5 refreshing ways to perk up your patio for the season
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With the arrival of spring after what feels like a long and dreary winter, Canadians are no doubt looking forward to warmer weather and more time spent outdoors.
One of the best ways to kick back and enjoy the season is by taking advantage of your home’s outdoor space, no matter whether you’ve got a condo-sized balcony or a spacious backyard.
In order to make the most comfortable, inviting and relaxing outdoor space, it may also be time to spruce up your outdoor areas in order to have them looking their best all season long. With these quick and easy projects, you can have your space spring-ready in no time so you can enjoy all that the warmer months have to offer.
Breathe life back into tired surfaces
Canadian winters can wreak havoc on all kinds of surfaces, from metal to wood to concrete, and everything in between. Rather than tossing your existing objects, why not give them a seasonal refresh that will have them looking as good as new?
For wooden trim and furniture, a fresh coat of Varathane Diamond Exterior Finish breathes new life into surfaces to leave them with your choice of gloss, semi-gloss and satin finishes. To remove the look of rust from metal fences or patio furniture, a coat of Tremclad Rust Paint is an easy way to keep them looking their best. As for concrete, Stone Mason Premium Concrete Sealer helps to seal and protect surfaces while leaving them with a revitalized look.
Bring the indoors out
There’s no better way to take advantage of your space than by transforming your outdoor space into an extension of your indoor space. Cozy accents like outdoor-safe pillows and weatherproof rugs are a simple way to bring texture to your exteriors and add a touch of style to your space.
Look for UV resilient fabrics to ensure that your pieces can withstand the heat, and for sunny areas that could use some extra shade, add a patio umbrella like this one from Canvas so that you can take advantage of your space even on the brightest days. We love pairing this umbrella with the Canvas Bala Patio Set, which has hand-woven all-weather wicker material that ensures durability regardless of conditions.
Seal and protect
Since patio furniture is an investment that can significantly improve the look of your outdoor space, you want to make the most out of it by protecting it properly in order to have it last for many years to come.
To give your textiles a weather-proof upgrade, you’ll want to consider spraying them with a coating of Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield. This easy-to-use spray creates a durable water repellent barrier that helps keep fabrics dryer, cleaner and newer looking for longer.
Embrace your green thumb
No matter what size outdoor space you’re working with, Canadian Tire has many creative solutions that will allow you to add a touch of greenery or a colourful pop of florals. You’ll find pots and urns for plants of every size, as well as modular planters if you’re looking to try your hand at your own mini herb or vegetable garden.
You’ll also find the tools you need to keep your plants growing, like compost, insect repellents, watering cans and more.
Lighten up
Though the days are indeed getting longer and warmer, evenings still might need some extra light — and warmth — once the sun sets. Not always a priority that we tend to think of, outdoor lighting can bring some much-needed functionality to your space while also adding a decorative touch.
Opt for low-maintenance solar-powered lights throughout your yard, or table lanterns for extra mood lightning. You can even plan ahead for warmer months with an insect-repellent lantern from Thermacell that performs double duty.
Another way to bring a whimsical touch to your outdoor space is by utilizing string lights. We love hanging them along fences or from trees to mimic the feeling of your favourite restaurant patio.
