Who says you need to travel to get away? Look no further than your own backyard to offer a setting worthy of your staycation this summer. If your backyard could use some sprucing up before then, follow these six steps to make it worthy of all your free time this summer.
A well-manicured lawn will make or break your overall aesthetic. Lawncare can be finicky, but there are some simple tips to tackle it without a hitch.
The biggest mistake? Over-mowing. You may be tempted to cut your grass short for less frequent cuts, but over-mowing can actually stunt the health of your lawn due to overgrown clippings that can’t decompose quickly. A good rule of (green) thumb is to cut one third of the grass blade. Consistent watering is also key. The experts agree watering before 10 a.m. is best.
Take your landscaping up a notch by planting flowers that’ll create a welcoming, Zen-like atmosphere. Lavender is a summertime triple threat that adds a colorful pop, has a pleasant aroma and also repels pesky mosquitoes. Marigolds, hydrangeas and daisies are other summertime show-stoppers.
Gone are the days when a shed’s sole purpose was just storage. Homeowners are increasingly trending toward sheds that are both functional and eye-catching. Check out some ideas in LP’s gallery.
“Within the past few years, we’ve seen an increased interest in premium sheds that are considered a true extension of the home to create an interesting backyard focal point,” says Andrew Gutchess, Sales and Accounting at Pro-Shed, who builds and retails sheds made with LP products designed for durability and aesthetics. “Rather than just storage, homeowners are using sheds as dedicated activity spaces that they actually want to spend time in.”
Just because the sun is setting doesn’t mean it’s your cue to head indoors. Add functional outdoor lightning that’ll bring your aesthetic up a notch. For example, add tea candles in mason jars to string across your backyard for an ethereal touch. String bistro lights for a low-maintenance approach. Or, line your walkway with tiki torches for a tropical vibe.
Add a functional bench, outdoor swing or hammock for relaxing seating alternatives aside from the typical chairs around a table. Statement cushions can also step up your seating game.
The difference between a backyard and a backyard oasis is all in the details. Once you have the essentials down, incorporate the details that will bring it to the next level. For example, add a playful outdoor rug, placemats and planters.
Follow these six simple steps, and you’ll want to forgo the vacation and just take a short stroll outside for some much-needed summertime R&R.
Planning to refresh your home’s trim and fascia? Hoping to change the exterior entirely with a full re-side project? No matter your plans, choosing siding and trim colors can be difficult. Mentally visualizing how your home will look with a new product is a challenge—and it’s even tougher to imagine the amount of change even just updating trim will bring. That’s where the LP® SmartSide® Home Visualizer, a siding visualizer tool, comes in. This free tool can help you explore home siding ideas to find the best siding color combinations for your home. Read more to find out how to use the tool—and why LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding can make all the difference for your home.
Continue ReadingRe-siding your home is a significant investment and a long-term decision on your home’s look. One of the first steps to siding a house is choosing a siding material that fits your needs. Being involved as you review types of siding and cost can give you confidence in your plans and peace of mind that the materials you choose are built to last. Liz Marie Galvan of the Liz Marie Blog shares her journey toward choosing LP® SmartSide® ExpertFinish® Trim & Siding for her upcoming home re-siding project.
In this hiring a contractor checklist you’ll find expert guidance in connecting with the right contractor for your re-side project, including questions to ask and quick tips.
Let’s break down the limited warranty for LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding so you can be one step closer to choosing one of the most durable siding solutions on the market.