How to transform a small balcony

We had basic dark brown wooden patio tiles left behind by the previous tenant. Although we liked the function of them, I wasn’t crazy about the look. So, I used some deck paint to give them a makeover. Here are the steps to achieve this project:

1. Wash down your deck tiles with warm, soapy water.
2. Lightly sand your wooden tiles with a sander.
3. Select two colours from SICO’s line and have them mixed into SICO Latex Paint and Primer exterior paint in satin finish. For this project, we used SICO colours Pale Birch and Fine Faience.
4. Paint row by row, alternating colours with good quality brushes.
5. Wait the drying time specified on the paint can, and apply a second coat.
6. Allow to dry fully before moving anything onto the patio, and protect your paint job by adding felt pads to your furniture legs.

(Project cost approx. $150)

Another DIY project we undertook is our privacy trellis. Before, there was a frosted glass screen separating us from our neighbour, but it felt too cold and modern, and didn’t feel wholly private. Here are the steps to achieve this project:

1. Premeasure the area you would like to cover (width and height).
2. Head to your local Rona lumber yard and purchase 20 pieces of 1 in x 3 in lumber.
3. Cut two pieces to your premeasured height and the remaining 18 pieces to your premeasured width.
4. Lay the 2 vertical pieces down, and screw the horizontal pieces down the back, leaving about 1.5 in between the slats.
5. Paint two coats of SICO Latex Paint and Primer exterior paint in satin finish.
6. Secure to the existing dividing screen using twist ties or twine.

(Project cost approx. $40, not including paint and screws).