FOR BREaAKING tNEWS VIhSIT WWWo.QNS.COmM e APRIL 11, 2019 •AT HOME • THE QUEENS COURIER 47
5 smart ideas to refresh your deck
As seasons turn, your focus begins to
shift to the outdoors. Your deck or patio
becomes your new living room - an ideal
setting for memorable moments with
friends and family. If you look at these
spaces and long for a refresh, the time to
start planning is now. You have options,
and many you can do yourself with minimal
eff ort.
To start, if you don’t have a deck or
patio, research materials carefully before
making an investment. One prevalent
building trend involves making the smart
choice toward natural, environmentally
friendly materials that will never end up
in landfi lls. As such, more homeowners
are choosing Real Cedar because it is naturally
resistant to rot, decay and insects.
It’s low-maintenance and easy to work
with, being durable yet lightweight, laying
straight and taking fasteners easily.
Plus, nothing looks, feels or smells quite
like cedar.
To refresh your deck with style and
functionality, consider these fi ve trending
outdoor-living projects:
Planter boxes: If you want to add beauty
and functionality to your deck, construct
planter boxes and put them in sunny
spaces. From small boxes that house herb
gardens to larger boxes that allow vegetables
to thrive, you can have a bounty
of fresh fl avors right outside your door.
No need for a garden plot! Planter box
designs come in a variety of sizes and
can be built low to the ground or at waist
height for easy tending.
Outdoor sectionals: Built-in sectionals
are becoming a focal point and favorite
hangout spot on the deck. Perfectly
set into a corner, these multi-directional
couches can be built as large or small as
you desire. Use Real Cedar for your project
because it is pitch- and resin-free, so
accepts and holds a wide variety of fi nishes
beautifully so you can customize
the look to your tastes. Finish with
cushions for that decorator touch and
you’ll have your new favorite cozy outdoor
corner.
Water features: As homeowners look to
make their decks and patios a true retreat
from the stress of everyday life, they want
to add elements of Zen, which is why
fountains and water features are becoming
so popular. New decks are oft en built
to incorporate these features, including
pathways where water provides a calm
ambiance. If a pond is too signifi cant an
undertaking, fountains provide a more
aff ordable alternative that can be used in
any size space.
Pergolas: Th ese beautiful semi-shelters
can be built in a number of useful confi gurations
depending on how much shade
you require, what you wish to situate
beneath it (A dining set? Outdoor couches
and chairs? Grilling equipment?) and
whether you want to incorporate climbing
plants. For complete project plans and
instructions on how to make your own
pergola over a weekend, visit www.realcedar.
com.Lighting: When the sun goes
down that doesn’t mean the fun should
stop. Add lighting to extend the functionality
and enjoy special moments under
the stars on your deck or patio. Stair, railing
and pathway lighting add a necessary
safety feature, while under-table lighting
and deck-post sconces provide the perfect
illumination for the space without being
overwhelming. For a touch of twinkle,
add a few outdoor string lights in white,
or for a more festive atmosphere, go for
the color of your choice.
Th ese fi ve outdoor living ideas are sure
to enhance any size deck or patio space.
Make plans today so you can enjoy many
seasons of fun outdoors with loved ones.
Courtesy BPT
/www.real-cedar.com.Lighting:
/www.real-cedar.com.Lighting:
/www.real-cedar.com.Lighting:
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