Consider these tips from the design experts at Lowe’s to help transform your space into a welcoming outdoor oasis. With just a few easy outdoor home improvement changes, you’ll have the best patio on the block.

Mix functional furniture
The line between indoor and outdoor design is blurring. You can coordinate the style of adjacent indoor and outdoor rooms, since you and your guests will likely spend time in both. No matter if you have a large outdoor deck or a simple small patio, many affordable, stylish outdoor furniture options are available from allen + roth. Set up furniture with flow in mind, grouping pieces together to encourage comfort, conversation and a view of nature.

Add colorful accessories
Incorporating rugs, outdoor pillows, candles and other accessories in vivid colors or fun patterns can really make your outdoor space come alive. Pick three to four colors for your scheme and stick with those colors throughout your design choices. Some of the season’s top hues include rich reds, vivid blues, soothing neutrals and garden-inspired greens. Metal accents are popular as well, so look for decor with gold or silver detailing for a design that’s modern with a tropical flare.

Incorporate a fire pit
An outdoor bonfire likely evokes pleasant memories of the past, so incorporate a fire pit into your patio space so your whole family can enjoy time together roasting marshmallows, telling stories and gazing at the stars. Today’s modern fire pits are both stylish and useful, adding a cozy ambiance while warding off the chill on cooler nights. Plus when the seasons do change and fall brings with it lower temperatures, you can still enjoy the beautiful outdoor space you’ve created because you’ll be comfortably warm. Remember to look for options that have a removable screen, so you can open when needed for cooking and then close to keep the fire safely contained.

Create privacy
Just because you’re outdoors doesn’t mean that you don’t want a bit of privacy from neighbors or passersby. The good news is it’s easy to create boundaries to your space by using a pergola or outdoor curtains. These options tie in nicely with other outdoor design trends and can give just the right amount of privacy, creating your own outdoor “room” in which to enjoy the long, sunny days.

Light the night
Lighting can really make your outdoor space come alive once the sun goes down. Add depth and intrigue by “lightscaping” from different sources. Consider putting up string lights that provide a magical setting that is sure to dazzle guests long after darkness falls. Add an intimate wall lantern next to the patio door or eco-friendly LED garden and path lights to add a soft illumination to outdoor space.

Grow an herb garden
There’s nothing that adds the flavors of summer to food like fresh herbs. One of today’s top trends is to have a container garden so you always have your favorite herbs on hand to freshly pick. Popular herbs that are easy to grow include basil, chives, cilantro, dill, fennel and mint. When planting, use containers that complement your outdoor design. Vintage styles that feature aged patinas are very popular this year.

To organize your ideas and keep track of outdoor projects, create a MyLowe’s profile at www.lowes.com/MyLowes. Develop and store your wish list in MyLowe’s to help transform your drab deck into a stylish patio that just begs for you to kick up your feet, enjoy a cold drink and converse with family and friends.

The post 2012 Outdoor Living Trends Can Easily Update your Patio or Deck first appeared on The How Do Gardener.

The outdoor living experts at Trex recommend checking these outdoor projects off your “to-do” list early in the year.

Create a Distinctive Design
Start thinking about the style, shape and color scheme of your outdoor space. Are your tastes country cottage or mostly modern? Do you desire a basic deck or one that spans multiple levels and wraps around your home? Now is the ideal time to order product samples and seek online tools that allow you to virtually experiment with different products, finishes and layouts.

Plan a Secure and Stable Substructure
Long before any deck boards are installed, it’s crucial to create a strong base for your outdoor living space. A steel substructure, such as new Trex Elevations, will increase the value of your deck, while improving overall appearance. This ultra-durable deck-framing system manufactured of dual-coated, galvanized steel will not warp, twist, split or decay – unlike traditional wood substructures – and its stability creates a remarkably flat deck surface. Trex Elevations’ 25-year limited warranty offers additional peace of mind.  

“Homeowners often don’t realize that much of a deck’s performance and aesthetics depend on what’s underneath,” says Adam Zambanini, vice president of marketing for Trex, the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing. “A high-quality substructure offers a strong return on investment and adds years to the life of a deck. Just remember to build this additional – and essential – step into your project timeline.”

Research Local Contractors
One of the most important parts of planning an outdoor living space is selecting the right contractor. Look for a professional who’s been specially trained to install the type of products you’ve chosen. Inquire about business licenses, liability insurance and length of experience. Request references – and make sure to call them.

Upgrade Outdoor Furniture
Take a look at the outdoor furniture currently stored in your garage for the winter. Before warm temperatures hit, consider replacing old, worn-out tables and chairs with stylish and durable wood-alternative pieces that won’t rot, crack or splinter and never need to be sanded, stained or painted. If you’re not ready to invest in all new furniture, update upholstery and cushions with colorful, weather-resistant fabrics.

For more outdoor living tips, project ideas and design resources, visit www.trex.com.

The post Prepare Now for a Dream Summer Outdoor Living Space first appeared on The How Do Gardener.

Deck Kits Enhance Outdoor Spaces
With the emergence of new deck materials such as solid PVC, homeowners no longer have to waste excessive time or money on deck maintenance. The vast array of rich colors and surface textures, along with stain and scratch resistant materials have made these items a smart choice over wood. Now, there are kits that accessorize these deck options.

If you’ve ever made a mad dash to retrieve cushions or other items when it rains, then in-deck storage may be in order, according to Mike Gori, deck expert for AZEK Building Products, maker of AZEK Deck. This clever idea provides 17.5 cubic feet of safe, dry storage space that uses the area below the deck. “You don’t have to sacrifice living space or ruin your view with unsightly plastic tubs,” says Gori. The storage unit’s lid sits flush with the deck surface and holds up to 500 pounds. “There are also kits for building benches with planter boxes and custom gates,” he says. “It’s never been easier to accessorize a new or existing deck.”
The Caulk Cure for Energy Costs
One of your home’s biggest money drains can be energy waste – whether it’s warm or cool air leaking out or outside temperatures sneaking in. That is where a bead of quality caulk can be the best bang for your buck. One caulk problem happens when homeowners paint caulk too early, which can cause cracks to form, letting in air and moisture.

“What we came up with is an advanced sealant called ColorCure that actually tells you when the caulk can be painted – it turns from pink to white,” says Jason Ringling, director of marketing at Red Devil, Inc. “If you test caulk by touching the wet bead, the finish is ruined.” Another good practice is to use new caulk and sealant products that are better for the environment as well as high performance. “It’s not only environmentally friendly, but solvent-free and low VOC – and with no plasticizers it won’t leach or pick up dirt which is perfect for painted finishes,” Ringling says.

Have a Great Room Outdoors
Shade pergolas can provide the convenience of a great room in the great outdoors for entertaining al fresco. With dignified beauty, pergolas have many style options that create a picture-perfect gathering spot near the garden or pool.

“These versatile, stylish outdoor rooms provide semi-privacy and are ideal for entertaining or relaxing with your family,” says Sue Donahue, marketing manager for Walpole Woodworkers a leader in premium outdoor structures.

Another advantage to today’s pergola designs is the addition of protective fabric canopies that let the party go on, rain or shine. “Canopies, either operated manually or by remote control, keep furniture and outdoor decor protected at the first sign of inclement weather,” she says.

Pergola styles include arched or classic straight tops, and columns are typically square, tapered, or round. A lattice screen can add more privacy and bring color to the area, with climbing plant and vines. Donahue says to look for pergolas in wood or the new wood-alternative solid PVC materials that are low maintenance and long-lasting.

Prepare for Wet Weather Extremes
Extreme weather events can happen in a flash. Even if you’re not in an official flood zone, inches of rainfall in a matter of minutes, hurricanes and other freakish weather events can cause flooding. The experts at WAYNE Water Systems advise consumers to look for durable, reliable, worry-free water handling pumps.

“It only takes one water event to cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage, so prevention is the key, starting with a quality sump pump,” says vice president of sales Charles Murphy. “Additional layers of protection include battery back-up pumps in case of power outages and water-sensing alarms for early notification.

As homeowner Bill Bellaver of Troy, Mich. reports, his sump pump protected his home for 33 years before taking its last gasp. His friends and neighbors were not so lucky. “Our WAYNE pump has worked well without any issues, while friends with lower quality or no pumps have suffered damage or loss of valuables,” he says.

Homeowners can make smarter choices with today’s new home solutions. It’s a way to reduce hassles, save money and add convenience to their current lifestyle.

The post Innovative Solutions for your Home first appeared on The How Do Gardener.

If this is your year to add a deck – or spruce up an existing one – here are some helpful tips from the home improvement experts at Lowe’s:

Repairing and Upgrading an Existing Deck
If your home already has a deck, start the summer season by making sure it’s in good condition. Check for damaged boards and replace them with the appropriate decking material. Tighten fasteners or replace them if they won’t tighten. Tap down and set protruding nails or replace them with deck screws. Check for splinters on surfaces, especially along handrails and steps, and smooth with sandpaper.

A fresh coat of deck stain will brighten the deck’s appearance and keep it looking new longer by repelling water, resisting mildew and preventing fading in high-traffic areas. You can cut the project time in half by using a product like Express Deck wood stain by Cabot, which allows you to clean and stain in a single day without waiting for the deck to dry. The product, available exclusively at Lowe’s, comes in a semi-transparent stain and can be tinted to any color or selected from the pre-mixed, grab-and-go oak brown.

Once your cleaning and staining tasks are done, you can add updates to your existing deck by swapping out railings or adding decorative metal post caps or post cap lights. Or you can give your deck a little extra privacy with lattice.  Adding lattice is an easy and versatile way to provide beauty, privacy and dimension without blocking cooling breezes or boxing in space.

Building a New Deck
Building a deck costs about $15 per square foot, on average – around $4,000 for a 16- by-20-foot deck. Treated lumber is still the material of choice for most homeowners. Standard treated decking is economical and offers a limited warranty against rot and decay. You can also upgrade to treated wood designed to stand up to severe weather like TopChoice Severe Weather Treated Decking.

Composite or PVC decking are other options. Durable and ecofriendly, these alternative materials mimic the look of wood and are low maintenance. Although composite brands like ChoiceDek and Trex cost more, the only maintenance required is regular cleaning. Composite won’t split, splinter, crack or mold.

Deck Trends and Tips
Whether you’re building a new deck or upgrading an existing one, here are some of the hot trends to consider incorporating into your design:

* Bigger is better when it comes to decks. Decks create more living space and are an extension of the home, so larger decks with multiple levels give you more space for living and entertaining. Built-ins for seating and storage are also popular additions to larger decks.

* Natural elements: Water features, such as a fountain, add to the relaxation of a deck and help mask the sounds of street traffic.

* Railings: Decks have railings for safety’s sake, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice beauty for function. Railings are becoming a more important visual statement, with decorative balusters, posts and spindles, post caps and lighting.

* Outdoor room decor: Extend the look and feel of your home all the way outside – don’t keep it confined to the walls of your home. Add accessories like outdoor rugs, lighting, pillows, container plants and new patio furniture to your outdoor space.

No matter what your deck project,  planning and budgeting before you start can help your efforts run smoothly. Lowes.com offers a free Deck Designer tool and real-time lumber pricing.

Whether your choose traditional treated lumber or composite materials, create a trendy multi-level outdoor paradise or keep it simple, a deck can expand your outdoor living space, enhance your enjoyment of your home and create great value when the time comes to sell your home.

The post Updating a Deck? Trends and Tips for Great Results first appeared on The How Do Gardener.