Getting Your Porch, Deck, and Patio Ready for Summer

Summer is the perfect time of year to entertain at your home, both indoors and outdoors. When you have a great porch, deck, or patio, you can carry the parties and family gatherings further. But are your outdoor entertainment spaces ready for summer the way that your indoor space is? You want to make sure they’re in good shape and that they look great, too, before inviting guests over to start the summer festivities. Here are a few ways to ensure that your porch, deck, and patio are ready for the summer.

Take Care of the Landscape

It’s not just the material of the porch, deck, or patio itself. It’s the surroundings. Is your lawn unkempt and full of weeds? Or are there too many bare dirt spots due to rambunctious pets? Take some time to trim bushes, mow the lawn, and do a little landscaping so that the view surrounding your deck, porch, or patio looks as nice as the rest of your home. You might even consider some upgrades, like planting a flower garden or installing a water fixture.

Make Any Repairs

Next, take a look at your porch, deck, and patio themselves. Are there any repairs that need to be made? Especially in the case of porches and decks, make sure the flooring is strong and that boards don’t need to be replaced anywhere. If you have a porch swing, make sure it’s secure. Deck or patio furniture? Check that they’re still in good shape. Even simple cosmetic changes such as repainting or staining can make a big difference as you settle into summer.

Add Some Decoration

It’s not enough for your outdoor entertainment to just be in shape. Now add some decorations to draw the eye and make the space more interesting. This may mean a few potted plants to enhance the natural scenery, or adding more furniture to give it some extra comfort. Wind chimes can have a pretty effect, or maybe you want to add a small table to the space so you can enjoy drinks with friends or play a game of cards. Porches, decks, and patios are typically pretty colorless on their own, so your decorations should add a sense of color and aesthetic to the place.

Give Some Shade

This may not be a problem for your porch, which is usually covered under an eave of the home, but if you have a deck or a patio, you may benefit from adding an awning to protect guests — and yourself — from the severe heat and sunlight that often comes with College Station. You can also install a gazebo or pergola to offer partial shade as well as style for hot summer days. These features will not only protect you and your guests from harsh sunlight and heat but can ensure that stormy days won’t slow you down.

Still looking for that perfect home where you can entertain this summer? Talk to a College Station realtor about available homes in the area, especially those with porches, decks, or patios.