Deciding to raise chickens is a big decision that can benefit you in many ways. Whether you have one, two, or ten chickens, the most crucial thing to take into consideration is how you will keep them safe. Learning how to protect chickens from predators is imperative if you want to keep your chickens around for the long run.

In this blog, we’ll review different animals that eat chickens, and provide a variety of steps you can take to ensure your poultry is protected from any risks that come their way.

What Animals Eat Chickens?

The first step in learning how to protect chickens from predators is to know which animals you should be on the lookout for. Chickens are very vulnerable animals and are at a higher risk of being attacked than most birds. The animals that eat chickens will depend on where you live and your surroundings. Some of the most common predators include: 

• Weasels
• Birds of Prey
• Raccoons
• Skunks
• Coyotes
• Opossums
• Foxes
• Bears 
• Snakes

Once you know which animals to look out for, it’ll make protecting your chickens that much easier. You’ll be able to set up defenses specific to those animals that pose the largest threats. 

How to Protect Chickens From Predators In 8 Easy Steps

Your location will have a lot to do with finding the best way to protect chickens from predators. However, there are some best practices you can put to use regardless of your location. Following these steps is the perfect way to get a better understanding of what your chickens need to survive and live happy and healthy lives. 

1. Collect Eggs Daily

Don’t give your predators another reason to sneak around your chickens. Collecting your eggs daily will ensure that certain predators like snakes, rats, raccoons, and opossums won’t find their way into the coop at dusk. This will also eliminate the risk of your eggs being broken or cracked in the coop. 

2. Know Your Enemy

Chickens are one of the most vulnerable animals because of the numerous predators they have. Knowing which animals in your area pose the greatest threat will allow you to take the necessary steps to keep those specific predators away. 

3. Keep Them Out of the Dark

The most dangerous time for chickens is early morning and late at night because most predators try striking when it’s dark out. If you allow your chickens to roam free from time to time, make sure you’re doing this during daylight hours. They’ll be less likely to get attacked when the sun is out. 

Another thing to remember is to keep track of all your chickens, when you close the coop up for the night, make sure all of your chickens are accounted for and safely locked inside their secure chicken coop.

4. Secure the Perimeter

Whatever you decide to use to keep predators away, make sure the perimeter is secured. This could include burying chicken wire, adding electric tape, or even installing motion sensor lights. Most predators will trigger a motion sensor and be scared away by a bright light. 

Another thing to consider is your entire outdoor space. If you have a large open yard, you may want to install a larger fence around your property. This may not keep out every predator, but it will act as another line of defense for your chickens. Even securing other outdoor structures you may have can be beneficial. Doing this ensures you don’t leave an area where predators can make a home. 

5. Check Your Defenses

Putting up defenses is only the first step in protecting your chickens. In order to ensure their safety, you need to keep up with whatever defense you put in place. This means you should frequently check your fence or netting, as well as any holes around the perimeter. Checking on your chickens will help to make sure you don’t miss any easy openings for predators to get inside. 

6. Don’t Feed the Predators

If you feed the animals that come around your outdoor space, you’re giving them a reason to return. Even if you think feeding certain animals is harmless you could be putting your chickens at risk. 

Making sure your garbage and recycling are stored properly, as well as cleaning your chicken coop regularly, can also play a role in keeping predators away.

7. Provide Cover

Keeping your chickens covered won’t only protect them from predators, but can also protect them from inclement weather. There are multiple ways to provide cover for your chickens from netting to roof sheathing. 

Another way to add coverage is by adding shrubs or small trees around your chicken coop. Doing this will make them less visible to predators and could make it more difficult for animals to get to them.

8. Protect the Chicks 

Chickens can be easy targets for predators, but baby chicks are even easier for animals to get. If you have chicks, you should do everything you can to keep them out of harm’s way. Using a strongly built chicken coop will usually guarantee their safety, but there are other tips you can follow to stay on top of any threats.

What is the Best Predator Netting for Chickens?

Learning how to protect chickens from predators takes some research. Many chicken owners have found that using predator netting for chickens is one of the easiest tactics to keep your birds safe. 

There are different varieties of netting and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Below, we’ve listed some of the most popular types as well as their uses. 

Chicken Wire

Chicken wire is probably the most inexpensive option for containing chickens. However, it is the least effective when it comes to keeping predators out. Chicken wire is a great way to contain your chickens, especially if you’re not at risk for large predators or you have a livestock guardian dog. 

It usually comes in a variety of heights ranging from 2-4 feet. If you have larger chickens that aren’t prone to flying, you could use a 2-foot high fence to keep chickens in. If your chickens are flighty you’ll want to double up and build a 4-6 foot fence. 

Chicken wire is inexpensive and easy to handle, but it may not be the best choice for you. Take into consideration how at risk your chickens are when it comes to predators, as well as the weather since the wire is prone to rust. Evaluating these things will help you decide if the chicken wire will actually be effective. 

Hardware Mesh

Hardware mesh is typically used for pens and outside areas of containment like large chicken runs. Since this type of mesh is more expensive it’s not very cost-effective to create an entire fence out of it. However, it does keep out virtually every predator (besides bears) if it is used effectively. 

In order to keep out predators that dig, you should dig approximately 6-12 inches and lay the wire in the trench. Then, bend the wire outwards to form a small shelf-like structure that is approximately 6-12 inches.

If something is preventing you from digging, lay the wire on the ground of the run and make sure it is securely attached to the bottom frame. You can also cover the wire with a layer of dirt, allowing the birds to still scratch. Hardware mesh is the more expensive option, but it’s perfect for chicken coops, runs, and small areas where chickens may need more protection.

Plastic Poultry Netting

Plastic poultry netting comes in a variety of colors and lengths. It can be very useful if you’re trying to blend your netting in with your yard’s surroundings and keeping chickens contained or out of certain areas. 

It’s not the most effective way to keep large predators out, but it can be the most cost-effective way to fence in larger areas. This type of netting is also good at keeping aerial predators from swooping into chicken runs and taking your birds. 

Chain Link Fencing

Chain link fencing may not seem like the most aesthetically pleasing option, but it is one of the better ways to keep predators out. Since chain link is tough and strong enough to withstand even the largest predators, it’s a safe bet if your chickens are at high risk. The cost is also fairly inexpensive and you can get it secondhand sometimes making it even cheaper.

It may be more difficult to set up, but once it’s in place, it will last for years. You will need to bury some wire to prevent digging predators. You can do this by attaching a separate piece of hardware cloth to the bottom of the chain-link fencing. 

If you can’t build your fence to about 6 feet, you may want to consider adding electric tapes to the top and bottom of the fence line. You should keep the bottom wire about nose height for a fox or coyote, and the top wire about 6 inches above the chain link. This will ensure desperate predators won’t be able to breakthrough. 

Aviary Netting

Aviary netting is similar to plastic netting. It’s not very effective when it comes to withstanding physical attacks from larger animals, but it’s useful when keeping aerial predators out. People tend to prefer aviary netting over plastic netting because it’s made from fine polypropylene mesh and blends into the background. 

This type of netting is generally inexpensive and a good choice if you’re trying to protect smaller chicks from being picked up by larger birds. However, it should only be used to cover the top of certain areas, such as a chicken run, and not used as a fence. 

Electric Poultry Netting

Electric poultry fencing has become more popular and affordable over the past few years. There are many different kinds of electric fencing, but all types do pretty much the same thing. They are made of metal wire that is woven with plastic fibers throughout the height and length of the fence. When an animal touches the wire, it will experience a quick shock. 

This type of fencing can be powered by a main electric source, battery, or solar. There are temporary and semi-permanent options you can choose from when looking at electric fencing. We suggest you choose the temporary option if you frequently move your chickens because it’s lightweight and easier to manage. 

Semi-permanent fencing is tougher and can withstand more abuse from animals or weather. The posts are also stronger and less likely to bend, however, setting them up can be more complex and time-consuming. 

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Whether you’re considering buying a new shed for your outdoor space, or you’re looking to remodel an old shed, making sure it’s secure is a necessity. No matter what you use your shed for, you’ll want to keep your belongings safe inside. There are many ways an intruder can break into your shed, but taking the proper precautions can eliminate almost any security issues.

Secure storage sheds will allow you to keep your mind at ease when you’re away from your home or any other time someone has the opportunity to break in. In this blog, we will share some ideas you can use to keep your shed secure and safe from intruders. 

10 Shed Security Ideas

Shed break-ins are a common issue for homeowners. There are many ways you can secure storage sheds, and depending on what you’re using your space for, you can decide what lengths you’d like to go to keep your shed protected. Below we’ve listed 10 of our favorite ideas to give you some inspiration to get started.

1. Implement an Alarm System and/or Sensor Lights

The first thing you should do to secure your shed is implement an alarm system. These systems don’t just detect intruders as they attempt to break in, but they also keep people from targeting your shed in the first place. 

Most alarm systems that are activated set off a siren internally and externally while also flashing a strobe light. There are two main types of systems you can install: 

• Movement sensors (PIR)– Also known as passive infrared sensors, these sensors look for movement in or around the shed. If movement is detected an alarm signal is sent to the alarm panel. They can be hard-wired or wireless depending on which type you choose. 

• Door and window contact sensors– These sensors are mounted on the door or windows of your shed. If they detect that either entryway is opened, they will set off an alarm.

2. Try Using a Shed Security Camera

Using a security camera for your shed is another one of the most efficient ways to keep your belongings safe. They come in a variety of configurations so you can find the one that fits best with your shed layout.

• ADT cameras– These cameras can be used indoors or outdoors. They have night vision and allow you to store video clips any time on your mobile devices. 

• Alder cameras– These cameras are fully wireless and have smart motion detection. You also get free cloud video storage with your camera system. They also can be used indoors or outdoors, have night vision, and incorporate 2-way audio. 

• Vivint cameras– These cameras have 24/7 video recording and can be used indoors or outdoors. They also have 4K HD sensors and infrared night vision which allows you to see the video clearly day and night. 

• Cove cameras– These cameras are easy for anyone to set up and offer a lifetime equipment warranty. The high-resolution video can be stored in the cloud or on a memory card. These cameras can be used indoors or outdoors and include night vision. 

3. Choose a High Security Shed Lock

It may seem obvious to use a lock on your shed, but knowing the proper lock to install could go a long way. High security shed locks come in a variety of types and styles. You’ll want to do enough research to find which locks are most difficult to cut through or forced open. 

• Rim lock– These locks are fixed inside the door with wood screws. The door catch is secured into a strike plate or keep that is fixed to the frame of the door. This is the least secure option for shed locks since the lock is only held in place by wooden screws.

• Pad bolt– These bolts consist of a flat or circular bar that slides horizontally inside the mounting fixed to the outside of the door and door frame. When the door is locked the bolt is slid horizontally into a receiver that is fixed to the door frame. 

• Hasp and staple– Similar to the pad bolt lock, these locks are fixed to the outside of the shed. However, a hinged hasp is different because when the door is closed the hinge goes over a staple that’s fixed to the door frame. This makes it much harder for anybody to cut through. 

4. Fix Your Shed to the Foundation

Oftentimes, storage sheds that are installed by the homeowner are not properly secured to the ground or foundation. If the shed isn’t fully secured to the ground, it gives intruders an opportunity to simply lever or lift up one of the walls. 

If you’re setting it up by yourself, make sure you anchor your shed to the foundation the right way. Or ask for help from an experienced professional to prepare your site for the shed delivery. 

5. Upgrade Your Hinges

The hinges you use on your shed door play a key role in shed security. It’s not only the strength of the hinge you choose that matters, but also the components that make up the hinge. If your hinges are old or worn out, it’s smart to upgrade them in order to ensure they can’t be knocked out or pried open. Look for the:

• Gauge of hinge metal – The gauge of hinge metal determines how strong the metal is, and can play a key role in shed security. Oftentimes, the shed door hinges that come with shed kits are made of thin metal. Investing in heavier-duty hinges will help boost your security and ensure they last.

• Accessibility to the hinge pin – The hinge pin is the metal rod that holds the two sections of a hinge together. Higher quality hinges make sure the hinge pin is inaccessible and covered by weld. This ensures that the pin won’t be easily knocked out.

• Type of fixings used to fit the hinge to the door and shed – Hinges are usually supplied with standard screws to fit them to the shed and door. These screws can be easily removed. Consider replacing these screws with security screws (such as Clutch Head or Sentinel Screws), to ensure your hinges won’t be pried open. 

6. Upgrade Your Door with a Shed Security Bar

A shed security bar offers extra security in addition to your locks. Made of heavy metal that cannot be broken, the bar is attached to the exterior of your shed door. There are locks on both sides of the bar and can only be opened by unlocking both sides. 

Since the lock bar is usually heavier than other locks, you will need heavy-duty fasteners to properly install. They typically cost between $40-$200 depending on the lock bar construction. 

7. Install Window Security

Securing your shed door is important, but installing window security can be just as necessary. If someone cannot break through your door, they’ll most likely attempt to get through the window. Since windows are usually made of glass and therefore easy to break, you may want to consider using a window guard or security bar. 

• Grisham Window Guard– These security bars are popular for their aesthetic and safety. Their spear-point edges and decorative center make them seem like an intentional design choice rather than a security measure. They mount on the exterior of your window and incorporate a quick-release function. Though the size isn’t adjustable, they’re offered in a variety of sizes at reasonable prices.

• Mr. Goodbar– This window guard is one of the more expensive options available. They offer many different qualities such as: adjustable sizing, vertical or horizontal installation options, tamper-resistant mounting materials, and a swing-away function. These heavy steel bars go on the interior of your home and have a white finish to blend into most window designs.

• Defender Security Segal Window Guard– Window guards are fairly priced, functional, and safe. They have a quick-release function, adjustable sizing, and come with tamper-resistant screws. While they’re typically not too fancy, they do offer more security with their steel bars that go on the interior of your home.

• Jeacent Adjustable Window Security Bar– These window bars are popular for their accessibility. The sturdy painted steel comes with reusable Velcro to hold it in position and is easy to use and install. The security bar is adjustable and can double its length, allowing you to make it however long or short is necessary for your window size. 

8. Obscure Your Shed Windows

Making it harder for people to see through your shed windows will make them less likely to break in because they won’t be able to examine what’s inside. The best way to do this is by adding frosted windows or covering the windows with curtains. You can also install impact-resistant windows or glass-break sensors for even more protection.

9. Avoid Plastic Roofing

It may seem unlikely, but the roof of your shed is another entryway for an intruder. Installing builders bands or metal brackets to the inside of your shed will ensure someone cannot simply lift up the roof to gain access. You may also want to consider replacing a plastic roof with a heavier metal material which will make it much harder for anyone to cut through. 

10. Put Floor Anchors in Place

Depending on what you’re storing inside your shed, you may want to consider installing floor anchors. Larger and more valuable items such as lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and other equipment, can be chained to these anchors and secured with a quality lock. Floor anchors work well with timber and concrete floors, and they add an extra set of security if someone manages to get into the shed. 

Taking the necessary steps to have a secure storage shed may take some time and money. But doing so can help ensure you won’t become a victim of theft. In the long run, it’s better to know your belongings are safe rather than risking a break-in and having things stolen. 

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Purchasing the perfect patio furniture for your outdoor space can be satisfying and exciting for homeowners. This is why keeping that furniture in great condition is so important. As we begin to prepare ourselves for the cold winter months, we must remember that there is more to do than decorate the house for the holidays.

Learning how to protect patio furniture during winter is necessary if you want to keep your furniture looking new and lasting longer. The sooner you make winterizing your outdoor space a part of your transition into the cold months, the more time and money you will save in the future. 

How to Store Patio Furniture Over the Winter

Many people wonder what to do with patio furniture in the winter. Oftentimes, we think all we need to know is how to store patio furniture over the winter. However, there are steps that should be taken before you begin the storage process. Preparing your patio furniture for winter can be broken down into 3 steps:

1. Clean
2. Coat
3. Store

This process will vary depending on what material your outdoor furniture is made of. Properly preparing your winter patio furniture has many benefits in the long run. Doing this will allow your furniture to stay intact for years to come. 

Cleaning and Coating Outdoor Furniture Based on Material Type

The first step in learning how to protect patio furniture during winter is knowing how to clean it. There are multiple methods to use when cleaning your patio furniture, but each depends on the type of material it is made from. For example, after your furniture is clean, it may be beneficial to add a coat or sealant for certain materials. This will help protect your furniture from cold temperatures, as well as rain and snow. 

Wood Furniture 

Wood furniture must be sealed in order to keep moisture out of its cracks and ridges. If moisture seeps in, it may freeze when temperatures drop, causing the wood to crack. 

Using furniture oil and protective sealants can help prevent this from happening. Before applying sealants, it’s important that you thoroughly clean your furniture. To clean wood, simply: 

• Mix warm water with a couple of drops of an oil-based soap.
• Gently scrub with a soft brush or rag in the direction of the wood grain.
• Allow it to air dry or dry with a towel.

Once your wood furniture is dry, you can proceed to do any work to prepare for the Spring season, such as sanding, painting, or staining. This is also when you will add your furniture oil for wood or an effective wood sealant. 

Teak Furniture

While teak is a type of wood furniture, it requires some extra care when cleaning. It is more weather-resistant and durable, but oftentimes it attracts mold and mildew. To clean teak furniture correctly, follow the steps below:

• Combine 1 cup of vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water.
• Use a soft brush to scrub the wood. 
• Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.
• Allow to air dry or dry it with a towel. 

After the furniture is dry, you can apply Linseed oil or Tung oil to keep your teak furniture in the best condition. 

Plastic Furniture

Plastic furniture can become brittle when exposed to freezing temperatures. Repeated changes in temperature wear down the plastic making it crack or break. Before storing your plastic furniture, follow these easy steps:

• Rinse off furniture with a hose.
• Mix ¼ cup of mild laundry detergent in a gallon of warm water.
• Gently scrub the furniture with a soft brush or sponge. 
• Rinse again, and allow to air dry or dry with a towel.

Make sure your plastic furniture is completely dry before storing. This will keep it ready for the Spring when it will make an appearance again. 

Wicker Furniture

Wicker furniture can either be made of natural rattan or synthetic material (known as resin wicker). It’s important to know which material your furniture is made of because it will depend on how you clean it.  

Natural rattan wicker furniture needs extra care when washing because it tends to chip over time. True rattan should be washed as infrequently as possible to avoid any splintering or chipping. To wash, simply:

• Mix a few drops of mild oil-based soap in a gallon of warm water.
• Dampen a soft cloth and gently scrub the furniture.
• Use a spray bottle to lightly rinse the soap off. 
• Dry immediately with a soft towel. 

Synthetic or resin wicker is usually more durable because it has UV and weather-resistant coatings. You can clean this type of wicker by simply spraying it down with a hose. If it’s very dirty, you can follow the steps above. 

Aluminum Furniture

While it is mostly rustproof, aluminum furniture often contains holes to help drain water, which ends up allowing water to get in. This becomes an issue when winter temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing because the water inside will freeze and melt, making the frames weak. To clean your aluminum furniture properly and avoid this issue:

• Mix a few drops of mild laundry detergent with warm water. 
• Scrub your furniture gently using a soft brush, rag, or sponge.
• Allow to air dry or use a towel to dry. Make sure furniture is completely dry before storing.

After your aluminum furniture is dry, keep an eye out for any scratches. You can touch them up with paint, and you can apply a coat of wax for extra protection. 

Wrought Iron Furniture

Since wrought iron furniture is known to rust, you should not leave it exposed during the winter months. While some iron furniture has rust-resistant coatings, other elements such as bird dropping can also damage the coating because of their acidic properties. 

Before cleaning your iron furniture, use fine-grit sandpaper to remove any rust. Follow the steps below to make sure you’re continuing the cleaning process correctly.

• Mix mild soap with warm water.
• Scrub the furniture, wiping it clean of any rust residue.
• Allow to air dry or dry with a towel.

As you finish cleaning, you can touch up any paint scratches, as well as add a rust-neutralizer and thin coat of car wax for extra protection. 

Natural Stone Furniture

Most stones are porous, meaning they allow water to seep in. As temperatures freeze, the water will also freeze, causing cracks and fractures in the stone. The steps below will help you clean your natural stone furniture properly before you cover or coat it.

• Rinse the stone with water to remove any dirt.
• Mix a few drops of mild detergent with water. 
• Scrub with a soft cloth or sponge.
• Allow to air dry.

Once the stone is dry, you can apply a stone sealer to protect your furniture from stains, salt, and moisture seeping into its pores and freezing. 

Outdoor Fabrics

While outdoor fabrics are designed to be weather-resistant, they can still be damaged by rain, snow, and ice. To clean your fabrics before storing them:

• Mix ¼ cup of mild laundry detergent with 1 gallon of lukewarm water.
• Use a soft brush or rag to get out tough stains.
• Allow the solution to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing with a hose.
• Allow the fabrics to air dry in the sun and do not store until completely dry.

Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before washing. Some curtains and removable covers can be machine washed in cold water. Make sure if you do machine wash any of your outdoor fabrics that you do not place them in the dryer. 

3 Ways to Store Patio Furniture in Winter

Cleaning and coating are the first two steps in learning how to protect patio furniture during winter, but you must also figure out how you would like to store them. While some of the more durable furniture can be left exposed to the cold, it’s usually best to keep them protected. Here are three simple ways you can choose to do this. 

1. Plastic Wrap or Tarps

Plastic shrink wrap is an easy and common way to protect your patio furniture. You can either buy the plastic wrap and do it yourself, or you can hire a team to cover it for you. Keep in mind that plastic isn’t breathable. This means if water gets through it won’t have anywhere to escape. Mold and mildew are often a result of trapped water. 

Using a tarp, you will face the same breathability issue as the plastic wrap. The water that may enter won’t be able to evaporate. In order to avoid this, you will need to use multiple bungee cords or ropes to secure the tarp. Make sure you are not using too large a tarp either, otherwise it could catch air and blow off your furniture. 

2. Patio Furniture Covers

Patio furniture covers for winter ensure that rain, snow, ice, road salt, debris, and more will not ruin your outdoor furniture during the cold months. You also are able to leave your furniture in the yard making it easier and less of a hassle when preparing for winter. 

In order to avoid mold and mildew issues, choose a cover that is made of breathable fabric and includes mesh vents. Make sure your cover also has 1-2 inches of space between the bottom hem and the ground. Doing this will help airflow and allow any moisture to evaporate. 

Keep an eye on your furniture during the winter months, brushing off any snow or water build-up that appears on your covers. Pooled water has a harder time evaporating and proves to be more of a risk when it comes to mold and mildew. 

3. Indoors, Garage, or Shed

Bringing your outdoor furniture inside is not a necessity, but if you have room in your garage or shed, the extra protection won’t hurt. Even if you bring your winter patio furniture inside, you should keep some kind of covering on it. Doing this will keep it safe from water leaks and dust. There are simple steps you can take to winterize your shed, making it easier to use for storage in the cold months. 

It may require some effort, but properly protecting your patio furniture during the winter is worth it. By cleaning, coating, and storing it properly, you can prolong its lifespan and keep it looking like new. Additionally, it will make it easier for you to ready your patio for spring.

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Conducting regular swing set maintenance at the change of each season, especially before and after winter, is a great way to ensure optimal safety and play. It’s also one of the best ways to make sure your outdoor playset looks great and stays functional for many years to come. 

With spring in full swing and the kids playing outside more, it’s the perfect time to take another look at your swing set and check out any damage from the winter.

If you’re unsure of where to start, here are some helpful tips and tricks for inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining your outdoor swing set or play structure.

Protecting Your Swing Set Over the Winter

Before we dive into swing set maintenance, it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of your swing set even in the months it’s not in use. We recommend removing detachable parts, placing them in storage, and applying a fresh coat of sealant as you begin to approach winter. If you’re finding your garage short on the extra space, we wrote a blog on garage organization tips to help you get started.

You may also consider covering the swing set with a tarp/canopy to protect it during the colder months. This is especially important for a wood swing set, as it deters rot and allows you to restain the wood less frequently.

How to Inspect Your Swing Set

Before your kids start climbing all over the swing set again, conduct a thorough inspection of the entire structure. Pay special attention to the roofing, hinges, bolts, screws, ropes, cables, chains, and anything that could be a potential safety hazard. If you notice loose boards, fraying ropes, or rusting metal, be sure to address this ASAP.

If you put any of the swing set’s accessories in storage over the winter, be sure to inspect them when you go to reattach the parts. If you’re reattaching a slide, swing, or climbing wall, be sure to secure each piece with the appropriate bolts and screws. If you misplaced the bolts or screws from last year, just head out to your local hardware store and they’ll help you out.

How to Fix a Wooden Swing Set

It’s possible your wooden swing set maintenance may require a little more TLC than just a standard reassemble. Here are some of the top repair issues and our solutions for fixing them.

Choosing the type of wood is just as important as fixing them. If you want to learn more abut the best wood for outdoor swing sets, read our guide to playground lumber.

Repair Boards

Loose boards? No problem. Simply locate any loose boards, remove the screws, and place them in a different section of the wood. This redistributes the tension on the wood and can actually help straighten boards and planks that have warped slightly due to time and weather.

Remove Wooden Boards

If the boards are warped or splintered beyond a simple repair, remove them and replace them before allowing your kids to play on the swing set. If replacing wooden boards seems daunting to you, don’t stress about it! 

Locate the boards that need replacing and remove them one at a time with a power drill. From there, grab a quality set of wood screws and start replacing them one at a time.

Reassemble the Playset

Swing set maintenance may sound like a lot of work. But the more consistently you maintain your structure (about once a season), the less you’ll have to do at any one time. You can try working it into your yard work routine, even doing a quick quality check every time you mow the lawn or maintain the garden.

How to Clean a Wood Playset

After you’ve fixed any loose boards and reassembled your structure, the next step of swing set maintenance is cleaning. But before you tire of spring cleaning overload, we’ve assembled some tips below to get the job done quickly (and have a bit of fun doing it).

Power Washing a Swing Set

Power washing a swing set is a great way to remove any hard-to-clean build-up that may have accumulated over the colder months. If you opt for a power washer, just be sure to set the spray-wand to low and start with a PSI of 1300-1700. From there, you can adjust as necessary based on how much dirt your swing set has collected. You should also wear protective glasses to make sure dirt and debris do not get in your eyes.

You can also look for a power washer that has a no splashback hose so you can clean the swing set without getting your clothes all wet (unless it’s a hot day and you’re looking to cool off).

Stain and Seal

After you’ve washed your swing set and removed the dirt and grime, you’ll want to think about playset stain and sealer. Applying fresh stain and sealant at the correct times — after you’ve cleaned it and given it ample time to dry — helps your wooden swing set look as good as new for years to come.

Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals of how to refinish a swing set, you want to make sure you prioritize consistency. We recommend restaining your wooden swing set about every 2-3 years and resealing the wood a little more frequently, about every 1-2 years.

Vinyl Swing Set Maintenance

If talk of the durability and low upkeep of vinyl swing sets piques your interest, you’re not alone. Vinyl swing sets are popular for their low maintenance and longevity. A vinyl swing set consists of vinyl-covered wood and is typically treated to prevent decay and insect damage.

How to Ensure the Safety of a Vinyl Swing Set

The one thing to look out for in a vinyl swing set is the condition of the wood underneath the vinyl, which can prove a little tough when you can’t directly see it. 

To inspect a vinyl swing set, you can test the sturdiness of the boards by carefully and gently placing your body weight across the entire structure. We also recommend applying force across each part of the structure with your hands, attempting to move and shake each section.

If your vinyl swing set passes the sturdiness test, then you should be good to go. Like a wood swing set, a quality vinyl swing set will last you many years without too much upkeep, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Cleaning a Vinyl Swing Set

Similar to a wood playset, power washing is a great way to remove dirt and grime from a vinyl structure. If the structure is relatively clean (congratulations, you’ve been performing regular swing set maintenance!), a garden hose may suffice.

For tougher to reach places, you may want to opt for a soft-bristled brush, surface cleaner, and a bucket of warm water.

Vinyl Step-By-Step Cleanup

1. Fill a bucket with warm water.
2. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of natural surface cleaner/dish liquid. We recommend sticking with a non-toxic, biodegradable dish liquid.
3. Scrub the entire surface of the playset, applying firm pressure by scrubbing with a circular motion.
4. Empty and refill the bucket as needed.
5. Rinse the playset with a garden hose.

How to Keep a Metal Swing Set from Rusting

Rust isn’t just the enemy of metal, it’s also dangerous for your children. Rusty metal swings are dangerous for kids to play on, as the rust corrodes iron and causes it to become thin and brittle. 

If you’re looking to purchase a metal swing set (though wood and vinyl are typically more popular for their longevity), we recommend at least buying a galvanized swing set. A galvanized swing set has a layer of zinc or magnesium that protects the metal from being exposed to water and oxygen.

Another way you can prevent rust on your metal swing set is by painting it. This is essentially like doing your own galvanization process, and a good metal primer can work just as well as purchasing a professionally applied one. Be sure to paint the nuts and bolts as well, as these small parts are just as likely to attract rust as the rest of the swing set.

How Long Do Wooden Playsets Last?

The average wood swing set lasts between 15-20 years, and a vinyl swing set can last anywhere between 25-30 years. The most important factor when looking to make the most of your swing set is purchasing a high-quality swing set and engaging in regular swing set maintenance.

Swing Set Longevity

Taking the necessary steps to preserve your swing set is a vital part of swing set maintenance, and making sure it’s clean is only the beginning. At the end of the day, proper maintenance is about keeping your kids safe and giving them a gift that will help create lasting memories. If you’re consistent with the upkeep, your swing set is likely to last as long as your kids are willing to play on it! 

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When winter is in full swing, it’s easy to forget about your patio. But spring fever is here, and it’s time to trade in those days of comfort food and curling up on the couch streaming your favorite show (again) for warmer weather and outdoor get-togethers.

And while the hibernation was fun, we’re sure you’re just as ready for spring as we are. With this in mind, we’re here to share some helpful tips on preparing your outdoor living space for spring.

Clearing the Space

Before you do anything else, the first thing to focus on is clearing your patio space of any debris that may have built up over the winter months. You can use a broom or rake to easily sweep away debris like sticks and leaves, which you can later use to fuel your fire pit for some springtime gatherings.

Pressure Washer

Another great way to clear your patio space is with a pressure washer. Not only is it fun to use, but it’s a great way to get rid of the build-up that may have made its way on your patio space during those wetter fall and winter months. Most pressure washers have a ‘fan’ setting which is great for general cleaning, as it won’t be too tough on your wooden or vinyl patio. You may even be able to find one with enclosed brushes and a nozzle to avoid splashback.

Checking the Space

Besides cleaning and clearing hard to remove dirt, another benefit of using a power washer is that it exposes any areas on your patio that may have cracks or holes. Cracks are more likely to occur in concrete, but imperfections can appear on wooden and vinyl patios, especially if you live in a harsher climate. 

Even with a high-quality structure that will last you for years, it’s still important to do your due diligence and make sure you’re catching any minor deficiencies before they get out of control. If you find any imperfections that need touching up, you can pick up some mortar at your local hardware store and fix them up in no time!

Loose Boards

If you find some loose boards while preparing your patio space for spring, it’s best to address them and tighten them up before they become a safety hazard. Over time, even the best wooden patio will have boards loosen because of weather and consistent use. An easy way to test your patio for loose boards is by leaning your body weight on each board to feel if it is sturdy or not. To tighten up any loose boards, you’ll need the following supplies:

• Drill
• Wood screws
• Hammer
• Nails

Once you identify any loose boards, remove the loose screws or nails and drill new holes to replace them. Wood screws or nails both work, but wood screws are likely to hold for longer. If you’re finding some of your boards are warped, you can loosen the screws or nails on the original board and place the screws or nails through a different part of the wood. This places the tension on a different part of the board and can relieve warping issues.

If you’ve found an individual piece of wood to be warped beyond repair, simply replace it with a new piece, and you’ll be good to go.

Cleaning the Space

Once your patio’s foundation is clear and ready for use, you’ll want to focus on cleaning your furniture. It’s time to grab some supplies and roll up your sleeves!

Best Patio Furniture Cleaner

Before you start spraying any home cleaning products on your outdoor patio furniture, you want to think of what cleaning products are best for the type of furniture you have. 

Plastic

Plastic and resin furniture is a popular choice because it’s inexpensive. For plastic furniture, skip the abrasive cleaners and opt for an all-purpose cleaner and a damp cloth or sponge. This should do the trick and will keep your furniture looking as good as new for the coming spring.

Metal

Iron and stainless steel are popular choices for outdoor furniture due to their durability. Another benefit of metal patio furniture is the ease with which it can return to looking brand new. To clean wrought iron and stainless steel, we recommend adding a quarter cup of dish soap to a gallon of water and using a sponge to clean the surfaces.

Quick tip: The enemy of metal is rust. That’s why it’s important to purchase outdoor metal furniture that is rust-resistant. If you detect rust, steel wool helps remove oxidation if you’re considering preparing your metal patio furniture for painting.

Wood & Wicker

Remember what we said about power washing your wood patio? Ignore that information here! Since your wooden furniture is likely to be much less sturdy than the boards making up your patio, we recommend using soap or soapy water with a soft brush or sponge to remove dirt and grime.

Cleaning Mildew off Outdoor Cushions

Cushions and pillows look great but get dirty quickly. More than that, rain and humidity can cause mold and mildew to accumulate on your outdoor furniture. Before you start cleaning mildew off outdoor cushions, first determine what type of cushions you have.

Fabric Cushions: Dilute a ½ cup of bleach into 1 gallon of water, add it to a spray bottle and use it on your cushions. From there, you want to make sure you scrub vigorously. For deeper mildew issues, you may have to repeat this process several times. Once clean, leave the cushions out in the hot sun to dry — the heat will also help kill remaining bacteria.

A word of caution, not all cushions can handle bleach, and it may end up staining or stripping the material. When you can, consult the manufacturer’s directions on cleaning and proceed accordingly.

Acrylic Cushions: These are a bit easier to clean than fabric. Simply mix 1 cup of bleach and 2 cups of detergent into a gallon of water and use a spray bottle. After letting it sit for 30 minutes, you can come back and rinse it with water.

Curating the Space

Okay, you’ve cleared the space, cleaned your furniture, and now you’re wanting to do some spring decorating. And for those of you who want to try your hand at some outdoor design, we’ve got some helpful tips to steer you in the right direction.

Choose Your Colors Wisely

Cohesion is the king of design when preparing your patio space for spring. The main thing you want to focus on is making sure your color choices are aesthetically pleasing, seasonally appropriate, and match with one another. Some popular spring colors include:

Gold and dark tones: Gold or yellow helps add a splash of vibrancy to your outdoor setup and are right in line with warmer weather and longer days. Try pairing these with darker tones like black and grey for an easy combo that isn’t too distracting.

Pastels: It’s tough to think of spring and not think of pastels. To match the Easter egg hunts coming up, blues, pinks, yellows, and greens are an easy-on-the-eyes choice. You can also experiment with adding a bolder color here and there, like bright sky blue pillows or a dark green patio umbrella.

Eggplant and tangerine: For a more sophisticated look, opt for deeper, richer colors and a simplistic design. A popular, modern choice includes colors like dark purple, navy, and white. 

Whatever your preference, it’s a fun idea to match your flowers with your outdoor furniture!

Bring in the Blooms

Speaking of flowers, seasonally appropriate plants and flowers are a must-have when preparing your patio space for spring. Some of our favorites include:

• Pansies
• Lilacs
• Daffodils
• Crocuses
• Tulips

Finding yourself quality patio table flower planters is another great way to spruce up the communal area with some of your favorite flowers. We recommend sticking with earth tones and more neutral colors to not distract from the beautiful flowers planted in them.

Painting

If you’re finding the weather to have been exceptionally tough on your patio this year, or you simply want to switch it up a bit, staining or painting your patio is a great idea. You’ll want to make sure you purchase the correct stain or paint to match your patio’s material and follow the appropriate steps before applying the paint or stain (some of which you’ll already have completed if you’ve been following our tips). Before you can apply paint or stain to your patio floor, you first need to make sure you:

• Remove all dirt and build-up (sand and scrape if needed).
• Allow the wood, vinyl, or concrete to dry.
• Replace damaged boards.

Update Your Furniture

If the furniture from the last few years just isn’t cutting it, it may be time to update and upgrade. When preparing your patio space for spring with new furniture, the most important element to remember is to choose materials and brands that are durable and built-to-last. The last thing you want to worry about is your furniture every time a couple of clouds start rolling through your area.

If you want a complete guide on how to further decorate your patio, check out our in-depth blog on patio decoration tips and tricks.

How to String Outdoor Lights on a Patio

Okay, so you’ve cleared your patio space, cleaned it up, added some flowers and new furniture, and it’s looking great! Well, when you can see it. But it’s dark out, and those earth tones are blending right in with the night.

Fear not, because if you’re wondering how to string outdoor lights on a patio, we’ve got you covered. Here are some supplies you might need:

• Hooks
• Zip ties
• Carabiners
• Extension cords

There are a few different ways you can decide how to hang your patio lights, but a few popular options are:

• Square or Grid: this involves hanging patio lights in straight lines across the length and width of your space or outlining just the perimeter of your space in a square shape.
• Zig zag or W: this pattern is good for fully illuminating your space with a more interesting design.
• The Horizon Point: this is similar to the V but requires at least four locations to attach your lights to. This is typically the design used in professional installations for events and restaurant settings.
• Tent or Maypole: This setup features multiple light strings anchored in a wheel arrangement from one central point. This one can be tough and may require professional installation.

Your choice of lights depends on personal preference, but typically a bulb-style light works better and looks better for lighting your patio than your typical Christmas lights. That way you continue relaxing in your outdoor space on a comfy seat into the night too!

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Want to Spruce Up Your Space Even More?

We have a wide range of lawn furniture, swings, and pergolas. Feel free to contact us with specific questions, and we’ll be happy to help you through preparing for spring!

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