Nothing embodies summertime in Canada more than hanging out on your deck, grilling, sipping cold drinks, and making memories with family and friends.

Like other areas of your home, your deck does need to be cared for regularly to ensure it lasts long enough to keep the good times rolling season after season. Keeping your deck in tip-top condition is another way to maintain curb appeal—just ask a REALTOR®!

In addition to keeping your deck free from dirt and debris, you should consider painting or staining it. The added layer of product protects your deck from moisture, mould, bugs, sun, and other harsh elements. Changing the colour of the wood is also an easy way to revitalize your deck without a total overhaul.

Let’s look at how you can paint or stain on your own (or with some friends!) and end up with a new look you’ll love for the entire summer.

Painting versus staining

Not all decks are made equal. You’ll need to brush up on your knowledge of wood boards, paints, and stains to make sure your deck refurbishing or rebuilding project is a success.

“Making a choice between paint and stain isn’t just a matter of preference. Many factors, including wood type, weather, foot traffic, budget, and style come into play,” says Emmett Wallace, owner of Dub’s Construction, which specializes in indoor and outdoor home renovations.

Below are four key steps to guide your summer deck revival project.

Step 1: Confirm the material

Before you decide between paint or stain, you should determine what material your deck is made from as not all materials can be painted or stained.

Wood types

Cedar, redwood pine, and treated lumber are the most common materials for decks. These woods take paint and stain well, and they are resistant to rot. Cedar and redwood are pricier than their counterparts, so consider using stain on them if you want to maintain the visual integrity of the wood. Painting treated lumber is a more affordable option with more colour choices.

Non-wood types

Vinyl, IPE, composite, and recycled plastic decks are gaining in popularity. These non-wood materials are easy to maintain and come in several colours—though they can often carry a heftier price tag than wood. The con? They don’t accept stain or paint. If you’re unsure about your deck’s material, call in a professional to help.

Step 2: Make a choice

Once you’ve confirmed your deck can, in fact, be painted or stained, it’s time to consider the pros and cons of each product.

Paint pros

• Best for decks that don’t get a lot of foot traffic, especially since paint can be slippery
• Hides the wood grain and imperfections
• Comes in a variety of colours and finishes
• Easy to maintain and keep clean
• Can last 10 years or longer
• More resistant to fading caused by heat and ultraviolet (UV) rays

Paint cons

• Requires more prep, including layers of preservative and primer
• Takes longer to cover entire deck
• Thicker consistency is more likely to blot
• Difficult to change from paint to stain
• Must be coated with a clear sealer

Stain pros

• Great for decks that receive lots of foot traffic
• More budget-friendly per gallon
• Gives a natural look and enhances the wood grain
• Easy to apply
• Can be easily painted over
• Lighter consistency applies evenly and is less likely to blot
• Available in two-in-one stain and stealer formula
• Can last up to eight years

Stain cons

• More prone to fading caused by heat and UV rays
• Colour options are limited
• More difficult to maintain and keep clean

Step 3: Select a product

By now, you should know what your deck needs, and all that remains is to purchase the paint or stain. In terms of cost, one 3.7-litre can of deck stain or paint can range from $16 to $66, depending on the brand, transparency, and retailer. For a deck about 550 square feet in size, you’ll need approximately two cans to complete the job.

Let’s explore the different types of products you’ll encounter at the hardware store.

Paint types

If you opt for paint based on your wood type and maintenance needs, you should consider a product formulated for outdoor use. This type of paint will usually contain UV protectants and other additives to protect the surface long term. Pick an oil-based paint best suited for floors. Oil paint protects the deck from moisture and has a longer lifespan than water-based paint.

Be sure to grab a preservative and primer to protect the wood, and that you have a smooth base to paint over. You’ll also need a polyurethane sealer to keep the paint intact.

Stain types

Stains come in a range of pigments, from transparent to opaque. The higher the opacity, the more durable the stain. High-pigment stains provide protection from moisture and UV damage. Many stain brands are formulated with preservatives, so you don’t need additional primer. You may require a clear sealer, but opting for a two-in-one product can save you that final step.

Once you’ve landed on a stain or paint to use, you’ll also need to gather:

• bristle brushes;
• rollers;
• a roller tray;
• a stain pad;
• a bucket;
• stirring sticks; and
• cloths (for cleanup)

Step 4: Do the prep

You’re all set on the product front, but the real work starts now. Staining or painting your deck requires a bit of prep to make the application easier. You don’t want to rush the cleaning, sanding and priming phase of this work because it’s what helps the paint or stain go on smoothly and stay there

“Don’t forget to check the forecast for the week,” advises Wallace. “Always be sure to pick a clear day with low humidity and no chance of rain because moisture is your enemy.”

You should only paint or stain your deck when the moisture level is low. The general rule of thumb is that wood surfaces should have no more than 15% moisture. A great way to test your deck’s moisture level is by pouring a bit of water onto the wood. If it beads up, the wood is too wet to paint or stain. If the water is easily absorbed, you’re good to go. Be sure to wait for days when the humidity outdoors is between 40% and 70%—any higher could affect drying quality and time. As far as primers are concerned, use a shellac-based formula if working with paint. You can skip this step when using stain.

If your deck has surface cracks and other easy-to-fix imperfections, you can fill them with an exterior-grade wood filler before you sand the surface in the direction of the wood grain. If your deck needs more serious repairs, you should schedule an assessment with a professional.

Once you begin to apply the paint or stain, give each coat a few hours to dry. How quickly the coats dry depends on the temperature outside and the size of your deck. In a nutshell, give yourself two to three days to get the job done.

While these tips are for anyone looking to update their deck, they can also be applied to new decks that haven’t been painted or stained. Just keep in mind if you’ve recently installed pressure treated boards “you should wait six months to a year before staining or painting it,” says Wallace. “This is because this type of material is typically installed soaking wet.”

There’s quite a lot of effort that goes into upgrading your deck’s appearance, but it’s a project that’ll leave you feeling accomplished. Add to this all of the warm, sunny days you’ll get to enjoy from your very own backyard oasis and you’ve got a summertime DIY activity that’s hard to resist.

Source: https://www.realtor.ca/blog/painting-or-staining-your-guide-to-deck-revitalization/26128/1367
Photo: pexels.com

As the steamy month of July begins, a lot of gardeners concentrate their efforts on caring for and maintaining their existing gardens — not adding more plants. But there’s value in continuing your planting into July, and nurturing new, fledgling plants alongside your mature gardens. While it may seem like the plant selection at your favorite plant nursery is dwindling, now is actually the best time to go hunting for plant sales. You’ll find many plants at a discount this time of summer, not to mention seeds and other gardening gear. Don’t fool yourself into thinking the planting season is over after May, or that you’re stuck doing only maintenance rather than planting. There are still options you can get in the ground this month!

Of course, the offerings will vary from agricultural zone to zone, but the plants on this list will thrive in most. Just remember that when you’re planting in the heat of summer, you should try to do your work in the cooler mornings and evenings. Like people, plants don’t like the heat — and they tend to stress if they are transplanted and moved in the full sun of a hot day. (If you’re looking to experiment with planting something delicate in July, be sure to do your research first.) Below, five great picks worth adding to your garden this month.

Pricey Perennials for a Bargain

One of my favorite things to do in July is to go perennial hunting at my local garden center. This is the time that those high-dollar, must-have plants are marked down. At this point in the season most of those plants have been sitting out, day after day, exposed to the elements. They probably don’t look so great because they’re still in their plastic planter’s pots, which makes them even more difficult for the nurseries to move. The general buyer doesn’t want to buy a crispy looking plant — but their loss is your gain.

You’ll be able to find all kinds of perennials marked down, sometimes more than half-price. For instance, last year my mom and I found “Vanilla Strawberry” hydrangeas, which are typically priced around $40, for $10 apiece at a big box store garden center. This is also a great time to get deals on other perennials such as:

• Rose bushes
• Grasses
• Hostas
• Daylilies

These plants might look a little worse for wear right now, but when you clean them up and plant them you will be rewarded next year! Perennials have a remarkable ability to bounce back the following year after being exposed to stress.

You can also start thinking about picking up spring-blooming perennials, which in some zones can be planted in the late summer or early fall.

Basil and Kale

Basil and kale are both hardy enough to be planted during July. I know gardeners who have had success both planting plants as well as seeds, so it’s definitely worth a try. If you’re looking for seeds, any garden center should still have them. If you’re looking to buy mature plants, you might have to hunt a bit, but they’re likely still out there.

Both basil and kale thrive when planted in the ground as well as in container gardens. They’re wonderful companion plants, no matter when or where you choose to grow them. Each plant is relatively compact, so they might be a great option to replace any annuals that didn’t make it through the start of summer.

Of course, both of these plants are edibles, but they’re also beautiful enough to grow just for show (just in case cooking isn’t your forte).

Succulents

During my gardening career I have found that succulents tend to be the easiest replacement for annuals that didn’t make it in the heat, or for failed seeds that didn’t germinate.

As long as they have part-sun exposure, succulents will be fine outdoors for the summer. You won’t have to worry about watering them as much as other parts of your garden and you will undoubtedly find that they will grow very quickly, which will be quite the surprise for folks who have succulents indoors. Here are some great options for outdoor succulent planting:

• Sedum stonecrop
• Echeveria
• Hens and chicks
• Haworthia

One of the best parts about using succulents in your garden is that when it starts to get chilly outside, you can transplant them into a planter and take them inside. Really, it’s like a two-for-one!

Quick-Growing Annuals

Get quick-germinating annual seeds in the ground this month and you’ll see blooms by August. A favorite pick? Zinnias, which are the workhorses of the garden. These provide bright, substantial blooms all summer long no matter how hot it is.

The market is also saturated with all different kinds of varieties, from funky heirlooms to bold blooms with large heads. If you want big color and big blooms but are unsure of what to plant, zinnias will not disappoint. They’re also a wonderful cut flower, so once they’ve grown, snip a few stems and bring them inside for your favorite vase. And good news: Zinnias are nontoxic to dogs and cats.

Other quick-growing seeds to plant this month:

• Cosmos
• Alyssum
• Calendula
• Cornflower

Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)

Rudbeckia are common perennial wildflowers native to North America. Rudbeckia—often called black-eyed Susans—are extremely hardy plants, which makes them a great option to plant in July. You’re also likely to find options in the plant center this month, waiting to be re-homed.

Black-eyed Susans are great for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and will give you blooms all the way through October. Not only do these blooms provide pops of summery yellow and orange, but they’ll also blend beautifully with your fall mums and ornamental peppers.

The only thing you’ll have to worry about with these plants is their ability to spread over time and take over your garden. You will have to separate them every few years or so —similarly to irises, dahlias and daylilies — in order to keep them from choking out your other plants. Important to note: Rudbeckia is toxic to both dogs and cats.

Source: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/what-to-plant-in-july-36768117
Photo: pexels.com

When the warmer weather hits we all want to spend as much time outdoors as possible! Whether you’re a die-hard DIYer or simply looking for ways to get the most out of your backyard space, creating an outdoor kitchen might be the perfect project to tackle. Let’s see what’s involved with this endeavour to get you hosting some epic meals in your own backyard kitchen.

Why a kitchen in your backyard?

Grilling outdoors is one of Canada’s favourite pastimes. Given our temperate climate and the fact summers can get quite hot—requiring a substantial amount of energy to cool your home—one of the biggest benefits of using an outdoor kitchen is keeping the heat outside.

Another benefit is when you entertain outside, you get to spend more time with your guests instead of running in and out of the house constantly. Everything you need to prepare, cook, eat, and drink can be conveniently within reach. Plus, you can’t go wrong with more surface area for food, drinks, and condiments!

For the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) Past Chair Barb Sukkau, a sales representative at Royal LePage NRC Realty, the idea of installing an outdoor kitchen came from a desire to expand their living space outdoors.

“We are so thrilled with our backyard renovation. We grill and entertain around our outdoor kitchen and have a large dining space for our large gatherings,” she said. “In the evening we enjoy the warmth of our outdoor gas fireplace, comfy couches and a little television in our outdoor living room. Honestly we have never enjoyed our backyard so much and are happy with the investment that we feel adds tremendous value to our home.”

Where is the best place for an outdoor kitchen?

Positioning your kitchen close to an entrance means less time carting supplies back and forth at the beginning and end of the season, or when you need to resupply.

While an outdoor kitchen’s function goes beyond a standalone barbecue, it’s important to be mindful of safety. You may build closer to the house for convenience or due to available space, which is fine, as long as you aim for 1.5 metres away from fences, entries, windows, or air intakes (such as for a furnace vent). Too much heat can shatter your windows—not to mention if you’re prone to igniting your food while cooking, you’ll want to keep all that smoke outside. On that last point, always keep a fire extinguisher handy when cooking anywhere.

Some other things to consider when choosing the location of your outdoor kitchen include:

• proximity to your indoor kitchen in case you need to restock or grab something;
• available shelter so everything can be covered from the elements;
• access to power; and
• proximity to your neighbours.

Note: Check your municipality’s regulations regarding barbecues and propane canisters, as some have specific clearance rules in place for your safety and that of your neighbours. Consult with a certified HVAC technician if you’re moving or installing gas lines to your appliances.

Budget

Depending on your budget, complexity of your plan, and equipment to use, this type of home improvement project can come with a hefty price tag. While a simple outdoor kitchen setup for basic prep and cooking can be accomplished for under $2,000, more complex executions can easily exceed $10,000. Aside from the appliances, things that can impact your price include masonry work, the types of countertops you choose, whether or not you need additional gas and power lines, the overall size of the layout, and any necessary permits. For example, the lower end of the cost scale will get you a functional kitchen with basic appliances and a standard ceramic countertop. However, if you want to add brickwork and stainless steel countertops, you’ll have to spend more.

Outdoor kitchens are often considered a luxury and may add value to your property over and above your initial financial investment.

Fuel source and hookups

If your home is already fed with natural gas or propane, then it might be worth investigating the installation of a feed for your outdoor kitchen, otherwise a portable propane tank is the go-to, and you can incorporate tank storage into your design.

If you wish to include a sink in your setup, then you’ll need to plan for water supply and drainage. You can use your outdoor spigot to supply water to your sink, or run a dedicated line from your home’s water system. Convenience and budget may dictate your approach.

You can hook into your home’s existing drainage system, which can get pricey and may involve a building permit. Alternatively, you can install a dry well for your grey water to drain into your landscape. Just be mindful to stick to biodegradable cleaners.

Don’t forget about electricity, too. If you plan on having a mini-fridge and small appliances like blenders or food processors, or things like sound systems, fun lighting, or other electronic elements, you’ll need to figure out the power hookup for your kitchen. Consider proximity to outlets, and if you require additional electrical work, be sure to contact a professional.

Equipment and appliances

How extravagant you choose to be with your space will obviously impact your budget. The grill, drawers, sinks, and other features you choose will all factor into the overall cost. You’ll also want to ensure the appliances you choose are built for the environment. Most outdoor kitchen components are generally made with stainless steel to prevent rust, which also helps them withstand the elements and makes them easier to clean.

The grill is arguably the most important part of your outdoor kitchen, so it’s a good place to start. If you’re looking to optimize your budget, stick with a basic built-in grill assembly and prep counter with storage underneath. With many options across a variety of notable brands, you can build your own counter structure to accommodate a grill head, assemble your kitchen with built-in components, or go with a full kit for an all-in-one approach.

Stainless steel drawers, shelves, and cupboards are a must to store flatware, cooking utensils, and supplies. If you’re dreaming big, you’ll likely be interested in accessory appliances, like an outdoor fridge, wine cooler, kegerator, or even a sink and outdoor dishwasher for maximum clean-up convenience.

Layout and design

Depending on your space, there are several ways to approach your layout. The most space-conscious option is a basic galley approach, which provides counter and prep space on one or both sides of your grill. It also leaves plenty of room to build guest seating and a dining area around your kitchen. If space is ample, then you may be partial to an L-shaped setup, or get fancy with an angled or curved design.

Creating your own outdoor kitchen will take some planning and commitment, but the prospect of countless delicious meals being prepared by your expert hand for family, friends, and neighbours is hard to ignore. Like all home improvement projects, take your time, do your research, and always seek professional advice to ensure the best possible outcome. If you need help finding a contractor to complete your project, your REALTOR® can provide recommendations.

Bon appétit!

Source: https://www.realtor.ca/blog/your-guide-to-creating-an-outdoor-kitchen/25817/1363
Photo: pexels.com

In the 17th century, manicured lawns became the new status symbol for wealthy aristocrats in England and France. Today, people still admire expansive lawns, but most of us don’t have a bevy of servants to do the hard work of mowing, weeding, watering, fertilizing and aerating. On beautiful summer days, when the beach beacons, who wants to do yard work?

According to Statistics Canada, the average residential water consumption in 2013 was a massive 223 litres per day for indoor and outdoor uses. A Columbia University report in 2010 found that five percent of America’s air pollution was caused by lawnmowers and each year more than 17 million gallons of fuel is spilled when refilling lawn and garden equipment—that is more than the Exxon Valdez oil spill.

After much effort and environmental cost, sometimes a lawn just bakes in the summer sun. In recent years, municipalities have had to prohibit lawn watering during lengthy dry spells. Parched lawns are becoming a common sight in July and August, which is another good reason to reinvent traditional lawns.

Alternatives to Grass

Groundcover plants spread laterally and mature at a maximum of just 3cm to 10cm, so they do not require mowing. Once groundcover plants are established, they generally require less water than standard lawn grass.

High foot traffic options:

Clover
Used by some farmers as a green cover crop, clover helps to aerate the soil with its deep roots and ‘fixes’ atmospheric nitrogen (a natural fertilizer) in the soil. Some varieties of clover are quite tall (e.g., red clover) but Dutch white clover is the best option for groundcover because it matures at ankle height, is durable and produces attractive white flowers.

Pros: It is soft underfoot, remains green nearly year-round, and can withstand heavy foot traffic.

Cons: The sweet nectar in the flowers can attract deer.

Thyme

Thyme grows relatively slowly, but once it develops, it produces a dense mat of tiny leaves and flowers. The best options for groundcover are non-culinary varieties: red creeping thyme, mother-of-thyme and woolly thyme.

Pros: All three of these types of thyme tolerate high foot traffic, emit a pleasant herbal scent and will not attract deer.

Cons: Thyme grows slowly.

Creeping Jenny

A cascading carpet of small, golden-green leaves and yellow flowers makes Creeping Jenny suitable for all types of groundcover projects from terraced rock gardens to flat lawns.

Pros: In milder parts of Canada, Creeping Jenny will retain its colour year-round and tolerates moderate foot traffic.

Cons: It can require more watering than groundcovers such as clover.

Light foot traffic options:

Scotch Moss
Velvety Scotch moss works best in shaded areas and looks lovely surrounding rustic pathway stones. Moss grows best in regions that receive more rainfall.

Corsican Mint
Fragrant Corsican mint produces small, rounded leaves and tiny purple flowers. Unlike spearmint that can rapidly take over an entire garden, this mint grows more slowly and is not considered invasive. It requires moist, fertile soil.

Artificial turf

Durable and realistic artificial turf can provide the look and feel of grass for patio areas and even a putting green. Turf can be a visual break between plant cluster islands. Another benefit is that Fido will never create a ‘burn’ spot on your lawn ever again. When installed professionally, artificial turf is typically guaranteed for a decade or more.

Modern design

Lawns were in fashion for 400 years. It may be time to replace monochromatic lawns with beautiful modern versions featuring an array of colours, textures and shapes.

The possibilities are endless and will ultimately depend on the size and slope of your lawn, the amount of sunlight it receives and your preferences. Consider some or all of these ideas:

Terraces: Ideal for a sloped lawn, rock terraces can be filled with a variety of plants, cascading flowers and groundcover.

Pathways: From poured concrete to natural steppingstones, pathways help to define the space and allow you to use tender groundcover plants as your lawn.

Ornamental grasses: Add drama and height with clumping grass varieties such as soft feathery Fountain grass, or Little Bluestem, which is bluish green in the summer then turns purple, red and copper in the autumn.

Edibles: The broad green blades of a leek plant and the colourful autumn leaves of blueberry bushes deliver beauty with bounty. How could your favourite herbs, fruits and vegetables meld with your landscape design?

Raised garden beds: A pretty way to grow edibles is in raised boxes, which also make the garden easy to access.

Start small. Instead of ripping up the entire lawn, experiment with a small section to learn what works best for you.

Source: https://www.sutton.com/blog/home-improvement/modern-lawns
Photo: pexels.com