The IDEA Publishing
  • HOME
  • Popular IDEAS
    • IDEAS for Your Better Business Life >
      • The Business Idea
      • The Career IDEA
      • The Money Idea
    • IDEAS for Your Better Diversions >
      • The Tech IDEA
      • The Travel IDEA
      • The Auto IDEA
      • The Outdoors IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Better Table >
      • The Food IDEA
      • IDEAS de Cocina Espanola
    • IDEAS for a Better You >
      • The Health IDEA
      • Living Well IDEAS
      • The Fitness IDEA
      • The Beauty IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Happier Home >
      • The Home Idea
      • The Entertaining Idea
      • The Parenting Idea
      • The Senior Living IDEA
      • The Pet IDEA
  • The Video Domain
    • Video IDEAS for Your Better Business Life
  • About
  • Contact
  • ads.txt
the_outdoors_idea
The Outdoors IDEA

The Outdoors IDEA

Around the House, Around the Park, Around Adventure, and Around the Great Outdoors!

DIY deck re-do: Resurface in a weekend

7/6/2018

Comments

 
resurface_your_deck_in_one_weekend
Resurface your deck in one weekend!

Follow these simple steps to a new deck surface that you can spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying!



(BPT) - Outdoor living season means backyard BBQs, yard games and relaxing with a good book or good friends. If you own a wood deck, however, it also means considerable time and money spent on seasonal maintenance and deck repairs.

While wood decks are aesthetically pleasing, properly maintaining them requires regular stripping, sanding and staining. The process is labor-intensive, time-consuming, messy and costly — averaging between $540 and $1,050 each time, according to HomeAdvisor.com.

Consider this: For the same time and energy you would spend maintaining and repairing those old wood boards, you could replace them with a deck made of structurally superior composite material — and never again have to worry about upkeep. As long as the structural framework of your existing deck is intact and in good condition, you are a candidate for deck resurfacing.

“Resurfacing an aging or decaying wood deck with new composite decking is a doable DIY project that can be completed over the course of a weekend or two with just a little know-how and the help of a few friends,” explains Adam Zambanini, vice president of marketing for Trex Company. “You get a brand-new deck for a lot less money than starting from scratch — and a lot less hassle through the years.”

Designed for maximum durability and minimal maintenance, wood-alternative decking is resistant to fading, staining, scratching and mold and, unlike wood, requires no sanding, staining or sealing. Just an occasional soap-and-water cleaning is all that is needed to retain a “like-new” appearance and durability for decades.

Ready to resurface?


Follow these simple steps to a new deck surface that you can spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying:

Step 1: Examine the substructure


Before removing any boards, check your deck’s foundation. Start from the ground up by examining the footings, posts and joists. Pay close attention to the condition of the wood. Soft wood indicates rot and should be replaced before proceeding. If the existing framing and substructure are sound, you’re good to go.

Tip: To help ensure your substructure lasts as long as your new composite deck boards, use a protective tape, such as TrexProtect, to shield wooden joists and beams from moisture that can lead to rot and the loosening of deck screws and fasteners.

Step 2: Remove old deck boards


Remove any existing railing and begin prying up the nailed decking boards, leaving the substructure and framing in place. Start from the outside and move toward the house so you have a solid, safe platform from which to work.

Step 3: Level it out


To ensure a level surface for the new deck boards, make sure the joists are flat and even with one another. If any joists are bowed, you may need to plane or cut them.

Step 4: Install new deck boards


Begin laying out the new composite boards. Starting near the house, face screw the first board to the frame. Closely follow the instructions for spacing from the manufacturer’s installation guide. As you progress, check the spacing between the house and the deck boards to make sure they stay parallel with the house. Correct variations a little at a time over several rows to avoid large, tapered gaps.

Step 5: Complete with railing


Measure for each post location, and cut placement holes with a jigsaw. Then, drop the posts into the holes and bolt them securely. Slide sleeves over the posts and assemble railing and balusters per the installation guide. Finish off by adding your choice of decorative elements, such as post caps and top rail caps.

For more guidance on deck resurfacing, watch a step-by-step video from Trex at https://youtu.be/ZI8CYwI0MYM.


KEYWORDS

  • advice ×
  • backyard ×
  • backyard barbecues ×
  • BPT ×
  • Brandpoint Content ×
  • deck ×
  • decking ×
  • decks ×
  • DIY ×
  • do it yourself ×
  • hardware ×
  • home maintenance ×
  • maintenance ×
  • materials ×
  • outdoor ×
  • outdoor cooking ×
  • outdoor furniture ×
  • outdoor kitchen ×
  • outdoor living ×
  • patio ×
  • project ×
  • remodel ×
  • remodeling ×
  • tips ×
  • weekend ×
  • wood

Comments

Deck Design 101

12/27/2017

Comments

 

Timing can be everything, especially when it comes to planning an outdoor living space. By getting a jump-start on planning, you can afford yourself time to complete the process with maximum creativity and minimal stress. Try these expert tips and tricks of the trade to help make your dream deck a reality.


Deck Design 101

Tips for planning a perfect outdoor oasis

(Family Features) Timing can be everything, especially when it comes to planning an outdoor living space. By getting a jump-start on planning, you can afford yourself time to complete the process with maximum creativity and minimal stress.

Try these expert tips and tricks of the trade to help make your dream deck a reality.

Lay a Solid Foundation
Don’t skimp on the substructure. Often overlooked, the substructure can have tremendous impact on performance and appearance. For maximum strength and stability, opt for steel framing over wood in order to achieve a consistently flat decking surface. Wooden substructures can split, warp and shift over time, leading to an uneven surface in the deck boards. Dimensionally stable steel offers durability benefits over wood, plus greater design flexibility, sustainability, safety and fire resistance.

Get the Right Tools
In addition to magazines, TV shows and social platforms offer outdoor living ideas and inspiration. There are also a number of online tools designed to help guide you through the planning process, such as the Trex Deck Starter, which can help anyone at the outset of their deck building adventures. It provides a user-friendly way to experiment with various deck configurations and design combinations. In three simple steps, the tool can help you choose the right materials for your project and design a customized outdoor living space before ever raising a hammer.

Choose the Right Materials
When selecting materials, invest in decking that can hold up against the harshest weather and messiest cookouts. High-performance, low-maintenance composite decking offers superior durability and long-lasting looks. It can also outperform both wood and PVC alternatives over time. With a wood deck, the cost of regular sanding, staining and painting compound considerably over time. Over the life of a composite deck, the reduced maintenance costs of simple soap and water cleanings can add up to a greater return on investment – not to mention the value of all the time spent enjoying your deck rather than maintaining it.

Add Safety and Style with Railings
Railings can be one of the most visible parts of any deck so it should be considered at the same time as the deck boards. A good rule of thumb is to use the “three C’s,” which are: coordinate, contrast, customize. For example, crisp white posts and black aluminum balusters coordinate beautifully with gray deck boards, delivering an elegant look and feel. For a beachy vibe, opt for a contrasting look with all-white railings. Or go completely custom with sleek, black aluminum railings to create a space that’s both modern and inviting.

Incorporate Personal Touches with Accessories
Have fun exploring the many design elements that are available for customizing your deck. Things like built-in seating, planters and storage, as well as add-ons such as a pergola or outdoor furniture, which can add comfort, character and convenience to your outdoor living space. Further personalize your space with a variety of deck and landscape lighting fixtures. Set up path lights to brighten walkways and use spotlights to showcase trees and architectural features. Easy to install and energy efficient, an option like Trex Landscape Lighting can help keep your outdoor enjoyment going long after the sun goes down.

For more inspiration and tips for designing your dream deck, visit Trex.com.

Designing your outdoor space

Before any work can get done on the deck of your dreams, designing comes first. It’s important to have a plan in mind before diving in so that you have a vision of what you want your deck to become.

For example, you might envision your deck as a spacious place to host family and friends with room to mingle, while others may prefer a small, quiet space for reading a book or enjoying the peace of the outdoors. Different sizes, shapes, colors and other factors can all have an outsized impact on the final look of your deck, so take all factors into account before getting started.

Try these starting points for the ultimate deck design:

Choose a Deck Plan
From classic rectangle to beveled-edge to scenic overlook, an online tool like the Trex Deck Starter features a library of proven, ready-to-build deck designs. For a space that defies pre-made plans, you can also opt to create a custom deck plan to fit the layout of your home.

Choose Your Color
The right decking color can enhance your yard’s scenery, complement your home or make your deck stand out. Match your surroundings with natural tones, blend in with your home’s exterior by matching the trim or consider bold colors like a spicy red for a deck color that pops.

Frame Your Space
The right railings can pair with your decking to safely frame your space, enhance your view and open even more design possibilities. Based on your decking color, the experts at Trex can help make it easier by offering designer- curated decking and railing duos. You can also customize your railing, making the design your own from start to finish.

SOURCE:
Trex

Comments

The savvy homeowner's 5-point outdoor winterization checklist

11/6/2017

Comments

 
5-point-outdoor-winterization-checklist
The savvy homeowner's 5-point outdoor winterization checklist

(BPT) - As temperatures drop, you're reminded that Old Man Winter will soon rear his ugly head. Before the first flurries fly, it's important to take some winterization steps to ensure your home is ready for whatever the season brings.


This five-point checklist will help safeguard your home against winter's woes for another year. For additional winterization ideas and detailed project plans, visit Real Cedar.com.


Inspect windows


Inspect each window from the outside to see if any gaps or cracks are present. These small openings let in cold air and are also inviting to small critters looking for protection from the cold.


If you find some gaps, it’s important to seal them quickly. Apply caulk to the openings to prevent cold air from seeping in, helping to cut down on heating bills. Plus, you won’t have to worry about bugs making your home their hibernation haven. Note: never caulk above or below the window and door openings, as this may block moisture drainage.


Prep the deck


The amount of work you have to put into winterizing your deck depends on your decking material. For example, a durable, long-lasting material such as Western Red Cedar requires the least amount of maintenance. That said, all decks require some upkeep.


To preserve your deck’s luster, start by cleaning it with a warm, soapy solution and a soft-bristle brush. Do not power wash as this can damage the wood. It’s important that you remove all dirt and debris from the surface as well as in between the boards to improve ventilation.


Next, inspect the deck for mold. If present, wash the deck with a mild oxygen bleach solution and leave on the surface for 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Finally, remove anything that might leave marks on the deck’s surface such as furniture, planters and mats.


Protect planter boxes


The majority of planter boxes are made with Western Red Cedar. That’s because the wood is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insects; and therefore, doesn’t require treatment from potentially dangerous chemicals that can leach into soil and plants. But like all garden beds, real cedar planters need protection during the winter months.


Start by removing all soil and cleaning the boxes as you did the deck. Then, if possible, store emptied planters in a garage, shed or under the porch. If you don't have the space to store them this way, then cover them with a water-repellent tarp to protect from moisture buildup, but don’t seal the tarp. As with decks, it’s very important that you allow for proper ventilation.


Trim trees


Look for weak trees or those with dead branches, particularly those near your home. As snow accumulates, the weight may bring down a tree or branches, potentially damaging your house.


Eliminate this risk by removing any dead trees or dangerous branches now before the first snow. Be safe by using the proper equipment for tree trimming and removal, or, consider hiring a pro to do so. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and handling this issue now could prevent costly damage to your home down the road.


Clean the roof


Your roof is a large portion of your home, and it also holds a lot of snow over the winter. To prevent ice dams and other roof problems when freezing temperatures arrive, it's important to clean gutters and check your roof for problems now.


Start by taking all debris out of gutters to ensure free flow for water. Next, walk around your roof and inspect it for any damage. Repair loose shingles and make sure the chimney and vents look intact and secure. Your roof takes on a lot of weight from ice and snow during the winter months and you want it to be as strong as possible.


A few simple steps now can mean a cozy, safe winter for you and your entire family. Add these five steps to your winterization to-do list for this weekend and give yourself valuable peace of mind.



Comments

Tips for Tackling a DIY Deck Project

8/12/2017

Comments

 
outdoor-deck-furnishings
Make your deck outstanding...and durable!

While planning a new outdoor living space can be overwhelming, chances are there’s a home improvement retailer nearby that offers an abundance of resources to help you tackle virtually any project. If a DIY deck project is on your to-do list, these tips can help you navigate the aisles like a pro.


Tips for Tackling a DIY Deck Project

(Family Features) While planning a new outdoor living space can be overwhelming, chances are there’s a home improvement retailer nearby that offers an abundance of resources to help you tackle virtually any project. If a DIY deck project is on your to-do list, these tips can help you navigate the aisles like a pro.

Do your homework. Get started by perusing retailer websites to learn about their product offerings and services. Then visit manufacturer websites for more information and to compare aesthetics and performance. Research your options and decide what materials and styles make the most sense for your lifestyle and preferences. For instance, if you are looking to spend more time enjoying your deck than maintaining it, you may consider a high-performance composite material, like Trex. Unlike wood, composite decking won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter, and resists fading, scratching and mold.

Take advantage of retailer resources. After you’ve decided on a preferred material, your local big-box retailer can help you obtain additional information, design ideas and product samples. To help get you on your way, lowes.trex.com can help you explore the decking and railing collections available through Lowe’s. In addition to perusing an array of decking options, you also can preview designer-curated railing pairings. Once you find a combination that suits your outdoor space, you can download the materials list to better guide your in-store experience.

Explore the store. Once you have determined the direction of your project and narrowed down your product preferences, orient yourself with the store landscape so you can navigate the merchandise in an order that correlates with your project. It may be easiest to start with decking materials in the lumber aisle and then move to railings, which can typically be found in an adjacent aisle or on an end-cap display. Pay close attention to signage and look carefully for logos to make sure you’re finding the brand you want.

Ask an associate. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The staff at your local retailer can provide tips to help you successfully navigate your project and the store. For instance, if the materials you are looking for aren’t on the shelves, many options are available via special order. Typically, an associate can arrange for the product you want to arrive in-store in about 10 days. Most stores also offer assistance with installation.

When planning and building, the one-stop convenience of a big-box retailer makes it possible to construct a customized deck with confidence and without stress. Visit lowes.trex.com for more tips, tools and information on decking materials.

SOURCE:
Trex

KEYWORDS

  • Family Features×
  • outdoor×
  • backyard×
  • deck×
  • decking×
  • Decks×
  • home improvement×
  • project×
  • DIY×
  • do it yourself×
  • tips×
  • advice×
  • house×
  • materials
Comments

Your backyard canvas: 3 ways to create an outdoor living area as unique as you are

7/21/2017

Comments

 
Picture

(BPT) - It’s amazing to contemplate that all the famous paintings in history — from da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to van Gogh’s Starry Night — are essentially formed from three primary colors. Artists skillfully combine red, yellow and blue to formulate an infinite range of colors to bring their paintings to life.

Likewise, when creating your own outdoor living space, you can combine three basic elements — decking, railing and lighting — in nearly endless ways to "paint" a personal masterpiece of fun and relaxation.

1. Get decked out with modern decking

For decades, backyard decks mainly have been rectangles. This is largely because of the rectangular shape of traditional wood deck boards. With the advent of modern materials, it is now easier to fashion decks of virtually any shape — from curved sections following the contours of a sloping yard to round decks. Or, let your imagination run wild and create a specialty shaped deck of something you love, like a giant guitar or stacked leaves.

“Today’s decking options offer exceptional design flexibility,” says Brent Gwatney, senior vice president of MoistureShield Decking. “Composites in particular are more easily bent into creative shapes than wood decking, and can be ripped and routed to form virtually any design you can think of.” DIYers and deck builders can even install moisture-resistant boards such as MoistureShield Vantage or Infuse decking on the ground, in the ground or under water for more design possibilities, notes Gwatney.

2. Rail against the ordinary


Many decks are required by law to have safety railings. But, with some creativity, the railing can enhance your deck’s look even as it prevents falls. With the variety of products now available, the railing can be a visual complement to your home and deck. For example, if you have a cabin, you could install hewn timber posts and railings for a rustic appeal. For a waterfront home, a nautical-themed railing system of posts and ropes could do the trick. Or, if you have a modern home and prefer simple visual lines, cable-and-wire railings or glass panels could be your style.

For a distinctive look for your deck, consider mixing colors and materials, like combining white aluminum railing and balusters with rich brown composite posts to create a dramatic look. Or, to add a sophisticated mix of texture and color, you can install on the top of a black or white railing a composite board that complements the decking color.

3. Light up the night


A third element to add to your outdoor living design palette is deck lighting. With the right lighting, you can extend your hours outside and keep your deck as charming in the nighttime as it is during the day.

From subtle post lights that cast a magical evening glow to understated recessed lights and rail strip lights that help guide guests’ steps, today’s deck lighting choices are both functional and affordable. And, with the emergence of energy-efficient LEDs, you can use them liberally with little effect on your monthly electricity bill. Some decking manufacturers like MoistureShield offer deck lights specifically designed to integrate with their decking and railing.


KEYWORDS:
  • Brandpoint Content ×
  • BPT ×
  • deck ×
  • Decks ×
  • backyard barbecues ×
  • outdoor ×
  • outdoor furniture ×
  • patio ×
  • lighting ×
  • materials ×
  • decking
Comments

Plumbing the possibilities: Kitchens, showers and baths highlight outdoor living spaces

4/13/2017

Comments

 
Picture
(BPT) - The trend toward outdoor living spaces that mimic the look, comfort, convenience and functionality of indoor spaces doesn’t have to stop at the backyard grilling station. A growing number of homeowners are exploring new additions to their outdoor spaces, including outdoor showers and powder rooms, and even garage entertaining areas anchored by sinks and wetbars!

While traditional plumbing techniques might once have limited just how homey you could make outdoor versions of kitchens and bathrooms, modern up-flush plumbing cost-effectively solves many problems. Above-floor macerating plumbing systems, like those from SFA Saniflo, U.S.A., allow the easy addition of a sink, shower or toilet outside, regardless of where plumbing lines are located inside. They also eliminate the need to cut through concrete if you’ll be placing your project inside a garage or on a concrete patio. Finally, the compact systems fit perfectly into smaller spaces, such as inside cabinets in an outdoor kitchen or in an outdoor powder room.

Here are four water- and drainage-dependent, outdoor living features that are more possible and popular than ever, thanks to up-flush plumbing.

Kitchens


Outdoor kitchens are in high demand, and have evolved to be true mirrors of their indoor counterparts. In addition to cooking facilities, such as a grill, cooktop, or pizza oven, today’s outdoor kitchen incorporates running water.

While a sink is an obvious necessity in outdoor kitchens, traditional plumbing can limit the location, configuration, size and capabilities of the space. Up-flush plumbing affords homeowners greater flexibility in designing an outdoor kitchen.

For example, using a Sanivite drain pump to remove wastewater more than 150 feet horizontally allows homeowners to install their outdoor kitchen where they desire, rather than having to rely on gravity and grading to move water. The pump is also capable of draining up to three separate fixtures, meaning you can have a sink and a dishwasher in your outdoor kitchen.

Showers


If you have a pool or are lucky enough to live near the beach, an outdoor shower can keep sand and other messes from getting tracked into the house. However, traditional plumbing practices can limit where you can locate your outdoor shower. Up-flush plumbing systems use pumps to move wastewater away from the drain, so you can locate an outdoor shower where it’s most convenient.

Products like the Sanishower fit into a small footprint and its low profile is easily concealed beneath the shower floor. Yet the system can handle drainage of up to 20 gallons per minute.

Wetbars


Whether you would like to add a wetbar to a patio or tucked into a corner of the garage, up-flush plumbing can make the process easy and cost-effective. Above-floor plumbing can handle wastewater removal in spots where no drain is present or possible. This means you can easily install a wetbar on a wooden deck, concrete patio or anywhere else where installing a traditional drain would be costly and inconvenient.

Powder rooms


When is an extra bathroom ever a bad idea? Imagine hosting a backyard barbecue or pool party without the need to make guests traipse through the house to reach the facilities, or wait in line inside the house while missing all the fun going on outdoors. Exterior bathrooms can solve those dilemmas, and up-flush plumbing can make it easy to add a toilet and sink outside the house.

While tying into existing traditional plumbing lines might require you to snuggle your outdoor powder room against the side of a house, above-floor plumbing allows you to position it virtually anywhere that’s convenient and appealing for your needs. The Sanicompact is a decorative one-piece system that combines a classic china toilet bowl with a built-in macerator/pump that can handle drainage from the toilet and a nearby sink.


KEYWORDS

  • BPT
  • Brandpoint Content
  • kitchen
  • shower
  • cooking
  • bath
  • bathroom
  • porch 
  • patio
  • deck
  • backyard
  • backyard barbecues
  • food
  • entertaining
  • spaces
  • family
  • home 
  • home improvement
  • property values
  • project
  • grill
  • grilling
  • plumbing 
  • water
  • design
  • decor
  • decorating
  • living
  • outdoor
  • outdoor furniture
  • outdoors
  • home entertainment
  • wetbar
  • pool
  • beach
Comments

8 Steps to a Better Deck

3/28/2017

Comments

 

The season of backyard barbecues and outdoor entertaining is here, but for thousands of homeowners with worn out wooden decks, the return of warmer weather means one thing: deck repair and maintenance. The time and energy required to strip, sand and stain a wood deck could instead be used to replace those old boards with new ones. Where designing and building a new deck from scratch can take months, resurfacing an existing deck is a doable DIY project that can be completed over the course of a weekend by following these eight steps.


8 Steps to a Better Deck

(Family Features) The season of backyard barbecues and outdoor entertaining is here, but for thousands of homeowners with worn out wooden decks, the return of warmer weather means one thing: deck repair and maintenance.

The time and energy required to strip, sand and stain a wood deck could instead be used to replace those old boards with new ones made of high-performance, low-maintenance composite material. Wood-alternative decking, like Trex, is resistant to fading, staining, scratching and mold and, unlike wood, requires no sanding, staining or painting. Just an occasional soap-and-water cleaning is all that is needed to retain a “like-new” appearance and durability for decades.

Where designing and building a new deck from scratch can take months, resurfacing an existing deck is a doable DIY project that can be completed over the course of a weekend. If your deck is more trouble than its worth, recruit a few friends and follow these eight steps to a new deck that you can spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying.

For more details, watch this step-by-step video covering the deck resurfacing process. When you’re ready to begin, take advantage of Trex’s online sample program to see firsthand how different colors and textures work with your home’s architecture and decor, and learn more about the full range of high-performance, low-maintenance outdoor living products at trex.com.


Step 1: Examine the Substructure

Before removing any boards, check your deck’s joists and the overall condition of the framing to ensure the substructure is sound before proceeding. If the foundation and deck framing system are sound, you can move on to the next step.


Step 2: Remove Old Deck Boards

After obtaining any necessary building permits, carefully remove and discard the old decking and railing, leaving the substructure and framing in place.


Step 3: Follow Your Guides

Inspect all framing and framing hardware for code compliance, structural integrity and compliance with your chosen decking material. Consult the decking manufacturer’s installation guide for specifics.


Step 4: Level It Out

To ensure a level surface for the new deck boards, make sure that the joists are level and even with each other. You may need to shave the joists to achieve this.


Step 5: Install New Deck Boards

Begin laying new deck boards. Closely follow the instructions for spacing from the manufacturer’s installation guide. Consult the installation guide regularly, and if you have any questions along the way, contact the professionals before proceeding.


Step 6: Add Posts

Attach pressure-treated structural rail posts to framing as required by code and the installation guide.


Step 7: Complete with Railing

Slide sleeves over the railing posts and assemble railing and balusters per the installation guide. Finish off by adding your choice of decorative elements, such as post caps or top rail caps.


Step 8: Enjoy for Years to Come

Your deck makeover is complete, but your enjoyment is just beginning. With a 25-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty, a Trex deck will look great for years to come.

SOURCE:
Trex


KEYWORDS

  • Family Features 
  • deck 
  • Decks
  • patio
  • outdoor
  • outdoors
  • wood
  • project 
  • home improvement 
  • resale 
  • real estate 
  • entertaining 
  • maintenance
  • repairs
  • DIY
  • do it yourself
  • design
  • decor
  • decorating 
  • tips 
  • advice 
  • level
  • posts
Comments

Prepare Outdoor Spaces for Warm Weather Use

3/25/2017

Comments

 

Before you can fully enjoy your outdoor living spaces this spring, chances are high you’ll need to wash away a layer of winter grime. Take yourself one step closer to backyard barbecues, leisurely evenings around the fire pit and generally reveling in all the season has to offer with these tips for updating your outdoor living environment.


Prepare Outdoor Spaces for Warm Weather Use

(Family Features) Before you can fully enjoy your outdoor living spaces this spring, chances are high you’ll need to wash away a layer of winter grime. Thoroughly cleaning and sprucing up these outdoor areas can get you well on your way to a season filled with outdoor entertainment.

Take yourself one step closer to backyard barbecues, leisurely evenings around the fire pit and generally reveling in all the season has to offer with these tips for updating your outdoor living environment.

Make functional repairs. Start with a careful scan of your yard, giving close attention to items that may have sustained damage during months of disuse. Look for cracks in planters and other items. Inspect wooden furniture and accessories for splintering and rough patches. Check the bolts and hardware securing furniture, especially moving pieces like swinging benches or rocking chairs that are prone to loosening over time. Where needed, make repairs, apply fresh stain or paint and generally ensure each item is in good working condition.

Turn attention to aesthetics. Once everything is ready functionally, you can turn your attention to appearances. In most cases, a vigorous washing is all you need to bring fresh life to windows, siding, decking, sidewalks and other concrete or stone surfaces. An electric pressure washer can make short work of the task, and each of Briggs & Stratton’s models offers a variety of maximum pressure and flow rates to fit homeowners’ unique outdoor cleaning needs. These units feature an onboard detergent tank to easily store and dispense cleaning detergents. Some pressure washers offer additional versatility, such as the POWERflow+ model that has a high pressure mode – ideal for cleaning tough grime – and a high flow mode, which is particularly useful for extended reach, power soaping, power rinsing and delicate surfaces. 

For best results when using a pressure washer – whether you’re power washing the patio, cleaning outdoor furniture, washing outdoor windows, rinsing out the grill or scrubbing messy garbage bins – aim the spray nozzle perpendicular to the surface you’re cleaning. Use a steady motion because inconsistent pressure leads to striping. Be sure to “feather” your strokes, overlapping each previous sweep with half the height of the new sweep. Also, allow the detergent soak into difficult stains for 3-5 minutes before rinsing so it has time to latch onto the stain and pull it from the surface.

Focus on details. An outdoor space can evolve from a practical area for outside activities into a true extension of your home with just a few simple touches. Plush cushions make it more comfortable to spend extended time outdoors and accents like rugs and decorative accessories lend a sense of character and charm. Convenience features like end tables make it easy to rest a refreshing beverage nearby. Also consider elements like fans and shades to manage the climate as temperatures climb, and don’t overlook the importance of lighting so your enjoyment can continue after the sun fades from the sky.

Find more tips to get your outdoor living space ready for spring at briggsandstratton.com.

SOURCE:
Briggs & Stratton


​KEYWORDS

  • Family Features
  • family
  • backyard
  • patio
  • Deck
  • Decks
  • repairs
  • wood
  • backyard barbecues
  • outdoor
  • outdoors
  • outdoor furniture
  • maintenance
  • sidewalks
  • concrete
  • siding
  • pressure wash
  • Clean
  • cleaning
  • windows
  • entertaining
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • water
  • house
  • brick
  • safety

Comments
<<Previous



    Archives

    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016


    Interested in Publishing on The Outdoor Idea?
    Send your query to the Publisher today!

    Categories

    All
    Activities
    Activity
    Adventures
    Advice
    Air
    Animals
    Annuals
    Ants
    Apartments
    Art
    Backyard
    Backyard Barbecues
    Balcony
    Barbecue
    Bath
    Bathroom
    BBQ
    Beach
    Beauty
    Beds
    Beets
    Biking
    BPT
    Brandpoint Content
    Breeze
    Brick
    Brush
    Bugs
    Butterflies
    Camping
    Campsite
    Care
    Casual
    Chicken
    Chicken Coops
    Chickens
    Chiggers
    Children
    Chlorine
    City
    Clean
    Cleaning
    Cleanup
    Cold
    Color
    Computers
    Concrete
    Contractors
    Cooking
    Cooling
    Coops
    Cost
    Curb Appeal
    Damage
    Deck
    Decking
    Decks
    Decor
    Decorating
    Deer
    Design
    Dining
    Disease
    Diseases
    DIY
    Do It Yourself
    Edging
    Eggs
    Electricity
    Electronics
    Emergency
    Engine
    Entertaining
    Evaporation
    Expert
    Exploring
    Fall
    Family
    Family Features
    Fans
    Feed
    Fertilizer
    Fish
    Fleas
    Flower
    Flowerbeds
    Flowers
    Food
    Football
    Freeze
    Freezing
    Friends
    Frost
    Fruits
    Fungus
    Furnishings
    Furniture
    Games
    Garden
    Gardening
    Garden Tools
    Gas
    Gathering
    Generators
    Getaway
    Grass
    Grill
    Grilling
    Grime
    Groundskeeping
    Growing
    Hacks
    Hardware
    Health
    Heat
    Herbicide
    Herbs
    Hiking
    Home
    Home Decor
    Home Entertainment
    Home Garden
    Home Improvement
    Home Maintenance
    Homeowners
    Hose
    Hot
    House
    Humidity
    Ice
    Illness
    Infection
    Insecticides
    Insects
    Insulation
    Kale
    Kids
    Kitchen
    Landscaping
    Law
    Lawn
    Lawn Care
    Lawn Equipment
    Lawnmower
    Leaf
    Leaves
    Level
    Lifehacks
    Lighting
    Lists
    Living
    Lyme
    Maintenance
    Makeover
    Marinade
    Materials
    Meat
    Mildew
    Moisture
    Mold
    Mosquitoes
    Mow
    Mowing
    Mulch
    Mulching
    Natural
    Natural Solutions
    Nature
    Neighbors
    Ordinances
    Outdoor
    Outdoor Cooking
    Outdoor Furniture
    Outdoor Kitchen
    Outdoor Living
    Outdoor Movies
    Outdoors
    Paint
    Painting
    Park
    Parks
    Party
    Patio
    Perennials
    Pest Control
    Pesticides
    Pests
    Pets
    Picnic
    Planting
    Plants
    Plumbing
    Pool
    Porch
    Portable
    Posts
    Pots
    Potted Plants
    Power
    Preparation
    Preservative
    Pressure
    Pressure Wash
    Prevention
    Project
    Propane
    Property Values
    Prune
    Pruning
    Radishes
    Rain
    Real Estate
    Recipe
    Remodel
    Remodeling
    Repairs
    Resale
    Resale Values
    Research
    Restrictions
    Riding Lawnmower
    Rodents
    Roof
    Roosters
    Roots
    Root System
    Roses
    Rural
    Safety
    Salt
    Saltwater
    Savings
    Scenery
    Scenic
    Science
    Season
    Seasonal
    Seed
    Seeding
    Seeds
    Services
    Shade
    Shower
    Shrubs
    Sickness
    Sidewalks
    Siding
    Smartphones
    Smell
    Snow
    Spaces
    Spiders
    Sports
    Spring
    Stadium
    Stain
    Steaks
    Stove
    Stress
    Style
    Summer
    Sunshine
    Swimming
    Tables
    Tailgating
    Tech
    Teens
    Temperatures
    Terrace
    Ticks
    Tips
    Tools
    Tractor
    Trails
    Travel
    Tree
    Trees
    Trimming
    Turf
    Upgrade
    Upkeep
    Urban
    Urban Gardening
    Vacation
    Vegetables
    Walking
    Warm
    Wash
    Water
    Weather
    Weed
    Weed Control
    Weeding
    Weed Killer
    Weeds
    Weekend
    Wellness
    Wetbar
    Windows
    Winter
    Wood
    Yard
    Zoning






    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • HOME
  • Popular IDEAS
    • IDEAS for Your Better Business Life >
      • The Business Idea
      • The Career IDEA
      • The Money Idea
    • IDEAS for Your Better Diversions >
      • The Tech IDEA
      • The Travel IDEA
      • The Auto IDEA
      • The Outdoors IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Better Table >
      • The Food IDEA
      • IDEAS de Cocina Espanola
    • IDEAS for a Better You >
      • The Health IDEA
      • Living Well IDEAS
      • The Fitness IDEA
      • The Beauty IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Happier Home >
      • The Home Idea
      • The Entertaining Idea
      • The Parenting Idea
      • The Senior Living IDEA
      • The Pet IDEA
  • The Video Domain
    • Video IDEAS for Your Better Business Life
  • About
  • Contact
  • ads.txt