Porch & Patio Pointers

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AS THE WEATHER warms up, you and your family may be feeling the itch to get back outside.

But that means the patio and porches need to get ready for outdoor living once again.

Whether you have put a lot of currency, consideration and time into your patio or porch, or whether you have just now decided to join the outdoor-living world, here are some techniques to use when getting you outdoor space up to par. Experts in landscaping, hardscaping and outdoor furniture share their opinions, pointers and tips for getting your patio or porch ready for spring.

The Power is Yours

Mark Ciminello – owner of Ciminello’s Inc. a landscaping and garden center based near Westerville – tells his customers they first should get rid of surface grime by using a power washer.

“Most patios are lower maintenance than decks; (if there is) any mold or if the patios are dirty, what they need is a good power washing,” Ciminello says. “If you do power wash, you may need to re-sand the joints, which will help with weeds over time.”

A power washer can also be a big help in dealing with the hard stains that may occur in outdoor life, says Archie Suttles of Oakland Nursery. A serious stain should be washed off right away.

“If they drop wine or fruit juice, it can stain (the porch or patio) really badly,” Suttles says.

Restore Outdoors

Restorative maintenance work offers a variety of ways to keep your outdoor spaces looking good year after year.

Re-sanding keeps weeds out and helps with the overall structure of the patio, Ciminello says.

Ciminello warns homeowners of a bigger problem if the patio has been neglected: The patio or edge pavers may need to be re-leveled if they have settled.

“Power washing is purely cosmetic,” he says.

Just a Smile Away! This Sand is Your Sand

One little-known product that Ciminello recommends is polymeric sand, which helps prevent weeds from growing in hardscapes.

The special sand sticks to stone or other sand particles because of the organic materials and creates glue to prevent water from seeping through. It also keeps pavers from moving.

To apply the polymeric sand in any patio, the existing sand needs to be washed out of the paver joints with a power washer.

Furniture Facts

When it comes to outdoor furniture, Randy Johnson, a Scioto Valley salesman, suggests customers consider what level and kind of maintenance they are willing to put into it.

“If you’re going to spend the time and money that this is going to cost, be honest with yourself with how much you’re willing to put into maintenance,” says Johnson. Luckily for customers though, “There is so much out there that is extremely low maintenance.”

Outdoor furniture is becoming more expensive-looking, almost to the point where it would not look out of place inside the house. As a result, Johnson says, many homeowners are almost too cautious with their outdoor furniture. For example, cushions are designed to be outdoors, so homeowners need not worry about rain; they only need to be brought inside for winter storage.

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By Christopher Braun