Save time and energy with tips for smart home improvement

(ARA) – The weather is warm and the sun is shining, making it the perfect time to start your home improvement projects. Whether it’s a little tidying up, or a full-on home repair, some tips will help you complete your projects without a lot of headaches.

Winning the battle against rust
As the sun begins to shine brighter, imperfections around the house begin to appear. Metal products that haven’t been properly winterized or have simply been out in the elements too long can begin to show signs of wear and tear, and worst of all, rust. Combating rust can be a real challenge, and too often, people would rather toss out the rusty bench, garden tools or even the lawn mower and simply buy something new.

Protecting your items from rust is easy with a little help from the new Rust Protector spray paint from Krylon. It dries in just eight minutes, so you don’t have to worry about grass, leaves or other particles getting stuck in the fresh coat of paint. Plus, it provides the ultimate protection against rust, keeping your outdoor items looking like new, regardless of the elements they face.

Continue cleaning up outside
Give the outside of your house a little TLC. Start with the roof and gutters, since they’ve collected a lot of buildup and have experienced their share of wear and tear throughout the colder months. No one wants to spend hours dealing with inside water damage or worse – mold. Stop the drama before it starts by inspecting the roof and gutters and looking for damage such as holes, loose shingles or leaks.

And while you’re outside, give your siding a glance, too. While you were warm and toasty inside this past winter, the exterior of your house was getting a beating. Cold weather, snow, ice and even wind can cause problems to the siding, so be sure to address any issues quickly.

Check for a cool breeze
It’s probably been a few months since the air conditioner was turned on, making now the perfect time to check that it’s still running smoothly. Your air conditioner is important because it not only keeps your home cool during the hot summer; it also dehumidifies your house and keeps mold from developing inside the walls.

First, check the AC filters and replace them if they appear dirty, since a dirty filter can cause strain and damage to your air conditioner by making it work harder than necessary. Turn your air conditioner on for a test run; once it has been running for a while, check the refrigerant levels by feeling the pipe connected to your AC unit. It should feel cool to the touch – if it doesn’t you may be low on refrigerant and will want to refill before the long, hot days of summer.

Make the inside sparkle
Outside projects shouldn’t get all your attention. As you move inside, start off with small cleaning projects so you don’t get overwhelmed. Scrubbing your bathroom, vacuuming your carpets and dusting every inch of the house can take some time – which most of us don’t have. Simple tasks such as cleaning one room a day, clearing off cluttered countertops as you walk into the kitchen, creating an organization system and donating unused products to charity can get your house clean in no time.

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2012 outdoor living trends can easily update your patio or deck

(ARA) – More homeowners want their outdoor space to truly be an extension of their house and are taking steps to create an inviting area to relax, play and host guests. If you want to update your deck or patio for warm weather entertaining, you don’t have to spend a lot of time or money. You can easily refresh the items you already have and add new stylish elements by keeping some top trends and design ideas in mind.

Consider these tips from the design experts at Lowe’s to help transform your space into a welcoming outdoor oasis. With just a few easy outdoor home improvement changes, you’ll have the best patio on the block.

Mix functional furniture
The line between indoor and outdoor design is blurring. You can coordinate the style of adjacent indoor and outdoor rooms, since you and your guests will likely spend time in both. No matter if you have a large outdoor deck or a simple small patio, many affordable, stylish outdoor furniture options are available from allen + roth. Set up furniture with flow in mind, grouping pieces together to encourage comfort, conversation and a view of nature.

Add colorful accessories
Incorporating rugs, outdoor pillows, candles and other accessories in vivid colors or fun patterns can really make your outdoor space come alive. Pick three to four colors for your scheme and stick with those colors throughout your design choices. Some of the season’s top hues include rich reds, vivid blues, soothing neutrals and garden-inspired greens. Metal accents are popular as well, so look for decor with gold or silver detailing for a design that’s modern with a tropical flare.

Incorporate a fire pit
An outdoor bonfire likely evokes pleasant memories of the past, so incorporate a fire pit into your patio space so your whole family can enjoy time together roasting marshmallows, telling stories and gazing at the stars. Today’s modern fire pits are both stylish and useful, adding a cozy ambiance while warding off the chill on cooler nights. Plus when the seasons do change and fall brings with it lower temperatures, you can still enjoy the beautiful outdoor space you’ve created because you’ll be comfortably warm. Remember to look for options that have a removable screen, so you can open when needed for cooking and then close to keep the fire safely contained.

Create privacy
Just because you’re outdoors doesn’t mean that you don’t want a bit of privacy from neighbors or passersby. The good news is it’s easy to create boundaries to your space by using a pergola or outdoor curtains. These options tie in nicely with other outdoor design trends and can give just the right amount of privacy, creating your own outdoor “room” in which to enjoy the long, sunny days.

Light the night
Lighting can really make your outdoor space come alive once the sun goes down. Add depth and intrigue by “lightscaping” from different sources. Consider putting up string lights that provide a magical setting that is sure to dazzle guests long after darkness falls. Add an intimate wall lantern next to the patio door or eco-friendly LED garden and path lights to add a soft illumination to outdoor space.

Grow an herb garden
There’s nothing that adds the flavors of summer to food like fresh herbs. One of today’s top trends is to have a container garden so you always have your favorite herbs on hand to freshly pick. Popular herbs that are easy to grow include basil, chives, cilantro, dill, fennel and mint. When planting, use containers that complement your outdoor design. Vintage styles that feature aged patinas are very popular this year.

To organize your ideas and keep track of outdoor projects, create a MyLowe’s profile at www.lowes.com/MyLowes. Develop and store your wish list in MyLowe’s to help transform your drab deck into a stylish patio that just begs for you to kick up your feet, enjoy a cold drink and converse with family and friends.

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Summer entertaining: Spend less time preparing, more time enjoying

(ARA) – There’s no question why summer is the best-loved season of the year: it’s all about fun, relaxation and enjoying the beautiful outdoors. So, it follows that homeowners don’t want to waste a minute of those glorious months of sunshine. When planning traditional summer get-togethers, save time by taking steps to ensure that your outdoor spaces are as low-maintenance as possible so that the focus is on the party, rather than the prep.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of spending hours preparing your home and yard before throwing a party, whether it’s the week before or the day of the event. Focusing on outdoor living spaces ahead of time with plants and products that need minimal attention will save stress and give you more time to enjoy the season.

As summer arrives, keep these time-saving tips in mind for an outdoor environment that’s as beautiful as it is low-maintenance.

* Set the stage in just one step. Having the right set-up for outdoor entertaining can take your party from standard to superb. Installing a deck provides the perfect gathering space for get-togethers but also serves as a functional area for everyday family dining. Make it easy by choosing low-maintenance decking materials like those from TimberTech, including composite and PVC decking products that eliminate time-consuming sanding, staining and painting. Because the company also offers railing and lighting, you can opt for a package that coordinates seamlessly and is covered by a 25-year warranty.

* Pick plants wisely. Wilting plants can put a damper on party decor and tending finicky flowers can eat up a lot of time in the garden, so making the right plant choices is important. Select varieties that are suited to the regional climate – as well as their location in the yard. Once you’ve decided where to place the pots and containers, head to the garden store to pick out complementary arrangements that will thrive in full sun, partial shade or full shade, depending on your unique yard. When plants are in their preferred spots, they’ll do much of the work on their own – you’ll just need to water when appropriate.

* Keep it together. Since most summer gatherings involve food and beverages, it’s a good idea to keep a set of serving items that can withstand the outdoor exposure, like shatter-proof plates and drink ware. To save time and hassle when preparing for the party, keep all outdoor accessories in one place so that everything is easy to find. A bar cart can be a handy tool for keeping supplies together, and storing serving ware in airtight containers helps to keep it clean and in good condition.

* Take a seat. Everyone likes to do a little lounging on those sultry summer nights, so be sure to give guests a place to relax and sit back. If your outdoor furniture has seen better days, the wide availability of durable, weather-resistant chairs, chaises and benches makes it easy to furnish a deck in low-maintenance style. For a budget-friendly option, buying new cushions and covers can add a fresh touch to existing furniture if it’s still sturdy. With today’s high-quality weather-resistant materials, preparing furniture for a party can be as easy as a quick wipe-down.

Switching the focus from yard maintenance to outdoor enjoyment will make the summer season that much more pleasant. For more information about creating a beautiful outdoor living space, visit www.timbertech.com.

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Healthy lawn tips to keep pests and weeds away

(NC)—From Health Canada, take a look at this snapshot from its website fact sheet “Healthy Lawn Tips”:

1. Although it may look untidy, leave grass clippings on your lawn when you mow it to provide nutrient recycling.

2. Aerate compacted soil in the fall to help oxygen, water and nutrients reach roots.

3. Over-seed patchy areas in difficult spots.

4. In heavy traffic areas replace grass with mulch or paving stones.

5. Check your lawn for early signs of pests and other problems such as holes caused by small animals digging for insects.

6. Set your mower so that your grass is 7 to 8 cm high to encourage deeper roots and help fend off weeds.

7. Water infrequently, but when you do, make sure you allow the water to get deep into the soil (about 1.5 centimetres) to promote deep roots. Over-watering starves the soil of oxygen and invites disease. Apply at least 2.5 centimetres of water. Put a container on your lawn to measure how much you’ve watered. An empty tuna can is about the right height.

8. Maintain good soil with ample depth and organic matter to prevent problems.

9. If physical control methods fail and you use a pesticide, be sure the one you pick lists the pest you are trying to control on the label, and follow all the instructions on the label to use it safely.

More information is available online at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/pmra. Fact sheets include “Starting a Lawn”, “Lawn Maintenance”, “Life of a Lawn” and “Common Lawn Problems”.

www.newscanada.com

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Create an upscale deck for less with easy upgrade ideas

(ARA) – Does spending time on your deck “do it for you” – or does your deck simply “do the job?” Now that warm weather has arrived, you’ll be outside more; your outdoor space should be an area that you truly enjoy and are proud to show off to company. You may not need a complete deck remodel to achieve that level of perfection. With some smart deck upgrades you can create an upscale look for less.

Start by looking at the railing. More than just a safety feature, the railing is one of the most prominent design elements of any deck, and changing it is a cost-effective way to make an eye-catching statement.

Remember, your railing doesn’t have to match your current deck material. If you have a wood deck that doesn’t necessarily mean you need wood railings. Think outside the box and blend different colors and materials – such as aluminum, glass and composite – for a complementary look that increases the aesthetic appeal of the entire house.

Aluminum railings are increasingly popular because they allow homeowners to introduce a variety of baluster infills into their deck design. Durable yet lightweight, aluminum won’t rot or corrode, making it a good choice for the outdoors. One example is Deckorators aluminum railing kits, which come in a variety of designs that are black or white powder-coated to weather the elements, plus they’re backed by a lifetime limited warranty.

If you like the look of wood, but want something more durable without the maintenance hassles, consider railings made from composite materials. With a look that emulates real painted wood, composite railing options won’t split, warp, rot or suffer from insect infestation.

While you’re researching railings, it’s wise to also look at balusters – the railing spindles – and decide what styles you like best. You can mix and match with your railing materials to get a one-of-a-kind look. Metal and aluminum balusters are popular and come in many shapes, styles, colors and sizes.

If you really want a distinctive look for your outdoor space, consider glass balusters. This is a particularly great option for decks with grand views, since the glass allows you to enjoy the landscape without the visual obstruction of traditional railing infills.

To create a dramatic appearance, consider adding a design to deck posts. Decorative postcovers enhance the personality of your deck by providing a stone pillar appearance to the entire length of each post. Deckorators cast stone postcovers fit over standard 4-by-4 or 6-by-6 wood posts corners of deck railing, and provide a realistic appearance of authentic stone, giving decks an upscale look at a fraction of the cost.

Finalize your deck upgrades with some decorative elements. Deck railing accessories can add the perfect stylish touch to any outdoor space. Decorative post caps, for example, install quickly and easily, changing the look of any railing to suit your design tastes. Ornamental post caps come in glass, metal, wood and planter styles. Some even feature solar lighting that provide a beautiful ambiance after the sun sets.

Some simple changes to your current deck structure can take it from drab to fab without the cost of a complete remodel. Explore your options today to create a deck you’ll enjoy for many seasons to come.

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Choosing the right mower for you

(ARA) – As the weather continues to warm, it’s time to get back outside and start working in the yard again. If your mower is on its last leg, it may be time to invest in a new one, and now is the perfect time to research which unit is right for you.

“Whether you have a small patch of grass or sprawling acres of lawn, choosing the right lawn mower can make the task easier and more enjoyable,” says Peggy West, marketing associate for Yard-Man, a manufacturer of dependable lawn equipment. “While it may seem as easy as walking into the store and picking one out, there are several features to consider.”

There are two basic choices when it comes to lawn mowers: walk-behind or rider. With different options for each category, you’ll want to consider the size and terrain of your lawn to help with your decision.

Walk-behind mowers
Walk-behind mowers can be divided into two categories: push mowers and self-propelled mowers. If your lawn is less than one acre, a walk-behind is a great choice for you.

* Push mowers: Offering basic power and performance, push mowers are best for trimming or mowing lawns up to a half-acre. A gas-powered engine provides more cutting power than a reel mower and can cut through taller, tougher grass.

* Self-propelled mowers: Easiest to use and best for lawns with hills or more than a half-acre in size, these mowers are powered by a transmission that propels them forward rather than relying on your strength to push them along. For example, the Yard-Man 12AEB2JA001 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is easy to maneuver, offering smooth cuts with less exertion.

Riding mowers
Riding mowers are designed for large yards over an acre. Three things to consider when looking at lawn tractors and zero-turn riders are horsepower, cutting deck size and transmission type.

* Lawn tractors: With higher horsepower engines, lawn tractors are better for larger lawns and rougher terrain. They may also have various attachments available and can be used for hauling materials in addition to mowing your lawn. You should also look for mowing decks that are easily adjustable and have mulching capabilities.

* Zero-turn riders: For a lawn that is more than an acre with multiple obstacles, a zero-turn rider would be a good fit. The time it takes to mow your lawn can be cut in half, because the zero-turn radius enables quick turns and trimming. In addition, these mowers are fast, so you can quickly cover a large lawn.

Once you’ve decided which mower will best meet your needs, Yard-Man offers five simple tips for keeping your grass looking great all season long:

1. Before you start mowing, make sure to clear the area of any sticks, rocks or other debris to keep them from getting caught in the blades.

2. Keep your grass approximately 2 inches in length, always taking off only 1/3 inch of new growth.

3. Alternate the direction you mow each session. The wheels will create a rut in the grass if you mow in the same direction every time.

4. Mow your lawn in a pattern by mowing back and forth instead of walking in a spiral pattern. This keeps the grass from becoming permanently bent in one direction.

5. Make sure your lawn gets 1 inch of water per week to keep it healthy and growing properly.

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Do-it-yourself deck-building tips

(ARA) – Looking for a way to enhance the use and enjoyment of your outdoor space? A deck addition may be the solution. A deck creates a designated area for entertaining and relaxing outdoors, while increasing homeowner satisfaction and home value. If you’re a motivated do-it-yourselfer, building your own deck can be a fun and rewarding challenge that saves you money and ensures your outdoor space is tailored to suit you and your home.

When planning your deck addition, one of the most important considerations is deciding what materials to use. Today’s advanced composite decking offers a number of advantages compared to wood, PVC and earlier composites, making it an increasingly desirable choice for all types of decking projects. For example, ChoiceDek Foundations wood-plastic composite decking and railing offers fade, stain, scratch, mold and mildew resistance, an attractive appearance and price, ease-of-use and an environmentally friendly alternative. ChoiceDek is available at Lowe’s stores nationwide.

Wood-plastic composite decking is available in a variety of colors and textures that give it a wood-like appearance without the finishing requirements of sealing, staining or painting, so you can begin enjoying your deck as soon as installation is complete. Since composite decking won’t split or splinter, it’s a choice your children and bare feet will also appreciate.

Many composite decking lines also come with complementary railing systems and accessories to make outfitting your deck easier. One popular deck trend is using hidden fastening systems to attach boards to the underlying structure, which offers a nice, smooth deck surface free of screws. To accommodate hidden fasteners, many composite decking lines are available with grooves.

Once you’ve chosen which decking to use, the next steps are designing and building your deck. While this may sound daunting, there are a number of free online deck design tools available to help make planning easier, and a lot of information that can provide guidance on how to build a deck.

Decks can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit the types of activities you’ll be using it for – dining, entertaining, relaxing, etc. Using a deck design tool like Lowe’s Deck Designer online tool can help take the guesswork out of planning your deck; you’ll save time and money, and get to try different designs to see what looks and works best for your yard. Once you’ve completed the design, you can simply print out the automatically generated materials list and head to your local Lowe’s store to get everything you need to start your project.

The “How-to Build a Deck” article on the Lowe’s website outlines what tools you’ll need, deck building terms to know, the importance of designing a deck, how to lay out the deck, as well as detailed information for each step of the building process. Composite decking does not require any special tools or skills to install, and if your deck design includes curved boards, simply heating a composite deck board will allow you to bend it as needed.

Once your new deck is complete, you may find yourself with some leftover materials. Some composite decking, like ChoiceDek Foundations, can be used in virtually any nonstructural application, including projects like docks and walkways where it’s in contact with the ground or water, making it suitable for a variety of uses.

Planter box
Whether you choose to fill it with flowers, ornamentals or edibles, a planter box can brighten your deck and soften the space to help make it more inviting.

Storage bench
No outdoor living space is complete without a seat to sit and enjoy it. And when the seat can double as a place to stow outdoor cushions, toys and garden tools, it’s a double duty must-do for your outdoor living area.

Doghouse
If you’re a DIYer with a dog, make Fido a place of his own that blends in with your new deck. There are many free DIY doghouse plans available online. Don’t have dog? Consider building a birdhouse, instead.

For more information on deck building and design, or to find more creative outdoor project ideas, visit Lowes.com. To learn more about ChoiceDek Foundations decking, go to www.choicedek.com.

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Garden Studio

I absolutely love garden studios and I hope to someday own one myself!  These adorable one room seclusion shacks are perfect for the a little get away any time of the day!  If you are not familiar with garden studios they are basically a littel miniature home tucked away amidst your garden or backyard.

Whether it’s the Zen getaway where you create your masterpiece or even just a home office studio, a garden studion may be exactly what you are dreaming of.  Some companies offer you the option to customize your own garden studio!  You custom design your backyard studio to match your exact needs, transforming your garden into your refuge for creative inspiration. You select your favorite design and make it a little home all of your own.

When I found out about these adorable little getaways tucked in your own backyard, I just knew I had to have one!  My heart is set on it and I hope to get one in the next few years!

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Pointers for prepping your deck and backyard for summer fun

(ARA) – Warm weather is here to stay, which means people everywhere are spending more time outdoors. If the sunshine, gentle breeze and chirping birds are calling your family outside to enjoy some fresh air, it’s time to get your outdoor space ready for fun activities. With some smart home improvements, you can easily prep your patio and deck for a full season of enjoyment.

1: Tricks for properly cleaning patio furniture
Today’s patio furniture can be as comfortable and stylish as indoor options, and similarly, it needs to be periodically cleaned. Resin, resin wicker or metal furniture can typically be cleaned with mild soap, water and a sponge or nonabrasive brush. Metal pieces can be polished with a light coat of car wax to bring back shine and protect it from rusting. Insider tip: If you live in an area with a lot of pollen, you may want to wait to clean outdoor furniture until it is done dropping.

Wood pieces can benefit from a quick cleaning also. For finished wood, use an oil-based soap and a soft brush or cloth. If you have a treated wood deck, picnic table or Adirondack chairs, use a pressure washer and deck cleaner to remove dirt. Remember to use the low-pressure tip so you don’t damage the wood. If you have questions, visit www.lowescreativeideas.com for educational articles, videos and additional tips.

2: Get the grill ready for a season of tasty treats
Every warm day is better when you enjoy the succulent flavors of food cooked on the grill, but to keep the food tasting its best, the grill needs to be kept clean. At the start of the season, it’s wise to do a thorough, deep cleaning on your grill. If you have a gas grill, remove the propane tank, flame guards and disconnect the igniter wires, removing the igniters. Move the grill over a drop cloth and clean the inside with dish soap, water and a scrub brush. Grates may need to soak in a bucket before getting scrubbed. Once dry, reassemble and get cooking.

In addition to the deep cleaning, remember each time you cook to scrape the grates to get rid of any food residue from previous uses. Simply light the grill and after a few minutes, the heat will have loosened the residue and you can do a quick scraping with a wire brush before putting on your tasty meats and vegetables.

3. Prep the deck in half the time
Staining and sealing your deck is an important maintenance step so its beauty and integrity last for many years, but it’s also something most homeowners dread because it can be a lot of work. The good news is there are some new innovations that are making the process much easier.

Before you start this project, look for new products that both stain and seal at the same time, simplifying the project and saving you a lot of time. Staining and sealing simultaneously waterproofs, protects and beautifies your wood. Plus, if you do encounter unplanned precipitation in the middle of the project, your deck is still protected.

4. How to grow beautiful plants to enhance your space
With your deck prepped and your patio furniture and grill clean, now it’s time to dress the area up with some plants. You can easily incorporate splashes of color by adding containers full of your favorite varieties. Why not make it a family activity and visit your local Lowe’s nursery to pick out plants and supplies together? When shopping, keep in mind the color of your deck and furniture and pick plants in a complementary color scheme. You might also want to plant some fruits, vegetables or herbs for your own family garden. Ask a Lowe’s garden specialist for advice on what varieties thrive in a container environment.

Once home, spread out your supplies and let your entire family’s green thumb come alive. After your plants are nestled into pots and containers, place around your outdoor living space in clusters which provide a better visual look than a single plant standing alone. Remember to water regularly and monitor sun exposure so the plants aren’t getting too much or too little.

These few steps can help get your deck or patio ready and beautiful for months of enjoyment. From playing outdoor games to grilling traditional summer fare to relaxing as the sun sets, you’ll get a lot of use out of your outdoor space.

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How to green your outdoor living space

(ARA) – With the housing market still in recovery, many American homeowners are choosing to stay put and renovate. Whether you’re updating the home you love or preparing your house for resale when the market finally turns around, your outdoor living space is a great place to start.

According to a recent study from McGraw-Hill, the market for green homes is expected to increase five-fold by 2016, with an even steeper increase in green remodeling, as 34 percent of remodelers expect to be doing mostly green work by 2016. With this focus on green homes in mind, taking a green approach to your outdoor renovations is not only good for the environment, but is a great way to increase your home’s resale value.

A beautiful and functional outdoor living space starts with your deck. Whether you’re in need of a new deck or looking to renovate one that’s at the end of its life, a long-lasting aluminum deck is the most environmentally friendly choice.

Aluminum is 100 percent recyclable, and it maintains its structural integrity throughout the recycling process. Though some composite decking products are made from recycled materials, once produced many cannot be recycled again. With aluminum decking, the recycling process can be repeated near indefinitely.

An added plus is that choosing aluminum decking also means choosing a green deck that will last a lifetime, which is great news for prospective buyers interested in a maintenance-free outdoor upgrade. Because of their properties, aluminum-based materials allow for the use of an environmentally friendly powder coating process, a technologically advanced, nontoxic method for coloring and sealing building materials.

While other decking materials require regular scraping, sanding, painting and sealing, aluminum powder coated decks hold their color and appearance. NextDeck and LockDry aluminum decking products feature a specially developed SuperDurable powder coat finish, a completely UV-stable coating that retains its color and doesn’t fade like other decking products.

In addition to a maintenance-free deck, you can trust in the strength of aluminum. FSI Home Products mixes their aluminum with specific alloys, allowing their products to support up to 240 pounds per square foot. And unlike other materials, aluminum decking won’t rust or crack. It’s also fireproof, pest resistant and will not rot, sag, splinter or warp in freezing temperatures. Because of its heat dissipation properties, when installed properly, aluminum decking also stays cooler in direct sunlight than wood, composite or concrete.

If you’re considering adding a second or third level deck, a water-proof, leak-free product can transform the area under your deck into a useable outdoor living space. LockDry Waterproof Aluminum Decking has been the top-rated consumer decking product since 2008.

Adding or renovating your deck is just one way to enhance and green your home’s exterior space. RailingWorks offers a variety of aluminum railing and fencing options to complement your deck design, and a number of other products and features can help take your environmentally friendly outdoor renovations a step further. Consider replacing your walkways with pavers made from recycled rubber. If it’s time to update your outdoor lighting, choose a solar lighting system or LED bulbs for walkways, garden accents, spotlights and floodlights. Invest in a rain barrel to collect water for your lawn or garden, and use recycled furniture as garden decor.

The National Association of Homebuilders “New Home in 2015″ Survey suggests a trend toward greater sustainability in new homes. If you want your home to be able to compete, green is the way to go. Whether you’re updating your house or preparing to sell, you can create a beautiful outdoor living space with the environment in mind.

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