Create an Entertaining Deck

Family cookouts and outdoor entertaining typically revolve around two things: your backyard deck and your barbecue grill. You can create an entertaining environment on your outdoor living space with a little creativity and a bit of good advice from The Flood Company, manufacturers of high-quality exterior wood care products for more than 150 years.
Increasingly, homeowners are bringing their personalities outdoors by applying color to their decks. Using a product like The Flood Company's Semi-Transparent Deck and Siding Stain allows you to perk up your deck with a splash of color, while simultaneously covering up minor imperfections in the wood. Flood Semi-Transparent Deck and Siding Stains come in striking colors like Falling Leaf, Salmon, Rain Dance and Night Sky. The stains add a hint of color, while still allowing the natural wood grain to show through, and they are guaranteed for 5 years on siding and 3 years on decks.

A popular design trend is to use a semi-transparent stain or clear finish on the floorboards and a solid color on the railings of your deck. This look is called a two-toned effect and consumers across the country are getting into it with the most popular look being white railings combined with darker floorboards.

Flood Solid Color Deck and Siding Stain comes in colors like Sugar Cane, Tranquil Sea and Espresso. The solid stain provides complete coverage, hiding significant imperfections and foot-worn areas. Solid colors can create dramatic new looks like two-toning and even floorboard patterns, such as checkerboards and stencils. To create a patchwork pattern, simply use painter's tape to create a pattern on the floor and apply the stain to the exposed portions. When dry, remove the tape and stain the other portions. Aztec Brown and Sea Shell, both popular colors by Flood, make an excellent combination and are guaranteed not to fade or peel for 5 years on decks and 15 years on siding.

Another idea is to create a cooking area away from seating and conversation spots. In addition to the grill, consider adding built-in serving areas, storage cabinets and a decorative vent hood. Using stone and other rugged materials will make cleaning as easy as simply hosing down the area.

Other entertaining ideas include:

* A wood-fired outdoor oven for barbecue enthusiasts and pizza lovers.

* A tiled eating counter/wet bar for entertaining guests -- great for the host who's looking for an easy way to create a little more room.

* A tiered deck with connecting steps that separates cooking from conversing.

* Built-in flower pots to grow herbs, tomatoes and other garden vegetables within your guests' reach.

In business since 1841, The Flood Company makes wood care easy and worry free through product guarantees, step-by-step instructions and a live toll-free help line. For more information about cleaning and staining your deck, or to request a Flood Can-Do Wood Care Guide, call The Flood Company at (800) 321-3444 or visit their Web site at www.floodco.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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