Not only is it a great project that you can do by yourself, it also improves the value of your home and increases the length of time the wood and other materials will last. And of course, it looks great and will improve your summer of living outside!
What are some simple things to do?
Give Everything a Good Clean
Regular maintenance matters. The patio and deck will get some damage just because it is outdoors all year round. It needs cleaning and staining. A good cleaning, with spray, scrub, and a power wash will give it a whole new life – and that’s just at the beginning. Cleaning improves and lengthens the life of the wood and it removes dirt, mold, and algae. A power wash, or pressure washer, is a very useful way to clean with only water. Use it gently on wood and learn what it can do before you begin. If you don’t own, or don’t want to own a pressure washer, they can be rented.
Clean More Than the Wood
Give the concrete a clean as well and take a look at the furniture. Whether it is plastic, bamboo or metal, it needs cleaning. Are there cushions on it? Clean it all with brushes and vacuums and wash the plastic or the wicker and the cushions with soap and water. If you have metal furniture and it has not been painted or the paint is damaged, then clean it with steel wool and repaint or touch it up after. Use the right paint, such as Tremclad Rust Paint.
Rust paints prevent corrosion by limiting the water and air that contact the metal.
Imagine Your Space
When the weather is great the patio is an extra room in the house. Give some thought to how it should look. Think about the plants that will be back there, the placing of the furniture, the table, and the cooking area. Does the barbecue or eating area need a spruce up? How is the lighting out there? You can make it look great by planting flowers and getting those weeds out of there! Adding lighting and other accessories, like statues or shading, gives it some extra love. Just imagine!
A BBQ or a fire pit will allow you to be out there into the night time and a little bit longer in the year. Even when it gets a little cooler, you can still love your space.
This story was made possible by our Community Partners Program. Thank you A. Clark Roofing for helping to expand local news coverage in Alberta. Learn more.
