How to get the most out of your outdoor space

How to get the most out of your outdoor space

Most Australians view an outdoor space as an extension of their living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms. With summer just around the corner, a functional and well-maintained outdoor space will provide your family with hours of fun and entertainment.

During the cooler winter months, it is common to neglect your outdoor space as most of us tend to stay cooped up inside. But with warmer weather fast approaching, now is the time to spruce up your outdoor space and ensure that it is good to go for hours and hours of great entertaining. 

PREPARE YOUR POOL AND PAVINGS  

Did you know that if your pool starts looking weathered and tired it can easily be brought back to life with a lick of paint? You can paint pools that are made of concrete, fibreglass, pebblecrete, marblesheen and even pools that have been previously painted. 

Whilst it is a job you can complete yourself, there are important preparation steps involved and so we recommend that you come and speak to us in store first. 

We have been selling pool paint for many years and we recommend LUXAPOOL Epoxy paint. It is Australian made and will give you a durable and smooth finish. A swimming pool coating should last 8 to 10 years with proper pool preparation, application and care. 

Another great product from LUXAPOOL is the poolside and paving paint. With its non-slip finish it is perfect for swimming pool surrounds. Luxapool can be used on concrete, walkways, stairs and even pebblecrete. Again this is a product that will need careful attention when applying so it’s best to come in and chat to the team about your needs. 

Before and after with LUXAPOOL epoxy paint

Mould outbreaks around the home are a very common issue in Australia. Mould is a type of fungi that naturally occurs in damp or poorly ventilated areas. Mould spores are virtually everywhere in the air, all they need to find is the right surface to germinate on. 

Mould and mildew removal can easily be done at home, however it is important that the right precautions be taken. Make sure there is good ventilation and that you wear protective clothing. 

Below are the steps to proper mould and mildew removal:

1. Remove the source of moisture - check water pipes and drains.
2. Use our mould destroyer low toxic cleaning solution to kill the bacteria and eliminate the mould. 

If you’re looking to re-paint or restain any surfaces in your outdoor space, then consider using mould defence which is a mould inhibitor that can be added to paint, oils or stains. It stops the growth of mould by forming an enduring film that locks out moisture.

Before and after of professional mould removal

Like anything in an outdoor space, timber is prone to damage due to the effects of weather. 

With proper timber care and maintenance, you can retain the look and structural integrity of your outdoor timber for years to come. So much so that with the right plan, rain and UV rays will no longer pose a threat to the longevity of your wood.

Below are the steps to proper timber care and maintenance:  

1. Always make sure to inspect your timber every one to two years to identify any signs of weathering (drying, splitting or fading). 
2. If it looks like it's time to restain then firstly you want to clean your timber with a cleaning solution from Crockers. 
3. Before painting or staining your timber, have a think about how you want it to look. Some people opt for a natural look, whilst others want a fresh colour or deep stain.

We can discuss paint or stain options with you in store. If you purchase a timber care product from Crockers you’ll automatically be added into our Timber Care Program. 

As part of this exclusive care plan we will follow up with you one month after purchase to check how you went and see if you have any other burning questions. The key to proper timber maintenance is consistency, and that is why we will follow up with you six months after purchase and then annually thereafter.

Fresh coat of stain on timber decking

Again, with a fresh lick of paint your driveway or paths around your home can look brand new. Our concrete sealers from Acrylmeric are high quality and formulated to provide excellent wear, abrasion resistance and general durability to concrete, paving and slate surfaces. Any colour can be added to these sealers to match your desires. Watch how to apply coloured sealers here

If you want to go one step further and make your driveway non-slip then check out our Norglass paving paint. It is resistant to hot tyre pick up and has a P5 accredited non-slip rating. Watch the transformation here

Freshly painted driveway

Now we’ve really only touched the surface in regards to what you can do to elevate your outdoor space before summer hits. The team here at Crockers have over 65 years experience in exterior paint and maintenance so if you’re on the fence about what to do then come and chat to us in store.