Upgrade Your Back Porch

Summer may be winding down, but there's still time to give that back porch a facelift for those last barbecues! Here are a few suggestions on how to redecorate without a complete renovation. Look for inspiration. Lucky for you, the Internet is a great resource. If you're more of a print person, household magazines are a good place to start as well. Before starting any projects, look for some examples and put together a list of things you'd like to incorporate into your space! Thoroughly inspect your space. Look for missing or loose nails, problem areas and structural damage. This will give you a good estimate of what your basic repair costs will be. Take your inspiration images and combine them with your problem areas. Instead of ripping everything out and blowing all of your money on repairs, find ways to incorporate your new ideas. For example, if the stain on your deck looks uneven, find a stain that is partially transparent. The transparency will help enrich the color and utilize the stain that's already there. If your furniture is looking run down, instead of replacing it, revitalize it with a new coat of paint or some new upholstering. Don't be afraid to ask an expert! Your local home-goods store is also a great resource. The staff should be knowledgeable and helpful in revamping your outdoor space. Know where to draw the line. If something is unsafe or broken beyond repair, don't blow cash on trying to fix it. Utilizing materials from older or recycled items can be just as financially responsible and equally attractive. And if you're looking for summer deck maintenance tips, click here.