Decks Allow Homeowners to Turn Style Inside Out
Tips for Personalizing Your Deck this Season
(ARA) - The American home is the quintessential expression of individual style - a place that reflects personality and so much more. But as the trend toward outdoor entertaining and dining grows, so has the opportunity for homeowners to apply their sense of style to backyard decks.
"Why would you want your personality to end at the backdoor? Decks have moved beyond a brown, square extension on the home. There are so many elements you can bring to your deck that will make it as much of a reflection of your family as the interior of your home," says Pat Coughlin, of The Flood Company, makers of deck stains, finishes and cleaners for over 150 years.
Coughlin offers the following suggestions to bring your personality outdoors this season:
Incorporate hobbies and interests. There are several features you can build into a deck that will enable you to bring the activities and interests of your family to your outdoor living space. For example, if you enjoy reading a book by the window during the colder months, creating a reading nook outdoors is even better in the spring and summer. A bench underneath an arbor provides the perfect secluded spot for your reading enjoyment.
If you have children with lots of toys, move the playroom outdoors during the warmer months by creating a bench with a built-in storage space. When guests unexpectedly come over, all the children's toys can be quickly tucked away.
Define your style with color. Nothing can give your deck personality better than color. A deep red deck communicates a different personality than one that is neutral beige. Select a color (or more than one) that illustrates your family best. With all the colors available in semi-transparent and solid color stains today, there is no boundary to your selection. If you decide to pick more than one color to accent, make sure that the colors complement each other and the house.
Flood makes both solid color and semi-transparent stains that are available in a variety of colors and are guaranteed to last. Flood Solid Color Deck and Siding Stain is guaranteed against peeling for five years on decks and 15 years on siding. Flood Semi-Transparent Deck and Siding Stain is guaranteed against peeling and fading for three years on decks and five years on siding.
Add the right touch of personality with details. There are several ways to subtly incorporate your personality into your outdoor living space. Place your favorite flowers in pots around the deck. Or, if you don't have a green thumb, stencil them on railings, stair risers or floorboards. Sunflowers, daisies and ivy can all adorn your deck by stenciling with a solid color stain.
Furniture and accessories can also add the details you need to complete your deck. The varieties in outdoor furniture styles and materials give you several options when selecting furniture for your deck. While a dining table and chairs may be suitable for your neighbor, perhaps a bar set-up and lounge chairs is better for your family. Shop around to find the right furniture and accessories for your deck.
For more information, or to receive a free wood care guide, call The Flood Company, 1-800-321-3444, or visit their Web site at www.floodco.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content, www.aracontent.com, e-mail: info@aracontent.com
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