EXTENDING YOUR BUSINESS INSIDE OUT
Summer is upon us and as Steve Grimwood, Managing Director of Osmo UK says, the exterior can provide a great opportunity for flooring contractors to extend its business…
The recent upturn in the weather has turned homeowners attention to their outside spaces. With hot days and long evenings edging nearer, most people enjoy sitting out in the garden at this time and want to ensure that their outside space is looking appealing and inviting for outside entertaining and al fresco eating. With this in mind, there is no reason why contractors who normally install and apply wood and finishes for interior products, can’t do the same for the exterior of a property.
Areas which can benefit from refreshing include wooden decking, garden furniture and other exterior surfaces. This can either entail installing new systems or applying a finish which protects the wood and creates a new appearance. Flooring contractors have transferable skills which can be used outside. Some homeowners may think they can spruce up this space themselves. However, not having the full knowledge of how to look after the area is a downfall and this is where the contractors benefit. They have this understanding and will be able to complete the job effectively.
Decking
Decking is the most obvious choice for a flooring contractor to get involved with. Like interior wooden floors, it needs installing, protecting and maintaining. Decking is easy to fit and looks great. It is an extension to the living space inside and when flowing out from a room which already has a wooden floor, it looks even better.
There are many finishes which can be used on decking. By simply applying a new coat, you are able to offer a fresh and attractive finish. Not to forget the safety element, some manufacturers now supply an anti-slip finish, which you apply to the surface as easily as any other finish. It not only gives a great appearance and shields the wood, but it also protects anyone walking on the surface.
Often, floors and decking don’t need to be replaced, but just cleaned. Osmo offers a new product – the Wood Orbiter, an intensive cleaner which is easy to handle and loosens and removes dirt quickly and efficiently. Providing intensive cleaning for wooden decking, it removes all grey cells which will have built up over the winter months. Products like this can also be used on wooden floors inside. This highlights how flooring contractors can extend their business at no extra cost to them. Contractors will have many of these products and machines already, as they can be used on interior floors. So why limit yourself and only use it indoors. If you have the equipment, utilise it to all its uses.
Finishes
Applying new finishes is an easy and effective way to spruce up the garden. As well as using it on the decking, it can be used on all woodwork areas, including windows, doors and fences.
A trend which started to appear last year, was the use of colour. This still remains popular and has meant that there is now a large selection of coloured finishes available on the market. These decorative products for exterior wood offer a high quality finish which allows the wood to breathe and reduces the risk of swelling and shrinkage. Acting as a protection against all weather conditions, it can prevent mould, algae and fungal decay as well ensuring the wood doesn’t crack, flake, peel or blister.
Keep an eye out for the Osmo products which are suitable for the garden. Natural Oil Woodstain for all exterior wood and Anti Slip Decking Oil to create a safe decking surface.
