If some new outdoor space is part of your summer plans, consider some of this advice.

Planning is everything. Working with a landscape architect or deck designer will help you devise a look that suits your needs. I am a fan of hiring these folks independently so the finished design is yours. That way, you are free to use it with several installation contractors to get your best price. While using a design-build firm keeps things cleaner, it can pigeonhole you into the same-old, same-old when it comes to design and materials.

Once the layout is done, you have lots of choices. For a deck, you have wood, synthetic blends, even PVC. The hot choice is Ipe; it is very dense and has a very rich look. For me, if you are going to go natural then you have to consider redwood. There is nothing, in my opinion, as beautiful as a redwood deck. Just know that the rich color you see the first day of completion will not last. The wood will darken to a grey color, the same with Ipe. But with a yearly cleaning you can bring that color back.

Both woods resist rot and bugs and hold up well in our climate. In fact, redwood is described as “the wood of a hundred years.” Talk to your installer about hidden fasteners, so that no nail or screw holes are seen on the surface of the deck.  Installation will take longer but the finished look will be fantastic.

For your patio, there are many choices beyond concrete pavers. Clay pavers offer a rich texture and deeper color. Blue stone, flag stone and granite can define and make a statement when spending time outdoors. Just know that, no matter the finish surface, the base is the key. Your installer should be providing a 4- to 6-inch compacted stone base with setting sand on top of that to ensure a solid installation.

A yearly sealing of the stone will keep the color true and make the surface easier to keep clean. Chances are your town or village will require permits for this type of work, so plan accordingly and then get outside and enjoy yourself.

For most of us our home is our single biggest investment, and taking care of that home just makes good sense. Taking care of your outdoor wood fence will add years to its life as well as keeping it looking great.

The first step in any fence-staining project is the surface preparation. Using a wood cleaner is a great way to clean the wood as well as bring the material back to life. Many of these products are concentrates, which means all you do is add water to make the mix. The best way to apply the cleaners is with a garden-type pump sprayer.

Apply the cleaner liberally on the fence with the sprayer; be sure to wet down any foliage or structures under or around the fence so you limit any damage to plants. Most of these cleaners are bleach-based, so keeping surrounding items wet or covered is a good idea. Let the cleaner sit for 10 to 15 minutes and then pressure wash the wood with a gas powered pressure-washer with a PSI rating of at least 2000.

After the cleaning, let the fence dry for at least 3 to 5 days. Be sure that it truly is dry, meaning no rain during those days. The moisture content of the wood needs to be no more than 15 percent at the time of the stain application. You can either buy or borrow a moisture meter from your paint store. Then you’re set to apply your stain.

I like oil-based products for outdoor staining. The oil absorbs deeply into the wood giving you even coverage and a long lasting finish. The best way to apply the stain is with a natural-bristled brush and good ol’ fashioned elbow grease. The key is to frequently stir the can during the finish application to ensure that all the colorant is consistent. Use the brush to work the stain into the wood brushing with the grain of the wood. Remember to never stain when rain is a possibility, in direct sunlight, or if the outside temperature is over 80 degrees.

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Snow and winter weather seem to be in the news a lot this week! We at MLuxe care about your health, safety and happiness, so here’s some information about how to stay safe and sane in the Snowpocalypse!

Charles and Hudson makes a good point in a recent posting: there’s a lot you can get done around the house during a snowstorm. Keep your pipes from freezing and check for drafts around the doors. You might be going stir-crazy around the house, so do some fun stuff like creating a patina on a mirror.

Of course, you’ll need to keep your driveway and sidewalks clear, so get prepared for some shoveling! Those of us from northern climates know the special exhaustion that comes after shoveling. CNN has a good run-through of the problems that come from shoveling and what to do to prevent injuries.

Stay safe and keep warm!

Photo courtesy of letmeFLYAWAY on Flickr.