Tips to Freshen Your Porch for Summer

As summer approaches, homeowners typically look for ways to give the exterior of their home a fresh perspective. After a long winter, it can start to look dull - especially after several winters have passed. Harsh weather tends to have a negative impact on the outside of a house while it works to protect us from the elements. But how can you give your house new life without doing a total facelift? Let's start with the porch; here are several ways you can freshen the porch before summer arrives.

Give your porch new life with a fresh coat of paint. A gallon of paint or stain goes a long way in giving your house a whole new look, whether you decide to use the same color, or to change it up. When you buy the coating, ask a salesperson to help you find the right type. You have many options to choose from: clear protectors, toners, solid color stains, enamels...you name it. And make sure to pressure wash the porch before getting started.

Refinish porch furniture to achieve a whole new look. Fabric and cushions on outdoor furniture can start to fade over time from being in the sun's harsh rays, and sometimes paint starts to peel. You can re-stain wooden furniture by sanding it down and staining over it with an approved outdoor grade product. To repaint, remove and sand any pieces that are chipped or peeling, and go over the old paint with a fresh coat of furniture enamel. Reupholster fabric or buy new cushions to replace faded ones.

Add greenery to give the porch new life. Potted trees and bushes look great on a porch or lined down the stairs. Hang colorful flowers from beams or hooks to add some variation. You can go with a patriotic theme, or with bright tropical colors - or even with herbs that you might use for cooking dinner.

Don't forget the house exterior and yard. You will at least want to make sure to freshen up the yard, so it doesn't detract from your porch's fresh, summer makeover. Prune bushes, plant trees and clean up the walkway. Go a little further by lining it with solar powered lights to help light up the path at night. Fountains and other water features also add to the exterior facelift.

What are your favorite ways freshen the porch or yard for summertime?

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