Decisive Living


Spruce up Your Outdoor Spaces in One Weekend

(ARA) – With the summer season upon us, homeowners are opening their doors and rediscovering their backyards. The perfect place for dining, entertaining or spending time with family, the backyard has taken on new importance in recent years as homeowners and designers learned to create inviting outdoor living spaces. But over the winter, weather and neglect may have taken a toll. If your patio, deck or porch is looking a bit worn – or in need of an update – don’t despair. Here is a plan to spruce up your space in a weekend:

Define the space

A lot happens in the backyard. There may be areas for gardens, another space for grilling and eating and a spot for toys and play equipment. Keep everything in its place by defining each area. A few planters or benches at the edge of the patio will help create an outdoor living and dining room. Try raised beds for vegetables and flowers. Separate spaces make everything appear neater and save time on yard work.

If privacy is an issue, let Mother Nature take the lead. A screen of dwarf evergreens provides a feeling of seclusion all year long. For a colorful backdrop, plant a few climbing vines on a wire or wooden frame.

Create a uniform look

If you have a mix of lawn chairs, planters, or other garden accessories, it can be difficult to create a cohesive look. They may have different styles, or be made from a wide range of woods or other materials. Pull it all together by giving your outdoor ornaments a fresh look with new paint or stain.

Painting doesn’t have to be the arduous task it once was. With the right tools, you’ll be sitting pretty in no time. Simple planters can become a focal point when painted to coordinate with house trim colors. Or give your deck a customized look by applying a rich stain to decks, stairs and railings.

A High Volume Low Pressure paint sprayer is the right choice for projects where attention to detail is important. The new Control Spray by Wagner Spray Tech makes it easy for homeowners to tackle this type of project. “The Control Spray releases less paint at a lower pressure so the user has more control and there is less material waste,” says Tom Gessner, product manager at Wagner Spray Tech. “HVLP is the alternative to using a brush or spray can. It can provide a much more consistent and smooth texture.”

The Control Spray is designed for applying materials such as stains, sealers, wood preservatives, enamels and other light bodied materials to decks, railings, play sets, shutters, lawn furniture and small projects around the house.

Necessary repairs

Remember that to enjoy your outdoor spaces to the fullest, everything needs to be in good repair. Take the time to inspect all areas of your backyard. Check fencing for loose posts, worn planks or holes that might let pets out or bothersome critters in. Take a close look at gates and latches to make sure everything is working properly.

For more information on the Control Spray and other painting and staining tools, visit www.wagnerspraytech.com

Courtesy of ARA Content