There really is nothing better than sitting out on your decking on a nice summer’s day with family and friends. By having a usable back garden you are extending your home and creating a new space. This is the perfect time to prepare your garden for your optimistic prediction of a fabulous summer. Completing all the hard work now means all you will have to do is sit back and enjoy the area when the sun is shining.

 

Let’s start with your decking. Firstly you will need to prepare the surface to get it ready for the wood stain. You have mentioned that it is in serious need of a facelift which I’m not surprised to hear after our harsh winter, so I suggest brushing the surface with a stiff broom to remove dirt and debris, and use a fungicidal wash to remove any algal or mould growth. Allow the decking to dry and then clean it using a broom dampened with methylated spirits or cellulose thinners.

 

Apply the finish in a full flowing coat in the direction of the grain and work along the length of each board to avoid the appearance of 'overlap' marks. You will need a product that is hardwearing and gives your decking protection against the weather as well as resisting mould and fungal growth. Sadolin Decking Stain & Preserver gives you this 2 in 1 protection.

 

For your outdoor wooden furniture, again use a stiff bristle brush to remove dirt and debris. Sand any grey weathered timber and then clean the surface down and apply Sadolin Garden Furniture Stain and Protector. This is a 2 in 1 that has a water repellent finish that protects garden furniture against mould and algal growth.

 

Once you have all your painting done, you should add some accessories to complete your newly transformed garden. Add a colourful parasol to the patio table and some comfy durable seat cushions to your chairs. There are some beautiful outdoor soft furnishings available in local DIY stores as well as IKEA and other home stores. Not only will it make your seats more comfortable but will really add to the overall summery feel of the area.

 

There is an array of accessories specific for outdoor dining in beautiful designs such as colourful stripes or polka dots. You can also have a lot of fun by adding colourful and quirky accessories such as table cloths, crockery and cutlery.

 

A must have accessory is the all important barbeque. There are some really funky designs and colours available and it is the perfect excuse to invite friends and family around to show off your new and improved outdoor space.

 

If your social gathering rolls on into the night you may want to consider lighting for your decking area. Choose from electric, battery-powered or solar lighting, depending on the placement desired and the areas where lighting is necessary. Inexpensive and temporary options can sometimes be the best choice as they can be removed for the long months that the garden is unused.

 

Oil tiki torches that are typically bamboo containing refillable plastic oil fuel canisters can be a beautiful choice. Alternatively, solar lights that store the suns energy in batteries and convert it to light can be an atmospheric addition as they turn on automatically. Although more expensive than the previous options, they require no wiring, install easily, and cost nothing to operate making them the most environmentally friendly option available.

 

With just a little bit of effort and by following my guidelines you can create the prefect outdoor area that is fully functional for all members of your family.

 

Happy Decorating!