Spring and summer are best enjoyed bathing in the sun, going for swims and enjoying a barbecue with family and friends.
It’s essential that your home’s outdoor space is maintained for entertaining as it can be neglected during autumn and winter.
Here are Your Home’s top tips that can transform an aged outdoor space into a vibrant sanctuary:
Metals.
Metals are usually on trend, but it can be a meticulous option for outdoor furnishings, particularly if you live in a sea side area. Natural elements such as salt water, dirt and airborne pollution can cause rust, regardless of whether the furniture is made of aluminium or stainless steel.
The best way to maintain metal is to use products such as Hammerite’s Direct to Rust Metal Paint which can provide up to eight years of protection from corrosion.
The ‘one tin’ solution, performs as a primer, undercoat and top coat and comes in a variety of finishes from a smooth finish to a hammered finish. This product is available in paint and aerosol form.
Brian Hamilton, Managing Director of Hammerite says “the metal protector can be used on chairs, tables, gates, gardening tools, lamps and plant pots”.
Timber.
Timber is a common material used in Australia for outdoor decks and furnishings. It can create a sense of ‘warmth’ and is a smooth transition from your home’s interior to the exterior. However, timber needs regular care and if left untreated, decolouring and splintering can occur.
To maintain timber, wash it then apply new oil to it every six to twelve months. However, if you’d like to avoid regular work there are lower maintenance timber options. Teak has greater resistance to cracking and some Native Australian timbers, such as spotted gum has better resistance to the sun.
Cushions.
Although cushions are versatile and can be inexpensive decorative items to add design and colour to an outdoor space, they are not long lasting. If you don’t want to replace these items every season due to mould and discolouring, avoid damp areas, wet weather and insure the item is weather repellent.
Some flowers and plants can cause stains on cushions and timbers. If you spot plant debris on these items you can prevent stains by gently brushing it off or sucking it up with a portable vacuum cleaner.
Drains.
Collecting and disposing of dirt, leaves and dead tree branches can help prevent drainage blocks which can cause flooding when it rains.
A simple solution is to use a rake such as Fiskars rake’s to effortlessly clear away any debris such as dead sticks, leaves and rubbish that may have appeared.
It may also be time to filter through the plant beds and spend some time pulling away weeds to embrace the space you have. It may take time, but it’s important to start with a clean canvas when preparing to restore an outdoor space.
