| Author | Content |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
July 16, 2007
7:56 PM Post #3744077
| THE PROJECT IS FINALLY COMPLETED! SCROLL TO THE END FOR PICS.
DH and I just signed a contract on a spa / pool for --yes--our front yard. The spa is a large one and it waterfalls down to a reflection pool that is large but only 23 inches deep...for the city code bc we didn't want to fence it in. The entire thing is like a regular pool. (The pool cannot be seen from the street.)
Any advice? Things to watch the contractor closely on?
We had to obtain 3 variances before proceeding...and now we're waiting for the design approval and the building permit. But hopefully I'll have something to post soon.
I'll post pics as the project progresses. Wish us LUCK!!!!
(The picture here is the "mess" left by another contractor. This was going to be a small water feature pool, but we legally fired the contractor after he QUIT the job, which included all the grading of the hill / walls / paths / steel steps you see and a driveway that never happened.)
This message was edited Jan 26, 2008 10:44 PM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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deviant_deziner
Novato, CA
July 17, 2007
2:18 PM Post #3746903
| Well Connie,
You already have plenty of experience under your belt due to the 'mess' left by the other contractor.
I am just wrapping up on a 3 month long pool project in Napa and have had some tenuous discussions with our pool contractor about quality craftsmanship and timing .
So off the top of my head here goes :
Get a Time Schedule set up - for the various different phases - electrical , mechanical, plaster, tile, fountain spouts and lighting ect...
Look at all the specifications closely to make sure that what was spec'ed from the designer is actually used.
Especially on the finish details such as the lighting fixures and tile bands , plaster color and correct piping sizes for hydraulics and filtration.
Stay on top of small details that make a big impact but may not have been specifically detailed out on the plans.
As an example I located the pool cover and electrical switch to be mounted on the outside of the house near an exit door but 'I' stupidly did not specify that I wanted the switch located at a normal height. ( duh ) The electrician mounted the J-boxes at 5 feet high instead of a reasonable 3 feet above grade.
Never underestimate the lack of common sense !
Comb thru all the finishes and details with a fine comb.
BE on SITE as YOUR BEST ADVOCATE and Construction Administrator. Become a Construction Nanny or in my case a Construction Dominatrix.
Grown men/ construction worker need supervison. ... again, never underestimate the lack of common sense.
Check out this site for some nice lighting effects for your spa - [HYPERLINK@www.nexxuslighting.com]
Also you might like to read the most recent article in Custom Home Outdoors on Hydraulic Basics To Ensure Proper Performance - avoid these five significan errors by Rebecca Robledo. |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
July 17, 2007
3:19 PM Post #3747133
| DD: Thanks so much--as usual--for your great advice! I'm off to do my research as per your links, etc.
And...I desperately needed help with lighting. While we're doing the spa/pool I'm doing the remainder of the yard. Fuhgeduboutit...the solar lighting. Been there/done that...the little things that are touted as so great BREAK within a year...bought from Smith and Hawkin...money wasted, in my opinion. |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
July 17, 2007
3:31 PM Post #3747185
| This is the design. The pool is being built by a guy who used to work for my DH's highschool buddy, who is THE pool guy here in Austin...now JUST does the steel/gunnite/ part and did Pres. Bush's pool at Crawford and Michael Dell's (just the basic part). Sooooo, I hope we get some good work this time.
But I hate to say,... the plan you see here is all they brought today. (There are some pages of specs I guess...will have to ask DH)We're "trusting" him to do it right or my DH will kick his lifelong friend's buttocks to the bushes.
Do you see anything we should /must change? They are digging up the grass, etc. TODAY as I write this.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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deviant_deziner
Novato, CA
July 18, 2007
7:38 AM Post #3749642
| Hi Connie,
Nothing strikes me as I look at the plans. - They are fairly basic and without much specification to really go on or get an idea of the quality of materials and or mechanical set up.
You might want to check out the type of drainage they plan to install and the depth of the built in planters.
Make sure they install adequate sleeves in the flat work for irrigation and potential night lighting
The devil is in the details.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
July 18, 2007
10:36 AM Post #3750174
| The planters are already there...done by the other guy. They have great drainage as my lot has a slope. Here's a pic of the
planters I have thus far. Where it says "planter" that will now be the walkway. This plan sucks, if you ask me! :)
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
July 18, 2007
10:45 AM Post #3750207
| The level you see if just above the car park area. Then the area you can't see is another planter that is about 4 feet wide...then the pool will butt up to that.
Here are pics of the first day's work. I'm posting here as much for "CMA" as anything in case this new contractor tries to pull the same funny things the original one did.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
July 18, 2007
10:57 AM Post #3750245
| And more concrete "bustin" up... 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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deviant_deziner
Novato, CA
July 18, 2007
1:42 PM Post #3750880
| Hi Connie,
I know that you have heard me say this before, but I'm gonna say it again.
When investing and building projects it makes good sound financial sense , as well as peace of mind , to have a set of well prepared design documents.
To do so helps eliminate "contractor funny stuff".
You may want to take that basic plan and do an overlay stating the type of finishes and some construction details so that you get exactly what you want.
To give the contractors some credit, they are not mind readers. They need a detailed plan to work from, other wise you end up with someone else's vision , not yours.
You may enjoy looking at this pool project that I am currently wrapping up on.
I have written a construction blog of its on going process.
There are about 5 or 6 entries entitled " The Napa Pool Project"
It follows the project from the plans ( which are posted in the first entry on this project blog ) all the way thru to the planting.
The pool was plastered a couple of days ago and has since been filled with water. I am going to go to the job site today to do a site inspection , after which I will add a new entry with photographs on my construction blog.
( there are a few other garden related entries on the blog but you can skip around them )
[HYPERLINK@deviantdeziner.blogspot.com] |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
July 18, 2007
10:14 PM Post #3753043
| Great...I'll enjoy looking at / learning from...it! Thanks! Going... |
4004
Baton Rouge, LA
July 22, 2007
11:44 AM Post #3765374
| Hey Connie; sounds to me as if you have already recieved plenty of really good advice. I am 99.9% complete on our constuction and we had plenty of construction issues along the way (see my blog "my contractor can't read a ruler"). Anyway I recommend that you get everything right down to the smallest detail in writing. After we had our differences with our contractor he then began to follow the contract to the letter and little things that were left out of the contract but left to good common sense where ignored buy the contractor. Also if you have the luxury of staying home when work is being done, do so. I came home to late and after the work was done wrong, making corrections more difficult if not next to impossible. And along with a work scedule set up a pay scedule, not making a payment until work performed is to your satisfaction. One last thing is that ask to talk with the builder/owner himself and stay in contact with them. My biggest complaint now was that after talking to a "salesman" and signing the contract they seemed to enjoy keeping me in the dark as long as possible.
Lance |
deviant_deziner
Novato, CA
July 22, 2007
12:14 PM Post #3765481
| Lance,
How do we access / link to your blog ?
Michelle |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
July 22, 2007
10:23 PM Post #3767463
| Thanks, Lance!
I'm out of town, but hope to post more pics when I return.
Connie |
4004
Baton Rouge, LA
July 23, 2007
9:00 AM Post #3768367
| Hey deviant. Perhaps you don't remember but you posted some pretty comforting advise to me in that Blog (Help! my contractor can't read a ruler)( Posted in this forum June 6 2007). A recap of the out come, The Contractor agreed in the end to deduct two thousand dollars of the cost (approx. 5%) and would fix all but the depth and the cut-in bench seat. Today the pool looks great and we have been enjoying it for a couple of weeks now. (But I would rather have the pool deeper and the way we designed it, at the price I originally agreed to pay)
If I were to start over today I would change the design of my spa. At only 44 yrs of age and good physical shape, the spa I now have is a pretty big step into and out of. (18")(seems more like 24" when climbing out after a long day and several cold beverages!) Can't imagine what it will be like in 20 yrs. when I'm 64. (steps are already being planned) Also the flagstone coping is not very comfortable on the back of your neck and head when seated in the spa. A ledge placed just below waters egde would have also added comfort. (allowing for one to strectch your arms out and rest them on the ledge below the water rather than above the water on the coping). And finally a jet in the bottom of the spa. I have spent more time sitting on the ledge than in the spa so as the put the jets where I want them the most. My feet.
Lance |
4004
Baton Rouge, LA
July 23, 2007
9:12 AM Post #3768400
| Here is a picture of the present state of the pool, Still lots of landscapeing waiting to be done. Also a interesting web site I found [HYPERLINK@www.Troublefreepool.com.] Not as good as DG but nothing but pools. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
July 23, 2007
9:25 AM Post #3768430
| 4004...wow...great info on the spa! I'll pass it on and see what we have planned...
And...the pool link will be invaluable! Thanks so much! I'll access it when I get home...on laptop now and I'l so awkward with it!
Connie
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4004
Baton Rouge, LA
July 23, 2007
9:45 AM Post #3768498
| I first found that site this past May and it was still a very new site with little information and contributions. I just went there for the first time in weeks and it has grown to be what looks like a very informative site. Hope that it helps.
Lance |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
July 24, 2007
6:46 PM Post #3775050
| Here is the latest "progress"...still a hole, and not even the full size, but then they are digging it by hand!! I do see a backhoe parked in the back, but don't know when they used it OR how they could have gotten it into the area. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
July 24, 2007
6:47 PM Post #3775057
| And another... 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
July 24, 2007
6:49 PM Post #3775067
| To the left will be the large (well, to me) spa that will fall into the reflection pool that is not fully dug yet. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
July 24, 2007
7:06 PM Post #3775133
| 4004: I went to the pool site and oh brother...you would think that a person with several degrees could pass a "FIND THE KITTIES AMOUNG THE CARS" test for the security part...haha...but I never did.
I emailed the admins about it. |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
July 26, 2007
7:22 PM Post #3783381
| 1. I got an email from the "Troublefreepool" site, and they said people on AOL sometimes can't do the "kitties and cars" security thing...whew...thought I was coming down with a case of the stupids!!
2. Here's the latest...after 2 weeks of excavation...
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
July 26, 2007
7:24 PM Post #3783387
| And another... 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 1, 2007
2:55 PM Post #3805967
| And after about another week...here it is now. Today is the first day there is NO activity. They are waiting on the gunnite guy, who ironically...is my DH's childhood friend, but then he's always busy (because he's in demand, so we're willing to wait!).
This is the spa part, which waterfalls into the next part...(next pic).
This message was edited Aug 1, 2007 1:56 PM
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 1, 2007
2:57 PM Post #3805981
| And the other part...the lounge area and reflection pool 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 1, 2007
2:58 PM Post #3805987
| And one more from the steps... 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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deviant_deziner
Novato, CA
August 1, 2007
11:24 PM Post #3808080
| looking good ! |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 2, 2007
6:40 PM Post #3810955
| Thanks, DD. If it would just stop raining here in Austin the guy who is doing the gunnite and Pebble Tech could get going!
Have you used the Pebble Tech or Sheen? (I think that's what they're called) for the bottom and sides of a pool? It's getting popular here. Hope it's good.
And...Just heard today that the pool passed ALL 3 inspections today! (slab prep, plumbing, and electrical, I think)
That's a miracle for this little township, where things usually get rejected 2 or 3 times!! |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 4, 2007
6:40 PM Post #3817951
| Here are the natural materials (well, except for the water-line tile) that we're considering.
This is the slate...
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 4, 2007
6:42 PM Post #3817961
| Or this color 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 4, 2007
6:45 PM Post #3817973
| Or this one. You can see that the ones we like are in the gold/beige/gray/black/rust range. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 4, 2007
6:52 PM Post #3817992
| The 3 little samples are called "Pebble Tech" and will go on after the gunnite. It's in place of the plaster and will be nice, but I'm worried about the look of the water after the color is added. The morter is colored...one a lavender, one a blue, and the other a tan color. I"m going to look at pools next week that have the Pebble Tech.
This is the only man-made material we will use...the 6x6 tiles that will be on the water line.
This message was edited Aug 4, 2007 5:52 PM
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 4, 2007
6:54 PM Post #3817998
| This stone (Oklahoma chocolate) is a sandstone that will be used UNDER the waterfall, laid VERTICALLY with no mortar showing. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 4, 2007
6:56 PM Post #3818006
| And this is the stone that will be the coping around the spa and pool and on top of the waterfall. It will be beveled on the edge for comfort.
Oops...it's the one behind the water-edge tile
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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KatG
Port Charlotte, FL
(Zone 10a)
August 5, 2007
3:15 PM Post #3821013
| Connie...Your pool is going to be amazing. I used Pebble Tec in my current pool and just love it! It really seems to get better with age also - Deeper color or something. It's a beautiful surfacing material and has a strong warranty. Enjoy. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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KatG
Port Charlotte, FL
(Zone 10a)
August 5, 2007
3:42 PM Post #3821066
| Here's a photo I just took looking down on one of the pool steps which shows the detail of the Pebble Tech. Unfortunately the samples don't give you the true color...just like this close-up doesn't. Who would ever think that this would be colorful? 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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KatG
Port Charlotte, FL
(Zone 10a)
August 5, 2007
3:45 PM Post #3821078
| But here it is...a minute later from a different angle. I went for the blu-est pool I could get which I think was "Caribbean Blue". The pebble-tech guys screwed up the first time and originally installed the Red shade - Sedona (I think)...They had to scrape it all off and start again. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 6, 2007
1:15 PM Post #3824478
| Kat,
Wow...good to hear! I was afraid bc several people posted online that some pebbles had come loose and one said mold was forming in the holes! But my pool guy said that won't happen if you get a good installation, AND the mold will form anywhere if you don't use the right chemicals!
We're thinking of using Emerald Bay...it's about the same as yours but instead of the blue mortar stuff it has gray (darker) and has a few green pebbles in it. We want medium-dark water also, as the reflection part of the pool is so shallow.
The Pebble Tec guy who will do our gunnite and PT FIXED Michael Dell's pool after someone messed it up originally AND did Pres. Bush's pool at Crawford...PLUS he's my DH's boyhood friend, so I don't think quality control will be a problem! |
KatG
Port Charlotte, FL
(Zone 10a)
August 7, 2007
12:12 PM Post #3828585
| Connie...I think you're really going to be pleased. I've had every pool surface you can imagine - Marcite, Diamond Brite and by far this is the best! The fellow that built my pool used the Emerald color and it's gorgeous! Enjoy! |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 7, 2007
4:10 PM Post #3829402
| Great! They are shooting the gunnite today! All day, they said. I guess that has to dry and then the PT goes in? |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 8, 2007
10:29 AM Post #3832247
| Okay...here are the pics from yesterday. I"m so excited as I now can see more clearly what it's all going to look like!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 8, 2007
10:32 AM Post #3832255
| And another 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 8, 2007
10:37 AM Post #3832271
| And a final one for yesterday's work:
This shows the view from the "tanning pool" looking toward the spa. The ledge will be for some Vertically-placed pieces of the Oklahoma chocolate stone. It will have lots of texture...and was my DH's idea. He comes up with some good ones! :)
The water will fall from the spa to the long reflection pool, with the stones underneath.
This message was edited Aug 8, 2007 9:39 AM
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 8, 2007
10:42 AM Post #3832289
| And just for fun, here is the view from the street...notice you can't really see anything much...the protective screening might be hiding something, but when I get the shrubs in, it will be very protected from view from the street.
The third level of stone you can see (with the steel added) will be added to: about a foot more...and will add to the privacy nature. The neighbor's house to the right does not have windows on our side, and the neighbors to the left are into a curve, so it's just perfect for a front pool with some distant lake views.
This message was edited Aug 8, 2007 9:44 AM
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 8, 2007
10:47 AM Post #3832314
| Thanks for viewing...I'm open for any/all suggestions as to the pool, landscaping, maintenance, etc. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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dbrooks
Yuma, AZ
August 8, 2007
11:21 AM Post #3832445
| Very nice set up. Connie could you please tell me what that red tree/Cacuts is in the first pic you posted on July 18?
thanks Davie |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 8, 2007
11:51 AM Post #3832555
| It's a cordyline, and they grow well here, although I'm apparently the first one in my area to use them (perhaps they were just brought into the Austin area recently?). I bought about 10 of them at a local nursery last year, they were about 20 inches high, and look at them now! They suffered from the 3 day freeze we had, but I just pulled off the badly damaged leaves and it came back with a vengeance! :-) And they have now sprouted new "heads" of growth at the bottom of each plant. I love their bright purple color. |
KatG
Port Charlotte, FL
(Zone 10a)
August 8, 2007
12:00 PM Post #3832598
| Connie...I'd be excited also! It's amazing what a little gunite (or a lot) will do to start making things take form. It looks fantastic.
Looking at your photo's, it looks to me that you all have the same codes in Texas as we do here in Florida, in regards to double drains, etc..
What kind of pool controls are you having? I have this system by Jandy Aqualink - [HYPERLINK@www.jandy.com] where everything is controlled from in the house. It really is convenient when it's buggy or dark and you don't want to fool around with pool equipment. There's also a separate control on the spa which ties into the indoor controls.
Another really cool thing I used - I don't like a bright light glaring in the pool at night. I put this one in that changes color slowly and goes from clear to aqua to deep blue to green to pink. It really gives a nice effect.
Your pool is going to be awesome! It looks like you've made some great choices. It also seems that your Contractor knows what he's doing and is progressing well. It's not going to be too long until your swimming! Good for you!
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 9, 2007
12:23 PM Post #3836495
| Kat,
Thanks for the encouraging words! Yes, we have the same Jandy going in.
And our pool lights are pointed away from the house and we only have 2, so I hope that's enough.
Lighting...on trees, flower beds...need to do that soon. Any words of wisdom? |
KatG
Port Charlotte, FL
(Zone 10a)
August 9, 2007
2:04 PM Post #3836796
| I'm glad you're getting that Jandy system...you'll definitely appreciate it down the road. As far as lighting goes, I'm a little bit of a nut as I think it's something that really enhances things. I fooled around with solar lights and Malibu systems from HD and just got fed up with them as they don't last and the light is not that great. I found this local company and had them do some professional lighting for me. They also maintain it when a light bulb goes out or a plant grows over them. The way they've got them in the ground, you don't even see the light sticking up during the day. I think it was the best money I spent as far as the bang for the buck goes.
If you have some time...check out my Garden Album on Phanfare, there's a few night-lighting photo's. [HYPERLINK@katg.phanfare.com]
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 9, 2007
10:50 PM Post #3838767
| Kat...my goodness...I could have looked at the pics about 100 times and seen something new each time! I would love to see your gorgeous home and gardens in person sometime! Is PC close to Naples, FL? DH and I have gone there for about 5 days each year for the past 5...love Florida!!
Thanks so much for sharing!!! Your lighting is truly "state-of-the-art" !! How many light fixtures did it take to light the port-couchere, for example? I'm just trying to decide how to tell my pool guy (who is also a lighting guy and builder...his degree is in design and he can do the total package for one if needed) what I need/want without going waaay overbudget!
The uplighting in the trees is just stunning! I'm sure you have it on a timer, but do you generally leave the night lighting on all night or program it to go off around bedtime? Andrew (the "pool guy" ) was telling me about all the options.
Lastly...that bar backsplash is "to die for"!!!!! I have an artist friend who is great at mosaics, and I can't wait to link her to this! She's a teacher at the school where I teach and has done the most wonderful ones down drab passageways at the school! You must have a wonderful guy to agree to something so avant garde!! (Or is the house yours?) My DH is not as adventurous. Just today I suggested a wonderful modern-looking tile for the waterline of the pool and he hated it! :) I used to own a design company (ex-dh was a homebuilder) but new DH never can trust me when something is quite different, which is what I LIKE!! :)
Here is a sample of my decor...the powder bath off the entry. I think we both love love love decorating and plants, yes??!
I've tried to change something 3 times and it won't work...third time is a charm???
This message was edited Aug 9, 2007 9:51 PM
This message was edited Aug 9, 2007 9:53 PM
This message was edited Aug 9, 2007 9:55 PM
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doss
Stanford, CA
(Zone 9b)
August 10, 2007
12:26 AM Post #3839064
| I don't know if you've chosen the slate yet but some slate can be VERY slippery if it's the wrong slate. Can you tell I made an expensive mistake??? |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 10, 2007
12:40 AM Post #3839091
| Doss,
I think slate is slate, so don't know about a "wrong" type unless it's the ceramic "faux slate" which is very slippery.
If slate is cut the normal way, (with natural "layers" allowed) it is not any more slippery than most tiles that people place around pools. The only "non slip" product-- I think-- is wood decking or that concrete that has the holes in it. I've not had anyone else say they had any more trouble with the slippery state of slate than some other products. Hmmm...will have to research. Thanks. |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
August 10, 2007
12:53 AM Post #3839120
| I've also heard that there are different types of slate and you have to be careful which one you pick if it's going to be around water so you don't wind up with the slippery one. I don't remember the details, but it might not hurt to doublecheck--I think where I saw it before was somewhere either on this forum or maybe Garden Design, it was from a while ago though. |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 10, 2007
1:01 AM Post #3839137
| Okay...I have slate on my bathroom floor, and have never slipped. It is sealed but NOT waxed. I think that might be the problem with some applications. I just went in to the bath...got it entirely wet, and TRIED to slip. Didn't happen. I googled "slippery slate" and found several questions about that, and all answers were "it's non-slip." Hmmmmm
Doss...do you know what type slate you had that was a fiasco? Do you know what type of finish was applied, and whether it was applied by someone who knew what to use? I'm very concerned, as we're talking about 3k square feet of it...in addition to my living room, powder bath, halls, a huge deck, pool surround and steps.
There are many houses in my neighborhood and at model home shows that have slate on their front steps and front porch...I'll have to ask about the "2 types" at my stone source. Thanks again for raising the question, Doss! |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 10, 2007
1:03 AM Post #3839142
| Doss...what did you put down after you tore out the slate? |
KatG
Port Charlotte, FL
(Zone 10a)
August 10, 2007
3:06 AM Post #3839283
| OMG Lady! You and I would be very "Dangerous Decorator's" together! hehe. That bath is just stunning and right up my alley! It's gorgeous and so different...and I LOVE different! Yes...I'm really into plants and decorating and am constantly on the look-out for the perfect things for this house...No need to rush, but I still have things to do as I've only lived here since last October. I find I come across things in the strangest places.
I'm about an hour north of Naples. Yes...please visit! I've been in the Homebuilding business for about the last 28 years in this area, and this is my house and don't have to answer to anybody as far as decor goes! (Thank-God!) It drives me crazy when couple's come in my office to pick out selections and it's the Husband who can't make up his mind. My Guy has his own home, that I also built and he let's me pick out everything for him also! LOL. However, he's a Decorator's nightmare as he's collected some cool farm antiques and also has a huge Lladro collection (it just doesn't go together! - He's a little on the eclectic side! haha) Mix that all in with a new modern home and furnishings, and you would think it would be horrible! It's actually gorgeous.
Would you believe that the port-couchere is only lit by 4 lights? One on each column. Most of the trees are only single lights also except for the big Bismark in the front. There's 3 transformers and they're all on timers - starting at dusk and they stay on for about 6-8 hours, depending on the season.
What I really like about it is, you don't see the lights poking up from the ground and they've got them so well positioned. I had my guy come back a couple days ago to talk about adding some more. I want to softly light up the new Arbors and also add some downlighting inside the pool cage, now that I added those big Container palms in the Pool planter. He originally put 1 accent light on the cage which accents the container palm I have on the spa. Nice thing is...he also put a switch that you can turn off...just in case you may not want a lot of light when you're Hot-tubbing! (smile).
Thank-you for such nice compliments Connie, and yes...that Backsplash is so amazing. The more I look at it, the more I love it. I put it on the Home Decorating thread here and so many people have been interested. There are so many crafty and artistic people on this site...and it's too good, not to share! Funny thing is, when I look at the photo's, I'm seeing things I've never seen before!
As far as the Slate goes...wish I could help you out but not many people use it around here. I think it's beautiful and I'm sure your pool contractor has had experience with this product. He really sounds like he know's what he's doing. Unfortunately around my small town...interlocking pavers is about the most progressive offer out there.
Can't wait to see the progress on your wonderful project!
Kathy
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deviant_deziner
Novato, CA
August 10, 2007
1:52 PM Post #3840771
| S L A T E .
have I got some slate stories for you !
Absolutely without a doubt you must do your research very very very well on the exact type of slate that you plan to use.
Some slates do get extremely slippery when wet and should never be set in a bathroom or pool side situation.
These slates (metamorphic rock ) tend to be the fine and tight grained , usually very old in compared to some of the softer younger slates and are smooth in cleft and often blue , grey or slightly purple in color.
here's a slate story that will send chills down any contractors spine -
I have an artist/ sculptor friend who occasionally does landscape duhsign. She is very creative, artsy , techically ( as in the mechanics of construction ) clueless and a pretty adept 'story-teller'.
"She" redesigned a patio around a pool and "she specificed" a China Slate.
It was the contractors responsibility to install the slate to her specifications.
He did.
The slate 'she' chose was an extremely poor candidate . It was soft , somewhat clefty, and of HIGH IRON content ( you know, the slates with all the purrrrrty orange, rust and brown mauvey colors ) .
Guess what happened after the first rain ?
The iron oxide from the slate migrated into the mortar joints first , turning them rusty orange and then the iron continued to migrate down to the white plastered pool and stained the plaster with lovely long streaks of varying colors of orange.
... NOT Zesty.
The artsy fartsy Duhsigner "blamed" the contractor for the installation of the slate.
She said HE should of told her it was a poor choice and that he should have sealed it on all sides prior to laying it.
She ran the whole story by me hoping to get some support but I blantantly told her she was in the wrong and should pony up the dough to fix the problem and accept the responsibilty.
That was not what she wanted to hear - obviously.
Because she is somewhat of a 'tall tale teller' I never got the straight outcome from her on the results, and doubt I would get the same story twice if asked anyways.
... know and R E S E A R C H your products ! |
doss
Stanford, CA
(Zone 9b)
August 10, 2007
2:59 PM Post #3841034
| I replaced my slate with a stone that turns out to slough off and not stick. Another disaster. At the very least take some water, apply it to your samples and skid the heel of your hand across it. All slates are not created equal. The slate I used was dark gray. |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 12, 2007
4:56 PM Post #3848970
| Wow...just in time, DD and Doss...will certainly spend more thought on it. The one I want (same as my bath floor) is mainly beige, taupe, and black. It's the same one I have on my bath floor, AND I just saw it in front of a store in Lubbock this weekend, so I took a picture. The store is called Coldcreek, I think. There must be different grades, as I'm seeing it used by modern pools in all the magazines. Of course that doesn't mean the people aren't having trouble with it. |
KatG
Port Charlotte, FL
(Zone 10a)
August 13, 2007
11:18 PM Post #3854667
| Hey Connie...I was trying to explain what a cool pool light I had installed. Here's some photo's showing the different colors it put's out, which will give you a better idea...
Kat
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mgh
Willamette Valley, OR
(Zone 8a)
August 14, 2007
12:07 AM Post #3854785
| THUD!! That was my jaw hitting the floor! KatG, that is absolutely stunning! |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 14, 2007
9:42 AM Post #3855574
| Kat,
Wow...that is just ...well, there's not a better word than mgh's "stunning" --what with the color, palms, etc.
I read on another thread about your redoing the plants also, and I LOVE someone's idea of adding palms in pots that you followed up on. I will have to plant my tropicals in pots for another reason... to bring them in due to our "sometimes" very cold weather. About every 10 years we have a run of cold weather...at times it reaches the single-digit numbers, so I have to have the possibility of moving them in OR just not plant things out of my zone.
Gotta run clean the guest room...daughter is coming tonight! :-) |
KatG
Port Charlotte, FL
(Zone 10a)
September 1, 2007
2:24 AM Post #3924581
| Hey Connie...What's happening with the pool? Any more updated photos? Hope things are going well.
Kat |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
September 1, 2007
10:04 AM Post #3925096
| Hi Kat and All,
OH yes...things are moving along, BUT my daughter was here and ripped out my photo card adapter that goes into a hole drilled in the top of my desk (it's granite, and the hole is too small for all the cords) SOoooo I've been waiting for the granite people to come out again and make the hole larger...it's a long story...sorry).
Bottom line: no new pics but lots of progress:
The large pieces of coping are being set as I write. They are some type of smooth stone (can't remember the name) that is cut along the curving or straight lines of the edges. Very nice.
The new driveway is also being done...as well as the new deck so that we can have the same slate everywhere. The old deck was rotting wood that all had to be pulled out. New will be on concrete base and covered wih the slate.
Speaking of slate: I talked with MANY venders of slate about its slip resistance and here's the skinny on that:
Slate is very high on the scale of slip resistance...like a 6 or 8, (10 is best) depending on the exact type and how much layering" there is of the actual slate.
Ceramic tile that has been textured for non-slip resistance is usually rated as about a 4 to 5.
The ceramic tile that places often sell that is labeled "slate" is slate look-alike, so it's more slippery. Real slate is very slip resistant when dry OR wet.
So...I went with the slate because my house and pool are basically modern style, and I didn't want a stone that would look Tuscany style, although the rough-cut stones ARE the best for slip resistance of all the natural stones. The concrete that they texture highly is the best, but didn't want that either.
This message was edited Sep 1, 2007 9:08 AM |
zacattack
Fort Worth, TX
(Zone 8a)
September 5, 2007
1:28 PM Post #3940358
| Hi Connie.
Just renewed my Daves Garden subscription... wish I would have seen your thread sooner. As some of the other folks have mentioned, unfortunately some of the best pool builders lack any sort of common sense. I've just had my pool completely remodeled. Everything except the gunite shell, which was in remarkably good condition after 25+ years, has been replaced. Luckily I am retired and was able to oversee every aspect of the work. I believe the construction supervisor got tired of me asking him to do things right, but at least I had a chance to have changes made before it was too late. I had a new pool built at a previous home about 10 years ago, and the remodel was more difficult than building a new pool. As KatG pointed out... "they put in the wrong color pebble tech and had to redo it." Someone's not paying attention, and quaility is being compromised. Our gunite shell had to be sandblasted, and we stressed to the builder that it should be done before the tile and coping. Oh no they said, we will mask the tile and it will be ok... we always do it that way. Guess what, after sandblasting, about 80% of the tiles were ruined from the blasting sand. All of the tile had to be redone. If I had to pick one thing that really rubbed me wrong was hurry, hurry, hurry. Just a few minutes spent here and there would have made a great pool a perfect pool. Seems few people take much pride in their work any more. No attention to the small details. Well... the tile and coping guys were awesome, even the second time around. Watch the work closely, and if you have questions, or want something changed, be sure it is, unless they can present a good argument for doing it their way. Guess the best I can offer now is this link that all pool owners can benefit from. [HYPERLINK@www.poolforum.com] PLEASE be sure and look it over, you'll be glad you did. Our pool is finished now except for some more rock work and landscaping. We went through the same wonderfully wet summer you guys had in Austin, and the work was somewhat slowed by all of the rain. Work began 6-12, and we were swimming 7-22, so all turned out pretty good. Looks like you are going to have a beautiful pool. The colored lights and automated pools controls are awesome, (we went with Polaris EOS) you are going to love it. Not only can you control all pool and spa operations from the unit inside the house, it can also control several other features such as outdoor lighting, fountains, music, etc. It even gives a readout of the outside air temperature and pool/spa temp. A shortcut unit mounted in the deck by the spa can be used to turn on/off lights, spa aeration, turn on/off the heat, raise or lower spa temperature without even leaving the spa. BEST OF LUCK from Fort Worth, TX. Here's a few photos of our pool during construction (what a mess) and one shot of an almost completed pool. I have been an avid amateur iris hybridizer, but will be giving up much of my garden space to the expanded pool area and a new play area for the grandkids. Looking forward to growing some new varieties of plants, Dan 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
September 5, 2007
11:23 PM Post #3942551
| Dan,
What a beautiful pool! I can't wait for ours to be finished! They have stopped work on the pool to allow the deck and driveway to "catch up," so I guess I'm happy. We didn't sign the contract for the deck and drive until the pool was underway, so the timing is our fault.
I tried the web site you mention and it was temporarily out of service. I did receive a nice email from their admin guy saying to check back later, but I didn't. I"ll try it again once I"m off of DG.
So glad you're back on DG!! (My DH is from Fort Worth, and we just attended his 100th --as I say for a joke!!-- high school reunion. He's 61, so that tells you how many years it actually is! He graduated from Richland Hills HS.) |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
September 12, 2007
11:23 PM Post #3969165
| Well, things have been at a stand-still because we ALSO contracted with the pool guy to take our our driveway (old asphalt) and replace with dyed,salt textured concrete.
Here is the drive with the salt still on the top...curing
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
September 12, 2007
11:27 PM Post #3969182
| And here are the vertical stones (very difficult to lay!) in the process. This is the area that will be under the waterfall from the spa to the reflection pool 
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haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)
September 13, 2007
7:25 AM Post #3969756
| You know what they say,
Anything worth having is worth waiting for! Going to be great. |
KatG
Port Charlotte, FL
(Zone 10a)
September 14, 2007
1:05 AM Post #3973446
| Connie...It's looking fantastic! You're very close! Sometimes it's hard to fathom what a pool is going to look like when you see all this Crud, Crap and Dirt. It's really amazing how fast this can be all cleaned up. When they fill it, you're probably not going to see the true color of the Pebble-Tec for a few days...It just get's better with time.
Kat |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
September 21, 2007
10:59 PM Post #4003961
| Hi All,
Haven't posted pics yet as I can't find my camera battery charger! I hate it that I'm so disorganized and darn messy! :-)
The coping stones are all honed and grouted, the drive is laid, and the under-the-deck storage / "bomb shelter" (it's about 14 inches of solid concrete on 5 sides!) AND a good cleanup are all done. Hope to find the charger tomorrow... |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
December 27, 2007
6:53 PM Post #4332433
| Okay...all the hullabaloo of Christmas is past and I finally have time to post some pics of the progress! The spa and pool are finished and we had a crowd of young 'uns in the spa on Christmas Eve night. They loved it! The slate (the "slip resistant factor is 4, so it's a good one!) is beautiful and ALMOST finished.
Here are a few pics of the water areas. I hurridly put in some landscaping with some ornamental cabbages for color, and have ended up loving them! Other areas around and behind the spa, by the gate, in the tree wells are still bare...will plant things in the spring.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
December 27, 2007
6:55 PM Post #4332438
| And another view... 
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
December 27, 2007
6:58 PM Post #4332456
| Looking down toward the gate (child proof, as required by our area) that leads to steps to the street level. We're about 2 stories higher than the street level. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
December 27, 2007
7:03 PM Post #4332472
| Taken from the living room. 
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
December 27, 2007
7:28 PM Post #4332557
| This one was taken before the slate was laid in this area. It has taken them a month to lay 3k SF of tile...they are SLOWWWW as it's one guy and his assistant. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
December 27, 2007
7:32 PM Post #4332565
| And finally, this is the other end where I still need to plant some specimen trees...like Japanese maples? 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
December 27, 2007
7:36 PM Post #4332583
| A close-up of the plants by the wall 
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
December 27, 2007
7:39 PM Post #4332586
| Now we need furniture for the huge, EMPTY deck! Here are some things I like. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
December 27, 2007
7:39 PM Post #4332587
| And this 
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
December 27, 2007
7:40 PM Post #4332589
| or... 
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
December 27, 2007
7:41 PM Post #4332592
| My DH won't charge anything, so we have to wait awhile...and that's fine with me. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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mgh
Willamette Valley, OR
(Zone 8a)
December 27, 2007
11:45 PM Post #4333669
| Outstanding! Connie. Looks like it was worth the wait.
I like the furniture in the first pic...looks very inviting. :o) |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
December 27, 2007
11:48 PM Post #4333682
| I like it too. Now I have to check prices. Some of these companies want a king's ransom for just ONE piece! I would love to buy at a Sam's Club, etc. but all their sets are in traditional or Tuscan style, and I want fairly modern, clean lines.
Here is another picture I've "cut out" as a possibility.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
December 28, 2007
1:35 AM Post #4333892
| You might check Target's website--they've got some different styles and the prices are reasonable compared to some other places. They've got more stuff on their website than they have in the stores (even during patio furniture season). |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
December 28, 2007
2:22 AM Post #4333943
| Thanks, ecrane...going there now! |
deviant_deziner
Novato, CA
December 28, 2007
4:51 PM Post #4335498
| Hi Connie
The project came out nice.
My philosophy on outdoor furniture is to hold off until you can afford good quality pieces.
If you access to the Design Center I'd check out the various show rooms.
I am partial to a couple of brands but Brown Jordan and Summer Classics are in my top favorites due to their high quality products.
You can count on getting 20 years worth of use out of a Brown Jordan piece if it is well cared for.
We mixed and matched two different Summer Classic lines on a project this year.
A synthetic woven rattan living room type set ( couch, club chairs, coffee table, side tables and umbrella ) with a powder coated metal chaise lounge and dining room set.
Here's a pic of the dining set :
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deviant_deziner
Novato, CA
December 28, 2007
4:52 PM Post #4335501
| a picture of the living room set , which is positioned at the end of the pool 
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deviant_deziner
Novato, CA
December 28, 2007
4:54 PM Post #4335503
| and the chaise lounge set.
We also ended up getting a bar set but I don't have any photo's of it.
also take precaution if you order your furniture that it can take up to 6-8 weeks or more for delivery.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
December 28, 2007
7:11 PM Post #4335921
| Wow...that's an absolutely beautiful pool setting!
I do know one gets what he pays for with furniture...and the guarantees reflect that too. The best stuff has a 20 years limited guar. and the other stuff anywhere from 4 years down to 1 year. That's not good!
I have 2 Erwin Lambeth chairs that I got at 75% off about 30 years ago...they were just recovered about 4 years ago...and the guy who covered them said they will last about another 100 years or more! :-)
I too have bought Brown J. I found another brand I like from England...can't remember the name now...sounds traditional but they have lots of contemp. stuff too.
What do you think of the "plastic" wicker that is everywhere. I think that is what is in one of the pics you posted here. I know it looks great, and I esp. like the contemp applications they are doing. Do you think it will last for a long time? I'm 56 and DH is 61...we don't want to have to buy again during our lifetimes!
Thanks so much for the words of wisdom! |
deviant_deziner
Novato, CA
December 28, 2007
7:28 PM Post #4335969
| Connie,
I've seen some very well made synthetic ( plastic matrix ) furniture in the last few years.
Again, I think it all comes down to the company who is offering the product.
Brown Jordan stands by their product for years and years.
I had a client who sent her chaise lounges back after 8 or 9 years of use because the powder coating on the arms started to wear thin.
They didn't squeak a bad word and were excellent to deal with as far as timing and follow through.
I love the look of the wide weave synthetics but even on an extremely expensive set a client bought in conjunction with her interior decorator I noticed that the corners were fraying after only one season.
I believe the company who manufact. the furn. was Eon or something like that.
The furniture was extremely expensive - or perhaps the interior decorators make up was just inordinately high.
Brown Jordan makes a similar looking set. I could have set the client up with a similar set for a bit less money and a much better long term warranty and customer satisfaction.
( sometimes you just have to shut up and let the client work with whom they want to and make their own decisions. )
I looked at a lot of synthetic woven weave patio furniture this past year and I think it all comes down to buying high quality pieces from reputable standing companies.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 27, 2008
12:27 AM Post #4459165
| okay...here it is...finished. Exactly 6 months from first digging to the slate being laid (the stone guys went to Mexico for over a month so no work was done for one of the 6 months).
We have no furniture for the deck yet...went to Dallas Market last weekend to look, and DH and I haven't agreed yet. I like more modern...he's more traditional. Have to wait him out.. until he somehow suggests what I wanted in the first place...I compliment his great taste...and we're both happy. (Don't be offended guys...you know how it works! haha)
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 27, 2008
12:31 AM Post #4459181
| The water flows from the spa (a large one with 8 jets) to the pool when we want it to. The pool is just 24 inches deep for most of it, except for a "lounge" area that is only 5 inches deep. It's a "cocktail" or "grandbaby" pool for the most part. And safer than a deep one, although the spa is almost 5 feet deep in places. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 27, 2008
12:37 AM Post #4459193
| The grass is zoyzia. I'm going to plant purple fountain grass behine the wall to the right this summer...my color theme is purple, orange, and chartreuse for a few years. I also want to plant Will Fleming yaupons behind the area that you see at the end...for more privacy since the pool is in our front yard! (However, the street level is almost 2 stories down)
This picture is of the empty deck to one side of the house. This will be the "dining outdoor room" whenever we save the money for a huge table that seats 12. DH said not now during this strange economy we're in...so wait I will! :-)
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 27, 2008
12:39 AM Post #4459203
| And this side will be the outdoor "living room" with a sofa, deep-seating chairs, a coffee table (I want a firepit table..he doesn't!!) etc. 
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 27, 2008
12:42 AM Post #4459215
| And this is an area that can finally be landscaped now that all the construction stuff is gone! I think I want some Japanese Maples, some river rocks or crushed granite, and an Asian bench here on the path...all in time! :0
This message was edited Jan 26, 2008 10:43 PM
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 27, 2008
12:47 AM Post #4459227
| And the last one...steps that lead up to the deck. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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deviant_deziner
Novato, CA
January 27, 2008
1:21 PM Post #4460550
| Looks great Connie,
You'll have your hands full this spring and summer planting out the beds. Sounds like fun.
I too love the color scheme of the deep warm jewel tones punctuated with with a twist of chartreuse.
Those colors work beautifully with your stone work. I can see why you like to 'paint' with them.
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haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)
January 27, 2008
2:39 PM Post #4460801
| My oh my, that is fabulous Connie. You gotta convince DH to put in the firepit or fireplace that will bring it all together and he'll be sorry if he doesn't plan for it from the beginning, perhaps a breaker between the living/dining spaces open on all sides of course! |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
January 27, 2008
9:18 PM Post #4462421
| Fabulous!! I want your yard now!! LOL |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 27, 2008
9:25 PM Post #4462459
| Thanks to all! I still have some landscaping to do, but that's fun! |
KatG
Port Charlotte, FL
(Zone 10a)
January 30, 2008
3:45 AM Post #4472487
| My Goodness Gracious Connie! WOW...it's totally breath-taking! Makes me feel like ripping up all my pavers and putting in Slate! haha. You really created a beautiiful pool area.
I know your dillemna when it comes to patio furniture! For the past two homes I have built for myself, I've went with very high-end stuff. Pompei and Pavillion. My designer friend convinced me in this last home to buy about 18K worth of Pavillion furniture and right now I feel like slapping him on the side of his head! (Nah...he's too cute and besides, I made the decision!). However, I've got a 72" round table that is warping so much in the middle - I could actually sit everybody around it, give them a spoon and serve soup from the center! The furniture is gorgeous, but it's not as well made as I expected.
I just furnished a home that I built for one of my clients and bought some absolutely amazing furniture online from Target...Ecrane was absolutely right. Yes, it's that plastic-wicker material and it cost about 4,500. for - two gorgeous chaise lounges with great padded cushions, a table with 4 chairs, a Settee with 2 lounge chairs and a coffee table. I think there was also a small table included here. I have a firepit table and 4 chairs, I bought from Target that I've had out in the extreme weather for about a year and a half and it's held up pretty well that I bought for about $600.
This pic doesn't show all the pieces, but gives you an idea of the Target stuff I bought for my clients home...
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KatG
Port Charlotte, FL
(Zone 10a)
January 30, 2008
3:49 AM Post #4472489
| Here's two of my Target Chairs from my $600 set! 
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KatG
Port Charlotte, FL
(Zone 10a)
January 30, 2008
3:58 AM Post #4472494
| Here's the Pavillion...and yes it is gorgeous. However, for the price I don't think it's worth it and who want's to have the same furniture for 20 years??? 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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KatG
Port Charlotte, FL
(Zone 10a)
January 30, 2008
4:25 AM Post #4472501
| Here's another incredible buy when it comes to inexpensive Patio Furniture. I was looking for something cheap to put on my Dock and found this Day-bed on Home Depot site for 70% off. It was regular $950. and I bought it for something like $250. This is very sturdy and well made...I couldn't have even bought the cushions for this price. Bought a matching coffee table for $76. I was thinking I should chain it to one of my pilings so that it wasn't stolen. Well, one of the cushions blew off and I figured it was gone forever. Some really nice boater must have found it floating somewhere and returned it back to my dock! How nice was that?
Don't buy expensive stuff if you can help it!
Kat
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drapelady
Denham Springs, LA
(Zone 8b)
January 30, 2008
3:21 PM Post #4474354
| I don't know Kat, You can definitely tell the difference in the furniture. My sister lives in Freeport Florida, and your pool and setup look alot like hers. So beautiful. The picture you have above does not do any justice to your Pavillion furniture. Because I have enjoyed looking at your beautiful pool and home so many times on the link you provided, I know what it really looks like. :) If you had used a cheaper furniture at your home, it would not be as pretty as it is.
Debbie |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 31, 2008
12:29 AM Post #4476813
| Kat, what material is the table that warped? We're thinking of solid teak, very thick.
Just today I had the LAST thing done to the house..replaced some sliding doors that were old and just one pane of glass...and it would sweat like crazy! So replaced with Pella to match other windows in the house...with some kind of gas between 2 panes of glass...argon?? anyhoo...I don't dare mention anything that costs $ to my DH for at least a few months! haha Then it will be spring, and he will want to go outside and smoke his cigar...and will want some comfy "deep seating" stuff instead of the iron chairs we have!! :)
Thanks so much for the info...I'm going to do some serious looking on the net...your DAYBED was a STEAL!!! Love it!!! |
KatG
Port Charlotte, FL
(Zone 10a)
February 1, 2008
1:18 AM Post #4481327
| Connie...You did good! As far as I'm concerned, Pella makes the best Windows and Sliding doors! I had them in the last house I built for myself. Did you get the footlocks? They are so solid and well built. I really wanted to put them into this house, but at the time, they were not making them with impact glass (hurricane proof). Too bad, because they were my favorite doors - wood on the inside and aluminum clad on the outside. They look beautiful and also have great door hardware.
Okay...I admit I might have gone on a tangent the other evening about the price of patio furniture. As much as I hate to admit it, Debbie above is right. You get good looks for what you pay for...BUT, look for a sale if you're buying high-end.(I still don't want to look at something for 20 years!)
The warped Material is something called "Sunstone"??? I'm thinking it's probably a marble-poly type of material. In this case I think if it had a center support it probably would have been good. I have no idea what can be done with it now.
PS: Thank-you Debbie!
This message was edited Feb 1, 2008 12:22 AM
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drapelady
Denham Springs, LA
(Zone 8b)
February 1, 2008
1:27 PM Post #4482536
| Hi Kat, you are welcome. I smiled when I read your post about cheaper. Mainly because you sound so much like my sister. Now that she has everything completed and it turned out so beautiful, she said "what will I do if I want to change something." Because I work with ladies so much in helping them decorate (I have a drapery workroom), I'm am used to that question. But because you did purchase such good furniture, you will be able to later just change the fabric on the cushions and your drapes(which I love BTW) and you will have a whole new look. My sister calls it her seasonals. Its so great to have quality so that all you have to do is clean them and store them for another time. By having 2 or 3 sets, you can keep everything fresh. The great thing is to get some co-ordinates, so it is never really the same again. Just some thoughts. When I worked with the designers out of Destin (we were doing condo's on the beach), we tried to alternate so that each looked different, yet co-ordinated. But for now, I will tell you like I told my sister, "It is beautiful, lets work on another room":) Enjoy! |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
February 1, 2008
8:44 PM Post #4484103
| Kat, I would rarely differ from you (as we're probably a lot alike!) BUT I DO want my patio furnifure to last 20-30 years. DH and I are going to retire in the next year and we're tired of decorating (our house and yard have taken a total of 5 years!)!!
That's why we're probably going with solid teak, even though I'd like to combine teak with stainless steel for a more modern look.
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KatG
Port Charlotte, FL
(Zone 10a)
February 2, 2008
1:47 AM Post #4485246
| Debbie...you crack me up! hahaha, but you're so right on! I love to decorate and believe me, I am very careful about what I buy as when I buy it...it's staying in the same place and position forever. I'm not one of these people who are constantly moving their furniture around to give the room a new look. If anything, I probably build a house to accommodate the furniture.
And you're absolutely right...get new sunbrella fabric and make new drapes and cushions and change the entire look. I'm not going to do that for a while because this is holding up so well and I really do like it. But eventually. Yes...the drapes on the columns are absolutely gorgeous. When my designer buddy mentioned them I was like...Are you kidding??? But they are the Best! We started out with drapes on the inside and after seeing them installed, just had to have them on the outside too. Love them!
Connie...I know what you're saying about longevity. I guess I'm just not into teak as it doesn't fit as well into my Tropical environment. I really do like it though in somebody elses space. But Find a Sale!!!! hahahahaha.
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Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
February 2, 2008
11:56 AM Post #4486119
| Kat, I AM looking for a sale, so let me know if you see a good deal! I have a friend who is not s designer but has a market membership bc she used to have a "gift basket" biz, so she took me to Dallas. So, I will at least get my pieces for 50% of f retail! Yea!
Connie |
