If you are experiencing the same feelings as I am, I know you are excited about the warmer temperatures and the prospect of enjoying the outdoors. With that in mind, here are some ideas on outdoor decorating and projects; such as, getting the deck ready and creating outdoor entertainment space. First things first …
How healthy is your deck?
Tim Carter, author and owner of the website Askthebuilder.com suggests that you “Check the structural status of your deck. Check your railings to ensure they are in good shape. Watch for cracks on structural timbers and that the stair stringers (the boards that stair planks rest upon) should not have cracks in them.â€
Is there mold or algae on the deck from the long winter? There are many deck cleaners on the market, but you should be aware of what’s in those products and consider if they are safe for your family, pets, plants, and the environment. A good quality oxygen bleach with some elbow grease should do the trick and won’t harm the environment. For an explanation on how this cleaner works, click here. If you plan to use a power washer to clean your deck, click here to learn the proper way to use a power washer. In terms of selecting a deck sealer, you will want to do your research by going to your favorite paint or home store or consider having a professional do the job for you!
Looking to decorate?
If you have vinyl siding, you may be hesitant to hang anything outside. I came across this product that allows you to put up a hook without harming your siding, click here to learn more about this product.
Let’s have some fun! Outdoor Projects
Have you considered creating a pergola for shade over an existing deck? For a quick video on ideas and simple instructions from HGTV, click here. To get some ideas on how you would want your pergola to look, click here and go through ideas from Houzz. To create more shade you can add a shade cloth to the top of the pergola, such as this example of a neutral cloth from HomeDepot.com. If you are looking for a natural look, using plants, click here to review some plant option ideas from HGTV.
Have you always wanted a fire pit? Here are a few ideas:
- Wood or charcoal burning DIY fire pit from Better Homes & Gardens
- Fitted Stone Kit from Home Depot
- Gas Fire Pit Instructions
- Gas Fire Pit Items from Lowes
For more inspiration and a review of the Ten Top Outdoor Design Trends click on this link: Ten Top Outdoor Design Trends.
If you need help planning your outdoor space or arranging your space in such a way to maximize the amount of space that you do have contact Debbie@RedesignRight.com!
Debbie Correale is founder and owner of Redesign Right, LLC. You can learn more about her at RedesignRight.com. Find her on Facebook.com/RedesignRight, Twitter @RedesignRight, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Houzz. Feature photo licensed from iStockPhoto.