As spring rolls in, your family & friends will begin looking to migrate outside and enjoy the warmer weather. After a long winter, patio & deck areas can seem bare and uninviting. Decks fade, once crisp lines between landscaping & patio surfaces become muddled, and everything gets dirty.
It can be overwhelming to consider making everything beautiful again on a tight budget, but luckily a few dollars and some elbow grease can go a long way. Here are 4 tips for sprucing up your patio or deck without spending a fortune.
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Clean Everything!
This one seems like a no-brainer, but the difference it can make is truly astounding. You’d never guess the dirt that a long winter can set in. Hose down the patio, or get some soap and a rag and scrub the deck. Make the grill shine, clean the windows on the house. Nobody wants to sit in a dirty chair or eat from a scum coated table. Using only a small portion of the cleaning supplies you probably keep around the house anyway, this is by far the best “bang for your buck” thing you can do to get the patio ready for the summer.
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Don’t Neglect the Yard/Landscaping
Leaves left over from the fall, sticks and branches from harsh winter storms and uneven borders between patios and landscaping all serve to make an outdoor area look trashy and unfinished. Clearing the yard and redefining borders can do wonders for the overall appearance of your yard making the deck or patio much more inviting. You may also want to consider mulching now, before the weeds have a chance to take over. Many municipalities and companies offer free mulch to anyone willing to cart it off. Sometimes all you have to do is ask!
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Add Flair
A few unique pieces around the yard can add a certain allure to a deck or patio. Uncommon pots for plants, statues or fountains can make an area memorable for your guests and family creating a great conversation piece. While too many of these can be gaudy and unattractive, a few well placed items can work wonders. Don’t be fooled into thinking that these types of things need to be expensive though; garage and estate sales can be a great way to spruce up a patio or deck without spending too much. Keep your eye out for anything that turns your head.
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Remember what a Patio/Deck is for!
The most important thing to remember is that this is a space meant for congregating and conversation. Tables for drinks and places to sit are absolutely imperative. Furniture, unfortunately, is an expensive but necessary aspect of any outdoor area that you actually expect to get used. If you already have furniture, proper care is important to ensure that it lasts. Again, remember the power of garage and estate sales. You can occasionally find a full set, but even a single bench can create a new spot for a couple of people to chat.
If you are in need of a new set of, let’s say, resin outdoor furniture, you may want to reconsider going with the local discount store. Many times, the furniture they peddle can be cheap and only last a season or two. Going with a more expensive set that will last longer can save money in the long run. These tips, along with common sense & good shopping can make your patio or deck a beautiful place to relax with friends & family.
Eric King is the co-founder of www.brooksidepatiofurniture.com, an e-commerce store that specializes in outdoor wicker patio furniture.
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