TIP #1 – Clean up! The first step to take before you do anything else to your patio is to clean it up. Clear away all the piles that have accumulated and put away anything that should not be there, including magazines, rakes, and toys. Now use a bit of water and some soap to do some real cleaning: make sure you get the floors, the furniture, everything. Because they “live” outside, they get dirty fast. Once the place has been thoroughly cleaned, stand back and take a look to get an idea of what you have to work with.
TIP #2 – Refinish your floors. Not all floors can be refinished without a professional, but many can. If you have a wooden porch, then you should make the small financial investment in picking up a new finish for your porch. Roll up your sleeves and get started! Don’t forget to put on your SPF.
TIP #3 – Use lighting wisely. Lighting is very important for patios because they determine how late you can stay outside. Make sure your patio is ready for nighttime fun by stringing some white lights up or planting some tiki torches into the lawn. If you can, hang a paper lantern or several.
TIP #4 – Put in some plant life. Just because your patio is already outside does not mean that it will not benefit from some extra greenery. Try adding an herb garden to your patio, with your favorite herbs like basil and parsley in a raised planter that you can either build yourself or buy at a home goods store.
TIP #5 – Add some sun protection. If you are planning to use your patio during the daytime (and why would you not be?), then you should be sure to add some basic protection. Sitting outdoors in direct sunlight can be exhausting and dangerous to your skin and health. Add an awning if your patio is against the wall of your house. If it is not, then consider putting an umbrella or two up.
TIP #6 – Add some fun accessories to your patio. Do not be fooled by the usual usage of the word “accessory” – it refers to more than just shoes and purses. You can accessorize your home, too, and that includes the patio. Do some shopping at thrift stores, local garage sales and flea markets. There are a lot of great, one-of-a-kind pieces of home décor at these venues and they are usually very competitively priced.
TIP #7 – Get a new barbeque. A new barbeque is a great way to launch the summer season! Grills are fun to use and make delicious, healthy foods. They come in a range of sizes and prices.
About the Author: Joe Uhll is a freelance writer who enjoys covering the outdoors, home improvement, DIY projects, and frequently covers topics for Seats and Stools’ site. When he isn’t writing Joe likes to work out, play soccer, and cheer on the Chicago Cubs.