We've talked before about pressure washers on C&H -- they can help tackle a variety of jobs and can breathe new life into a variety of products.
Take decks, for example. It's likely that your deck takes quite a beating year after year, especially if you live in an area where each of the four seasons makes itself heard! Experts recommend power washing and staining your deck on an annual basis to keep it clean and in good shape.
Yet if you're like CasaSugar's Elka Karl, it may have been more than a year since your last deck maintenance. She and her husband were faced with a redwood deck that had turned green and gray. They didn't want to replace the deck, but were intimidated by the amount of work needed to completely pressure wash and stain it.
Harsh weather conditions, wear and tear -- it's likely that your deck will need to be refinished every few years to keep it in prime condition. This is generally a project you can tackle over the weekend, provided you've gathered up the right supplies.
At the project's outset, refinishing a deck is a lot like stripping and repainting cabinets or furniture. You'll want to start with a clean, stripped surface. It's up to you to decide how to clean your deck. You can use a power-washer, or use a stiff-bristle brush and a cleaner like OxiClean outdoor to scrub the deck's surface.
Once the deck is clean and dry, use a chemical stripper to remove any remaining wood stain. After that, you're ready to apply a finish. You'll have lots of options to choose from at your local hardware store, including formulas that are colored, tinted, semi-transparent and even clear.
With summer in full swing, your home's outdoor areas are likely getting a lot of use. We've already talked about how to create a year-round outdoor living space, complete with furniture and seasonal elements. When you're creating such an area, you may also want to consider adding flooring--and what better than outdoor-friendly carpet?
Carpet and the outdoors don't seem to mix, but don't worry--we're not talking about the plush carpet you'd find indoors. Take Shaw Floors Inside Out collection, for example. The collection includes several categories like Natural Images, Natural Complements and Natural Enhancements, all of which are designed for a variety of outdoor spaces including porches, patios, docks, potting sheds and poolside, among others.
Inside Out carpeting is available in an array of colors and patterns, making it likely that you'll find the perfect flooring to complement your existing outdoor space. Shaw Floors makes it easy to shop for flooring, too, whether you want to search by color family, price range or style.
In the market for new stuff? There's usually an ideal time to buy larger items like cars, electronics and appliances. During the first part of the year, be on the lookout for deals on outdoor items such as furniture and barbecue grills.
It may be tough to picture spring if you're about to dig out of what might be a massive snowstorm, but planning any outdoor-related purchases now could save you some money.
Grills, patio furniture and other outdoor items will typically become more expensive during spring and summer, when demand increases. As long as you have storage space in which to stash the items until the temperatures rise, go ahead and splurge on your deck, back yard or porch.
