Ways To Create Additional Storage On A Veranda Or Patio
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At first glance you might not think there are many ways to store items on a veranda or patio. After all, it’s basically a large flat area that is perfect for using to relax on a lounger on those long hot summer days.
But there are ways to incorporate some storage ideas that won’t detract from the overall look of your garden – and they will certainly come in very handy as well.
Depending on the size of your veranda or patio, you may have room for a small summerhouse. These are far more attractive than a standard shed, but they can just as easily be used for storage. Small garden items such as garden tools and plant pots can be stored away in plastic boxes to protect them from the cold and damp, while larger items such as the lawnmower can be tucked away out of sight – perhaps covered by a tarpaulin.
The rule is to keep things below the level of the windows, so that when anyone looks inside they won’t be greeted by a haphazard mess of pots, bottles and assorted other paraphernalia. A summerhouse can also be dressed with window boxes to help soften its appearance and help it blend in with the rest of the patio or veranda area.
Finding The Right Contractor
Installing a deck, patio or veranda is a big project to undertake, and it’s essential that you find a good and reputable contractor to do the job for you, in order to get the results you want.
But how do you find one?
Of course you will want to avoid getting into the situation of hiring someone to do the work, only to have them disappear halfway through. That’s why it’s advisable to seek some help when you are looking for a contractor.
Firstly, ask everyone you know for advice – whether it’s family, friends, colleagues or acquaintances. It could be that someone has recently had some work done themselves, and they can recommend a specific contractor to you. Word of mouth recommendations are always the best way to find someone you know you can trust.
You can also ask everyone you know to ask everyone they know for recommendations as well – once you get a whole network of people involved, you will find someone somewhere will know someone who can help you out.
Choosing Your Deck And Patio Accessories
Installing your deck or patio may seem like a big project, but it is just the first step towards creating the perfect garden space. It’s the accessories you buy to complement your finished design that make all the difference.
Patio heaters
Why restrict using your patio to the summer months? The cooler autumn evenings can still be spent enjoying the outdoors if you have a patio heater to keep things comfortable. They don’t take up much space and you can buy them in many different designs to suit the feel of your patio.
Planters and pots
Plants and flowers provide the perfect way to soften the often hard lines of a deck or patio, and they can also provide color all year round if you regularly plant varieties that will stay in flower during different seasons.
Creating Shade On A Patio
There’s nothing quite like reclining in a lounger and enjoying your patio when the weather allows it. But sometimes even the most sun loving among us need to catch some shade when it gets too hot to bear, so this needs to be kept in mind when you are designing, creating and enjoying your patio.
So it’s essential then to make sure your patio area has some shade that you can retreat to when the sun really breaks through. If you are in the process of designing your patio area it’s worthwhile seeing if you can extend it to go under the cover of a tree if you have one nearby. View your garden from all angles during a sunny day to see where the sun gets to, and where the natural shade from your house falls as the sun moves round.
Of course, patio furniture will generally come with the option of a matching umbrella that can be used to provide shade when you are sitting at your patio table, and it can be moved and tilted to protect you as much as possible. This is an instant and affordable option for all patios.
Hosting Parties On Your New Veranda
Hosting a party is always fun, especially when you have enough room in your home to accommodate small and large groups. With a veranda, you will be able to have indoor/outdoor parties whenever you choose.
When hosting a party, you should consider the following in order to make your party a success:
• Type of party
• Traffic flow
• Cooking and eating
• Party events
While most parties are casual events, planning menus, seating arrangements, and planning party games or events is important to ensure that all guests have a good time.
Lighting Options For Your Veranda
Lighting is an important feature that people overlook when designing and decorating their veranda. Because you will need a light source when sitting on the veranda at night, why not find creative options to enhance the beauty and function of this open space?
TYPES OF LIGHTING
There are various types of outdoor lighting for you to choose from that are easy to setup. Electrical wires can be run from the inside of your home to the veranda so you can use the space during the day and at nighttime. Types of lighting available include:
Choosing The Right Size Veranda
Your new veranda should be a welcoming place that can be used to host outdoor parties, intimate gatherings, and as a place to enjoy the lovely views from your backyard. Many people decide to add a veranda to enhance the beauty of their homes and to create additional living space for entertaining and relaxing.
If you have considered adding a veranda to your home, you should consider the following:
• Types of verandas
• Space available
• Primary use of the space
• Types of furniture
Keeping Bugs Away
While you may enjoy sitting on your veranda or hosting parties during the summertime, bugs such as mosquitoes and flies, can ruin the party. Because verandas are open structures, it is very easy for bugs to attack. But there are ways to reduce the number of bugs that invade your veranda so that you can have a good time all summer long.
You can reduce the amount of bugs on your property by trying the following:
• Mow your lawn
• Remove all stagnant water
• Make use of bug repellent
• Buy special plants
• Use citronella candles
Arranging Furniture On Your Veranda
How you arrange furniture on your veranda can help define areas that are used for relaxing, talking, and eating. Because your veranda will most likely serve several purposes, placement of furniture and decorative items is very important when you want to create a space that is comfortable and intimate.
FURNITURE SIZE
The size of your furniture should be determined by the size of the space. If you have a smaller space, you should avoid the following:
Maintaining Your Veranda
Maintaining your veranda so you can use it throughout the year for entertaining, or sitting by yourself with a good book, is very easy when you follow basic cleaning steps. Your veranda is an outdoor structure, so it is susceptible to dust, debris, and water spots mostly from rain and wind. You will need a broom, a few clean cloths, sponges, and a soap and water depending on the types of dirt you need to remove.
Because verandas are sound structures built onto your home, they remain sturdy for many years, even during heavy storms and other weather events. If there is a problem with the structure, you should contact the builder with your concerns.
CLEANING YOUR VERANDA