So we’re all physical distancing for the foreseeable future. While it’s certainly not anybody’s idea of a perfect spring to be staying at home all day, it’s doing real good to slow the spread of COVID-19. Remember, while it’s important to stay away from crowds, that doesn’t mean you have to stay inside! The snow is melting and soon it’ll be prime patio season. Just spending some time outdoors can do you and your family wonders during a time like this, so it’s a great idea to take full advantage of your outdoor space.
As winter leaves us behind, now is the time to prepare your deck or patio for spring, so here are five things you can do to turn your backyard area into an escape as the weather warms up.
One: Clean Your Space.
The snow is melting, and it probably left your deck or patio looking a little worse for wear. Before you do anything else make sure to clean the dirt off. Many people will use their hose to rinse off any surface grime, but don’t stop there! A wooden patio will probably need a thorough clean, although if it’s made out of a softer wood you should only spray it on a low setting to avoid damaging it. For a cement patio, make sure to remove any weeds that may have popped up between the stones first and use a mixture of water and vinegar to get rid of stains.
Two: Prepare Your Furniture.
Bring all your patio furniture out of storage, but before you set it up make sure to inspect it for any dirt or damage. Remove pillows and give them a good fluffing, shaking off the dust that may have accumulated over the winter. Wipe down the furniture and look for anything that may need repairs. If a hole has appeared in your wicker chair while stored away, this might be the year to replace it with something new. Alternatively, a fresh coat of paint can make an older piece of furniture look new again and bring new possibilities to your outdoor arrangement.
Three: Set It Up.
Once everything is cleaned and ready to go out it’s time to think about what you want to use your space for. Remember that, for now at least, the people who live in your home will be the only ones using your patio. Arrange your furniture in the way that works best for your family, you can always rearrange it again once you’re finally able to have that backyard party. For now though, why not focus on what will work the best for your household? Will you be using your deck for family dinners outdoors? Do you want to create a space for the kids to play that’s separated from mom’s reading nook? You can do whatever you want! The only things to keep in mind are to arrange it so that traffic is lead around your seating area rather than through it and to separate the seating area from the outdoor kitchen.
Four: Get The Grill Ready.
Speaking of outdoor kitchens, grilling season will be upon us soon! Not only is cooking outdoors a great way to escape the house for a bit, but it’s also a great way to make easy and delicious meals with limited groceries. Before you begin, make sure to clean all your grilling equipment and the grill itself thoroughly and check it over for anything that might have deteriorated over the winter. Check the hose is in good shape, do any necessary maintenance, and do a test run before cooking anything. Once you’re sure your grill is in good working order, It’s time to get cooking!
Five: Accessorize.
Make your outdoor space bright and welcoming, somewhere where you’ll want to be. Add some colour with water-proof throw pillows or potted plants, set some candles out on the table, and maybe even set up a bird feeder in the yard to attract some feathered neighbours. Make your space feel special and just going outside can feel like you’re getting away from the space you’ve been in for weeks.
Let’s be real, physical distancing and quarantine is hard. Doing something to make your space more exciting like setting up the backyard can mean a breath of fresh air, literally, during these difficult times. And if you need any help, our team here at the Fireplace Center And Patio Shop are here to make your outdoor area the best that it can be.
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