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It’s June and the first day of summer will be here in no time and many of you will be planning upgrades or improvements to your outdoor structures and areas. This makes sense as we want to spend and enjoy as much of the summer weather as we can while it’s here!

If you are planning an outdoor project or are building a patio from the ground up there are a few things to keep in mind such as building permits and safety concerns. Always consult with a professional, especially if you lack the skills and experience.

A deck is a great feature to add to your outdoor space, however it is a big undertaking. Unless you are a handyperson and have good knowledge of construction and have the necessary tools required, I recommend hiring a professional.

However, a floating deck is a relatively straightforward project and is not connected to any structure, it simply “floats” over the ground. Floating decks can be a DIY project for a handyperson, as the decks are low to the ground, with no need for railings or even steps.

Going the DIY route can save time, money and you can work at your own pace. The downside is, if you run into trouble, you are on your own, and it could end up costing you more money and time if you make rookie mistakes. Plus, many deck warranties become void if not installed by certified professionals. If you are considering a raised deck with a crawl space or with different elevations always consult with a deck professional.

If you have a wood deck it should be resealed every two years. If water beads and pools on the wood the next time it rains, the sealant is still doing its job. If it doesn’t, though, it’s time to reseal it. This is a great DIY outdoor project — just remember to check the forecast before you begin!

If you are planning a garden, I suggest you keep the garden beds away from the foundation of your home. Why? First, planting disturbs the soil, enabling water to seep through it, which is bad especially if it is against your foundation. Second, if the earth is piled high, creating a mound, that soil will direct water to the one place you don’t want it: your foundation. Third, by watering the plants the water will find a way into the foundation if there is a crack.

Water is enemy No. 1 and even the tiniest variation in your grade can have a negative impact. Do everything you can to ensure water runs away from your foundation, to prevent mould and rot from water damage.

Planting gardens around the perimeter of your property is the best idea, but still keep grading in mind especially if you have various elevations to your property. Alternatively, I suggest doing what my son and daughter-in-law did and build raised garden beds. They are a great alternative to traditional gardens and you can grow anything, flowers, vegetables, herbs — you name it.

Also keep grading and drainage in mind should you be planning on installing any new walkways or patios with paver or interlocking stones. Remember interlocking stone should be done during dry weather so it’s important to keep track of the weather when planning most outdoor projects. My kids tease me all the time because I always look at the weather forecast, but there’s a reason. Weather affects many outdoor projects so it is best to be prepared.

When installing patio stones or interlocking stones, make sure you have a proper base. I think if you do your research and follow proper guidelines this can be a very successful DIY project. Walkways require a 6-inch base and driveways require a 12-inch base. When preparing the area make sure you tap your gravel at every three-foot mark. Tapping will ensure the base is compressed sufficiently so the ground is stable. Then add a one-inch layer of sand for walkways and use polymeric sand for interlocking stones.

Polymeric sand is like a grout for interlocking stone. It acts as an adhesive and helps the stones stay in place and prevents weeds from growing. Another great alternative is to use a high-performance bedding gravel with a high compaction rate. The pavers or interlocking are only as stable as the base they’re sitting on so it’s important to not skip any steps.

Summertime is a great time to do outdoor projects. Whether you want to tackle your deck, landscaping, add a new walkway or patio,

just remember if you feel confident enough for the task at hand go for it but if you feel overwhelmed call a professional for help.

Residents of the GTA can apply for Season 2 of Holmes Family Rescue at www.makeitright.ca

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