From decks to patios to porches, outdoor living and entertaining is more popular than ever these days. Here are some great inspirational ideas and tips for outdoor living to try on your home.
Design a Rooftop Retreat
When he’s not gracing the ballroom on Dancing with the Stars, Louis Van Amstel is relaxing on the rooftop retreat he designed for his L.A. condo. The space includes comfortable seating and even a bed for sleeping under the stars.
To find out more, watch: How to Design a Rooftop Outdoor Entertaining Area
Build a Front Porch Paradise
Bill Nye, the Science Guy, is another Los Angeles resident who enjoys outdoor living. Being an advocate of eco-friendly living, he made the front porch he added recently as green as possible by using sustainable wood and salvaged bricks.
To find out more, watch: Adding an Eco-Friendly Front Porch to Your Home
Open Up an Indoor Space
To allow the outside in your home on occasion, consider installing folding patio doors, such as those from JELD-WEN Windows & Doors. That can be opened completely when the weather is nice, then closed securely at other times.
To find out more, watch: Folding Patio Doors Bring the Outdoors In
Add Artistic Design Elements
Make your outdoor living space unique by adding artistic touches such driftwood birdhouses, copper and stone water features, or a Japanese garden.
To find out more, watch: Outdoor Living and Gardening Show
Dress Up a Concrete Slab
A concrete slab makes a durable outdoor floor, but it’s not the most attractive material around. To dress up your concrete porch or patio, consider scoring and acid staining it to add color and flair.
Use a straight edge for a guide to cut grooves in a concrete slab with a circular saw and diamond-tipped blade. Then stain the slab using Quikrete Etching Stain followed by Stain Sealer.
To find out more, watch: How to Score and Acid Stain a Concrete Slab
Other Tips from This Episode
Simple Solutions with Joe Truini:
Recycling Bin Hanger
To store recycling bins out of the way, make two L-shaped cleats by screwing a 1×2 and 1×3 together. Attach the cleats to the bottom of a countertop or shelf so they’re spaced a bit further apart than the width of the bin. Slide the bin in the space between the cleats, and pull the bin out as needed. (Watch Video)
Best New Products with Jodi Marks:
GE Silicone II Supreme Caulk
GE Silicone II Supreme caulk is a 100% silicone caulk that’s great for caulking around tubs, since it’s shower ready in only one hour, resists shrinking, and stays mildew and mold free for up to 10 years. GE Silicone II Supreme caulk is available at The Home Depot. (Watch Video)
Ask Danny Lipford:
Dealing with Mold on Your House
To keep mold from growing on your house, trim shrubs and trees back from your house. To remove existing mold, use a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water in a pump up sprayer, or a mixture of the TSP (trisodium phosphate) and water (following the instructions) on the box. A scrub brush with an extension handle is great for scrubbing off any mold or mildew. (Watch Video)
