Is It Spring Yet? Planning Your Outdoor Space for Spring

If you are already daydreaming about warm evenings outside, you are not alone. Planning outdoor space for spring is something our customers start thinking about long before the snow actually melts. I get it. By February, people around Mokena, Illinois, and Highland, Indiana, are itching to make changes, and the outdoor living area is usually at the top of the list. So let me share what I have learned working with homeowners here at Creative Carpet & Flooring about getting your outdoor space ready before everyone else on the block does.

Where Should You Start When Planning Outdoor Space for Spring?

Start with the floor. Seriously. It sounds simple, but the surface under your feet sets the tone for your whole outdoor area. Before you buy new furniture or string up lights, figure out what your deck, patio, or porch floor situation looks like. Is it cracked? Faded? Slippery when wet? Those are all problems you can fix, so you are ready when the weather turns.

Most people come into our Mokena showroom or our Highland, Indiana, location without a clear plan. That is totally fine. We love walking people through the options. But having a general idea of how you use your outdoor space helps us point you in the right direction faster.

What Are the Best Flooring Options for Outdoor Spaces?

This is the question we get most often. Fortunately, there are some really solid choices for outdoor flooring, and they have come a long way in recent years.

Here is a quick look at the most popular options:

• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is waterproof, durable, and looks great. It handles humidity and temperature swings well, which is important in the Midwest.
• Outdoor Tile is another excellent choice. Porcelain tile especially holds up to freeze-thaw cycles without cracking.
• Hardwood and Composite Options give you a natural wood look without the maintenance headache. No staining, no sealing every year.
• Outdoor Rugs layered over existing surfaces can completely transform a space with minimal effort and cost.

We carry products from trusted brands made specifically for outdoor use. When you stop in, I can show you samples and help you choose the one that fits your budget and lifestyle.

Brian’s Insider Tips for Planning Your Spring Outdoor Space

I have helped many homeowners in the south suburbs of Chicago and across the Illinois-Indiana border get their outdoor spaces in shape. Here is what I tell almost everyone:

• Shop whenever the idea strikes you. Whether it is January or July, we have great options in stock. There is no wrong season to start planning an outdoor space for spring or any other time of year.
• Think about traffic patterns. Where do the kids run through? Where do you set up chairs? High-traffic spots need more durable flooring than quiet corners.
• Do not forget drainage. Outdoor floors need to handle rain and hose water. Make sure whatever you choose either drains well or dries fast.
• Measure twice. Bring measurements when you come in. It saves so much time and helps us give you accurate estimates on the spot.
• Layer your space. A solid base floor plus an outdoor rug can completely change the look and feel of a patio without a major renovation.

How Do You Choose the Right Style for Your Outdoor Area?

This part is actually a lot of fun. Once you know the practical stuff, picking a style is where the personality comes in. We have seen everything from farmhouse patios to modern minimalist decks in the neighborhoods around Mokena and Highland, and both looks can work beautifully.

My suggestion is to think about what your home looks like inside and try to carry that feeling outside. If you have warm wood tones inside, a similar wood-look LVP outside creates a really cohesive flow. If your interior is modern and clean, large-format porcelain tile on the patio echoes that perfectly.

Also, our blog Interior Design Flooring: Revamp Your Home for the New Year has great ideas for connecting your indoor style to your outdoor space.

Why Visit Both the Mokena and Highland Showrooms?

We have two showrooms for a reason. Our Mokena, Illinois, location serves a lot of the south suburbs, while our Highland, Indiana, showroom is a great stop for folks coming in from northwest Indiana. Both locations carry a wide range of outdoor flooring products, and both have staff who know the local climate and what holds up here.

We are not a big box store. When you come in, you get a real conversation with someone who actually cares about your project. That is just how we do things. We have been part of these communities for a long time, and that matters to us.

If you want to browse before you make the drive, check out our carpet and flooring options online. But nothing beats seeing and touching the samples in person.

When Is the Right Time to Start Your Outdoor Flooring Project?

Whenever you feel ready. There is no pressure to shop at a specific time of year. Some people come in during the summer to plan a fall project. Others stop by in winter just to browse and get ideas. We welcome you any time, and we will help you figure out a timeline that works for you.

Installation for most outdoor flooring projects can be done in a day or two once materials are on hand. The longer part is usually the planning and ordering. Whenever you are ready to start, stopping into the showroom is always a great first step.

Our blog Best Floors to Increase Home Value covers how smart flooring choices can pay off, whether you are staying or eventually selling.

Let’s Get Your Spring Space Ready

Planning outdoor space for spring does not have to be overwhelming. Break it down into simple steps: assess your current surface, pick the right material, consider style, and place your order when you are ready. We are here to help with everything.

Come see us at our Mokena, Illinois, showroom or our Highland, Indiana, location. Ask for me by name. I am happy to walk you through everything and help you determine the best plan for your space and budget. Spring is coming faster than you think.