Are you preparing to upgrade your outdoor space for the summer? Getting the most from your outdoor area is one of the best ways to improve the environment in your home. Here in Toronto, ON, we’ve definitely been cooped up indoors for a long winter! So, our team here at Brock Doors and Windows has a number of tips to help guide you!

1. Outdoor lighting
   LED lights and string lights can do so much to create a calm, relaxing mood for you, guests, and family. Plus, these options are super affordable!
2. Low-maintenance landscaping
   Did you know that just a little bit of landscaping improvement for your yard can add up to 30% to the value of your home? That’s right! Even if you are not looking to sell your home in the near future, adding to the equity is always a good idea. Here are four easy ideas:

• Add a couple stone planters
• Add a few flowering shrubs, like lilacs
• Plant a few fruit-bearing trees
• Quality mulch or rock along the driveway and/or around flower beds

3. Choose a patio door that’s fitting for your family
   Not all patio doors are created equal. Here at Brock, we offer many options, so you can choose something right for you. Whether it be a sliding patio door or something fancier, like a French door—let’s figure it out together! Do you have a small space? That’s okay—your Toronto patio doors can be customized to fit your space just right. For the smallest spaces, we recommend sliding doors so you don’t have to compromise floor space inside or outside.
4. Built-in benches
   This is especially helpful for smaller spaces. These can be made from either concrete or wood and would be a perfect fit for a tight space. Combine this with a picnic table or outdoor dining table and you have got the perfect space for gathering.
5. Hidden storage
   This is one of the smartest, trendiest ways to maximize your space. Hidden storage keeps your space clean, uncluttered, and multi-functional. Find dual-purpose furniture, like:

• Wicker tables with removable tops to store blankets and cushions
• Benches with lift tops to hide your entertaining necessities
• Side table or storage ottoman

6. Shelving
   Shelves are just as helpful for your outdoor space as they are indoors. Keep candles, plants, an ashtray for guests, serving tray, bottled water, and anything else you might need for entertaining but would prefer to store outdoors for easy access. Function is key. When everything you need is right there in an organized manner—you and your guests can enjoy your patio!

Summer is just around the corner for us here in Toronto. Are you ready? If not, give our team a call here at Brock Doors and Windows! We can help you get your patio space ready with one of our amazing patio doors. We’ll work with your space—big or small!

Brock Doors and Windows Ltd. | 278 Orenda Road | Brampton, ON, L6T 4X6 | (905) 791-2850