siding products with cost, durability, ease of installation & attractiveness - because balancing performance with cost and appearance is important. Siding is important! There is no stage of home construction that you should rush through, but if…

We recently helped renovate and stain a huge red cedar deck that had been exposed to all weathers, ice, rain and simple living - burgers dripping relish and ketchup - and all the things we enjoy on a backyard deck. How to stain an old cedar deck to make it look new and last longer. Staining an old weathered cedar…

If you’re looking to learn how to make old deck boards look new, you can easily extend the life of a grey cedar deck by pressure washing and staining. Restoring a weathered cedar deck easily, step by step Cedar decking boards turn gray in a few short years if untreated, and can make your deck look much older and…

Swimming in your own home pool is a great way to stay fit, enjoy time with the family, and top up your vitamin D. But beyond the purchase price, what does it cost to run and clean swimming pools, and how can we best reduce energy costs. Energy efficient & Eco friendly swimming pools - are they even a thing?! The…

A layered no-dig lasagna garden may be an easy way to convert a lawn into a food producing garden - but it's critics may say it's too easy - Ecohome investigates. As with any easy gardening technique, there is a lot to consider regarding lasagna gardening that specifically relates to its many benefits and ease of…

Lasagna gardening is one of the easiest ways to grow vegetables at home and turn a high-maintenance lawn into a productive garden space. What are the pros and cons of the lasagna garden? Do they work for clay soils. Lasagna gardening - what is it? The easiest way to turn a backyard lawn into an organic…

Growing food at home, even in an apartment, is easy for both adults & kids ; here is a beginner’s guide to growing tasty greens & vegetable sprouts indoors - just add some window space and let the harvest begin . A certain level of independence and a real sense of satisfaction can be gained from the growing hobby of…