KEEPING UP APPEARANCES

The countdown to summer is on! That means it’s time to get your home’s exterior—including the front entry, deck, lawn and garden—ready. Follow these expert tips and tricks to boost your curb appeal, prep for outdoor entertaining and have your yard looking

How to get your deck, yard and garden ready for summer

GRANDG ENTRANCE

The They say first impressions are everything, and chances are your home isn isn’t making the best one after the harsh winter weather. Spring is th the perfect time to give your home’s exterior a good once-over, says designer Amanda Forrest, who has offices in Toronto and Vancouver. She suggests taking a stroll around the outside of your home to have a good look and assess any improvements you may want to make (use a notepad to create a to-do list as you go). “It’s important to fix any damage, like peeling paint or clogged gutters, before it balloons into a larger, more expensive issue,” she says. Aside from impressing neighbours, keeping the exterior of your house up to date usually means a higher selling price—and even if you’re not planning to move, raising your home’s value never hurts. Touching up the paint on your garage door, repairing cracks in the driveway and removing weeds from walkways during the crisp days of spring means you’ll be able to reap the rewards when the lazy days of summer hit later.

1 START WI T H A C LEAN S LATE Banish the dirt and grime left behind from winter by thoroughly cleaning surfaces outside the home, from stone walls to the sidewalk in front. Use a power washer (you can rent one from a homeimprovement store) to spray the driveway, porch, front walkway, front steps, vinyl siding and bricks. And don’t forget about windows; giving them a good clean inside and out can make a huge (and super-affordable) difference. “Use microfibre cloths to get streak-free glass,” recommends Forrest.

2 U PGR ADE YOU R FRONT DO O R Unlike the garage door and window frames, which should blend in with the exterior of the home, the front door can make a statement. Update yours with a fresh coat of bold paint or, if you’re starting to see signs of damage (like splitting wood or light showing between the frame and the closed door), it might be time to replace it to save on energy costs. Choose one with classic architectural details, like a simple Shaker style.

3 FIX UP FI X TU RE S One of the fastest ways to up your curb appeal is by replacing outdated or worn fixtures: lights, house numbers, mailbox and door hardware. Consider the style of your home— traditional, transitional or modern—before shopping, then stick to the same finish for all. Or spray paint them a new colour. At the very least, give existing fixtures a good cleaning and polishing using a microfibre cloth and an old toothbrush (hot, soapy water is safe on most metals, but double check if you’re not sure).

4 L IGHT TH E WAY Installing new light fixtures around the front door and the garage is another quick idea to update your home’s exterior; even making sure any burned-out bulbs have been replaced goes a long way—especially if there’s one above your house number. Add landscape lighting if you want to illuminate a walkway or highlight your home’s architectural details. And consider solar lights; you can place them just about anywhere and, even better, there’s no need to call an electrician. 5 ADD FI N I SH I NG TOUC HE S If you have the space, placing a stylish bench or a pair of glider chairs on the porch is a great way to create an instant gathering area for friends and neighbours. Add a few hanging planters filled with sweet-smelling blooms for extra charm. (You’ll also want to ensure that your walkway is free of cracks and weeds to avoid potential trips and falls.)

1 C HOOS E TH E R IGHT MATE RI A L S “The minute you start seeing spongy wood or lots of slivers or nails popping up, it’s time to make some repairs,” says Lafrance. If you need a new deck, he suggests opting for low-maintenance composite decking, like eco-friendly Trex, which is made from recycled wood and plastic film. Don’t forget to check local bylaws and municipal regulations around deck construction. You’ll probably need a permit or “you could be subject to fines. You may even have to tear down the entire thing,” says Lafrance. If you use wood, double check that everything is installed correctly so it won’t buckle.

2C L EAN AN D COAT Clean off any grime and surface stains with a power washer. Lafrance says the vertical surfaces of wooden decks (railings and posts) should be stripped, sanded and stained each year. Doing that to the floor can be very time-consuming, so you may want to just apply a fresh coat of stain there. When it comes to choosing a new stain, check the label to make sure it’s compatible with the type of material your deck is made of. Don’t paint over wood or it won’t be able to breathe—this is important so moisture doesn’t get trapped inside, which can lead to rotting.

3 C R EAT E A B AC K YARD R ETR E AT What’s the point of having a well-built deck if you can’t get use out of it? Whether you’re planning an alfresco gathering or you want to create a spot where friends can lounge and enjoy drinks, add weatherproof furniture. Lafrance suggests investing in pieces that help you live the lifestyle you want. For smaller spaces, look for furniture that serves more than one function— for example, a table that adjusts to coffee and dining heights, a bench that holds cushions or pieces that stack or store easily. If you have the space, consider setting up multiple zones, including a dining area for sit-down meals and a separate seating area for after-dinner conversation.