DIY Do it Yourself or Not®

Think of your deck or patio as an extension of your home and create an open-air living space that's ideal for outside cooking, dining, entertaining and lounging. A deck improvement makes a comfortable outdoor space that becomes a magnet that pulls you outside to read the morning paper, curl up with a favorite book or relax with a setting sun.

To create an easy, seamless transition, use outdoor furnishings that extend your inside decor to the outside. For example, if your home has Country-style furnishings carry the theme outside with old-fashioned porch rockers or a metal glider. Use wrought iron furniture outside to complement traditional furnishings inside. With is natural look and appeal, wicker furniture is a proven winner for any deck or patio. The new wicker furniture made of resin is weather-proof and can be left out year round.

Choose multi-purpose furnishings that can do double-duty like a storage box with a seat that keeps outdoor gear dry and neatly stored, while it also provides seating. A gardener's potting bench is convenient for planting chores and can be re-invented as a buffet for entertaining. And an old fashioned kid's wagon is handy for moving heavy bags of fertilizer, but serves as a charming accent when filled with colorful geraniums.

If storage space is at a premium, consider fold-away furniture so it is easy to store out of season.

Yard sales are a good place to find castoff outdoor furniture at a bargain price. A vintage metal table and chairs or wrought iron and glass furniture can be restored with rust-proof enamel paint and provide years of service.

When selecting cushions for outdoor furniture, choose fabric that is mildew-resistant and UV-protected so the cushions resist soil and stains and will withstand sun damage.

For outdoor dining and entertaining, there's a wide selection of gas grills and cooking islands. While a basic grill is the choice of many, the gourmet chef can find an outdoor kitchen complete with grill, built-in range, side burners, warming drawers, even a compact sink and refrigerator.

The most colorful and versatile accessory for a deck or patio is flowering plants and herbs. Use them in hanging baskets, planter boxes, urns, or clay pots in a grouping or individually on a tabletop.

Some useful accessories are a copper outdoor thermometer and clock or decorative wall sconces with candles to cast a warm and inviting atmosphere at night. For a soothing sound effect, you can't beat a wind chime.

For sun protection get a colorful market umbrella designed to fit in the center hole in outdoor tables or stand alone in a decorative cast iron base. The diameter of umbrellas range from 6- to 11-feet in round, square and rectangular shapes. One that is vented at the top or a two-tier design is best for stability in windy conditions.

For a more permanent solution to sun protection, consider the addition of a retractable awning installed on the siding of the house. You pull on a strap to unroll the awning and then set the supports, which can be angled against the house or set vertically on the deck or patio floor.