The Outside Story (NAPSA)—According to a recent survey by the American Institute of Architects, 64 percent of design firms are seeing an increased interest in outdoor liv- Premium Solid Color Weatherproofing Stain—hides surface imperfections but lets the wood texture show through Premium Semi-Transparent ing spaces, as compared to just 47 percent a yearor so ago. A patio or deck is one of the top three features people look for in a new home, with porches growing in popularity. The theme these days seems to be upscale style and coordinated accessories to create an outdoor space that mirrors the interior. Three trends have emerged: 1. Creation of a personalized oasis through garden dcor 2. Adding some heat with grills, outdoor fireplaces andfire pits 3. Use of decorative outdoor lighting, ranging from solar to outdoor candles. For those homeowners looking to get started with the creation of a compelling outdoor space or to maximize what’s already been created, you have to start with the basics. That means making your wood deck, fences, siding and fur- niture look their best. Experts recommendlooking for products that are specifically designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, from torrential rain to strong UV rays. To meet this need, Behr has devel- oped a line of Premium Stains and Weatherproofers, all with —and homebuyers—are outside roomswith weatherproofed wood. NanoGuard technology. This innovative technology uses tiny nanoparticles to create an inter- locking molecular structure that fills the voids created by larger particles, resulting in products that provide superior adhesion; a durable finish that resists cracks, peeling and blistering; and excellent dirt, moisture and UVresistance. The result is that that these are Behr’s longest lasting exterior wood coating products and all have easy water clean-up. Depending on your outdoor space and the condition of your wood, you can choose from four different opacity options from Behr for weatherproofing your wood, each with its own unique benefits: Weatherproofing Stain—excellent for adding new color, while allowing the natural beauty of wood grain to show through Premium Wood-Toned Weatherproofing Wood Finish—adds a hint of wood-toned color yet allows wood grain to completely show through Premium Transparent Weatherproofing Wood Finish—allows the natural beauty of the wood grain to completely show through. Experts also advise looking for products such as these that offer exceptional warranties, which gives you the confidence of knowing that after you weatherproof your deck, porch, patio, fence or siding, you can then concentrate on decorating and enjoying your space for years to come. All Behr products are available exclusively at The Home Depot. Visit www.behr.com for more helpful tips and information.
