Sunday, April 24, 2011

Tips For Decorating Your Wooden Deck

A deck or patio is a living space. Once you view it as such, decorating it becomes less frightening. If you designed the comfortable living room there is no reason you cannot decorate a deck to be functional, fun, efficient and beautiful. The process is so similar to what you did inside, that once you read the steps mapped out here, you will no doubt wonder what you were afraid of.

Any decorating begins with research. Take stock of the deck, its shape, height of the railings and how much of the space is away from the house. If you plan on grilling on the deck that last thing is very important. Before adding the first stick of furniture make certain the deck is in good repair and doesn't need an extra coat of sealant or paint.

The next thing you must do is look at some decks. Ride around and see the decorated decks of neighbors. You may even want to look at a few model homes to get an idea of how it can be. Next determine the uses you plan for the deck. Will you use it to entertain only or do you want a quiet and relaxing spot for quiet evenings at home. Invest in a couple "outdoor living space" magazines this will help you to further visualize what could be.

You should arrange the seating according to how the flow of the smoke is coming off the grill you want the seats to be out of the path of the smoke. Once you decide on where the grill should go (this can only be done by firing it up) the rest can fall into place in a snap. You will always put the grill where the wind will most likely blow the smoke away from the house and the guest. Put it along the railing farthest from the side of the house.

Now add the table chairs and any other adornments you like. A deck is a great place to use window boxes. Plants really liven up the space. Use your imagination and get decorative with the planters. One thing you must consider when decorating in the spring is how it will all be removed in the winter months. Some items will fare quite well being left in the elements but other may even have to be removed during a rainstorm. For instance if you use an umbrella, high winds can send it sailing even if folded.

The real trick to decorating a deck or patio will ultimately hinge on its primary function. If you want to get more information you can find pictures of beautifully decorated wooden decks all over the Internet. Go searching and maybe you will see something that truly inspires you.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Choose The Right Patio Furniture And Be Good To It

It is just great to have a full weekend off, especially if it's Memorial Day weekend. That is when you can have the big picnics in the park, or a big barbeque in your very own backyard. Imagine a big grill with burgers and hot dogs sizzling away while the birds are flying by; children running around while the adults talk about their lives with each other. With all this excitement around the corner, you need to prepare for the new season. Start with the right patio furniture.

They are many different kinds of patio furniture. Choosing the right one really depends on your tastes. You could go with an all metal design with soft cushions, or go with a teak wood frame known for its resiliency against the weather. Either way, perhaps the most important factor is whether or not your patio furniture looks good in your backyard. If it does not fit in, then it will look awkward. Take a picture of your backyard and patio and bring it to the store to make sure everything matches. You could also look online for some great outdoor collections.

Outdoor furniture is not something you want to neglect. During the winter months you will want to store your furniture in your garage or basement. Leaving these pieces out all winter will speed up erosion and will play a major role in rotting wood. If you do not have storage for your furniture then get some heavy tarmac to cover them with. The biggest mistake people make is they do not get enough tarmac. Do a measurement of your furniture before you head off to the hardware store so you will know how much you will need. You will want to be able to cover every inch of your furniture. Make sure it is bound well so that it does not fly away during a heavy storm.

It is great to be able to enjoy the outdoors during the weekend, especially during those summer holidays like the fourth of July. Patio furniture allows you to have great parties while accommodating your guests. Make sure you choose the right collection that will seat plenty. Do not forget to care for your furniture. So many people make the mistake of neglecting their tables and chairs and leave them to the elements. Once rust and corrosion begins, it is only a matter of time.