How to Make an Eye-Catching Low Maintenance Alfresco Area for Your Garden
Many people love dining alfresco, whether it is out and about at local restaurants or at home in their backyard. However, when it comes to enjoying the experience, how good your home alfresco area is will define the number of times it gets used. You might think that if you spend a lot of money on it, it is likely that you will want to use it a lot -but you might end up avoiding going out there because there can be a lot of upkeep involved, too.
So, to spend more time enjoying it and less time maintaining it, you will need to consider a few factors.
Table of Contents
#1 Low maintenance decking
The easiest solution could be to invest in low-maintenance products such as composite decking. Normal wooden decking requires a lot of maintenance to ensure that it is safe to use, regular coats of sealant to protect the wood, and regular washing (made easier with a jet wash) to remove slippery, unwanted green algae from its surface. This is incredibly important as you will not want any of your guests, family members, or you slipping over and suffering from broken bones or bruises due to a lack of maintenance.
#2 Adding some privacy
You will also want to invest in quality privacy measures when considering your decking area. These will keep out prying eyes and offer a bit of shelter from wind or sun, depending on how and where your decking area is situated.
Of course, choosing a pleasing design, such as some oriental garden screening made from composite materials, will ensure that they are durable, low maintenance, and match your decking color choices. A bonus to this is that you will purchase a fully sustainable and eco-friendly product that will never require painting or staining to keep it attractive. Instead, all you will have to do is give it a wipe down with soapy water and a clean cloth.
#3 Don’t forget about lighting
Of course, you shouldn’t forget about the lighting. Little solar-powered tealights dotted around or even in a string tied around your screen can be incredibly romantic on certain nights. This feeling can be enhanced with the addition of a firepit located center stage, especially if it can double up as a cooking tool, even if it is just to roast s’mores on.
#4 And you will need some furniture too
Unless you are totally relaxed (and your guests are too) and are happy sitting around your firepit on your decking with large comfy floor cushions – which doesn’t sound bad, you are going to need some garden furniture. Whether you are looking to purely eat or to lounge around, the amount of room you have will determine what type of furniture you should go for.
Ideally, you should measure your area before shopping to ensure that you do not buy items that are too large and cumbersome for your decking area. This is important as an area that is too cluttered with oversized furniture will not look relaxing or even tempting, whereas one that is too sparsely furnished will look like there is something missing from the area.
