60 THE QUEENS COURIER • AT HOME • OCTOBER 10, 2019 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
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Ideas for projects to improve your outdoor living space
Looking for a DIY project to improve
your outdoor space and create an inviting
oasis for everyone in the family to get outside
and have fun together?
Here are some projects to consider, and
the prep work involved.
1) Check your deck
Does your existing deck need repair?
Check for loose balusters or railing or
other issues needing attention. If you want
to resurface your deck or build a new deck,
measure the area and research how much
decking you’ll need. Fortunately, there are
free online deck plans and design tools
available, for example, on your favorite
home improvement center’s website or at
treatedwood.com. Many include cost calculators
to help determine your expenses.
Check with your local municipality
for building codes and a building permit
before beginning construction.
When choosing materials to create
the deck of your dreams, not just any
wood will do. Wood is now available
that is treated with more environmentally
advanced preservatives, with stabilizers
that can weather the elements while
still retaining the beauty of real wood.
Ecolife pressure-treated wood is ideal for
decking, deck framing, railing, joists and
beams. Its advanced wood stabilizing preservative
system makes wood look better
longer and repels water for up to two
years.
For projects that contact or are within
6 inches of the ground, such as support
posts, stair stringers and ledger boards, a
higher retention level of preservatives is
required to fi ght fungal decay and termite
attack at ground level. Ecolife and ground
contact wood are treated to required levels
to protect against fungal decay and termite
attack.
2) Enhance your garden
To increase your yard’s beauty while
encouraging plant and fl ower growth,
make simple wooden structures for your
garden that can be completed in a weekend.
Th e easiest project is a trellis, which
can be any size latticework designed for
climbing plants. Similarly, an arbor combines
two trellises with an overhead arch
to create a passage or gateway. An arbor
beautifully embellishes any path or walkway
with fl owering plants growing up and
over it.
A pergola takes that idea one step further,
creating a scaff olding of overhead
wooden beams for your yard, patio or
deck that can be used for installing a ceiling
fan, hanging plants or fl owers, or a
sun shade.
Th e gazebo resembles a mini “house,”
usually raised from the ground, that can
be screened in if desired. Gazebos are
wonderful little retreats to enjoy the outdoors
while still feeling the comfort of
seating and other furniture, along with a
roof for keeping out the elements.
3) Raised gardens
For the green thumb in the family, raised
planter beds decrease the back-breaking
work of planting and weeding, while
keeping neighborhood critters out. Attach
chicken wire or other screening to discourage
smaller animals from munching
on your garden.
4) Outdoor furnishings
Love to grill and eat outdoors? Why not
build your own benches or picnic table?
Th ey provide a wonderfully rustic look as
well as being sturdy. You can add removable
cushions for comfort.
5) Playtime
Nothing could be more fun for kids
than watching or helping to build a
play set, sandbox or treehouse. If kids
help, educate them about safety rules
that you follow, such as wearing gloves,
goggles and a mask while working with
wood.
6) Add privacy and beauty
A well-designed stained or painted
fence can enhance the look of your garden,
patio or deck while adding privacy
and keeping neighborhood animals out. A
variety of fence styles are available to serve
many purposes. From containing pets to
providing safety for your children, fences
can help block wind and noise, enclose
HVAC and trash bin areas and add curb
appeal. All you need are posts, pickets and
backer rails or fence panels to complete
your project.
If you’re new to building, start with
smaller projects like a trellis or sandbox.
Once you’re more confi dent or have experience,
consider the larger, more complex
projects you’re dreaming about. Engage
the family in brainstorming ideas to make
your yard and garden a great place to hang
out together. For more information, visit
treatedwood.com.
Courtesy BPT
/WWW.QNS.COM
/treatedwood.com
/treatedwood.com
