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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, May 13, 2016 | 16 Tips on summer-proofing your family's outdoor space Continued from page 15 Advertorial shade," says Chris. "Alternatively, you can plant tall grasses in raised planters, which create a nice blind while allowing the wind to pass through easily." Protect yourself from precipitation. Summer days aren't all sunny, and some shade structures can make outdoor spaces us- able even under dreary weather conditions. "Shade structures protect you from more than just the sun's rays," says Chris. "They can also shelter you from rain, wind and dust, so you don't have to wait for the perfect day to get outside." This also extends the time you can enjoy your space, from the spring to late fall. CONCRETE Define your outdoor space. Building a shade structure can create a visual outline for your outdoor space. Whether you're sheltering a seated area for relaxing or dining space for entertaining, the shade structure creates the sense of an outdoor room. "Shade structures like pergolas are especially great for backyards," says Chris. "They frame the space and make it more inviting, since it gives you a little more privacy." Create a safe environment. "Many of my clients are always looking to build more sustainably and are more aware of the ecological impact of certain materials," says Chris. "An industry secret is MicroPro Sienna, which is an eco-friendly pressure treated wood that's affordable and comes ready-to-build. It's approved for ground contact, which means that your Sienna organic planter won't grow anything you wouldn't want to feed your family." Always check your materials; there are specific certifications that make them safe to use outdoors and around your family. For outdoor project inspiration and DIY How-Tos, make sure to check out handcraftedbychrispalmer.com. ExposEd aggrEgatE (pebble) · DRIVEWAYS · FRENCH CURBS · PATIOS · STEPS · WALKWAYS · GARAGE FLOORS uality At Its Best! Call Fernando FREE ESTIMATES 905-844-5518 1-888-944-5518 www.concretetrimmings.com www K a r a s t a n A r e a R u g s · M i r a g e H a r d w o o d DIAMOND PLATINUM 125 CroSS AvE. E d g e 1/2 PrICE Any Carpet Style · Berber · Twist · Plush · Shag · Textured Berber AmAzing DeAls on CArpet /sq.ft. B u y e r s $ Installed with underpad 2.99 BUY DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER WE WILL BEAT ANY COMPETING OFFER BY 10 G u a r a n t e e % P e r s i a n R u g s · P e e r l e s s C a r p e t i n g AREA RUGS Hardwood Largest Buying power $ 5' X 8' StARtinG At 99 Carpet · trusteD BrAnDs CeramiCs WE PAY THE HST! We Match rnment The Gove C a r p e t i n g senior discounts · bonded & insured · family owned & operated Carpet P e e r l e s s Carpet Carpet Following locations only: opeN SuNDAYS 125 CroSS AvENuE, (across from Oakville Go Station) oakville 905.849.4472 M i r a g e H a rd w o o d · K a r a s t a n SuperStore Like us /flooringca · 228 KING ST. E. Hamilton 905-546-1921 P e r s i a n R u g s w o e ti N a c o locally owned and manufactured in hamilton L 352 Dosco Drive Rebate r Energy Sta ViSit our Showroom today buy direct from the factory and SaVe big n C a r p e t i n g 1-877-662-4440 www.customdirectwindows.com Stoney Creek Over 20,000 sq ft manufacturing facility!