Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

In the past, a storage shed was made from wood scraps and provided just enough protection to prevent the rusting of a hammer and nails.  Nowadays, the exterior of your backyard shed acts not only as a functional compartment for tools, but is also more of a visual focal point than it would have been on a homestead on the prairie. Whether it’s the siding, doors, or the outdoor work space available, decking out an attractive exterior allows you to maximize its addition to your property.

Proper Siding Joins Your Storage Shed with your Home Design:  Just like the siding on your home, there are plentiful options for siding your garden shed.  Dura-Temp and Vinyl siding are well-known for being maintenance-free.  Dura-Temp combines a solid plywood core with a Douglas Fir wood composite face that is easy to paint, while Vinyl siding requires an occasional cleaning to keep it looking shiny and new.  If a more natural façade is desired, make it a Pine Shed or Cedar Shed to create an entirely different effect with naturally resilient cladding for your potting shed. Besides their obvious matching vernacular to a log cabin home or the surrounding trees, natural oils of pine and cedar preserve the siding, offering better insulation than non-wood options.

Extra Wide Doors and a Porch Space Help Create Space:  If you use a lawnmower, ATV, quads, or other vehicles, install extra wide doors for easy access and see the potential space and organization of your storage shed reach its maximum potential. Another way to work with the space that a backyard shed creates might be to add a small porch outside.  Using a shed with a porch provides an unexpected landing that is great for extending your work outside under the roofed portion of the outdoor shed on a warm (or rainy) afternoon. Use it as creatively as you wish as a space to drape freshly-laundered clothes or as a sheltered place to read if the work bench inside requires extra motivation.

Add lasting durability and a cohesive home and garden shed effect by considering all of the exterior options available.

Tags: backyard shed, cedar shed, outdoor shed, pine shed, potting shed, shed with a porch, storage shed

You can only arrange and rearrange tools, yard equipment, and seasonal decorations under your deck or in your car garage once before you’re ready to revamp into a more efficient backyard shed system. Corner Nook Sheds, Potting Sheds and Canvas Sheds are three of the most popular types of storage structures. They easily contain all of the above without demanding master tetris skills to tuck them away. In order to know which type of shed is best suited for your space, it is important to weigh out their individual characteristics.

Nestle into Corner Storage: The Corner Nook Storage Shed is known for its somewhat obvious corner placement in the backyard that offers more central space for gardening, playing, or outdoor dining. Often picked for its ability to round out fence corners and open up the middle of small yards, the Corner Nook Outdoor Shed is also useful for its double-wide doors that easily open and close for larger machinery and easy access.

Become an Expert Gardener: Similar in tidy appearance to the Corner Nook, the larger Potting Shed is ideal for gardeners. Its line of greenhouse windows brings in light for nurturing plants from cuttings or seed without exposing plants to the harsh conditions outside. It also contains a long shelf for storing supplies inside that is built for the active lawn and garden population.

Affordable and Portable Options: A totally different take on outdoor storage comes in the form of a Canvas Shed. The most affordable option of all three sheds, it is also the least permanent. Perfect as a temporary solution or one that can be moved around the yard as necessary, a canopy shed is a simple, attractive solution for storing ATVs, lawn mowers, dirt bikes, and other motor equipment outside.

Often overlooked when admiring fabulous backyard spaces, a storage shed picked to meet your needs is often the key to a pristine and manageable outdoor area.

Tags: backyard shed, canopy shed, canvas shed, canvas sheds, corner nook sheds, outdoor shed, potting shed, potting sheds, storage shed

It’s a most unusual day; in fact, it’s been a most unusual week.  Although November is nearly halfway over, the sun has been shining relentlessly for days, and the temperatures have been hanging around in the 60’s.  It has given me the chance to get some more use out of my patio chairs, before I have to put the outdoor furniture covers on them and store them in the storage shed for the winter.  I’ve also seen many others sitting on their porch swings and porch gliders, and even sunning themselves in chaise lounges, as if it were still July.

Indeed, this is a spectacular day.  The sky is a bright blue, the birds are busy at the birdfeeders, and even a few bees are buzzing by; but, it is becoming a bit breezy.  This is, obviously, making it difficult for the trees to carry on that game they like to play, where they try to see how long they can fool us into thinking that it really is still summer.  Every time there’s a burst of wind, their charade is diminished, as they are forced to relinquish more of their leaves.

While that may thwart their attempts to keep up convincing fronts, it certainly creates some heavenly scenery.  That’s because all of their remaining leaves are a vivid yellow; and, illuminated in the intense sunlight, they appear to actually be glowing.  Thus, with every gust, the resulting cascades of gleaming gold are magnificent to behold.

So, my advice to the trees is to just let go; and there couldn’t be a more perfect time to do that than right now.  After all, there’s no percentage in holding onto something lifeless and lackluster, when they can dazzle the waiting world with a whirlwind of golden brilliance.  Not only will they be a lot happier, but they will be much more appreciated; and by a wider audience, at that.

That often happens in life.  We stay with the familiar, avoiding change, and then, when it comes, we wonder why we ever resisted it; and it generally turns out for the best.  That’s kind of the way that I feel right now.  Like many others, I’ve had a sense of trepidation about the approaching winter.  Oh, sure, I enjoy the cooler weather; but I cannot stand how quickly the year passes.  Furthermore, there are some things, such as higher utility bills, that I could live without; so, yeah, I’ve said that I wouldn’t mind prolonging the season slightly.

On this gorgeous autumn day, however, that’s no longer the case.   I’m truly excited about the shifting weather patterns, no matter what course they may take.  What’s more, I think that everyone is feeling somewhat giddy today.  Awhile ago, a friend called and invited me to a cookout this evening!  Apparently, she, too, has been inspired by the recent sightings of people relaxing on their patio furniture, and has put together an impromptu, outdoor party, in November.

All right – something strange, different, and wonderful!  Tonight, just two weeks before Thanksgiving, I’m going to be sitting at a picnic table with a bunch of friends, eating hamburgers off the grill.  Hey, I can handle that!

Still, there’s no doubt that the winds of change are beginning to blow; and I can handle them, too.  In fact, I’m gonna saddle ‘em up, and ride – and the sky’s the limit!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: birdfeeders, chaise lounges, Outdoor Furniture Covers, patio chairs, patio furniture, picnic table, porch gliders, porch swings, storage shed

Whether you’re putting your porch furniture in the storage shed, or under some outdoor furniture covers, if you’re hosting a large party for Thanksgiving, it’s a good idea to keep some of it handy.  After all, you may need a few picnic table benches, patio chairs, or outdoor folding chairs, for extra seating.  Moreover, if you have a kids’ picnic table, the problem of where to seat the children is already solved.

Of course, before the big day, you’ll still have to get your home and yard ready for winter.  As for the vegetation, if you’re going to take any of it indoors for the season, make sure that no unwanted houseguests come along for the ride.  Check the leaves, stems, and the topsoil, for stowaways; and wipe off the bottoms of the planters.

As the decreasing sunlight eliminates the need for extra nutrients at this time of the year, your houseplants won’t have to be fertilized.  Most of them won’t require as much water, either; but, because the air inside of your home is likely to be very dry, make sure the soil stays moist, and give plants an occasional misting.

Before putting planters, window boxes, and flower boxes into storage for the winter, remove all debris, and clean them with a solution of mild soap and bleach. To keep garden hoses from freezing and cracking, drain them and store them in the shed, too.  Put insulation on all outdoor water connections, to prevent the pipes from bursting, which is one of the most common – and most disastrous – cold-weather troubles.

Naturally, leaves are in abundance now; and if they’re still on the trees, sporting their autumn colors, they’re adding to the scenery.  However, if they’ve already fallen, as most have by now, they may be contributing to some ugly scenes, depending upon where they have landed.  For example, if they’re piling up on sidewalks, they can be dangerously slick, especially when wet.

If they’re left lying on the lawn, in thick mats, they may kill the grass underneath them; but, you can always run over them with a lawnmower and turn them into mulch.  You also have the option of raking them up, putting them into a compost pile, and letting them rot for the winter, so that they’ll be ready for your garden in the spring.

Another place where leaves may be gathering, and conspiring to cause havoc, is on your roof.  One of their favorite tricks is to use rain as a waterslide, which will take them into your gutters.  There, they will form clogs, and prevent the gutters from doing their jobs, which is to drain the water from rain, and melting snow and ice, away from your home’s foundation.

Therefore, cleaning gutters is another one of those chores that should be done before the weather gets nasty.  While you’re at it, prune the branches of overhanging trees, and you may be able to keep some of the leaves from falling onto the roof in the first place.  However, because they can blow in from all directions, this may not eliminate the problem completely.

You know, when you think about it, it’s ironic that they’re called leaves.  I mean, they never go away!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: kids picnnic tables, outdoor folding chairs, Outdoor Furniture Covers, patio chairs, picnic table benches, Planters, porch furniture, storage shed

Now that November is here, things are really getting serious.  The Christmas commercials have already started to air (unfortunately), and, from here on out, everything is going to be about the holidays.  In just a few weeks, it will be Thanksgiving, and, in all probability, you’ll be getting ready for that; but, before you can relax and enjoy your turkey dinner, you’ll have to make sure that your home is prepared to deal with the cold weather ahead.

Of course, this includes its interior, exterior, and landscape.  Indeed, even though there’s not much heavy gardening to do, there are a few outdoor chores, including some yard work, left to be accomplished.  So, dig your thick, warm sweater out of the closet or cedar chest, get back into the crisp, invigorating air, and finish those tasks before it’s too late.

Actually, even if you live in an area that’s facing a harsh winter, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re completely finished with planting.  As long as the ground is not frozen, you can still plant the spring-flowering bulbs of crocuses, tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.  You can also put in some trees and shrubs now, so that their roots will have a chance to establish themselves before spring.  Just remember to cover the trunks of saplings, and other tender trees, with paper tree wrap, before the end of the month.

If you’re going to transplant any shrubs, plants, or trees, such as azaleas or rhododendrons, excavate their new holes before you take them out of the ground.  Make them roomy enough to give the plants plenty of space to grow; and when you dig them up, extract large root balls that include as much of their root systems as possible.  Replant them right away, using a blend of the existing soil, along with healthy doses of compost, peat moss, and transplanting fertilizer.  Stake taller plants and trees, until their roots become steadfast; otherwise, they may be toppled by strong winds.

You can prune the vines on your grape arbors, after they’ve gone dormant; and any climbing vines, roses, or berries, should be secured firmly to their trellises, so that they won’t be whipped around by gusty winds.  If you’re planning to move things around next year, this is also a good time to sketch out a fresh garden design, and to put in new garden structures, such as trellises, arbors, and pergolas.

Another way to ensure that you’ll be prepared for next year is to clean, sharpen, and oil your garden tools.  Besides having your lawnmower’s blades sharpened, have its oil changed, bolts tightened, and other parts inspected and/or cleaned.  Use a file on trowels, hoes, clippers, and shovels, and a whetstone on pruning shears, then coat the metal parts with penetrating oil; and apply heavier oil to any moving components.  Sand rough spots on wood handles, and then rub them lightly with some linseed oil.

It’s also time to put your patio furniture into the garage or storage shed for the winter.  However, if you don’t have a large enough storage area, protect your porch swings, patio chairs, and picnic tables, with outdoor furniture covers.  Just make sure that they have heavy-duty ties that can endure even the fiercest winds.  Remember, you’re tucking them in for a long, winter’s nap.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, cedar chest, grape arbors, Outdoor Furniture Covers, patio chairs, patio furniture, Pergolas, picnic tables, porch swings, storage shed, trellises

Sure, your outdoor furniture can provide you with premium seating for foliage viewing (or, to use a more common – and, I think, comical – phrase, “leaf peeping”).  That, alone, is worth delaying the shrouding of it in outdoor furniture covers, and the shoving of it into the storage shed; but that’s not the only valuable service that it can offer.  No-o!  Indeed, it can be as much a part of your outdoor décor now, as it is in the summer.

Now, if you live in a warm climate, or have an enclosed porch or gazebo, where you use your patio furniture year-round, you can dress it up with some outdoor furniture cushions and throw pillows in autumn hues, such as gold, russet, red, yellow, brown, and burgundy.  Heck, this is a good idea no matter where you live, if you’re not going to be putting anything into storage for a couple more months.

As for the decorations, take your inspiration from nature.  For starters, of course, there are pumpkins, which are the quintessential symbols of the season.  They can be found in abundance everywhere, from farmers’ markets, to supermarkets; and there are hundreds of pumpkin patches where you can pick them fresh.  Instead of getting just one, choose a bunch of them, in assorted sizes, because they’re good for so many other things, besides making jack-o-lanterns.

Truly, pumpkins are great, for a number of reasons.  For one thing, they can be used in countless ways, inside and outdoors; and on top of that, they’re natural.  Furthermore, they can last all the way through to Thanksgiving (yes, fall decorations should still be in place on that day; let the Christmas lights wait until the turkey has been gobbled!).  Actually, there are several other non-artificial things that you can use for ornamental purposes as well.

Visit roadside markets and nurseries for cornstalks, bales of hay, straw, and the many other types of gourds that are available; or find a farm that offers them at very little cost.  You can even take a walk in the woods, and simply collect most of the items that you’ll need.  Using the real things, instead of imitations, will not only save you money, but will look much more elegant and refined.  If you don’t consider yourself to be particularly creative, go to a craft store, or look through some magazines, for ideas.

You can place pumpkins along your porch railings and steps, set them on your outdoor accent tables, or use them in centerpieces for picnic tables and outdoor dining tables.  Put hay bales and pumpkins on and around patio chairs, or stack them up against outdoor lamps, mailboxes, and mailbox posts.  If you want a scarecrow, make your own, and sit it in a porch chair.

There is no end to the possibilities for fall decorating; and the best part is that you don’t have to spend a fortune, or have a lot of experience in designing.  In fact, if you stick to using only what nature provides, you’re sure to have an attractive and tasteful display.  After all, you certainly won’t find any giant, inflatable pumpkins growing wild.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: gazebo, outdoor decor, outdoor dining tables, Outdoor Furniture, Outdoor Furniture Covers, outdoor furniture cushions, outdoor lamps, patio chairs, patio furniture, picnic tables, porch chair, storage shed

We talk a lot about creating your own at-home oasis.  After all, “stay-cations” have become one of the most popular family destinations as people use backyard structures and outdoor furniture to create beautiful paradises.

But, what about the professionals?  Your backyard haven is just one aspect of the many parts of your home you balance.  But, vacation resorts are completely focused on creating relaxing and rejuvenating environments that will turn people’s everyday stress into invigorating retreats.

Caneel Bay is a luxury resort situated in the pristine natural surrounding of The Virgin Islands National Part on St. John Island.  If anyone knows every detail of get-away design, it’s certainly the island resorts of the Caribbean.  And, the experts turned to our experts for gazebo and cabana design!

First, this open air gazebo serves as a wonderful sheltered outdoor living room.  Using bright teals to add bursts of unexpected color, it reserves an island feel without pushing over into cliché or overwhelming themes.  The outdoor deep seating collection exudes relaxed elegance, as the rich hardwood pulls together the entire outdoor room set that coordinates, but isn’t too “matchy.”

(Click photo to view larger)

This is certainly a design you could emulate in your own home!  For those who do not have a full staff of house keeping, however, you might want to try deep seating that has storage within the arms and back for the cushions.  That way, you can put the cushions away without lugging them into your storage shed, when you’re headed in for the night and rain seems to be on the way.  There are also a lot of stylish deck boxes that could hold your cushions and keep them safe outdoors.  What are your thoughts on it?

And, within sight of this fabulous outdoor living room… is that a cabana?  Why Yes! Can you guess what it’s used for?

Think the ultimate in relaxation…

Yes! A massage space overlooking the ocean proves this resort as one wonderful place!  The hardwood floors, bamboo-style shades, and exposed rafters create a rustic, yet refined feeling of secluded retreat. The palm-leaf style outdoor ceiling fan will keep the sea breeze moving, and fits seamlessly with this tropical décor.  My favorite part is that the rafters are painted white to match the walls, while the exposed ceiling remains its natural wood color.  Such a subtle color choice really brings through the marine feeling of this oasis.

You might be thinking, “What would I do with something like this in my home though?  I can barely get my husband to rub my shoulders!”  Okay, Okay, a massage chair and full spa might be a little over-the-top for your at-home oasis.  But, a cabana with rich hardwood floors, exposed painted rafters, a fabulous outdoor ceiling fan, and bamboo-style blinds can make much more than just an open air spa…  How about a dining area? A meditation retreat? An art or writing studio?  The options are endless. Plus, with walls and a closing door, you can use it for more seasons and in inclement weather!

So, if you hadn’t planned to go toward the islands this summer… that’s no reason to miss out on fabulous outdoor retreats.  Create your own tropical resort this summer, and enjoy it every day: Not for a week, not on one trip, everyday!

After all, if even the top tropical resorts are turning to us…why would you turn to anybody else?

Tags: backyard structures, cabana, deck boxes, deep seating, gazebo, outdoor ceiling fan, outdoor deep seating, Outdoor Furniture, storage shed

Have you ever considered using a storage shed as a stylish garden structure to heighten the fashion and function of your backyard? Many people worry that storage sheds are just cheap, composite-board structures that look clunky, uninteresting, and should only be used for storing weed whackers and lawn mowers.  But, while this may have been true in the past, it is certainly not true anymore!

Storage sheds have jumped on the fabulous outdoor living trend and dolled up their appearance to be a true contender for your outdoor living space.  No longer are they the simple, square or barn-shaped structures (though those are still available, of course) of days gone by.  Storage sheds come in all shapes and sizes, with unexpected roof lines and eye-catching color combinations.  Are you ready for the count down?  Five ways storage sheds are cleaning up their image!

Storage Sheds with Porches: You love to decorate your porch with patio furniture, why not gain another porch on your storage shed?  You don’t have a porch? Well, now you can have one!  Complete with porch railings and posts; your shed’s porch will give you a place to pull your art or gardening projects outside, while stay within reaching distance of your tools and supplies.  A porch will also allow you to keep the windows under the porch open, without worrying about a lot of rain blowing in.  Even if you just use your storage shed for lawn equipment, having a small attached porch will elevate it stylistically.  Passersby will assume your shed is used for something rare and unique, and you’ll never worry about it being an eyesore.

Potting Sheds Instead of Storage Sheds: Many storage sheds have made a full transformation into potting sheds.  Potting sheds are specialized structures used for nursing plants in the same way as a green house, as well as a place to store all of your garden tools and do your indoor gardening tasks.  Outfitted with rows of windows, as well as a large polycarbonate skylight that takes up nearly the whole side of the roof, you’ll create a veritable greenhouse that can be used for so much more!  Potting sheds also feature a long work bench so you can work on your container gardens and do all sorts of outdoor projects and crafts without dragging any dirt into your home.  A potting shed is a near necessity for any serious gardener, and is now as widely available as traditional storage sheds.

Storage Sheds with Skylights: So, potting sheds have skylights to create a greenhouse.  But, even if you’re not interested in doing gardening work in your shed, you can still have skylights!  No more dark, dingy, and mold-smelling storage sheds… imagine a world of bright and well lit storage that can be used endlessly.  See your tools and supplies with a skylight in your storage shed.  Just like a car is instantly more fun with a sunroof, your shed will be immediately upgraded with a skylight.

True, Screened, Opening Windows in your Storage Shed: Skylights let in light, of course.  But, a window can do so much more than just let light in.  New storage shed styles feature true, house-like windows.  Complete with screens to keep bugs out and the ability to open vertically, these are real windows! Again, if you’ve ever been in a more traditional shed, you know that the stuffy heat can be overwhelming.  But, imagine just opening up those windows to allow cooling air flow to flood the space.  Not only do the windows allow your shed to look more like a little house in your backyard than just a shed, you can get them complete with shutters in any color to truly design a stylish structure. Now, that’s a place for a lawnmower!

Storage Sheds with Flower Boxes: You may have assumed that flower boxes attached to windows should be an attribute included in the sections about windows.  But, I disagree!  Though attached to windows, flower boxes add so much more than just window décor to your storage shed.  You can add bright colors with flowers and plants that will liven up your structure.  It adds a homey, cottage feel that will lend your shed to a little hideaway, instead of just a storage spot.  It encourages you to do to some fabulous container gardening, right next to your gardening storage.  Flower boxes turn drab storage sheds into quaint retreats, truly.  Plus, if your husband needs a place to store his ATV or antique car, you can compromise on a storage shed with strong enough floors and large drive-through doors… that you get to decorate!

So, yes.  It’s true.  You can now create lovely little cottages like the charming wee bungalows seen in fairy tale art prints, and use it to stow your dirty lawn mower!  The only downside is that now you have even more options to try to choose from when considering a backyard structure!  Oh well, you’ll just have to get more than one!

Hazel.

Tags: backyard structure, garden structure, patio furniture, potting shed, storage shed

Certainly, style and color will be key issues when you’re shopping for a picnic table, whether you want it to complement the décor of an enclosed porch or gazebo, match your outdoor furniture, or just look good standing in your yard.  Even so, there are many more factors to consider before you make a decision.

For one thing, figure out what size you need, based not only upon the amount of space that you have for it, but the number of people who will be using it regularly.  If you have a large family, or if you do a lot of entertaining, you’ll need a bigger picnic table, or outdoor dining table.  If you don’t have room for a long, rectangular picnic table, a round, oval, square, octagonal, or hexagonal picnic table may fit in nicely.  An outdoor bistro set, or even a bar table with stools, can work well in a tight spot.  Kids’ picnic tables can also solve many seating problems at large get-togethers.

Extra-wide picnic tables are great for entertaining as well, because they offer more space for food and place settings.  They also keep things within easy reach of everyone, and are conducive to conversation, as people can sit on all four sides, in comfortable benches with backs.  Naturally, these styles usually require roomier areas.

Size also comes into play if you’re going to put your picnic table away for the winter.  If you have limited storage space, you might want to get a picnic table with detached benches, which can be put on or under the table, stacked, or stored separately.  If you don’t have a storage shed, a garage, or any other outdoor structure in which to place it, there are some other ways to keep it in good shape during the months of harsh weather.

First of all, outdoor furniture covers can provide wonderful protection, as long as they are of good quality, and can withstand temperature extremes.  This is especially important for wood picnic tables, which should also be coated with a UV-resistant stain/sealer, if they’re going to be left outside in the winter.  Actually, they should be shielded in the summer as well, because the sun’s powerful rays can hasten the fading of the wood; and that’s why patio umbrellas are as good for picnic tables as they are for people.

The material that you choose can also make a big difference in the way that your picnic table fares over the winter.  For example, polywood picnic tables, which look amazingly like natural wood, are maintenance-free, impervious to the elements, and, in fact, virtually indestructible.  The same is pretty much true of high-quality aluminum picnic tables, which can also endure severe conditions, without breaking, bending, chipping, or rusting.  Another advantage that these types of picnic tables offer is that they are available in tons of colors.

Weight may also be a concern in some cases.  If you’re going to be moving your picnic table around, or putting it on a deck, make sure that you don’t get one that is too heavy.

Yep!  That means that you’ll have to worry about weight before you even sit down to eat!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: aluminum picnic tables, extra wide picnic tables, gazebo, outdoor bistro set, outdoor dining table, Outdoor Furniture, Outdoor Furniture Covers, outdoor structure, patio umbrellas, picnic table, picnic table with detached benches, picnic tables, polywood picnic tables, rectangular picnic table, storage shed

I’ve given you two ways to throw a party for your mother on Mother’s Day.  But, perhaps you were really hoping to have something to wrap up and give her.  Understandable!  I still believe, though, that the best gifts are gifts with a lot of heart in them.

So, today I’ll be bringing you an awesome outdoor Mother’s Day gift idea: Painting a Mother’s Day Garden Bench!

Find a Pine Garden Bench: The best material for your garden bench will be Pine.  Cedar garden benches don’t take paint very well at all, neither will a Polywood garden bench.  Cypress will work, but a Treated Pine or Select Pine will serve you best.  Other than material, just find a bench that you think your mother would love.  Does she like to spend a lot of time outdoors?  A garden bench with a back might be the most comfortable.  Of course, there are a lot of benches with arm rests and nice deep seats for true outdoor relation.  But, if you think your mom might like something a bit simpler, there are plenty rustic garden benches.  Don’t forget, a lot of styles come with carved hearts or stars accenting the back—what a great way to show what you think of your mother!

Apply an Exterior Primer: The first think you will want to do is to apply an exterior primer.  The primer will ensure that your paint goes on smoothly, and it will help protect your garden bench from damage due to bugs or weather.  Apply the primer with a brush, and follow the grain of the wood.  It’s also important to choose a primer and paint that are compatible.  Most exteriors are either latex or enamel.  Either type of primer and paint will work, but it is imperative that they match!  Using a latex primer and an enamel paint, or vice versa, will cause the paint to adhere poorly.

Creatively Paint Your Garden Bench: After the primer has dried, this is a great time to get the whole family involved.  Try a few different colors, get the old clothes on, and paint the garden bench in the most creative way you can think of!  Maybe write, “I Love You, Mom” across the seat.  Or, have everyone make handprints all over the bench.  The sky is the limit! If she has a favorite poem, use a smaller brush to write it across the back of the bench.  Draw a family portrait of everyone all together.  If you’re truly concerned about your art skills, stencils can be purchased at an arts and crafts store, so you can decorate the bench with stenciled designs! Adding your personal and creative touches will make this one of your mother’s favorite pieces of outdoor furniture.  It doesn’t have to be perfect; it has to be from the heart!

Apply Sealant and Top Coat:  Again, after the paint has dried, you can further protect your bench by applying a clear sealant.  The sealant will keep the paint from chipping and other damage.  Then, if you wish, you can apply a top coat of clear gloss to give the garden bench a shiny quality.  The top coat isn’t necessary, but might be a nice touch if a shinier, glossier bench would fit your garden.

Position it in a Favorite Spot, Tie a Bow, and You’re Done: If you haven’t thought of this road block yet, you may have to find a bit of a creative spot to hide the bench while it’s drying.  Perhaps in your storage shed or other backyard structure.  Is there an untouched corner of the garage?  Perhaps you can take the whole project to an aunt’s, uncle’s, or grandparent’s house—then transport it once the whole bench is finished and ready to go!  However you chose to hide your surprise, you can bring it out once everything is completed and dried.  Position the garden bench in a spot you think she would love.  Or, place it among her other pieces of favorite outdoor furniture.  If you have a gazebo, pergola, or cabana, put it inside and decorate the structure for her big day as well.  Tying a colorful ribbon into a bow around the bench will be a wonderful finishing touch.  On Mother’s Day, simply lead your mother out to her brand new bench and enjoy one of her best Mother’s Days ever!

The best part of Mother’s Day is that you get to give back to the woman that’s always giving!  Creating a spot for her to both relax and be reminded of how much her family loves her is a wonderful Mother’s Day gift!

But, the big day is quickly approaching; so hurry up!

Hazel

Tags: backyard structure, cabana, garden bench, garden bench with a back, gazebo, Mother's Day, Outdoor Furniture, pergola, storage shed