One thing everyone in BC appreciate is the value of the outdoors. Whether you have a tiny balcony, a modest deck or a spacious patio, make the outdoors an extension of your home and a place you love to spend time.

Here are six tips to help you create an outdoor oasis for your home that's safe for summer hosting!

1. Give flooring a new life

There are lots of options for sprucing up concrete or wooden outdoor flooring. If you’re the creative type – and a homeowner – paint the concrete in a solid hue or use a stencil for maximum impact. If you’re looking for a quick fix – or you’re a renter – cover it with interlocking deck tiles that snap together. An even simpler solution is to throw a machine-washable outdoor rug over the area or roll out an outdoor rug. Be sure it’s level to avoid stubbed toes and tripping hazards.

2. Accessorize with greenery

You can create an urban jungle by bringing in various-sized planters filled with beautiful blooms, veggie gardens, fruitful trees and hedges that may offer some privacy if you live close to others. Carefully choose based on whether your balcony or patio gets mostly shade or mostly sun.

If you have young children or own a pet, be sure plants are kept out of reach and they’re non-toxic. For those lucky enough to enjoy a bigger backyard or patio, explore planting fire-resistant plants to help protect your property from wildfires.

Find planters, seeds and garden tools online at Rona where BCAA Members earn 2% in CAA Dollars®.

3. Stay warm (while staying safe!)

Barbeques and fire pits are a great addition to any larger outdoor patio space for both heat and cooking (think of the s’mores!)

It’s important if you add heat sources that they aren’t too close to your home and you keep them in an area where people won’t accidentally bump into them or knock them over. You can surround fire pits with seating and keep the BBQ area well-lit so it’s always visible. Of course, you should always keep a fire extinguisher near your BBQ, just in case.

Top Tip: if you’re in a condo, check to see if your building allows BBQs before buying one.

4. Keep everything dry

If you plan to have any soft materials on your patio – like cushions or blankets – you should consider getting a waterproof storage bin. Keeping those items set aside will save you the trouble of scrambling outside when it starts raining and will make sure everything is dry when you want to spend time outdoors.

Top tip: keep the elements in mind when purchasing or making new furniture. Seating and tables made from synthetic wicker will stand up to the elements. Teak, cedar and redwood are good choices for those who opt for wood furniture. Whichever you choose, water-repellent covers are a good idea for year-round protection.

5. Light it up

Of course, once you have given your patio a facelift, you’re going to want to spend a few evenings outdoors enjoying the fruits (and vegetables) of your labour.

String lights are an affordable way to light up your space and create ambience – you can even get solar-powered lights to keep your electric bill in check. Make sure they’re outdoor approved and any power cords are secured safely, out of the way of foot-traffic areas. To keep bug bites at bay, we recommend opting for lights with LED bulbs.

6. Protect yourself, your family and home

If your summer patio project turned into something more, be sure to let your BCAA Home Insurance advisor know of any major renovations so your policy can be adjusted if needed. Not a BCAA Home Insurance customer? Get your personalized quote that’ll offer the comprehensive protection you need – patio upgrades and all. BCAA Members save up to 20%*, plus save an additional 5% when you buy online. Get a quote today!

Happy patio season, everybody!