Get Ready for Summer — Tips for Bringing Your Outdoor Space to Life

PatioWith the beautiful weather upon us, we have the chance now to spend more time outside with friends and family enjoying our beautiful surroundings. Here are a few ideas for getting your spaces looking their best.

If you have an existing patio or deck, now is a good time to give it a good pressure-washing and cleaning. Inspect for damage on decks and replace any loose or rotting boards. For a concrete patio, patch or repair cracks and apply a sealer after cleaning.

Is your patio or deck looking a little rundown? Patio areas can be stained with concrete stain to upgrade their look, and you can add a decorative border of pavers to increase the size a bit and add some visual interest.

Decks, after a good cleaning, may need to be sanded down, and a new stain, sealer or Penofin can be applied to rejuvenate the color and look as well as protect the deck and railing.

Do you have a side yard or back yard that you don’t use because you don’t know what to do with it? Create a little oasis by laying pavers or pouring a patio. Set out a little bistro table, add a small gas fire pit and hang some of those cute patio lights.

This little unused yard area might become the surprise jewel for get-togethers and just enjoying a quiet afternoon, reading or sitting by the fire pit at night. It can be a great place for outdoor movies, teenager hangouts — so many possibilities.

Step back and take a look at your spaces with a fresh eye. What small updates can you make to create a more welcoming and relaxed feel? Some colorful pots of varying heights filled with flowers? New patio furniture or just some new cushions for the old stuff? A colorful, new patio umbrella?

With a little effort — and a few weekend projects if you don’t want to hire out the work — you will be enjoying that great “new” space just in time for summer sun and fun.