Outdoor Wall Covering Ideas to Refresh Forgotten Spaces
Tired of staring at that cracked concrete wall just outside your back door? Are the vinyl siding panels on your garage looking more faded each year? Many homeowners have outdoor areas that get overlooked and feel almost forgotten.
Refreshing these dull forgotten spaces can completely transform your outdoor living experience. The good news is there are all kinds of creative covering options to disguise less-than-attractive exterior walls.
Why Consider Outdoor Wall Coverings
Before we dive into materials and options, let's look at why outdoor wall coverings are worth the effort and investment.
Improving Curb Appeal
Making exterior upgrades like wall coverings can increase your home's curb appeal and by extension, its resale value. With more appealing street views, your property also makes better first impressions on guests.
Creating an Outdoor Living Space
Outdoor living spaces extend your home's functional area, providing more space to relax, dine, or entertain. Covering formerly empty walls helps define and complete outdoor rooms.
Weatherproofing and Protecting Walls
In addition to aesthetic appeal, wall coverings add a protective barrier over existing siding or masonry. This shields exterior walls from sun, rain, and other elements preventing further damage.
Outdoor Wall Covering Materials
Now that we know why wall treatments are worthwhile for forgotten outdoor zones, let's examine some material options. We'll break these down into three categories - natural, fabric, and permanent coverings.
Natural Materials
Natural materials blend organically into green spaces for a seamless finished look.
- Climbing plants and vines grown on trellises obscure walls with greenery and flowers.
- Hedges take shape more quickly than individual plants, covering larger areas uniformly.
- Reed, bamboo or rattan coverings offer inexpensive texture when cut to size and affixed to walls.
Fabric and Textile Options
Lightweight fabrics introduce color, pattern, and softness.
- Outdoor tapestries come in vivid colors and exotic cultural patterns.
- More opaque weather-resistant fabrics layered over insulation boards disguise flaws.
- Removable peel-and-stick wallpaper transforms texture without permanent changes.
Permanent Solutions
For lasting transformation, permanent finishes revitalize worn exterior walls.
- Painting or staining over existing surfaces liven up a faded wall economically.
- Faux finishes like brick, stone, or wood effects add visual interest affordably.
- Real wood or cedar plank cladding introduces rustic warmth and texture.
- Tiling over existing walls in natural stone, ceramic, or glass mosaics makes a dramatic style statement.
Key Considerations for Outdoor Walls
Home features and individual needs shape coverings suitability. Let's explore key considerations when picking materials.
Climate and Weather
The climate where you live determines appropriate outdoor wall treatments. Evaluate temperature extremes, seasonal rain and snow levels, wind, humidity, and sun exposure when selecting coverings to withstand the elements.
Application Surface
Consider the composition of your exterior walls. Are they wood, brick, concrete, vinyl siding or something else? Ensure coverings specifications work with your exterior materials. For instance, brick generally offers better adhesion for mortared finishes than vinyl siding.
Renters vs. Homeowners
Homeowners enjoy more flexibility than renters for exterior upgrades. Permanent changes like tiling require drilling or complex installation. Renters need adequate removal processes for elements like wallpapers when moving out. Understand rules from landlords or homeowner associations before proceeding with any irreversible renovations.
Budget
Cost comparisons help match project scope with budget. Balance material expenses with expected professional contractor fees versus tackling installations as DIY projects. Some small upgrades like wall hangings cost little yet make big visual impacts.
Decorating with Wall Coverings
It's not just about covering up unsightly walls--wall treatments present decorative opportunities. Enhance blank slates with coordinated elements.
Incorporating Existing Furniture
Repurpose outdoor seating, shelving units or storage benches by arranging items against dressed up walls. Their forms and functions will stand out better with an improved backdrop.
Adding Complementary Decorations
Once drab spaces come alive with plants, lighting features, artwork or accessories. Final touches like planters, wind chimes and welcome plaques work with wall coverings to create a cohesive look.
Continuing Indoor Color Schemes
Paint, fabrics, tiles or foliage matching house interior palettes visually expand rooms outward. Alternatively, extend complementary schemes with orange walls against blue interiors for pleasant contrasts.
Maintaining Outdoor Wall Treatments
While facelifts fix aesthetic issues initially, don't neglect ongoing care to preserve your handiwork.
Monitoring Material Condition
Periodically check walls for damage after severe weather. Look for loose edges around fabric coverings or holes in wall tiles that allow water intrusion and deterioration. Address problem areas quickly before they expand.
Cleaning Surfaces
Dirt buildup detracts from ornamental facades by blocking intricate details. Wash siding, tile or decorative elements like shelving regularly. Consider power washing vinyl panels and wood walls annually.
Replacing Deteriorated Sections
Harsh weather weakens wall components over time. Wallpaper seams may gap or paint chips away. Replace isolated sections as needed to prevent visibility of underlying layers.
Refreshed "Forgotten" Spaces
Now your unappealing, unused outdoor areas have stylish revived walls ready for enjoyment. We'll leave you with ideas to showcase your cancelled construction zones.
Before and After Pictures
Demonstrate dramatic transformations with photos of the same space appearing dull initially then vibrant after installing wall treatments. Arrange images in slider galleries so viewers understand magnitude of changes.
Reader Project Submissions
Feature makeovers submitted by your landscaping site visitors. Adding real backyard upgrades made affordable by everyday DIYers inspires other readers.
Supply links leading to detailed tutorials for installing various wall options safely. Also aggregate eye-catching photos or videos illustrating professional design concepts. Connect with qualified local contractors to handle more complex projects.