Decks & Patios Archives - Bruzzese Home Improvements

Choosing Weatherproof Outdoor Furniture: Top Tips

December 19, 2021December 20, 2023Bruzzese Home ImprovementsDecks & Patios, Home Improvement Tips, Uncategorizeddecks and patios, home improvementLeave a comment

Are you hoping to purchase some weatherproof outdoor furniture for your home and are wondering where to start? With the most durable outdoor furniture, you can offer some comfort to your outdoor spaces while creating great places to gather and host others.

If you are looking for outdoor furniture that can be left outside, keep reading. In this guide, we will give you some pointers that can make outdoor furniture shopping a breeze.

Determine Your Ideal Outdoor Furniture Setup

Before you begin shopping for outdoor furniture, you should take some time to figure out what kind of setup you are looking for in your outdoor spaces. A great place to start is by thinking about how you would like your outdoor space to function. For example, are you hoping to serve meals outdoors when the weather is good?

If so, you will want to look for outdoor dining furniture. It’s important to think about the priorities you have with revamping your outdoor space and to buy furniture accordingly. If you are hoping that your outdoor space can function as a place to lounge and relax, you will want to find comfortable furniture that will work for your space.

If you make a list of the activities you would like to take place in your yard or on your patio, you can then make a list of furnishings that can work as a shopping guide.

Try Before You Buy

With outdoor furniture, make sure to find an option that is resistant to sun damage, and water damage is key. You also want to find an option that is mold resistant. This will allow you to find an option that you can keep outside as it will be weather resistant and won’t lose its color from the sun.

While these things are true you also want to make sure your furniture is comfortable. You can do so by trying your furniture out before buying it. Make sure to take a seat in any seating that you are interested in before purchasing to make sure that the process has both form and function.

If you want your outdoor furniture to be inviting and used often by you and your guests, you need to make sure it is comfortable. You can do so by finding soft and plush pieces that fit your overall aesthetic. You want to find furniture that evokes whatever mood you are trying to create with your backyard oasis.

Are you ready to start shopping for great outdoor furniture? If so, head to lesera.com today.

Tips for Buying the Best Weatherproof Outdoor Furniture for Your Outdoor Oasis

If you’re preparing to purchase weatherproof outdoor furniture for your backyard or patio, make sure to keep these tips and tricks in mind so that you can find pieces that fit your backyard goals and overall home style.

Are you looking for more tips on home improvement? If so, browse our blog today for tons of information that can help every homeowner with upcoming projects.

How to Design the Perfect Outdoor Space

November 15, 2021November 11, 2021Bruzzese Home ImprovementsDecks & Patios, home improvementhome improvement, home trends, Outdoor LivingLeave a comment

Are you looking to design yourself an outdoor space, but you don’t know how to start? Look no further!

Designing an outdoor area is difficult, especially if you don’t have much to work with in terms of location.

Don’t be deterred by a currently unattractive outdoor space. There are many things you can add to it to make it the perfect outdoor hangout spot.

Keep reading to find out how you can design the perfect outdoor space for you.

Plenty of Seats

What is the point of a beautiful outdoor space if there is no room for family and friends? Even if you have limited floor space, a stool or sitting hammock will do.

If you don’t make an effort to add seating to your patio design, it’s unlikely that you will use it. You need a comfy spot to kick your feet up during a sunny afternoon.

Also, consider a table or side table. A place to set your drinks or phone will come in handy. It will also make your space more functional if you plan to spend a lot of time there.

Appropriate Lighting

The lighting will make or break an outdoor space. If you are decorating during the full-light hours of summer, you may not be considering the light.

When it becomes night or the seasons’ change, you will not have the same amount of light. You want to be able to see what you’re doing and who you are within your outdoor space.

A set of string lights around your design will give you plenty of light during a nighttime hang out on your patio.

Plenty of Storage to Stay Tidy

If you are someone who likes to keep their gardening equipment and other supplies outside, you do not want it cluttering your outdoor space.

A few weather-proof storage boxes will keep your things hidden away. Investing in storage boxes can also add to your décor or act as a table. Don’t buy just any box.

Think about the color scheme and vibe of your patio before buying them. You can make them blend in with your furniture or stand out with a pop of color.

Keeping tidy is essential for outdoor areas. They can quickly fill with leaves, bird poop, and dirt. Always keep a broom handy and wipe off your furniture regularly.

Protection From the Elements

Being outside means subjecting yourself to the elements. If you don’t plan on regularly applying sunscreen to keep from burning, you may consider buying a shade to protect you.

If mosquito control is a concern of yours, you may want round bed canopies to cover your furniture. Mosquitos can ruin an outdoor experience for several days or months.

When the area you live in experiences cold winters, you may invest in a space heater. A heater can be strong enough to keep your entire space warm while you watch frost form on the grass.

Create Your Outdoor Space

Your outdoor space should reflect your home design while also being functional. These design tips will allow you to get a start on your space so you can enjoy it in the next season.

If you enjoyed this article, you should check out the rest of our page for more design ideas.

An In Depth Overview of Pergolas

September 17, 2021October 31, 2021Bruzzese Home ImprovementsDecks & Patios, home improvementhome improvementLeave a comment

Whether you want to add more shade to your backyard or simply update the look, a pergola is a great way to go. Your backyard is simply a blank canvas ready for you to design it how you want. Some choose a more user-friendly approach while others want an inviting space to unwind and relax with friends or family. For those looking to add relaxation and style, there are a few options you may not have considered.

Pergolas are a great way to do all of that and so much more! Pergolas are simply an outdoor structure that consists of beams that support a roof. This could be through latticework, rafters, and stringers. The limit to your design is only as restricted as your imagination.

Learning all the interesting facts about this addition to your backyard can help you to understand the benefits you’ll have. Adding this structure can truly take your yard to the next level. It’s a great addition whether you have a limited amount of space or a wide-open yard.

There are multiple types of additions you can make such as pergolas, gazebos, trellises, or arbors. It’s vital that you know the difference so that you can add just the aesthetic you’re wanting. Want to know the best type of materials for your pergola addition? We can help with that as well!

To learn more information about how these items are constructed, what you need to know before you choose pergola design ideas, and how to choose the best one for your backyard setup, check out the detailed infographic below. You’ll be excited to learn all the different options you have to increase the appeal and draw to your backyard. This is a great addition whether you keep the property or plan on selling it in the future.

Prepare Your Outdoor Patio for Winter

November 6, 2017Bruzzese Home ImprovementsDecks & Patios, Home Improvement Tipshome improvement, home trends, Outdoor Living, winterLeave a comment

There’s nothing more magical than enjoying the winter charms with your loved ones, drinking hot mulled wine in your cosy outdoor sanctuary. There’s no reason to retreat to your home during winter and look through your windows as your beautiful patio becomes whiter every day. You can easily transform it into a comfy haven for the cold days where you can spend chilly evenings in a warm and inviting ambiance. Here are several tips that can help you prepare your patio for the upcoming winter.

Make it cosy

The end of warm summer days doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy your lovely backyard, especially if you have a covered patio. All you need to do is bring out several blankets and pillows to keep you warm while you enjoy quiet, intimate evenings with your friends. Not only will you create an ambience of comfort and warmth, but you’ll also elevate the overall décor of your patio. You can add patterned blankets and throw pillows with enticing winter motifs to set the mood for the upcoming holiday season. You can also introduce a beautiful outdoor rug for your lounge area to keep your feet warm and to create a layered stylish look. Furthermore, if your patio features a neutral colour scheme, throw pillows and blankets will provide you with an opportunity to bring in a pop of colour and break the monotonous look.

Add a heat source

You need to add a heat source to your patio in order to soak in the winter beauty in a warm environment. There are plenty of solutions that will keep you warm while also creating a cosy ambiance. You can go with a propane-based outdoor heater or install a lovely outdoor fireplace. You can opt for a stone fireplace for a rustic look or a gas one that will help you create a modern atmosphere. Adding a fire bowl is yet another authentic solution that will enable you to spend chilly nights outside in a warm ambiance.

Embrace the winter magic

Instead of running off into your house, you should embrace winter and completely enjoy its magic. Get ready for the festive season in time and gather all of your winter-inspired decorations for your outdoor patio, such as beautiful string lights and candles of different sizes, that will bring a sense of romance to your outdoor sanctuary. You should check out some of the beautiful accessories that The Furniture Shack has to offer. From magical candles and lanterns to beautifully designed outdoor rugs, every single detail will help you create a magical and enticing winter atmosphere. You can also consider adding festive decorative items, such as pinecones, evergreen springs and branches to capture the true spirit of winter.

Enclose your patio

If you have a beautiful view from your patio and you’re not a fan of winter, you should consider temporarily enclosing your outdoor haven. Depending on your budget, you can choose between glass and aluminium walls. This way, you will shield your patio from unfavourable weather conditions while still being able to soak in the view of the snow-covered scenery. If you don’t want to completely close your patio, you can install a pergola to cover it.

Keep it clean

Although maintaining your backyard and patio during winter isn’t easy, you shouldn’t let your outdoor furniture and other patio elements become damaged due to improper maintenance. You should find out whether your outdoor items are weather- and water-resistant. If not, you should properly store them away over winter. While aluminium and wooden furniture are weather-resistant, you still need to properly maintain them to ensure their durability. For example, you shouldn’t use protective covers for your wooden furniture to avoid moisture build-ups beneath them. Nonetheless, you should properly and regularly clean your outdoor furniture regardless of the materials to prevent mould growth.

In just a few easy steps, you can prepare your lovely outdoor sanctuary for the wintertime and create an ambiance of cosiness and warmth. Afterwards, you can embrace the winter magic and soak in its beauty.

About the author:

Chloe is an art historian and recreational ballet dancer. She is passionate about photography, dance and music. Her biggest dream is to travel the whole world with her husband and take stunning photographs of beautiful places. She also enjoys learning and writing about home design, since she is crazy about aesthetics.

How to Give a Boring Deck More Dimension

July 5, 2017adminDecks & Patios, Summer Activities, Summer Tipsdeck, home improvement, Outdoor Living, patio, summerLeave a comment

For many people, grill-out season is finally here. We all enjoy long summer evenings, eating family dinners, having friends over, and socializing outdoors. It’s not as fun when you look outside and realize that your deck is boring. Maybe the wood is looking a little dingy, or there just isn’t much to look at period. You don’t have to settle for a boring deck where only the grill is relegated to. Here are five ways you can give a boring deck more dimension and entice your guests outdoors.

Paint or Stain in Two Tones

Painting or staining your deck in more than one shade is a great way to add dimension to your family and party area. If the wood is looking a little weather-worn, now might be a great time to add some pizazz to the overall color. Try painting or staining the floorboards in one color but the railing in a contrasting shade. Get creative with it and remember to prime and waterproof.

Add Some Outdoor Plants

You can spice up the look of your deck by adding some plants. Flowering plants can give a beautiful touch of color to small spaces. Or, you could consider having a potted garden. Many herbs, tomatoes, and some peppers can be grown in pots which you can then use in your cooking. Fresh, homegrown tomatoes have the best flavor and taste great on burgers. Their beautiful colors will also liven up your deck.

Consider Updating Your Furniture

Fading deck furniture always looks drab. Consider purchasing a new set. Or, if you aren’t ready to commit to that purchase, spray-painting metal, plastic, or wicker chairs and tables can bring new life to the furniture you already have. If the cushions are looking worn and faded you can either recover them if you have some sewing skills or you can purchase new ones. Add touches of color with the cushions and include decorative details with pillows, throw blankets, or table centerpieces.

Add Evening Atmosphere Lighting

At night we all enjoy looking at the stars but if you are having a party a little bit of lighting is a great way of giving your deck a bit of ambiance. Paper lanterns can add a fun vibe. Another great alternative is string lights. Or, if you would like something more permanent consider inset lights or strip lights placed under the floorboards which will also ensure that no one trips as they climb the stairs. Insect repellent candles can give you some protection as well as added lighting and ambiance.

Keep Your Lawn Manicured

We’re talking about decks, but many have stairways that lead into the backyard or at very least, overlook the backyard. By keeping the lawn and yard well-maintained you will have a more inviting view that will give your deck more dimension. Put up yard games like croquet, badminton, or horseshoes for the kids. Be sure to mow or have a lawn care service come and cut the grass before any event.

Your deck doesn’t have to be boring. With just a few easy changes you can have a deck that you, your friends, and your family will enjoy all summer long.

9 Ways To Pimp Your Patio – Infographic

June 2, 2017adminDecks & Patios, Home Improvement Tips, infographichome improvement, infographic, patioLeave a comment

Having a paved patio area in your garden can make the area much more usable, meaning you can enjoy your garden easily throughout the year. During the summer months a patio offers the perfect space in which to enjoy some al fresco dining, spend quality time with friends and family, or simply relax and unwind with a good book and a cool drink. As autumn approaches and the weather gets cooler, your patio can remain usable thanks to outdoor heaters or a fire pit, making it a really versatile attrition to your garden!

A patio is really easy to clean and care for too; paving stones can be swept easily to remove leaves and debris, and the area can be cleaned with a pressure washer to keep it looking its best. Paving part of your garden to create a patio also reduces the amount of grass, cutting down on the time and energy spent mowing the lawn and keeping grass in good condition.

If you’re looking for some fun ways to inject some new life into your patio, this handy infographic from Mainland Aggregates details nine ways that you can pimp your patio!

Summer Project Bring Shade to Your Deck or Patio

May 24, 2017adminDecks & Patios, Home Improvement Tips, Summer Tipsdeck, home improvement, Outdoor Living, patio, summerLeave a comment

While some people wait for summer in order to undertake interior remodeling projects, the best thing about this season is that it allows you to spend most of your free time outdoors. Sure, you could go to a park and simply sit on the bench, but the satisfaction of making a real-life oasis of nature in your own backyard is simply much more appealing. The most important part of this garden during the summer should be your deck, patio or even a gazebo, where you can sit and rest with a group of your closest friends.

Now, the aforementioned gazebo always comes with a roof construction, which means that shade is not an issue, alas, the same could not be said about your deck and patio. With this in mind, here are few projects that will help you make your patio into a pleasant place even during the hottest summer days. Let’s take a look.

Buying a Parasol

Those who intend to cover a small area of their patio (just enough to cover the seating) should definitely consider buying a parasol. The advantages of this solution are quite obvious and even straightforward. First of all, it costs next to nothing (compared to some other methods), it is highly portable which makes it easy to remove during the colder part of the year. Most importantly, however, you can buy it in person or order it online and install it on your own. This is actually a simple procedure and you won’t need more than several minutes to set it up. All in all, most people would agree that, while going with a parasol may not be the most creative, or stylish, solution, it is definitely the most flexible one out there.

A Roof Construction

For those with more time, more energy and definitely a bigger budget, the optimal option would probably be to go for a roof construction. This way, you are giving your garden a lasting upgrade by putting a real roof over your patio. The best part of this solution is that it is durable, protects you from a sudden summer downpour (something parasol may not be able to do). Unfortunately, in order to make it you would either have to learn a thing or two about this type of construction or hire someone to do this for you. No matter the effort, it is undeniable that this is definitely worth your while.

Shade Sail

Another great idea for protecting your deck or patio from sun would be to do it with some shade cloth. Shade cloth and mesh banners are impressive printing advertising tools, however shade cloth also serves another purpose. By using it to cover your deck or patio, you can decide on the size, shape and position on your own and perhaps even find someone who will allow you to print on it whatever you like. In this manner, you can turn this sun protection method into a great stylish addition to your backyard. You don’t even have to stop there. By adding few curtains to the mix, you can get that exotic Arabian Nights look, as well. Your only limitation is your own imagination.

Retractable Awning

In case where your patio is right next to your home (or some other construction) you could always invest a bit in a retractable awning. The ingenuity of this device is quite astounding. First of all, it provides you with the shade you so desperately need. Second, you can use it on your own accord and keep it retracted when you don’t need it. Finally, it covers a fairly large area, which will give you quite a bit of room to rethink and redesign your patio. Unfortunately, like the above-mentioned roof construction, it is quite immobile, which means that you will be restricted to the area it covers, without any possibility of further advancement or expansion.

Planting Your Own Shade

In the end, it is by far the most satisfying but also the most difficult way to provide your deck with some shade to just plant a tree above it. Nonetheless, this is a process that can take years (even decades), which is why it is recommended only for those who have settled there for good. Keep in mind that not any tree would do. You want fast growing trees that provide a lot of shade. Moreover, having a tree so close to the patio, will mean that in the autumn, you will have quite a bit of work cleaning the surface (especially if it is a wooden and not a concrete construction we are talking about).

As you can see, your options are quite numerous and it is up to you to decide which of them suits your needs the best. Naturally, for those who expect to relocate sometimes in the future, awing, tree and a wooden construction are not the best of solutions (although they add quite a bit to your home’s resale value). At the end of the day, this is mostly the question of finding a solution that fits both your budget and your personal taste.

Guest Post By:

Leila Dorari is a marketing consultant and a freelance writer from Sydney. She has been working with different companies for 5 years now. When taking a break from making new marketing slogans, she is either window shopping or exploring new ways to make her life more meaningful.

Infographic – Maintaining Timber Decking

May 9, 2017adminDecks & Patios, DIY Projects, infographicdeck, DIY projects, infographicLeave a comment

A timber deck in your garden can be a neat, luxurious area in which to enjoy the summer sunshine, giving you somewhere to sit out and relax, read a book or sip a cool drink as the gorgeous weather shines down upon you. However, there’s also the less glamorous but quite necessary aspect of maintaining the decking so that you can enjoy the idyllic scenario described above.

Crowe Sawmills produced this infographic guide to timber decking maintenance, talking you through the tasks that are required for each season (apart from winter, when thoughts of spending time on your deck are not so glowing) and offering a few handy tips on carrying out the maintenance work.

In this mid-spring season, the time is right for washing and sealing the deck to remove any rot that threatened to set in over the winter months. Primary repairs can then be undertaken during the summer, when daylight hours are at their longest and the weather is most conducive to such tasks. Once the summer is over, you can trim any bushes or trees near the decking and clear all downspouts so that the onset of rot is minimized coming into the winter.

This vivid infographic outlines the process succinctly while still covering all the jobs that should be done. We think it’s a fantastic guide to timber decking maintenance and we hope you feel the same.

The Benefits of Porch roofs and Garden Rooms

May 8, 2017adminDecks & Patios, home improvement, Home Improvement Tipsaddition, home improvement, home remodeling, home trendsLeave a comment

As summer approaches and the days become brighter and warmer you, will want to spend more time outside enjoying the sun. Unfortunately, the weather can be unpredictable and what was a sunny day can turn into a rather wet one. This is were garden rooms and porches come in handy. These structures will allow you to enjoy the sun without getting wet from any sudden and unexpected showers. We have looked into their benefits to help you choose which is the right choice for you.

Garden rooms are an alternative to conservatories and are generally used as a place to relax and socialize with friends and family. They tend to add more light into your home, natural light can add warmth to your home and improve your mood. Conservatories tend to get hot on sunny days, whereas garden rooms are kept cool with their insulated roofs, which also eliminates any condensation problems. These roofs also keep the garden room warm in winter so it can be enjoyed all year round. Garden room roofs are available in various shapes and sizes allowing you to create a unique room to suit your garden.

Porch roofs can be made with or without walls. They are available as an open structure that is supported by pillars or columns or as an enclosed structure. The open porch roofs allow you to enjoy the fresh air, whilst being covered for protection against the sun or light showers. These roofs are great to shelter garden furniture or plants that prefer the shade. Open porch roofs are ideal for entertaining guests in the summer, they offer cover away from light showers without having to go inside.

Porches can also be made as a small covered entrance to your home, usually used to house small plants and as a place to store shoes.

As you can see, both of these options have their benefits. Garden rooms are more enclosed and are an excellent addition to your home, whilst porch roofs are more open and provide a sheltered area in your garden. Whichever option you choose, it is sure to improve your home and provide a space for you to enjoy the sun. These structures will also add value to your home by creating a unique feature.

At APC Mouldings, we supply various styles and shapes of porch and garden room roofs to help you create a style that is suited to you and your home. These structures are a great way of enjoying the summer. For more information please visit our friendly team who will be more than happy to offer advice and help you choose the right option for you.

Written by Amy Reed a SEO specialist on behalf of APC Architectural Mouldings.

Author Bio:

My name is Amy, I live in the north east of England. I am a copywriter for APC Mouldings who provide architectural mouldings to help people improve their homes. As a homeowner, I am constantly looking for new ideas for my home.

Concrete Backyard Design and Decor Ideas

March 7, 2017adminDecks & Patios, Home Improvement Tips, lawn and gardendeck, DIY projects, home improvement, landscaping, patioLeave a comment

Living in a house with a backyard opens various interesting options making your home even more inviting and comfortable. Concrete patios and backyard designs provide you with a great place to relax after a long day, entertaining playground for your kids, as well as a perfect spot for some intimate parties and barbecues. Designing and decorating your backyard can truly transform the look of your home so if you find yourself interested in this kind of project, keep on reading.

1. Benefits of concrete

If you’re stuck with ideas when it comes to redesigning your backyard/patio, one of the most recommended options is to use the concrete. There are, of course, several reasons as to why concrete is considered to be one of the best options for this project. In general, concrete is highly durable, yet very easily maintained. What’s more, you can adapt your concrete outdoor design to any style you prefer, and shape it according to your own taste and ideas.

2. Touch of personality

You may think that concrete looks plain and boring, but thanks to various decorative concrete options you can still get a pretty unique look of your backyard. In general, stamping and staining are two widely used decorative approaches. For example, if you want to have freshly poured concrete, stamping technique allows you to transform the appearance of your backyard with any texture you want. It can even mimic other natural materials, such as stone and wood. On the other hand, if you already have concrete in your backyard, you can always make it more interesting with a staining technique that comes with warm earthy tones. In the end, using decorative concrete is cost-effective since it will create a high-end, luxurious appearance of your outdoor area without going over your budget.

3. Play with shapes

The best thing about using concrete in your backyard is the freedom to choose the shape and form of your patio. Of course, you can cover your entire backyard with concrete, but you can also use various molds and play with their position in order to create something truly special. You can focus on patio area only, or spice up the garden space as well. If you’d like to use some really nice and unusual molds for concrete pouring, you can easily make one yourself. In general, using styrofoam blue board to shape the molds the way you see fit is definitely one of the most fun, personal and rewarding ways to refresh and redesign your backyard.

4. Add nature to the mixture

One of the mentioned benefits of concrete backyard is its low maintenance. This doesn’t only mean that concrete is just easy to clean, but also you won’t have to deal with dirt and grass in your yard. Still, removing all the traces of nature from your backyard won’t do you any good either. In order to experience true bliss every time you step outside, you can leave enough room for your garden that will be surrounded with interesting paving blocks. Alternatively, you can leave grass openings in your concrete layout for pops of decorative flowers, bushes, and plants. If you don’t mind tending the grass from time to time, you can create a nice balance in your backyard with concrete patio, lovely garden path and grassy area that will occupy the rest of your yard.

5. The heart of your backyard

In order to make your backyard/patio livelier and unique, don’t forget the fire feature. Together with some matching outdoor furniture, this barbecue area will undoubtedly add the final touch to your efforts. There are also many cool ideas online when it comes to building your own backyard, so feel free to check those out.

There are things that you could do yourself when tackling the redesign of your backyard, but sometimes you will need a professional help to accomplish the wanted backyard style. Make sure to be realistic and practical in this project so that your backyard will end up with a clear-cut, modern and creative concrete design.