2020 has already taught us a lot. One of the major takeaways is the importance of home. Is your home a place to retreat and relax? Investing in your home is a smart move that will greatly increase your quality of life especially during tough times. Where can you start?

2020 has already taught us a lot. One of the major takeaways is the importance of home. Is your home a place to retreat and relax? Investing in your home is a smart move that will greatly increase your quality of life especially during tough times. Where can you start?

Create An Outdoor Space

If you don't already have a designated seating area outside now is the time to create one! Creating a space outside where you can sit, relax, eat and entertain is key in enjoying your home more. While we are all social distancing this space will also be useful to meet up with family and friends safely outdoors. Start by simply defining a set space with furniture. Once you know where you want this space and what kind of furniture you want to fit into it you can purchase new pieces to set the scene. A great second step is to add in a pergola to provide shade and make the space enjoyable in every season. 

Upgrade Your Existing Space

Adding a few new touches to your existing outdoor space is enough to bring new life into your home. Maybe you add a pergola over an existing patio area. Maybe your outdoor furniture has seen better days. Maybe it is time to really take that plunge and get the outdoor kitchen you've always dreamed of. Bringing a little newness into your backyard is an easy way to instantly transform your home and your opinion of it. A few new pieces may be all you need to spend some more time enjoying the outdoors.

Check Projects Off Your List

Since we are spending more time at home we have more time to see its flaws. What better time is there to get one of those big projects off your list? Adding or replacing a fence can give your property a huge boost in curb appeal and will help keep your home safe and private. Now that you've been home for a few months you probably have a great idea of what your space needs.

Sometimes a standard structure just isn't what you are looking for. Your home, business or development is a unique space and deserves an enclosure that will both stand out and blend in as well as suit your specific needs. Enclosures can be utilized for a myriad of reasons - to conceal garbage cans or outdoor equipment, conceal outdoor storage, create a safer space for gardening or composting or as a barrier for a beautiful new outdoor shower. Whatever the need, we can build it. One of the most popular enclosures for residential spaces is outdoor shower enclosures. An outdoor shower is ideal for a home by the beach or with a pool or hot tub that sees a lot of activity - but they are great for any home if you want to shower under the stars! Outdoor showers keep the chlorine, sand and dirt outdoors throughout the summer so you don't have to worry about damaging the interior of your home after using the pool or swimming in the ocean. Outdoor shower enclosures can be purchased in standard kit form or custom built by Walpole design experts. Both options are designed with beauty and function in mind and will last season after season. Many of our other popular enclosures involve concealment. Walpole offers many types of concealing enclosures from the duly-concealing board fence to lattice enclosures seen here. Each enclosure does what you need it to while still allowing easy access to the area inside. Enclosures can be built to match existing fencing and can be custom pained to blend in seamlessly with your home or business. Take a garbage enclosure for example. These enclosures are built to house two (or more) garage bins. Not only do they conceal the bins but also protect them from pests (including raccoons) and keep them secure in the event of a storm or high winds. Not having to clean up your yard after a raccoon has gone through a bin or the wind has taken it for a spin is worth the investment itself!

Browse through more of our custom and kit enclosures on our website to get some inspiration then setup a free design consultation to see what we can create at your home or business!

With the warmer weather coming in you will be spending more and more time outdoors. So naturally you will want your outdoor structures looking their best! Here are some tips to giving your outdoor structures, including fencing, a good clean to get them back to looking their best.

Wood and Natural Structures

If you have natural wood fencing you know that it requires a little maintenance to keep in tip-top shape. Whether your wood is natural or stained you generally clean it the same. The first step is to make sure there is no rot or warping - no weak sections. Once you have given it a thorough inspection you can now clean it. We recommend power washing it simply with water to preserve the look. If the structure has heavy staining, clean it with a solution of three-parts water to one-part bleach. This should remove the stains without damaging the wood. 

Walpole Solid Cellular PVC

Cleaning your Walpole structures is easy! If you have a solid cellular vinyl outdoor structure you know that it generally requires less upkeep than its wooden counterparts. You will want to give your solid cellular vinyl structure a similar power wash with water to remove normal weather related dirt and stains. Generally solid cellular vinyl won't stain like wood but if it has significant staining then using the three-parts water to one-part bleach solution is recommended. You can also use things like Magic Erasers and Simple Green Cleaner to clean your structure if you would rather do it by hand or only have a few spots that need attention.

In addition to crafting beautiful custom fencing Walpole Outdoors also specializes in creating decorative post caps and finials. Whether you choose something classic like a Sphere Finial or Acorn Finial or a custom design it will be handcrafted in our Maine facility out of durable wood-alternative, solid cellular vinyl. Take a look at how these pieces are crafted in the video below! 

Custom Finials: The Linden House

We also specialize in recreating and updating historical designs like we did at the Linden House in Washington, D.C. The Linden House is the oldest all natural wood residence in D.C. The house itself originated in Boston and was shipped to Washington D.C. in the early 1900's and rebuilt. The house has weathered many storms and today is a lovely three story home with solid oak varied plank floors and multiple fireplaces. When replicating the historic design of the exterior the fence and gate fabrication was made to exact dimensions but crafted in a wood-alternative material to last longer. The home features a number of unique post caps and finials that were replicated to exact dimensions to preserve the beauty of the original home.

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You don't have to wait for the temperatures to rise to get started on your spring garden. Many gardeners, beginners and experts, start planting seeds during the winter to get their gardens going right away when the weather is right. Starting your seeds indoors can be a great way to ensure you get the most out of your garden this year. How can you do it? We break it down into a few easy steps.

1. Plan What You Want To Plant

The first and biggest step is to decide what you are planting this year before you start. Many flowers and greens do well when the seeds are started indoors but you have to make sure you check if your fruit and vegetable choices are suitable. Some vegetables should not be started indoors and can be very difficult to move if you make that mistake. Check out a planting calendar or other resources from the Farmers Almanac to make good choices from the start.

2. Gather Materials

The next step is to plan out what you need and hit the store! First you will obviously need seeds but then grab some potting soil or ideally some seed starting mix and pots or containers with drainage holes. Making sure your seedlings have good drainage is a must!

3. Plant Your Seeds

Once you have your materials you can start to plant your seeds. While planting keep in mind that you will be moving these seedlings outside in a few weeks so make sure they aren't too deep or in a difficult to transition container. Check the instructions and recommendations for the specific seeds to see how deep they should be planted but a good rule of thumb is to plant them 3x as deep as they are wide.

4. Care For Them

For the first few weeks keep your seeds moist and in a warm place. Make sure they are regularly watered but not saturated. Once they sprout you will want to move them to a location near a window that has ample sunlight. You can also use fluorescent lamps as supplemental lighting if you don't have a ton of natural light. During this stage it is best they are kept somewhere on the cool side.

5. 'Harden Them Off' Then Plant Outside

When it looks like your seedlings will be moving outdoors, prepare them for their new location by 'hardening them off.' This simply means cut off fertilizer and water them less often so they can get used to the conditions of the outdoors. A few days before you permanently transplant them, keep them outdoors so they can acclimate.

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Add some stylish light to your home! At Walpole Outdoors we have a large catalogue of lanterns in every style imaginable. Add one to a post at the end of your driveway or at your front door for safety or simply add them for their timeless beauty! With choices that include every kind of mounting, you are sure to find the perfect lantern for your home. Here are a few of our favorite lantern varieties to make your search a little bit easier!

• Augusta Side Mount: Copper Bronze Finish with beveled glass. Available two sizes. Large: 11.25"W x 27" H. On large size top arm bracket can be removed and overall height would be 23".
• Savannah Side Mount Lantern: A classic lantern crafted in copper. 9 1/2" W, 22" H.
• Hermitage Post Mount: Three light lantern with clear glass. Antique Bronze Finish 11"W, 20 1/4"H.
• Seafarer Hanging Lantern: A hanging nautical lantern in Bronze finish. 7 1/2"W, 15 1/2"H, and 54 1/2" H with chain.

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A great way to really embrace the outdoors is to bring all the functionality of the kitchen poolside! An outdoor kitchen is more than just a grill - it is a beautifully crafted kitchen area complete with beautiful cabinets for storage and plenty of counter space to create the perfect meal. Danver Outdoor Kitchens can meet any homeowners needs. European-style frameless cabinetry meets today's demand for top quality, fully functional outdoor living rooms and entertaining areas. Designer colors and wood grain powder-coat finishes - applied directly to modular stainless steel - can match the color scheme of your outdoor furniture or home's interior. A wide selection of door styles helps you create a kitchen that perfectly complements your taste and lifestyle. Choices in cabinet sizes accommodate any kitchen footprint or layout. Danver also distributes American-made grills, refrigeration, and specialty cooking appliances to personalize your space even more.

Urban Outdoor Kitchen

Urban and rural landscapes or rooftops and multi-family spaces, the location of your outdoor living space is no longer a concern, as the color and style options available to you enhance your dream design to perfection. Mix and match stainless appliances with one of our many woodgrain or powder coat finishes for a custom look unique to your personal style. Add a custom handle of your choice to complete the design. This fence is part of a Public Television This Old House renovation undertaken in Boston's Charlestown neighborhood in 2014. An urban outdoor kitchen is afforded privacy and exceptional style by a Walpole inlaid lattice courtyard fence in Verde green.

Rooftop Kitchen Space

No backyard? Limited space? Combine your rooftop seating area with an outdoor kitchen and you've crafted the perfect spot for relaxing and entertaining anytime. Walpole Outdoors offers top-rated Danver Outdoor Kitchens with choice of grills, burners, sinks, refrigeration, bar centers, and more. Cabinetry options can create the look and feel of what matters to you most in outdoor entertainment and lifestyle. This rooftop kitchen, in a special order color option, is sleek, finished, and professional with a Hampton door style. Browse through additional styles and outdoor kitchen installations for inspiration on our website!

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The holiday season is here -- is your home ready? Aside from the traditional exterior holiday lights you can add a few classy touches to your existing decor to make it seasonal. Have you updated your window boxes yet? Here are a few ideas to make them stand out...

Evergreens and Berries

One great way to bring a little holiday spirit to your home is adding some greens and berries to your window boxes. This is a classic and simple arrangement that is hearty enough to withstand some serious weather. You can also make small changes to keep this look through January. Like in this example you should utilize a few different kinds of greens to create texture and dimension. Add in a burst of red berries to create some contrast and interest. 

Ornaments

Want to lean into the Christmas theme more? Fill up your window box with some ornaments! This example is actually a pre-made window box filler you can purchase fully assembled but you can also create a custom look on your own. Select a color theme beforehand and head out to purchase some durable shatterproof ornaments. Fill your window box with greens like you normally would and then attach ornaments throughout the arrangement. You can attach them with floral wire so they stay put! The ideas don't end there! We've seen some amazing things created with candles, lights, wreaths and much more. Head on over to Pinterest to see a full board of our favorite seasonal window box decor.

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Anyone who loves their home will love a gift from Walpole Outdoors! Aside from our large scale custom creations like fences and pergolas we also offer some great smaller items that will bring a little extra joy to any home. 

Birdhouses & Feeders

A birdhouse or feeder is a great gift because it always fits! A beautiful bird structure is a great addition to the backyard of any home, bird enthusiasts and novices alike. One of our most popular is the Lazy Hill Large Shingled House. This house is and adaptation of an English dovecote and has ample room for several birds. The recipient can install it anywhere they like and watch as birds flock to it! If you would rather gift a feeder try the Lazy Hill Loretta Feeder. This feeder features a lovely shingled roof and elegant arched openings. 

Planters & Window Boxes

Another great way to show someone you care this holiday season is with a simple planter or window box. Regardless of their style these pieces will fit right in. Each can be transformed with arrangements and seasonal decor. One of our favorites is the classic Rockport Square Planter, available in black and white. This planter is the perfect size for a number of locations around the exterior of a home including right beside the door. If you would rather gift a window box you can't go wrong with the Bullnose Window Box. This is a great white box with a clean smooth surface. 

Mailboxes & Mailbox Posts

What better gift for a new homeowner than a mailbox and post? Walpole mailboxes add class and curb appeal to thousands of homes all over the US. Start by choosing from a number of post designs like the popular Liberty Mail Post or the Dover Mail Post. Next choose a mailbox like the Aluminum Strongbox or go for something with a little more modern style like the Copper Mailbox.

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Adding a place of interest or an outdoor focal point can be invaluable for any business, store, government building, country club, restaurant, school or sports and leisure center. Creating a space for people to relax, eat or otherwise just enjoy the outdoors is key in creating a relaxing and stress-free environment. Creating that space can also be stress-free as well with the simple and beautiful Walpole priced pergola kits. If you don't want to spend the money or time building a custom structure our selection of priced pergola kits is the perfect solution for you. Each pergola is crafted in finely sources materials including natural western red cedar and the low-maintenance wood alternative, solid cellular vinyl. Available in a variety of styles priced kit pergolas can add unmeasurable value and interest to an outdoor space of any kind and last for years and years to come with little to no maintenance required. Contractors can offer them to their clients, buy them from Walpole and install them with ease.

Why a priced kit pergola from Walpole Outdoors?

Completely Pre-Manufactured: 

No fabrication in the field is required. Components arrive pre-fabricated and factory finished. Structurally reinforced seamless beams are pre-drilled.

Easy To Install: 

Unskilled workers find it easy from start to finish. Assembly components include uncomplicated brackets and fasteners. These are powder-coated stainless steel. See how simple the installation will be. Call and we'll send you the installation instructions.

More Size and Style Options: 

Freestanding or attached, from 10' x 10' to 14' x 14', with straight or arched tops, rounded or square columns. Unlike other pergola kits, Walpole pergola sizes are measured from the center of the columns, and our beams project 24" beyond the center of the columns. Our construction includes more joists and laths, providing a more attractive spacing.

Versatile: 

Can be quickly erected anywhere - hardscaping (bluestone, pavers) or on a deck. All of our kits - including Walpole Extruded Vinyl Pergolas - have sturdy construction to accept a manually-operated ShadeFX canopy.

Completely Factory Finished: 

Sherwin-Williams VinylSafe paint with a 25-year warranty so you can get the perfect color to match your outdoor space.

Smart Delivery: 

Arrives in wrapped pallets with easy-to-follow detailed instructions for even a novice installer. Motorized or manual shade canopies optional.

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