Using outdoor wood in unexpected ways can be a good way to brighten up your outdoor space. Here are a few ideas you can try.
Hand-rubbed oil finishes
Choosing the best oil finish for your outdoor wood is a decision that depends on what type of wood you are working with, and what your overall goal is for the finish. If you are aiming for a natural, sheen-rich appearance, you may want to use a water-based finish, while if you want a more durable finish, you may want to consider a varnish.
There are many oil finishes on the market. Some contain alcohol, while others are based on linseed oil. They can be used over bare wood or on prepared wood.
Linseed oil is a natural product that has been used to provide a protective, glossy finish on wood for centuries. The natural oils are absorbed into the wood’s pores, leaving a beautiful, rich finish.
Tung oil is another common oil finish. It creates a beautiful, hand-rubbed finish that is durable, water-resistant, and will not peel or chip.
Tung oil is generally considered the best wood finish. It offers good protection from water, UV light, and heat. However, it requires different application methods than traditional oil finishes.
Firewood ash
Using wood ash is a great way to recycle something that can otherwise end up in a landfill. The ash is rich in minerals, like potassium and magnesium. It can also be used to make household cleaners. You can even turn it into lye, which is used in soap making.
Wood ashes are also good for fertilizing your garden. They contain calcium and potassium, two of the most important minerals for plant health.
They can also provide your soil with some good old-fashioned traction. They can also help with ice melting, which is great for snowy weather. Wood ashes are also a great way to compost hard-to-break down items, like citrus rinds. They also boost the quality of your compost pile.
You can also use wood ash in your soap making. It is a good idea to mix a small amount of ash with a little water to create a paste. This can then be rubbed with a cotton cloth to remove tarnish and adhesives from metals.
Flagstone slabs
Whether you are looking for a way to upgrade your madera de exterior area or create a unique focal point, flagstone slabs are an excellent choice. These beautiful slabs come in many different colors and sizes, giving you the flexibility to design an outdoor area that is not only beautiful, but also functional.
One of the most common uses of flagstone slabs is in the patio. This is because flagstones are permeable and slip-resistant. This makes them ideal for patios, pool decks, and hot tubs.
The best part is that flagstones are incredibly durable, making them perfect for areas that see high traffic. Flagstones can also be used as stepping stones or edging. They are also perfect for use in a fire pit.
Flagstones can also be used to create a retaining wall in your garden. This can either be built dry or with mortar. The advantage of using mortar is that it makes the wall stronger.
You can also use flagstone to elongate a patio. Use different sized stones in geometric patterns to create an interesting effect.
Brighten up dreary wall space
Using outdoor wood in unexpected ways can help to brighten up dreary wall space. If you have an outdoor room that’s featureless, you may want to consider painting it, using wall-hung planters, or adding shelves and artwork. A bold color palette can also energize a space, and wooden panelling can help disguise imperfections.
Using a bright white light source will help to create a more natural outdoor feel. For example, a white LED fixture is more effective at mimicking natural light than a yellow-y light source. If you’d like to create a brighter space, consider using Venetian blinds that direct sunlight upward. This can also be accomplished with a trellis or wall-hung planters.
Metallics are another way to transform a dreary space. You can use them on walls, ceilings, and even on light fixtures and furniture.