5 Ways to Spruce Up Your Patio

Summer is nearly in full swing and it's time to enjoy the warm weather with family and friends on your patio. However, if your patio is looking dull and boring, it may not be an inviting space to entertain your guests. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to spruce up your patio and turn it into the perfect entertainment spot that everyone will love. This blog post will explore 5 ways to spruce up your patio, including adding hot tubs.

Add Outdoor Furniture

Firstly, you need to make sure that you have adequate outdoor furniture on your patio. Without comfortable seating, your guests won't be able to relax and enjoy the space. Consider adding a sectional sofa or a bistro set to make your patio more comfortable.

Add Shade

If your patio is too exposed to the sun, it can be uncomfortable for your guests. Consider adding shade to your patio in the form of an umbrella, a pergola, or a retractable awning. These additions will not only make your patio more comfortable and inviting but also provide relief from the sun's harmful rays.

Add Decorations

One way to add some life to your patio is by adding decorations. You can add potted plants, outdoor lighting, or even a waterfall to transform your patio into an oasis. Be sure to choose decorations that will withstand the outdoor elements.

Add a Fire Pit

A fire pit on your patio is an excellent way to create a cozy ambiance and provide warmth on chilly nights. You can either purchase a fire pit that fits your patio or have one custom built. Either way, your guests will enjoy gathering around the fire pit and sharing stories over s'mores.

Add a Hot Tub

One way to take your patio to the next level is by adding a hot tub, like those from Marquis Spas. A hot tub will not only offer relaxation but also add value to your home. You can consider a freestanding hot tub or a built-in one that will match your patio's design.

These are just a few ways to spruce up your patio and create an inviting entertainment spot for your guests. By adding outdoor furniture, shade, decorations, a fire pit, and even hot tubs, you can turn your dull patio into a relaxing oasis. Start revamping your patio today and impress your guests with your new and improved outdoor space.

Transform Your Outdoor Patio With Stone Pavers - A Complete Guide for Homeowners

Your outdoor patio is an extension of your home, a place where you can relax, entertain, and spend time with family and friends. But if your patio is looking a bit tired or dated, it might be time for an upgrade. One option to consider is stone pavers. Stone pavers can transform your outdoor patio into a beautiful and functional space that you can enjoy for years to come. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which stone pavers are right for you? In this complete guide for homeowners, we’ll explore everything you need to know about stone pavers, from the benefits of using them to choosing the right type for your outdoor space.

Benefits of Stone Pavers

Stone pavers offer many benefits over other types of outdoor flooring. One of the most significant benefits is their durability. Stone pavers are incredibly strong and can withstand heavy foot traffic, extreme weather conditions, and the test of time. They are also low maintenance, especially when compared to wood decking or concrete slabs. Stone pavers do not require much upkeep, and if they do get stained or damaged, you can easily replace individual pavers instead of the entire surface.

Choosing the Right Stone Pavers

When choosing stone pavers for your outdoor patio, there are several factors to consider. First, think about the style of your home and the overall aesthetic you are trying to achieve. You want your stone pavers to complement the architecture of your home and the surrounding landscape. Second, consider the size and shape of your outdoor space. The size and shape of your patio will determine the size and shape of your pavers. Finally, think about the type of stone you want to use. Popular stone options include travertine, granite, and limestone, each offering its unique color, texture, and pattern.

Installing Stone Pavers

Once you have selected your stone pavers, it’s time to install them. This is a job best left to the professionals, as there is a lot that goes into installing stone pavers correctly. The first step is to excavate and grade the area to ensure proper drainage. Next, a base layer of crushed stone is laid to create a stable foundation. Then, a layer of sand is spread over the crushed stone, providing a level surface to lay the pavers. Finally, the pavers are installed, and the joints between each paver are filled with sand or polymeric sand to create a stable, level surface.

Maintaining Stone Pavers

Stone pavers are low maintenance, but they do require some upkeep to keep them looking their best. Regular cleaning is essential to remove dirt, leaves, and other debris that can accumulate on the surface. Use a pressure washer or a garden hose to spray down the surface and a mild detergent solution to scrub away any stubborn stains. Be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the surface of your pavers.

Stone pavers can transform your outdoor patio into a beautiful and functional space that you can enjoy for years to come. With their durability, low maintenance, and endless style options, an outdoor stone paver are an excellent investment for any homeowner who wants to enhance their outdoor living space. By following this complete guide, you’ll be well on your way to selecting, installing, and maintaining the perfect stone pavers for your home.

8 Ways to Enjoy Your Patio During the Winter Months

We usually associate the patio with spring and summer. Once the autumn and winter weather kick in, we tend to forget that we have an outdoor area. This is a mistake because we are ignoring a large and extremely useful part of our home. It is possible to make the best use of the outdoor part of the house year-round and get all the benefits of outdoor relaxing and entertaining, even when it’s chilly outside. 

If you find this idea appealing, here are a few tips for enjoying your patio during the winter months. 

Make It Weatherproof

Winter weather will do its best to ruin your outdoor experience. It’s up to you to keep it from doing that by creating an aesthetically pleasing shelter. Your chosen type of shelter should be both aesthetic and functional so that it can enable you to spend time outdoors without risking snow or rain ruining your day. A pergola or gazebo could do just that. During the summer months, both could provide shade. For extra privacy and protection, you can opt for a screened porch. If you add a space heater, it will even be a comfy shelter during a snowy day.

Get a Heater

A space heater can do a lot to make your patio cozy and enjoyable during winter. Outdoor heaters can also look great. For example, a gas-powered portable heater with a flame feature can create a cozy vibe while keeping you warm. If this is not your cup of tea, you can go for a more discrete look with a smaller model.

Winter Wonderland

If you’re looking for a proper winter experience, which includes enjoying a cup of hot chocolate with the sound of a crackling fire in the background, a fire pit might be just what you need. Traditional built-in pits with brick walls require a lot of space. Wood-burning pits also create a lot of mess because of soot, ash, and smoke. If you don’t want to deal with this, explore different types and styles of propane fire pits — there is an option for every patio.

Consider Getting a Hot Tub

If you are willing to invest a larger sum of money and you want to add a note of luxury, installing a hot tub is the way to go. A hot tub contrasts the cold weather perfectly, and it will serve its purpose in other seasons as well. A hot tub can be installed in the deck area if you have limited space at your disposal. If you have room to spare, you can create an entire oasis of plants, stones, fountains, etc. For privacy, add a screen.

Get Comfy Furniture

While all the features we’ve covered so far will make your time on the patio pleasant, adding comfy furniture will turn the space into a real oasis. Think bulky outdoor furniture and soft cushions, both weather-resistant, and, of course, soft and insulated blankets that are easy to maintain. Additionally, a couple of rugs on the deck can provide more insulation while also making the space visually warmer and more inviting.

Boost the Brightness 

Up until now, we’ve mostly talked about how to make your patio warmer for the winter months. However, it is also important to provide some illumination and give the patio a magical winter touch. You can do that with various lighting options. The tried-and-true patio lighting classic — string lights — is a simple and inexpensive option. An outdoor chandelier can give the space a hint of elegance, but you can also mix and match different styles. For dining occasions, you can light up a few candles to achieve a more romantic atmosphere.

Winter-Friendly Nature

Growing plants on the patio makes sense during every season but winter, right? But because plants are so amazing and accentuate the difference between the interior and the exterior,  you’ll want to include them in the colder season as well. Some of the plants that thrive during winter are violas, pansies, hellebores, and boxwood. Of course, this depends on where you live, so it’s best to look for more specific information from USDA Plant Hardiness Zone. You can also ask professionals at your local gardening center for recommendations.

Create an Outdoor Kitchen

If you are dining outside, why not prepare the food on the spot? Once the lighting and heating are in place, you can fire up the grill and prepare a winter-friendly meal perfect for enjoying a family dinner out on the patio. You can further elevate the experience with a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen. It’s a substantial investment, but it is a perfect year-round addition to every patio.

In the end, think beyond the functionality and optimal temperature. While these features are the most important, your goal should be to create a space where you and your family feel pleasant. So, complete everything with details close to your heart, such as artwork, accessories, and gadgets.

Ways Natural Stone Can Increase Your Home’s Value

Anyone who owns a home wants to find ways to increase the value of their property. From upgrading your entertainment spaces to adding new appliances, there are many options for homeowners to invest in their homes. However, incorporating natural stones is the easiest way to increase your home’s value.

Using natural stone in home construction and décor has always been the go-to way to upgrade a house’s value. Although natural stone is more pricey than other construction materials, it may be worthwhile to get. The increase in value it brings is due to its strength, elegance, and resale value. It’s important to note that there are more reasons to use natural stone other than increasing the home’s value. The material is sustainable and durable and remains timelessly attractive when maintained correctly.

If you’re having trouble thinking of ways you can incorporate this sustainable material, read on. Here are a few ways natural stone can increase your home’s value.

Create an Elegant Bathroom

Upgrade your master bathroom by adorning the walls and floors with beautiful natural stone. In the bathroom, you can use natural stone in numerous ways to help increase the value of the space and overall home. You can add stone to your shower walls, vanities, shelves, countertops, and more.

Add Stone To Complement Your Patio

Why not incorporate natural elements if you have a gorgeous backyard with a beautiful patio? Adding boulders, cobblestones, decorative gravel, or stone edging can add much more character and texture to your patio and landscape. Natural stone varieties like cobblestone and decorative gravel are easy for homeowners to obtain, and they’re simple to work with.

Use Natural Stone as a Countertop

When people think of ways to increase their home’s value using natural stone, the first thing they do is upgrade their kitchen countertops. Since the kitchen is one of the most used spaces in the home, it’s no surprise that people want to redo it first. When you upgrade your countertops, you can create a chicer look in this high-traffic space.

Create a Decorative Stone Wall

Natural stone walls can be decorative and functional depending on your backyard’s landscape. Building a stone wall can help prevent sloping and drainage issues. However, if your landscape is flat, you can create a decorative natural stone wall that you can use as a backdrop to give your yard depth.