Your outdoor area is an extension of your home. It’s a place where you can enjoy al fresco dining with friends and family or enjoy reading a book on your own, and as such it pays to ensure everything is in good condition before winter kicks in.
Shade Sails
Shade sails are an economic and versatile option for weatherproofing your outdoor entertainment area. Australian company Rainbow Shade provides affordable waterproof sails in two materials — lightweight DRiZ which offers blocks almost 100% of UV rays and UV resistant durable Mehler.
Sealants
Even though the wood in your decking may be treated with a stain — which, depending on the type, can provide a certain amount of protection against wear and tear — it’s important to waterproof your decking at least once a year. If the area is exposed to a fair amount of sunlight, then you may need to do it more regularly. Test your deck by pouring a few drops of water on one of the planks. If the water beads up, the waterproofing is intact but if it soaks into the wood, you’ll need to do another treatment.
Pick up a good waterproof sealant from your local hardware store. Clear the deck of all debris, paying particular attention to the spaces between boards. Use a putty knife to clean crevices, and check the joists (the timber or steel supports in your decking). Use a good quality deck cleaner which you can find at your local hardware store and clean the area using a scrub brush. Then you can apply your sealant using an applicator like this one from Bunnings.
Outdoor blinds
Weather can be unpredictable and when you combine wind with rain, it’s worth investing in outdoor blinds to protect the sides of your outdoor area. For complete protection while retaining visibility, PVC café blinds are a great affordable option. Verandah blinds can be slightly more costly but Modern Group’s Envirotex Blinds are environmentally friendly and allow for 94% light transmission.
Waterproof furniture
For your outdoor seating, buy cushions and pillows made from polyurethane foam which, unlike polyester-filled cushions, allow water to flow through. Make sure cushion covers are solution-dyed acrylic fabrics — this type of material is resistant to sun fading and mildew.
All of the above will ensure your outdoor space is durable and weather resistant but for maximum effect, make sure you clean the area about once every two weeks and check in on your shade sails and blinds to ensure there are no damages or water leaks.
Share this article
Sign up for new article alerts
Receive every new listing in your inbox
