deck
Turn a standard porch into a bug-free living area by adding screens around the perimeter. You’ll still get the benefits of being outdoors, including fresh air and gentle breezes, without having to fight off mosquitoes or other insects. Adding screens is fairly simple, especially if your porch already has a support structure. Other options include removable or retractable screens. These have the advantage of allowing you to adjust the screening as needed.
One important consideration is how well your furniture will hold up to your weather conditions, including moisture, hot sun and strong winds. Wood that is naturally resistant to mold, decay and rot and, ideally, is water and insect repellant. Teak, cedar, old-growth cypress and redwood are the most familiar of these woods, but other options include acacia, eucalyptus and the tropical shorea woods. Oil or stain the wood and seal it yearly if you don’t want it to weather to a silvery gray. If you’re painting your wood, use a paint with UV filters to protect from the sun. If possible, cover pieces or bring them inside in winter. Wicker and rattan outdoor furniture give your outdoor space a classic country or beach-style look — as long as you keep it under a cover. These natural materials, along with similar options like bamboo and natural grasses, can’t handle prolonged exposure to sun and rain. If you want to move your furniture to a more exposed outdoor location in summer, seal the wicker with wood furniture sealer or marine varnish (test first in an inconspicuous spot to be sure you like the results) or with tung oil to help preserve it. Painting is another option; finish with ...
Scattering a few colorful throw cushions on a neutral outdoor sofa or adding cushy seat cushions to wood chairs can make an instant difference in boosting the style and comfort of an outdoor living space. When choosing cushions, opt for those made for outdoor use with fabrics that have been treated to be water repellent and to prevent fading with sun exposure. To keep cushions clean, come up with a plan for storing them at the end of the season, on rainy days or generally when not in use.
Hanging string lights over a seating area adds instant atmosphere and is also easier than it may seem – even if you don’t have a pergola or tree branches just where you need them. When purchasing any outdoor lighting, make sure to choose ones specifically for outdoor use, which will often have seals to keep out moisture, among other advantages. Those marked as “commercial grade” are the most durable and often come with a warranty.
You wouldn’t select an uncomfortable sofa for your living room, so keep those same standards when choosing seating for your patio. Choose durable outdoor materials like teak, steel, powder-coated metal, resin wicker and anything that can handle exposure to sunlight, moisture and outdoor temperature changes.
Light your deck and patio floors with step lights or rail-mounted lights to keep the light low and discreet. You can install lights directly into the deck or patio or get creative with continuous LED strips hidden below steps and platforms. Outdoor wall sconces or hanging lanterns with clear glass — which allow you to plainly see the bulb — can cause major glare issues at night. For usable light, choose fixtures that hide the bulb deep inside the fixture or have frosted glass to help diffuse the light.
more secure lower barrier
ceiling with large openings
big open glass doors to connect inside and outside deck area and make space look larger
view from inside onto deck
railings, smooth flow through glass-fronted doors
ceiling fan
porch swing
very large windows
no windows
large windows
chairs
big enough
indoor outdoor
roof, no walls
side slats hide underneath of stairs
Stormwater management, which includes grading and drainage, is a mitigating factor for every patio and might require engineering help. “It’s a component that’s critical to high function and comfort,” The understructure of your patio should be designed to route water away from the house, whether into the yard, an underground cache or storm drains. The paving you choose will set the tone and style of your patio, so investing a good portion of your budget on something you like makes sense. Locally sourced stone might be more economical than you would expect — and also more environmentally friendly, as it would travel a shorter distance to reach your project site than a nonlocal stone would. You also can incorporate stone as a special feature mixed with lower-priced materials.
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