With July on the horizon, it is time to prep your patio and porch space. Enjoy summer to the fullest with some basic preparation and a few elements that will simply elevate your outdoor living experience.
Check the Condition of Your Patio and Porch
Cold weather can wreak havoc on outdoor surfaces. Check your patio or deck for any wear or damage it has sustained during the winter months. On wood decks, look for wood that’s splitting, twisting or rotting. Search concrete, stone, brick and tile patios for any sign of cracks or crumbling areas.
Clean Your Patio and Porch
Sweep off loose debris and clean between deck cracks. For concrete and stone patios, remove any weeds that may have emerged in cracks or crevices. Use a garden hose or a pressure washer to remove dirt, dust and other material.
Check & Clean Patio Furniture
Bring patio furniture out of storage and check it for wear or damage. Tighten bolts and screws. Wipe down each piece of furniture with damp cloths. If furniture is looking worn or outdated, consider re-staining or repainting it. Wipe down cushions and pillows to remove dust or dirt that may have collected in storage. Check cleaning instructions on cushion fabric first.
Decorate and Set Up Your Deck or Patio
Bring out your patio décor: outdoor rugs or mats, planters, lighting and wind chimes. Next, set up your grill for summertime cookouts. Dust it off and give it a good inspection. Look for cracked or damaged hoses that connect to gas and replace them. Inspect burners and their gas tubes and make sure they aren’t worn out, rusty or blocked by debris or spider webs.
Refresh Your Landscaping
Touch up the landscaping adjacent to your patio or deck. Trim any overgrown branches from trees or bushes. Add fresh mulch to flower beds and around tree. Check your landscape lighting for burnt-out bulbs or damage. If necessary, add landscape lighting around the patio to accentuate its features and to provide extra light for nighttime entertaining. Consider planting trees or shrubbery around your patio for privacy and visual appeal.
You worked hard – now you can sit back, relax and enjoy lazy summer days on the patio!
Love what you see? There's more where that came from.
for all things design, lifestyle, flavor and more.
Keep the Creativity Flowing
Kerrie breaks down foundational concepts of design in these articles. For the design pros and design curious alike, these articles are full of tips and tricks to help you transform your space.
