Fresh Air Screens 3-Zipper Roll-Up Garage Door Screen
With zippers on both sides as well as the center, this Fresh Air Screens garage door screen provides a reliable seal against bugs and leaves, as well as the option to raise half the screen if desired. This versatile three-zipper design allows for quick access to your garage without rolling up the entire screen. This is especially useful for those with frequent vehicle traffic.
It’s also great when using the garage as a functional workshop. This screen uses a sturdy hook-and-loop attachment system for installation and is available in two different colors to better match your garage. You can also purchase a rope and pull kit separately, providing a convenient pulley system for raising and securing the screen in place.
An automobile power inverter is an electrical transformer that takes the 12-volt direct current (DC) and changes it to 120-volt alternating current (AC). That allows you to run small electrical devices that you normally plug into a wall receptacle.
Your auto electrical system is a 12-volt DC system that runs off the battery and the alternator when the engine is running. The inverter allows you to tap into the system and draw a limited amount of power to run 120- volt AC devices.
Some inverters have additional features such as a lighter plug so you can use a DC device along with the AC receptacle. This unit has a built-in plug adapter you can use in an airplane’s receptacle.
Will All Small AC Devices Work on the Inverter?
That depends on the type of inverter you buy. There are two types of power inverters: “modified sine wave” and “pure sine wave.” Modified sine wave inverters, which are less expensive and more common, work for about 90 percent of small devices.
This type won’t charge some rechargeable battery-operated tools, and it can cause interference patterns on some computer screens and printers. We tried several laptop computers on the modified sine wave inverters and they worked just fine. But because computers are expensive, check with the manufacturer before plugging it in.
The more expensive pure sine wave inverters have the same quality AC electricity that’s supplied to a home receptacle. They’ll power all small appliances provided they’re within the wattage capability of your cigarette lighter socket and inverter.
Inverters for laptops
Most laptop computers work fine with inexpensive inverters, but check with the computer manufacturer to be sure.
High-quality electricity inverter
Expensive “pure sine wave” inverters supply clean, utility-like electricity to power any small device.
What Size AC Device Can I Run?
The power output of the inverter is limited to the fuse size of the car’s power outlet, or lighter socket in our case. For example, a 10 amp–fused 12-volt lighter socket will safely power about 1 amp of 120-volt AC (or about 120 watts). (See formula below.) A 15-amp socket will power 1.5 amps of 120-volt AC (about 150 to 180 watts), and a 20-amp will power about 2 amps (about 200 to 225 watts).
Check your vehicle owner’s manual to see the fuse size of your lighter socket. Most cars are about 15 amps, but many larger SUVs and trucks have 20-amp sockets. Generally, a small drill or 13-in. TV would be the maximum you could expect to run from the socket with a 200-watt inverter plugged into a lighter socket.
Formula: Amps x Volts = Watts
Check a device’s amps on the spec plate and multiply by 120 to get the wattage. For example, a 2-amp device will consume 240 watts.
Note: Actual wattage will vary because of inefficiencies in the inverter and devices
Are There Other Concerns About Inverters?
Yes, inverters produce heat and need ventilation. Many inverters have built-in fans, which in turn consume electricity to keep themselves cool. Generally speaking, inverters don’t work well in temperatures above 90 degrees F. Inverters can also drain your battery quickly unless your engine is running and charging your battery.
Most inverters have an audible alarm when they sense a lowered power source, but it may be to your advantage to buy a bit more expensive unit that shuts itself off when it senses a low battery. Don’t run small devices plugged into your inverter for more than an hour without starting your car and charging the battery.
You can hook a larger power output inverter directly to your vehicle’s battery. However, the battery and charging system need to be able to keep up with the heavy power draw. Consult an automotive electrical specialist if you plan to use large inverters.
Powerful and versatile, the Lasko high-velocity fan quickly converts from a wall-mounted to a floor-standing fan. Once the bracket is mounted to the wall, the fan can easily clip in and out of the stand, depending on where you need air directed at the moment.
This wire-framed fan is perfect for cooling your garage with its pivoting head, and three speeds direct high-velocity air to where you need it, maxing out at an impressive airflow of 3,460 CFM. The strong metal fan blades, powerful motor and steel construction make this fan one of the most durable options in this price range.
The control button is conveniently located in the front, so you’ll never have to find yourself fiddling around blindly on the back of the fan to adjust it. When the temps are high and the cold drinks from the garage fridge simply aren’t cutting it, you’ll thank yourself for having this breezy companion by your side.
Pros
20-inch diameter, pivoting head
3-speed settings offer excellent air circulation
Versatile fan can easily convert from wall-mounted to floor-standing fan
Weighs less than 16 pounds and comes with a built-in handle for easy transport
Most people don’t spend much time thinking about their garage door opener remote. But when an old remote stops working or you lose it completely, you’ll need to know how to reset it and connect it to a new remote.
Here’s the good news: Programming your garage door opener remote is extremely easy, and only takes a few minutes.
The not-so-good news: Describing the specifics of programming a garage door opener is surprisingly difficult.
The basics of modern garage opener synching is about as simple as it gets: Just press two buttons. But any given model can have slightly different requirements. You might need to hold one of those buttons for a number of seconds, or press a button more than once. None of that is difficult, but can be tricky to explain.
But don’t let that scare you off! Here, I’ll give you all the info you need to tackle the vast majority of openers. And if you do run into issues, we’ve included links for information from specific manufacturers.
Check Garage Door Opener and Compatibility
First and foremost, determine the type and brand of your garage door opener. This is usually easy, since it tends to be printed in large letters on the side of the opener.
Of course, use a remote that’s compatible with your opener. Keep in mind some manufacturers produce more than one line of openers. Chamberlain also makes LiftMaster and Craftsman openers, and many Chamberlain remotes are compatible with all three brands. There are also secondary-market “universal remotes” that work with most major opener brands. We’ll touch on those later.
Let’s get started!
Prepare the Garage Door Opener and Remote
Begin by running a couple of tests to make sure you’re not missing something simple.
Change the remote batteries. If this fixes the issue, you’re all set!
Try opening the garage door using the wired wall button. If the door still won’t open, there’s a bigger issue beyond the remote. You’ll have to find another fix or call a pro.
Locate the Garage Door Opener’s Program Button
Most garage door openers have a button that puts it into programming mode. You’ll probably need a ladder, so use appropriate caution.
Look for a prominent button on the rear of the opener or beneath a plastic shroud. Typically called a Learn or Program button, it’s usually bright red, yellow or green.
If you have an opener made before 1995, it may use a DIP switch instead. Around the size of your thumb, a DIP switch features eight to 12 tiny switches along its length.
How To Program a Remote
This is about as easy as it gets!
Press the Learn button.
Typically, a single push is all that’s needed, although some manufacturers require you hold it down a specific length of time.
There will be some acknowledgement that it’s in Learning mode, like a blinking LED or clicking noise.
Press the Remote button.
If the remote and opener talk to each other, there will be another acknowledgement; usually the overhead light on the opener will blink.
If your opener doesn’t have an overhead light, it will usually signal completion with an audible click.
If you have a second remote to program, repeat the above steps.
What if you have a DIP switch? The steps are a little different. (Remember, this will only come into play with openers made before 1995.)
Locate the DIP switch on the opener.
Using a small screwdriver, paper clip or similar tool, set the DIP switch to any sequence you like.
Locate the DIP switch on the remote.
Using the same tool, set the switch to match the sequence on the opener.
How To Program a Universal Remote
A universal remote can work with many types of garage doors and openers. Check how universal your remote actually is. Many limit compatibility to a few major brands. Yours may be fine, but it’s worth double-checking.
Press the Learn/Program button on the opener, then press the button on the universal remote.
Consult the remote’s instructions for specifics.
You may need to press the remote button a set number of times, depending on which manufacturer/model of opener you have.
How To Program a Keypad
Typically, keypads are programmed the same way as remotes.
Press the Learn/Program button.
Within 30 seconds, enter the new code into the keypad and press Enter.
Enlist a helper. This way you don’t have to scramble down the ladder and rush to the keypad.
How To Reset a Garage Door Opener
If you’ve moved to a new home, you likely inherited an opener from the previous owner. Just as it’s a good idea to change the locks, it’s a good idea to reprogram the opener. Most modern openers have a reset function that works similar to this:
Locate the Learn/Program button.
Press and hold that button until the opener gives an indication; it could be a flashing LED or overhead light.
Different manufacturers/models have different hold times. Wait for the indicator before releasing the button.
Program your remote as described in the section above.
Security and Safety Considerations
Modern garage door openers come with a high level of built-in security. Older openers with DIP switches lock the opener and remote onto a single code. But modern openers use a more secure rolling code, meaning the code changes over time.
Tommy Mello, founder of A1 Garage Door Service, describes it like this, “Every time the opener button is pressed, rolling code technology changes the access code. Because there are billions of possible combinations, it is almost impossible for hackers to steal the code for a garage door opener and use it to get into a home.”
If you have an older opener and would like to boost your security, consider installing the Genie Girud-1T. This easy-to-install device upgrades your garage security to rolling codes without buying an entire opener.
More Info for Your Specific Opener
You’ll set up the vast majority of openers with the instructions above, but it’s always a good idea to check the documentation for your specific opener. Here are some links to popular brands.
Growing up in Oklahoma, I experienced a lot of tornadoes. Everyone in the state knew the drill, repeated hundreds of times by television meteorologists: Get to the lowest part of your house; stay away from windows. If you think the lowest part of the house is the basement, well…not in Oklahoma. Most people don’t have them. I spent many a night crouching in the bathtub under a mattress.
Safe rooms sound like a better way to spend an evening, right? Have you thought about installing one? (I sure wish we had one when I was growing up!) Here’s what you need to know.
Types of Safe Rooms
The term “safe room” may bring to mind movies about break-ins and burglaries, and that is one type. But safe rooms provide a protected area for you and your family to shelter in place during all kinds of emergencies, including weather events.
Storm shelters
Safe rooms provide protection against wind-related weather events, particularly tornadoes and hurricanes. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) publishes guidance for building and installing safe rooms, which offer “near-absolute protection” from deadly winds and debris from extreme wind events. Be aware that safe rooms do not protect you from floods, and should not be located underground in areas prone to flooding.
Storm shelter safe rooms can be residential or community, meaning installed in schools, hospitals and other public buildings, so that people can jointly shelter in place when an emergency occurs.
Home security
These safe rooms protect you and your family in the event of a home invasion or social unrest after a natural disaster. Wes Fox, founder and CEO of United Defense Tactical, says you only have seconds to react if someone’s breaking into your home. An accessible, reinforced safe room gives you a place to safely shelter until the coast is clear.
Wildfire protection
Safe rooms can also protect you from wildfire smoke and particulate matter. As we’ve seen with recent fires in Canada and the Western U.S., smoke can travel hundreds of miles from the actual “ground zero” of wildfire tragedies. (Always evacuate when told to do so. Safe rooms do not protect you from the fire itself.)
“It’s important to set up safe rooms during poor air quality events,” according to Glory Dolphin Hammes, a certified indoor environmentalist, licensed HVAC contractor and CEO of IQAir North America. “Safe rooms allow your family to have an indoor sanctuary without needing to wear an N95 mask.”
Best Locations for a Safe Room
The most important thing to consider when deciding where to put your safe room is how easy it will be to access during an emergency. If a tornado is bearing down, for example, you don’t want to have to run across the yard to your shelter. Likewise, a basement shelter is not ideal for people in wheelchairs.
FEMA separates locations for safe rooms into three general categories:
Above ground. These can be inside the house or outside. They are just as safe as below- or in-ground, if built to FEMA specs.
In-ground. These have all four walls enclosed by dirt. In-ground safe rooms are often pre-fabricated and installed in one piece.
Below ground, aka basement safe rooms. These are easy to build in existing homes but are not suitable for homes at risk for flooding.
For home security safe rooms, Fox likes below-ground options. “Typically, safe rooms and panic rooms are in basements,” Fox says. “That’s the ideal situation.” If you’re in an area that doesn’t have basements, a first-floor bedroom closet is a great alternative. Just like storm shelters, accessibility is key.
For wildfire smoke safe rooms, Hammes says to make your safe room the most comfortable room in your home, and the place where your family spends the most time. A source of clean air is key, as is a way to filter the contaminants. IQAir offers an online tool to help you get started.
Safe Room Essentials
Once you’re inside the safe room, you need to be able to stay there until it’s okay to emerge. That means it must have a source of fresh air and plenty of supplies. Depending on the length and nature of the emergency, here are some things you should stock in your safe room.
Food (non-perishable) and water for several days.
Medical supplies, including a first aid kit and essential medicines for extended stays.
Flashlight and extra batteries.
Battery-operated weather radio, and a hand-crank generator to charge phones and other devices.
Landline phone. Cell towers often go down during emergencies. Fox says installing a landline can keep you connected to the outside world.
Security camera and laptop computer, preferably connected via landline, so you can keep an eye on what’s happening outside the room.
Note: If you have any weapons that could be used against you, keep them locked up in your safe room. Never leave them where an intruder could find them.
Building a Safe Room
You’re probably wondering if you can build these things yourself. You can, but for protection from extreme wind events, like tornadoes and hurricanes, it’s best to follow the engineering guidance of qualified professionals. FEMA, the International Code Council and the National Storm Shelter Association publish standards for building safe rooms with qualified contractors.
For home security safe rooms, you can build them yourself or have them custom-built. Converting a closet, or building a small room in your basement with concrete masonry units (CMU, aka concrete block) is a great DIY project that won’t break the bank.
“At minimum, you have to have a fortified door,” Fox says. Most people, even those with bad intentions, will use the door to any room rather than go get tools and try to break through a wall, even if it’s just drywall. “That would take a fair amount of time,” Fox says. It’s great to have steel-lined or cement walls, if possible, but Fox recognizes that may not be an option for everyone.
How Much Does a Safe Room Cost?
It depends. You can spend a few thousand dollars on reinforcing an existing closet or basement space, or $100,000 or more for a custom-designed vault with enhanced security features. Fox says there’s a wide range of safe room options — it’s really up to you and your budget.
FEMA puts the average 8-ft. by 8-ft. safe room cost at $9,400 to $13,100, while a 14-ft. by 14-ft. room costs between $18,900 and $25,500. Neither of these figures includes the door, which must be specially reinforced and is the most critical part of the installation (doors can easily run several thousand dollars). Pre-fab, in-ground rooms cost around $5,000 to $6,000, not including foundation or dirt work.
For security rooms, a DIY build could cost a few thousand up to $10K, says Fox. If you decide to go with a professional safe room company, you’re probably looking at a minimum of $20,000, depending on the size, features, location and other factors.
Easy installation, wallet-friendly pricing and good color selection are just a few of the qualities that put this MotorDeck Diamond Modular Tile at the top of our list. Designed with high-quality polypropylene, this product also features a non-slip design that resists penetration by grease, oil and other staining liquids. The 12-inch by 12-inch tiles come in a 24-piece package in black, alloy, graphite, red or blue. Installation is easy, requiring no tools unless you’re cutting pieces to fit.
While a few customer reviews expressed concerns about the potential for water getting trapped under the channeled tiles, the majority of reviewers gave this garage flooring idea a 5-star review. MotorDeck also stands behind its tiles, offering a 12-year warranty.
Pros
High-quality polypropylene resists staining
Non-slip design
Available in five colors
Wallet-friendly pricing
Cons
Some reviews revealed concerns of water becoming trapped under tiles
Unlike standard kitchen refrigerator compressors that malfunction when temperatures drop below 60, the GE Garage-Ready Top-Freezer Refrigerator is certified to work for temperatures ranging from 38 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. In other words, your soda will remain cold and your potluck dishes will stay fresh no matter what.
We’re also big fans of its fridge organization capabilities. You get modular door bins, an adjustable freezer shelf, a deli drawer, edge-to-edge shelves and temperature controls for the fridge and freezer sections. Speaking of freezers, the 6.68 cubic feet of freezer space is slightly above the standard six cubic feet you’ll find in most garage fridges with freezers.
The favorite feature of the more than 5,700 5-star customer reviews seems to be the LED lighting that makes finding a midnight snack as easy as pie. It’s also available in five finishes, including stainless steel.
Safety first! These Solo Stove Gloves provide advanced thermal protection when handling hot tools. No one wants burnt fingers when baking pizzas, and using the right tools along with these high-heat-resistant gloves will protect your hands when you grab hot tools that have just been near the fire. I wear these gloves every time I make a pie with my outdoor pizza oven, and they haven’t failed me yet.
Recently, former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal took to Instagram to share a video of his super-swanky garage. Unsurprisingly, it’s larger-than-life, stylish and totally distinctive. But it’s also remarkably organized, thanks to a series of cabinets, racks, shelves, workbenches and accessories.
Read on to learn Shaq’s all-star storage picks, as well as our tips on how to get the look yourself.
Inside Shaq’s Garage
In the video, Shaq begins by thanking NewAge Products, which provided all his storage equipment.
He says, beaming: “NewAge Products, this is Shaq O’Neal. Let me tell you something: I’ve received a lot of gifts, and the gifts you gave me to hook my garage up, I appreciate you very much. And guess what? Guess what? I got another garage I’m building, but I don’t need no gifts, ’cause I’m going [to] buy ’cause the quality is mwah, mwah, mwah, top choice! I appreciate you guys very much!”
Next, the video pans to showcase the garage itself. Standout features include the New York City skyline wallpaper, glossy swirled floors and bold geometric lights, to say nothing of that giant Shelby F-150. But Shaq’s pride and joy is clearly his workspace on the far side of the garage.
Shaq uses the following products to keep his garage organized. They range in price from approximately $120 for the steel slatwall accessory kit to $900 for the multi-use locker. Note the NewAge Products site says “[p]roduct pricing [and] delivery timelines are determined based on your delivery location.”
Next, elevate your garage floor. Shaq’s floor appears to utilize paint and epoxy to get the unique swirl pattern. While the patterning may take professional know-how, most DIYers can achieve a single-toned painted, epoxy floor.
Finally, make a version of Shaq’s flashy light fixtures with a combination of showroom and task lighting. For extra oomph, use colored LED bulbs to cover your workspace in ambient blue or purple. With these changes, you, too, can feel like Superman each time you step up to the workbench!
Plug the term “vinyl” into any search engine and you’ll get pages of information on vinyl records. I’ve had my collection of those to be sure. But to me, “vinyl” conjures items I’ve used in the building trades. Things like water and drainage pipes, siding, faux-wood decking, interior flooring, window frames, door frames, entry doors and garage doors.
In northern California, where I live, garages aren’t as much of a thing as in coastal British Columbia, where I used to live. Up there, vinyl is a common garage door material because it’s lightweight, easy to clean and mold- and rot-resistant.
Routine maintenance of the property I rented in Victoria included power washing the garage door once a year. That’s all it ever needed.
It isn’t likely you’ll mistake a vinyl garage door for a wooden one. Vinyl more closely resembles aluminum or steel. Plus, it rarely dents and never needs painting. Vinyl garage doors are built on a steel frame, with room between the front and back panels for foam insulation. That keeps a garage warm even during cold Canadian winters.
What Is Vinyl?
Vinyl is a petroleum product manufactured with ethylene derived from oil. It can take several forms, but polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the one most often used for construction materials. It’s produced by adding chlorine and heating the mixture at really high temperatures.
You’ll find vinyl in food wraps, safety glass films, paints, adhesives and shower curtains, but PVC is the only type rigid enough for making building materials. That’s why the terms vinyl and PVC mean basically the same thing to builders.
Records, by the way, are also made from PVC. So instead of saying “spinning the vinyl,” you could say “spinning the PVC.” You wouldn’t be wrong, but the first phrase definitely sounds better.
Types of Vinyl Garage Doors
When shopping for vinyl garage doors, the tilt-up door is by far the most common type on the market. It consists of a single panel that swings out and up as it opens. Because the panel rests against the ceiling in the open position, it’s also known as an overhead door.
Wayne Dalton offers its 8700 model vinyl door in two patterns, Colonial and Sonoma. Other manufacturers have similar offerings. Some, like Door Boy in New Jersey, offer carriage-style swinging doors made from vinyl planks.
According to San Jose-based Precision Garage Door, sectional doors with horizontal hinged sections are also available, but typically must be custom-ordered.
Vinyl Garage Doors, Pros and Cons
The proliferation of PVC in the environment raises increasingly urgent environmental concerns, particularly in communities near factories that produce it.
Production and disposal releases toxic chlorine-based chemicals, leading Greenpeace to identify PVC as the most environmentally damaging plastic. That’s a major downside. But vinyl garage doors do have offsetting upsides.
Pros
Low to no maintenance: PVC never rusts or warps. Apart from keeping the tracks and door opener in working condition, a vinyl garage door needs little attention. Vinyl hardly ever dents, and scratches don’t show because the color is baked into the material.
Low cost: Vinyl doors are slightly more expensive than steel or aluminum ones, but less expensive than wood and fiberglass.
Longer warranty: Doors made with other materials typically come with 10- to 20-year warranties. Vinyl garage doors typically offer a lifetime warranty.
Cons
Limited color availability: Dark colors absorb sunlight and fade quickly or damage the vinyl, so choices for factory finishes may be limited.
Poor insulator: By itself, vinyl does little to prevent heat transfer. In cold climates, vinyl doors need extra insulation.
You’re stuck with the original appearance: Vinyl doesn’t lend itself to cosmetic modifications. Barring color fading, which can occur if the door comes without a UV-protective coating, the door you install today will look the same in 20 years. If you do a major renovation and the door doesn’t fit the new design, you’ll probably have to replace it.
Is Vinyl Garage Door Installation DIY-able?
Doubtful. I wouldn’t try to install an overhead or sectional garage door myself. Setting the tracks accurately, anchoring them securely and adjusting the torsion springs to ensure smooth operation of the door are all jobs I’d rather leave to experienced pros.
Anyone who does have the skill and confidence to do this job, however, will find it easier to set the door on the tracks because vinyl is so light.
A carriage-style door is a different story, because the installation procedure isn’t much different from that for any swinging door. Again, vinyl’s light weight is an advantage that makes it easier to lift the door onto the hinges.
What Does It Cost for Pro Installation?
Installation costs range from $650 to $2,300, with the average about $1,200. Cost varies with the size of the door and its style. Larger doors cost more to install, and sectional and overhead doors cost more than swinging doors because it involves more work.
Can You Paint a Vinyl Garage Door?
Yes. It’s generally best to use light shades, because they absorb less heat from sunlight than dark ones. Manufacturers generally recommend latex rather than oil-based paint. If you want a dark color, choose a vinyl-safe paint that contains reflective material to protect the vinyl.
A word of advice: Painting will probably increase your maintenance work load.
Vinyl doors are so easy to keep clean because the factory tint extends all the way through the material and stands up to power washing. Once you apply a coat of paint, you introduce the possibility of chipping, cracking and peeling. You’ll need to repaint every five years or so to maintain the door’s appearance.
When we think of Halloween decorations, we often think of classic orange pumpkins. But this year, there’s a new pumpkin color you can expect to see on porches: teal. And much like paint on a tree or a boot on a fence, these teal pumpkins contain a special message for onlookers.
Here’s everything you need to know about the mysterious teal pumpkins — what they mean, how they benefit children, and how you can get one yourself.
What Does a Teal Pumpkin Mean?
If you see a teal pumpkin on a doorstep this Halloween, it signals that, in addition to candy, the house offers non-food toys or trinkets for trick-or-treaters to enjoy.
According to FARE, one in 13 children in America have some sort of food allergy. Even scarier, 42% of those children have experienced a serious allergic reaction.
Halloween candy often contains one of the seven major food allergens: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy and sesame. Many trick-or-treaters cannot accept candy. The Teal Pumpkin Project ensures these children stay safe while enjoying the holiday festivities.
Where Can I Buy a Teal Pumpkin?
This year, CVS teamed up with FARE to provide teal pumpkins and more than 100 non-food toys to purchase.
In a press release, Brian Eason, CVS vice president of general merchandise and consumables, said, “Our partnership with FARE has made it possible to accommodate the needs of every child and foster inclusive celebrations, while also bringing awareness to the important mission of FARE.”
More than 7,000 CVS stores across America will carry these non-food items, many costing less than $5. Check out CVS’s full Teal Pumpkin Project offerings here. Additionally, see if your local CVS carries Teal Pumpkin Project items by checking FARE’s interactive neighborhood map starting October 1.
Can I Make a Teal Pumpkin Myself?
Absolutely. Here’s how to paint a pumpkin. To really up the ante, you could also create your own Halloween crafts to hand out — stickers, stencils, bookmarks, bubbles or finger puppets.
Once you’ve created or purchased your allergy-safe goodies, make sure to add your house to the interactive map above so trick-or-treating families can find you. Have a safe and spooky holiday!
You’ll only need 27 inches of space to install this storage solution, which can hold up to 52 pairs of shoes, including sneakers, boots and heels. The shoe wall also features smooth-gliding shoe racks with integrated wheels and built-in stops. And since your shoes will sit on ventilated shelves, you don’t have to worry about unpleasant odors forming. This product is part of the Elfa collection, which offers supplemental garage organizers that run the gamut from bike racks and white drawers to shelf baskets and utility round cord hooks. Install multiple units side by side or search for larger sizes, like this four-foot shoe wall iteration.
Since the 1950s, plush green lawns have been a status symbol of the American dream as more people moved out to the suburbs. Today, turf grass lawns are the norm, covering an estimated 62,500 square miles across the United States — roughly the size of Florida.
Turf grass is touted for its ability to handle foot traffic. But it comes with a high cost, financially and environmentally.
It’s estimated that Americans spend $30 billion a year and endless hours caring for their lawn, according to the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension. Yet turf grass lawns have high water requirements, low wildlife value, and high pollution and public health risks due to fertilizers, pesticides and equipment use.
“The standard regimen of synthetic fertilizers, supplemental watering and cutting, trimming and blowing with gas-powered equipment are often not aligned with sustainability,” says Trista Imrich, landscape designer and horticulturist at Wild Works of Whimsy.
Given these concerns, more homeowners are looking to replace their traditional turf grass with a more sustainable groundcover that’s better for the environment and requires less maintenance.
What Makes a Groundcover Sustainable?
The most sustainable type of groundcover depends on factors like climate, soil, water needs and availability, biodiversity and intended use of the space. A sustainable groundcover usually has these characteristics:
Requires less watering;
Requires little or no mowing and weeding;
Requires few or no fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides;
Improves ecological balance and health of the lawn.
Types of Groundcover
With so many types of groundcover to choose from, it can be daunting to make the switch from turf grass to something more sustainable. Here’s a list of groundcovers, ranked from most to least sustainable:
No-mow native perennial bed
The most sustainable alternative to turf grass, by far, is a no-mow native perennial bed groundcover with a mix of native plants. As perennials, they live more than two years and come back every season. These include mondo grass, white clover, mosses, lamb’s ear, black-eyed Susan and many more.
According to Zac Gnadinger, founder of the Kentucky Native Plants Project, “Native plants are adapted to local climate and soil conditions, making them a low-maintenance option that won’t require excessive watering, fertilization or pest control. They also play an essential role in supporting local ecosystems by providing habitat for native pollinators and birds.”
Plus, they improve soil quality, prevent erosion, suppress weeds and reduce pests and diseases.
If you’re having trouble deciding what to plant, check your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone and consult with a local native plant expert, gardening club, or garden center.
Wildflower meadow
You could also create a low meadow, less than about three feet high.
“Meadowscaping is creating an environment in your yard that mimics the natural growth and life of a meadow,” says Christen Costa, CEO of GR Lawn & Garden. “The space is primarily left unmaintained. It supports your native environment, and it helps attract bees and other pollinators.”
When meadowscaping, only choose plants native to your specific local environment so they can thrive with little maintenance.
According to a recent study at the University of Cambridge, a wildflower meadow is a much greener alternative to a perfectly manicured patch of grass because gardens can store carbon over time.
Researchers estimate meadows could save about 1.36 tons of carbon emissions per hectare per year, mainly by eliminating mowing and fertilizing. Previous studies also indicated even mini meadows can positively impact wildlife.
Mulch
Typically made of wood chips or bark, mulch can prevent weeds, erosion, moisture loss and fertilizer and herbicide runoff. Mulch also boosts soil health as it decomposes.
“Mulch is easy to install and maintain, as it does not require watering, mowing or fertilizing,” says Rhys Charles, a landscaper and CEO and founder of Lawn and Tractors.
However, it can be expensive to keep replacing, because as it fades, it washes away or decomposes. Also, it can attract termites, rodents or fungi if not properly treated or maintained. To maintain mulch, use a barrier, periodically turn over the top layer and pull weeds when they appear.
Gravel or stone
Gravel or stone is another alternative to turf grass. Although more expensive than other options, it requires minimal maintenance and lasts a long time. The challenge? Eventually, weeds will start to grow between the rocks.
“Also, gravel can create excess heat in the summer as it absorbs and reflects the sun,” Imrich says. “It can also reduce the infiltration of water into the soil, as it compacts the ground beneath it over time. This can increase stormwater runoff, which can carry pollutants and sediments into waterways.”
Use gravel and stone sparingly, only in walkways and between landscape — not for the entire lawn. Also ask your local supplier the source of the material, to understand its impact on the land. Try to avoid gravel mined from riverbeds, and opt for materials sourced from nearby quarries instead.
Artificial turf
Artificial turf is the least sustainable option, though it doesn’t require watering, mowing, fertilizing or pesticides. That’s because it’s made from synthetic materials like nylon, polyethylene or polypropylene, and doesn’t attract wildlife.
Kathy Jentz, author of Groundcover Revolution and host of the GardenDC Podcast, is not a fan of artificial turf. “It is plastic from the oil industry,” she says. “It kills everything in the soil below it. In the heat and hot sun, there is off-gassing of chemicals.”
She also says it still must be cleaned and vacuumed. And it decays and breaks down over time, releasing microplastics into the air and waterways.
