With spring well underway in the Florida Gulf Coast, summer will be here before you know it. With the warmer weather and lengthening days, now is the time to get your patio ready for plenty of comfortable and convenient outdoor living in the coming months.
By cleaning the space, doing light maintenance, and refreshing the décor, you can turn your patio into a center for entertainment and hosting get-togethers with friends and family all summer long.
Your home is your sanctuary, and making the most of it requires regular care and attention devoted to both your indoor and outdoor living areas. Well-maintained exterior spaces, such as porches and patios, can also significantly contribute to the value of your home in Sarasota, Florida.
Sprucing up your backyard does not necessarily require a large financial investment or a great deal of work—although building a new outdoor space or completely revamping your existing patio can be a major project. It all depends on the current size and condition of your property, how you like to use it, your desired maintenance level, and your budget.
As you’re putting together your spring maintenance and remodeling list, here are a few simple patio and backyard improvement ideas to help you optimize your outdoor living experience this summer:
One of the first steps to protecting the investment that is your home is making sure it stays clean and well-maintained. Before you dive into Florida patio ideas, give the surface a deep-clean. Move furniture off the patio to start with a clear, wide-open space. Sweep your patio with a stiff broom to remove sand and dirt. If your patio is stained with mildew or moss, which is all-too-common near the Florida Gulf, scrub the surface with 1/4 cup of bleach mixed with a gallon of water. Use a stiff, non-metal brush to clear away dirt, grime and other buildup. Wait till the cement dries before moving furniture back.
Tip: Chlorine bleach will damage nearby landscaping. Clean your patio with oxygen bleach to protect your plants and remove mildew at the same time.
Whether your outdoor furniture has been in storage all winter or sitting outside being exposed to the elements, it likely needs to be thoroughly cleaned. Use a vacuum extension to remove dirt from wicker and plastic furniture, then wipe down the furniture with a damp microfiber cloth. Wash outdoor furniture upholstery with a solution of 1 quart of warm water, a dash of dishwashing detergent, and 1 tablespoon borax. Use a sponge damped with the solution to scrub the cushions. Rinse the solution, then allow the cushions to dry. If you have a larger budget for your outdoor remodel, consider purchasing new outdoor furniture to really transform your residential space in 2021.
Tip: Place each cushion on its side while it’s drying to prevent one side from trapping moisture within.
A fresh coat of paint—or stain for your natural-colored wood—can do wonders, especially if you’re looking for inexpensive renovation ideas. After cleaning down your patio and outdoor furniture, apply the paint or stain to your railing, fence and wooden tables, chairs, swings and benches. You may first want to give the wood a quick sanding. Choose a color that will complement the rest of your Florida patio design, flower garden, and other outdoor features. Keep in mind that repainting an entire porch, veranda or deck is a rather time-consuming job, and one that may go a lot smoother with some help from a professional.
Tip: Make sure you select a paint or other finish that is specifically designed for exterior use so that it is more durable and resilient against wear from sunlight, rain and humidity in the Florida Gulf Coast.
Next step: Spruce up your landscaping. The plants and trees around your patio add shade on hot days and make your patio a more attractive place to spend time, whether it be alone or with friends and family. Select landscaping that grows easily without extra maintenance or tending from you. Palms and ornamental grasses in particular are low-maintenance plants that give your patio tropical appeal. If you already have a grassy backyard, or you are lacking space to plant new trees and flowers, consider setting up some potted plants and herbs on your patio.
Tip: Native plants need less care and water than plants from non-local areas. Visit a nursery in the Sarasota or Bradenton and get help from the experts to find native plants.
Provide relief from the hot summer sun by covering your patio with a broad patio umbrella, tarp or awning, or work with a contractor in Sarasota County to construct a more permanent source of shade over your patio. A wooden pergola covered in vines is an excellent way to provide shade and natural beauty at the same time. If privacy is a concern along with getting some protection from the sweltering sun, you may need to install a more encompassing enclosure, whether it be permanent or mobile.
Tip: Flowering or fruiting vines can attract bees, so choose the vine for your pergola carefully.
Install lights on your patio in Florida to illuminate your outdoor space at night. This is essential for both safety and beauty. The right lighting can also make your patio seem cozier and more inviting. Café lights are lighthearted, whimsical and effective, even over big spaces like an extravagant deck or a fancy backyard. Stringing lights from your trees, gazebo or pergola can also create a magical atmosphere, while hanging lanterns over your patio cultivates a party atmosphere. Seeking something more permanent? Hire a contractor to install mounted lights on your home in Sarasota or develop a whole new lighting scheme with key fixtures that blend into your remodeled patio design.
Tip: Use warm LED light bulbs to keep energy usage down.
Take your patio makeover to the next level by designing and setting up a special area that enhances a daily activity you enjoy. Some examples include a secret garden, a comfortable reading area, a bistro dining area, or a place to lounge around on a swing. Reconfiguring your backyard or patio to create a new, designated area requires more forethought and a larger remodeling budget. The first step is to think carefully about your daily routine and what activities you would more frequently do outside if you had the right space.
Tip: Outdoor curtains can help you frame an area or completely block it off without making it too stuffy and cramped for comfort.
Add the final touch to your Sarasota backyard, and make it a reflection of your tastes and personality. Decorate your patio with accessories like potted plants, outdoor candles, and outdoor pillows and rugs that add a splash of color, as well as warmth and texture. You can find rugs that are made for outdoor use. Also, an object like a mini-statue can add an attractive, whimsical focal point to your Sarasota backyard.
Tip: Match accessories to the upholstery on your patio furniture, to unify the space.
How do you envision using your patio or other outdoor living area this summer? Spring is the ideal time to start thinking ahead and tackling projects so when the next season arrives, you are ready and able to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Gilbert Design Build provides handyman services and interior remodeling of kitchens, bathrooms and other living spaces. We can collaborate with you on a variety of projects to maximize the potential of your home in Sarasota County and protect its long-term value for years to come.