Now is the time to take advantage of the quieter social season to spend time improving what you have. Before the chill in the air turns to harsh winter weather, create a multi-functional outdoor living room that you can enjoy in the months ahead and be the envy of your neighbours. Canada’s top handyman and celebrity DIY expert, Chris Palmer, has experienced backyard envy firsthand and says the best thing to do is to get a head start on your spring 2017 wish list in the fall when the weather is perfect.
1. Create your spring 2017 wish list
Are you planning to sell your home next spring? Or perhaps you’re just feeling inspired to upgrade your home? Increase your home’s curbside appeal with some simple improvements that will last for years to come. Did your family find summer a drag because your backyard has no shade? Now is the time to add some greenspace. Plant fast vertical trees like poplars and shrubs to add natural shade that won’t take up space. For example, cedar, spruce and silver maple all grow tall and fast and can make your backyard more family-friendly next summer.
The 2017 backyard is a relaxing, minimal but multi-purpose space. The best design gets creative with small spaces and can be adapted for multiple purposes – big family gatherings, intimate meals or relaxing chill-out zones. Figure out what your backyard goals are and start planning now. And as stores look to clear out their summer stock, you’ll see major sales on dream outdoor furnishings. During fall, many outdoors items go on sale so you can stock up ready for next spring.
2. Building and maintaining your deck
2. Building and maintaining your deckIt’s a little known secret that fall is actually the best time to build your dream deck – you get to build on firm and dry ground which is ideal. An amazing way to get that expensive look for less is MicroPro Sienna treated wood. It’s a pressure treated wood that is environmentally friendly and certified low VOC that comes ready to build in a beautiful brown tone. The treated wood is pre-stained that’s easy to maintain with an application of a water repellent to protect your deck during the winter months.
3. Extend patio season into the fall
Who said that patio season was over by September? Now is the perfect time to think about lighting and heating options to keep your outdoor space inviting beyond those long summer nights. String lights are simple to install and are cheaper to buy than ever before. And the addition of a fire pit or outdoor heater will give your family a comfortable space to cozy up in when the temperature starts to drop.
4. Invest in multipurpose furniture
I’m a big fan of custom built-in furniture which can stand up to the elements, but it is also multifunctional. Furniture with storage units or pieces you can easily move indoors when the weather worsens can be a great and simple addition to your home. Be creative and make the most of your space.
For more outdoor project inspiration and DIY How-Tos, make sure to check out handcraftedbychrispalmer.com and microprosienna.com
Often billed as Canada’s favourite handyman, Chris Palmer has quickly become a household name through his thoughtful and creative DIYs. With a strong focus on handcrafted woodwork, Chris has turned his passion into a career – creating custom projects through his company “Handcrafted by Chris Palmer”. He made his national debut on the hit HGTV show Canada’s Handyman Challenge, and is now a regular guest expert on the Global Morning Show in Toronto. You can check him out at www.handcraftedbychrispalmer.com.
