Covering your boat is very similar to covering your car. A cover is an investment in maintaining your favorite method to get-out-on-the-water-now. Boat covers help your vessel stay at its best when high-and-dry. If covering your boat seems questionable, The IBoat Forum may be a good place to go to, to read through the debate from the perspective of boat owners.
A boat cover…
Deters theft According to SavvyBoater.com, the top three items stolen from boats are electronics, outboards, and outdrives. Something about an open boat can attract people to either steal something or climb up into your property. A boat cover helps keep things secure and off-limits.
Protects against UV rays Direct exposure to UV rays can cause fading and material deterioration. UV rays can damage a boat’s paint, finish, and seating (vinyl). Covers, especially those with UV treatments, can block some of the light that does the most damage to these materials, increasing the longevity of your product (at its current exposure level). Note: DO NOT cover a new boat or a boat that has recently been painted. Color from a cover can transfer to the fiberglass of a boat if the boat is new. Please wait 4 weeks before using a cover to allow the boat to fully settle. There are a variety of fiberglass cleaners in the market that will remove the color deposits, if such occur. It takes time for the chemicals to fully settle into place. The boat should not be covered for at least 2 months following a paint job. If you used a lacquer-based paint, never use a cover, it will end badly.
Keeps dust and debris at bay Wind can blow dust, dirt, and debris against your boat, potentially causing weathering and scuffing.
Protects against minor dents and dings Again, this won’t save you from anything serious, but may help keep a brush against the boat from damaging the paint job.
Provides a way to keep maintenance time down Covers take a bit of brunt of nature so that your boat doesn’t have to. They are especially useful for helping with preventable seat and motor wear & tear.
Lessens cleaning time
By protecting your gear with a cover, you will not have to spend as much time cleaning your outdoor equipment at any given time of the year. Quicker to get out on the water and enjoy yourself!
Protects from water damage Covers help limit water accumulation directly on the product, especially when the cover has water resistant or waterproof qualities. This can help prevent rust and corrosion. Standing water and moisture can lead to mildewing.* Please always keep the bilge/boat drain plug open when you’re on land, to allow for proper drainage of your vessel. Covers can limit new accumulation, but few are truly waterproof and water from rain can accumulate in the bottom of the boat. Keeping your boat unplugged is the best way to prevent this.
*Mildew (and mold) are fungi that occur due to the interaction between water and organic material. Covers are only able to help limit this and require some cleaning and ventilation, so that organic elements that have made their way onto your gear don’t have a chance to grow.
Keeps critters away Rodents and other pests are known to seek refuge in nooks and other odd places. Covers can make it more difficult for critters to find and nest in such crevices.
Maintains Yard Aesthetics Covers provide a tidy, and pleasing look to your outdoor space by simplifying shapes.
Important note:if you choose to trailer a trailerable boat cover (not all covers are made to be trailered), please ensure that your boat is clean prior to installing the cover. The trailering straps on a dirty boat can rub against your boat’s finish to an effect akin to sand paper (vibration between the strap and the boat with dirt, sand and salt particles caught between) causing marks on the boat’s surface. For long trips regularly check your boat to make sure it is secure and properly fastened as straps can come loose. Check out this Mastercraft forum for more.
Boat Motors
Boat motors are susceptible to UV rays too, causing chipping and cracks. Even if you don’t think a cover’s right for you, we think that it’s truly important to consider the upkeep of this element of your boat. Check out this video on boats.com to learn more about how to care for a boat motor. Motors may not be covered by our boat covers, due to the variability in size and location for motors. There are covers for outboard motors available on our site.
How to measure a Boat or Personal Watercraft for a cover
We recommend making this a two person job for safety’s-sake. While it is a time-consuming process, we recommend measuring these products by hand so that you know the actual physical dimensions of the vessel; manufacturers will often include auxiliary elements in the estimated length, depending on how the item it to be towed.
Note: It is important to
Please feel free to reach out to one of our helpful Customer Service Representatives at 1-800-854-2315 Mon – Fri, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm PST if you have any additional questions regarding any topic related to our products. The Classic Accessories website also has information regarding warranty, as well as FAQs.
Some say that the perfect yard party starts with a perfect yard. That may be true, but it’s easier said than done. Your garage (and sometimes yard) likely has an assortment of equipment specially selected or required to fine tune the landscape to your needs. Each piece of equipment is an investment in the look and feel of your (outdoor) home. Covers keep it clean.
Lawn and Garage equipment covers…
Maintain the appearance of your garage or yard Covers provide a tidy, and pleasing look to your equipment, no matter the amount of wear and tear they’ve seen.
Protect your gear from water damage For people who keep garage and tool items outdoors, or in locations that are exposed, a water resistant cover can help limit water accumulation directly on the product. This can help prevent rust and corrosion. It is important to note that while vents can help prevent the accumulation of moisture, they cannot prevent it entirely. If you plan to store anything under a cover, it is important to keep this in mind and allow your items to air out every so often to ensure they dry completely.
Prevent pests Rodents and spiders are known to make a home in any available location, including gaps, crevices, and nooks in equipment. The animals, you, and your equipment can suffer as a result. Covers make it a bit harder for pests to make their way onto your equipment and in harm’s way.
Keep out dust and debris Wind can blow dust, dirt, and debris against your gear, causing weathering and scuffing.
Provide protection from UV rays Again, for people who keep equipment where it may be exposed, direct exposure to UV rays can cause fading and material deterioration. Covers, especially those with UV treatments, can block some of the light that does the most damage, increasing the longevity of your product at its current exposure level.
Reduce investments in cosmetic repairs Investing in a cover can reduce your time and cost spent on maintenance/repair, likely reducing the frequency at which you need to replace your equipment for reasons like UV damage.
Reduce cleaning time By protecting your gear with a cover, you will not have to spend as much time cleaning your outdoor equipment at any given time of the year.
Why Cover a Bicycle
Bikes are a wonderful accessory to have. They make for great transportation and sport. If cleanliness is next to godliness, then the god of bikes may have a bike cover.
Deter thieves Covers deter thievery in bicycles, indoors and outdoors, because said hooligan(s) can’t just hop on a ride away into the night.
Keep dust and grit from getting into the chains and/or gears This only applies to the bike while it’s in storage (apologies). Covers will only hide the accumulation of dirt and whatnot from your forays into the city and wilderness. Kidding aside, it’s important to keep your bike in good condition, even in the off season and to clean it thoroughly before using again.
Why cover a Log Rack
Log racks are standing by to help you have a great fire–indoors, outdoors in a fire pit, or on the grill. While these are very low maintenance items, they could use a little help from a cover to be that much more useful.
Keep logs dry and away from moisture Like with a fire pit cover, the log rack cover helping limit direct exposure to water and moisture has the added bonus of making sure your wood is ready to roll when you’re ready for a fire. This won’t prevent a torrential downpour from getting to your wood, but an early dew should not be allowed to dampen spirits.
Why cover Trash and recycling
Covering your trash and recycling bins is a unique way to keep both products safe and undamaged. Oftentimes trash and recycling bins can crack or be damaged by regular wear and tear. However, we know most people don’t care about their bins that much. Additionally, there is a downside to these covers; they can’t be on when you have your bins out for collection, so they require some maintenance. The biggest benefit of these covers is simply that covering your trash or recycling bin:
Enhances the aesthetic appearance of an otherwise unsightly item
Covering is a way to up the aesthetics of two of the more unfortunate items you can’t eliminate from your yard.
Why cover a Snow Thrower
If stored outside, a snow thrower should be covered when not in use to protect against bird and tree droppings, rain, snow, and sun damage. Like other covers, this would ideally require some additional ventilation after extreme weather.
Indoors, a snow thrower should still be covered to avoid dust buildup in and on the machine.
How to measure lawn and Garage equipment for a cover
While we strive to create covers that are easy to use, finding the right cover for your equipment is not always easy, especially given the variance in equipment sizes. While we advise measuring your equipment, please take care when doing so as to neither hurt yourself nor damage your equipment.
How to measure lawn care equipment for a cover
How to measure a Bicycle for a cover
It is important to measure the bicycle(s) to the dimensions they are in while at rest.
How to measure a log rack for a cover
As a note, when measuring your log rack cover, if your logs are on average longer than the rack, please measure to the outermost instance of the log(s).
Please feel free to reach out to one of our helpful Customer Service Representatives at 1-800-854-2315 Mon – Fri, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm PST if you have any additional questions regarding any topic related to our products. The Classic Accessories website also has information regarding warranty, as well as FAQs.
RV’s are more than a box sitting in your driveway. They are exploration vehicles, the best way to get away, your home away from home. As such, they deserve more reverence than a box. They deserve a cover. RV covers….
Provide protection from damaging UV rays UV rays can crack the paint and fade the finish on your RV
Help keep nature out Sitting in your yard or driveway, your RV awaits its next adventure. Typically, RV’s will sit for several seasons waiting for spring to allow to time and weather to really travel. During this movement hiatus, your RV is exposed to all kinds of elements. After ensuring your RV is properly winterized,cleaned and dried, applying a cover helps keep dirt, pollen, leaves and water from directly hammering your RV. For additional cleaning tips, click here. Note: Due to the Gel Coat Finish on some RVs (especially fiberglass RVs), clouding may occur after extended use of a cover. If spotting or clouding appear after using a storage cover, clean and wax the vehicle to remove any trapped environmental pollutants like dirt and moisture. To prevent reoccurrence, clean and apply a top quality wax between 2 and 4 times a year, depending on the level of exposure to the elements.
Reduce cleaning time While you did spend the time cleaning the RV in the winterization process, covers will help speed up the spring clean immensely by limiting the dust, debris, pollen, and leaves that find their way onto your RV and sit.
Help deter pests Rodents and other critters are known to burrow or make nests in your RV. While covers cannot totally prevent an invasion, and cannot prevent you from trapping animals in your RV, they do add a layer between the outside and your RV. This would, ideally make it more difficult for a mouse to find its way into your under-cabinet and under-bed storage areas to nest in the backup fishing gear and towels to make its winter home.
Aesthetics For those with strict HOAs or less than perfect campers, covers provide a tidy, and pleasing look to your outdoor space.
Also consider other RV accessories to get similar benefits of reducing UV exposure to your steering wheel, dashboard, and tires. Our tire covers are available in a variety of sizes. if you have any questions, please reach out to one of our helpful Customer Service Representatives at 1-800-854-2315.
How to Measure a RV for a Cover
According to Lisa Zuroff, one of our customer service representatives, RV covers are a hot topic for customer support. Many of the questions they receive revolve around fit and how to measure. Here are three measurement tips for Classic Accessories RV Covers from our Customer Service Team:
Height: Measure from the top of your RV to the ground. Do not include the air conditioning unit on the top of the RV in this measurement.
Length: Measure bumper to bumper. Do not include the tongue and hitch in the measurement.
Width: For teardrop or R-pod RVs, do not include tire guards in your width measurement. This will result in extra, loose fabric existing for your cover which will thus lack fit
Customer Service also recommends not using the manufacturer’s measurements, because the manufacturer will account for elements that are not part of the main body. This happens quite often for any trailer with a tongue and hitch as oftentimes the listed manufacturer’s measurements include them (because it’s part of what you are towing behind you). It is instead recommended to see what your measurements are by physically measuring the RV, which is not the easiest task. We highly recommend having a team (or at least partner) to help with the measuring process.
Please feel free to reach out to one of our helpful Customer Service Representatives at 1-800-854-2315 Mon – Fri, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm PST if you have any additional questions regarding any topic related to our products. The Classic Accessories website also has information regarding warranty, as well as FAQs.
Covers aren’t just for fancy or expensive cars (although those cars assuredly could use a cover). They’re for your everyday car, or the car you keep for certain seasons or purposes. Covers are great tools to help preserve the time you spend cleaning and maintaining your car, so that it lasts beyond that initial time investment. Covers prevent unnecessary environmental nuisances from coating your vehicle when it sits outside and can limit dust accumulation inside.
Your car, SUV, and/or truck should have a cover because a car, truck or SUV cover:
Keeps out dust and debris Wind can blow dust, dirt, and debris against your gear, causing weathering and scuffing. Covers provide a layer of protection between the elements and your vehicle. Notably, it is important to make sure the car is clean and dry prior to covering, for best results.
Protects your paint job and finish from UV rays Direct exposure to UV rays can cause fading and material deterioration, effecting your car’s paint job. Covers, especially those with UV treatments, can block some of the light that does the most damage, increasing the longevity of your product at its current exposure level. Note: DO NOT cover a car that has recently been painted. It takes time for the chemicals to fully settle into place. It should not be covered for at least 2 months following a paint job. If you used a lacquer-based paint, never use a cover, it will end badly. Note: If the clear coat on your vehicle is thin or failing, using a storage cover can reveal oxidation. Oxidation can show up as clouding, spots and imprints of the cover. This is because covers can trap dirt and slow evaporation allowing time for pollutants to deposit into the paint, which is why if you plan to cover your car, it is recommended to check your clear coat and make sure the car is clean prior to covering. The spots may be buffed out but we advise consulting an automotive paint specialist first to confirm the gel coat condition so you vehicle.
Provides a cost effective way to keep your vehicle in top shape Investing in a cover can reduce your time and cost spent on maintenance/repair, likely reducing the frequency at which you need to replace your vehicle. At the very least, it helps diminish the need for environmentally-induced cosmetic wear and tear.
Reduces cleaning time By protecting your gear with a cover, you will not have to spend as much time cleaning your outdoor equipment at any given time of the year, because dust debris, leaves, and pollen are not crowding on the surface of your vehicle.
Protects from “environmental nuisances” DanBruell. Pollen on top of the Car. CC BY-ND 2.0. https://www.flickr.com/photos/mr-morshee/3494512738
Environmental nuisances include bird droppings, tree sap, leaves, and pollen. While known to be annoying as the ‘yellow blanket’ of the spring season, pollen is actually more than annoying; it’s damaging. The acidity of pollen can corrode your car. For tips on taking care of cars that see a lot of pollen, check out this page for NAPA’s advice on the issue.
Helps limit damage to older, classic cars For those people who own a classic car that was perhaps made with a less durable material, such as vinyl, a car cover can prolong the life of your vehicle, since certain materials are more susceptible to elemental damage.
Helps prevent light scratches and dings We’re not saying this will prevent your neighbor from backing into your car, but there is a layer between your car and a person carrying groceries with a buckled purse over their shoulder that could help buffer the impact.
Protects from water damage Covers help limit water accumulation directly on the product, especially when the cover has water resistant or waterproof qualities. This can help prevent rust and corrosion. Additionally, standing water and moisture can lead to mildewing* and a cover can help keep this away from the surface of the vehicle.
*Mildew (and mold) are fungi that occur due to the interaction between water and organic material. Covers are only able to help limit this and require some cleaning and ventilation, so that organic elements that have made their way onto your gear don’t have a chance to grow.
Maintains Yard Aesthetics Covers provide a tidy, and pleasing look to your outdoor space, for those who cover vehicles for environmental reasons.
Deters Theft Covers take time to take off (not much, but since they are large, it makes a scene more than a quick jab at a window or handle would).
Prevents pests Covers can make it more difficult for critters to find and nest in crevices and holes in equipment.
How to Measure your Car, Truck, or SUV for a Cover
Cars are fairly large (and they’re the smaller of the four-wheeled automobiles. Please take car when measuring your vehicle for a cover, and consider having someone assist you, or be aware that you’re taking measurements.
Note: our covers are not designed to entirely cover the wheels of your vehicle.
Please feel free to reach out to one of our helpful Customer Service Representatives at 1-800-854-2315 Mon – Fri, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm PST if you have any additional questions regarding any topic related to our products. The Classic Accessories website also has information regarding warranty, as well as FAQs.
There are a lot of elements to your patio that make it your ideal outdoor space to do what you and your family love to do outside. Covers are useful for different patio components for reasons you may not expect. For more on the importance of covering your patio furniture, based on material, check out our earlier blog post, “All About Patio Furniture,”
Reasons to protect all of your patio furniture with a cover; a patio furniture cover….
Keeps out environmental nuisances Wind can blow dust, dirt, and debris against your gear, causing weathering and scuffing. A cover is a layer between your furniture and the elements, and can limit the accumulation of dust, pollen, and leaves directly on your favorite items. Note: Covers are just part of the patio furniture cleaning process. Always refer to your care instructions for the most informed methods of cleaning and caring for your furniture.
Maintains your patio’s aesthetics Covers provide a tidy, and pleasing look to your patio even when leaves or pollen are around, even more than the potential damage from such materials, covers make for a quick cleanup for that one-day-it-happens-to-be-sunny-and-we-need-to-go-outside. Note: While covers are a wonderful way to help protect your patio furniture, due to nature of the materials in covers, there is a risk of plasticizer migration-a chemical reaction between the materials in the cover and certain furniture materials. To prevent this from occurring, it is recommended that you elevate the surface of the cover from large points of contact (such as a tabletop). One way to elevate the cover would be by using a support pole.
Protects from UV rays Direct exposure to UV rays can cause fading and material deterioration. Covers, especially those with UV treatments, can block some of the light that does the most damage, increasing the longevity of your product at its current exposure level.
Protects against water damage Covers help limit water accumulation directly on the product, especially when the cover has water resistant or waterproof qualities. This can help prevent rust and corrosion. Standing water and moisture can lead to mildewing.* For optimal results, when using covers for extended periods, regular aeration and checking of your furniture is essential. Note: for furniture with cushions, it is not recommended to leave the cushions on the furniture while covering the furniture. The materials that make up cushions need to breathe or you run the risk of creating an environment for mold. Cushions should be removed and allowed to fully dry before being placed in a safe location, such as a cushion storage bag, indoors, for the season.
*Mildew (and mold) are fungi that occur due to the interaction between water and organic material. Covers are only able to help limit this and require some cleaning and ventilation, so that organic elements that have made their way onto your gear don’t have a chance to grow.
Prevents pests Rodents and other critters are known to burrow or make nests in your patio furniture, including grills, heaters, and such. Covers can make it more difficult for critters to find these items and nest in the crevices therein.
Provides a cost and time savings Investing in a cover can reduce your time and cost spent on maintenance and repair, likely reducing the frequency at which you need to replace your favorite patio furniture.
Reduces cleaning time By protecting your patio furniture with a cover, you will not have to spend as much time cleaning your outdoor equipment at any given time of the year, because you’ve limited the nuisances that make their way onto the surface of your furniture.
Why Cover a Grill?
Grills are real investments in your outdoor space. They act as an extension of your kitchen, bridging the gap between the dinner table and the patio table. Don’t leave your grill to face the elements alone: cover it.
Let a cover take on the direct weather and UV damage you see in a season.
Here are some specific advantages to investing in a grill cover. A grill cover:
Keeps out dust and debris Dust and debris in a grill can cause a number of issues, including unsanitary cooking conditions and fires in catch pans. Regular grill maintenance is the best way to keep your grill sanitary and make sure it lasts. Covers help keep some avoidable nuisances (pollen, leaves, etc.) from accumulating on the surface, especially in the off season, when you’re using your grill less.
Helps avoid grease runoff Since covers help limit your exposure to dust, debris and rain, these elements are less likely to fill up the grease catch pan, generally located below the main fire box. Overflowing of this pan can cause grease to end up running onto your patio and ruining it. As a note, the cover only helps prevent outside elements from entering the pan; it won’t prevent the grease pan from filling up from grilling/grease and still requires regular inspection and cleaning.
Keeps critters out Believe it or not, even grills are susceptible to pest problems. Birds, small animals and spiders making homes in uncovered grills or smokers is a potential risk. Covers are just one way to reduce the chance for nesting to occur. Note: avoid buying felt-lined or flannel-lined grill covers since mice and squirrels can use the fabric for nesting, according to thespruceeats.com.
Protects the grill’s accessories Grill accessories, like side tables, tank doors, and controls, are commonly made with cheaper metals than the main body of the grill is made with, and so are more susceptible to the elements. Covers take the brunt of the elements so these items don’t have to.
Why Cover a Dining Table Set?
One issue that tables may face (more so than other patio furniture) is warping (primarily due to the table’s size). Covers can be a useful tool because covering:
Helps avoid warping in wood Adding a cover to your wood patio furniture can reduce water and humidity’s ability to warp wood Important note: Most covers and concrete do not mix. The layer within covers that helps prevent water from seeping through is reactive with concrete and can cause the cover to stick to the surface. Please do not cover any concrete furniture with a cover.
Why Cover a Fire pit?
Avoids dampness during use A cover will prevent your bonfire with friends and/or family from being ruined by rainfall the night before, or even the day of but helping keep excess moisture off of your charcoal, wood, or the general surface of the fire pit.
Why Cover a Stand-up heater?
Prevents pests As mentioned, covers help keep critters out of small spaces. This is especially true of stand-up heaters.
“I cannot tell you the make and model of my patio heater, but I can tell you that dirt dobber wasps love to fill the tube that carries the pilot light gas up to the burner every year. To clean out the hardened mud requires that I almost fully disassemble the patio heater. The Madrona Patio heater cover will put an end to this annual ritual (and a few expletives). The cover is easy to install. It has a quality zipper around the heat reflector on top and a very long quality zipper from the bottom to the top. A draw-string along the bottom seals the patio heater from most pests, including mud dobber wasps. The fabric is a crayon brown canvas that complements most deck decors.”-9acresofwoods from Auburn, GA
While the advantages of covering seating is largely the same as most furniture items, such as resistance to water, protection from debris, and protection from UV damage; however, it is important to note the added benefit of having these protections for the place you plan to sit. Nothing ends the party early like sitting on bird droppings or being the person who finds the first puddle. With chair covers, you know that your chairs are much more likely to be ready for occupancy at a moment’s notice.
Why Cover an Umbrella?
Covering your umbrella may seem unintuitive; umbrellas are for covering, right? However, it is an underrated way to lengthen your umbrella’s lifespan. Covering your umbrella helps prevent damage from water, dust and debris, and UV rays.
Why Cover an AC?
Helps prevent coils from freezing According to All Systems Mechanical, if there is heavy rain or snowfall that gets into your AC unit and then freezes or refreezes, it can damage the unit’s coils, which maintain the cold air in your household. A cover can limit unexpected accumulation in these units.
Measuring your patio furniture can be a tricky process, after all there isn’t a set way to call out dimensions for furniture and sometimes what’s on the package doesn’t seem to match up with what you have on hand. Measuring your furniture as it sits on your patio is recommended to make sure you find the best fitting cover for your furniture.
How to measure a Grill for a Cover
Grills can be tricky to measure for the right fit-if you have a specific question, please reach out to our Customer Service Representatives at 1-800-854-2315. We vote on trusting measurements you take yourself over the manufacturer’s critical dimensions, which are not necessarily as accurate as they could be, or may (or may not) include accessories in resting positions.
Here’s how to measure your grill for the right cover:
Meausing your table and chairs seems like a no-brainer; however, it is important to remember that while the manufacturer may provide your tabletop’s dimensions to you, a cover would fit over the table as well as the chairs around the table. Taking the time to measure the full length and width of the table plus chairs will make choosing the right cover for your patio far simpler.
How to Measure a Fire-Pit for a cover
The only point of contention when measuring your fire pit for a cover, would be for those of us who did not enjoy math or dimensional terms. The diameter of an object is the full width of a circle, from side to side running through the center of the circle.
How to measure a Hot Tub for a cover
Measuring a hot tub for a cover is simple enough; however, due to the size of the tub, please take care if you are measuring the dimensions by hand.
How to measure patio chairs for covers
We believe that patio chairs are diverse enough in their own right to get their own section here. One note: as far as Classic Accessories Covers are concerned, chaise lounge chairs are measured with their backs in a seated lounging position.
How to Measure Sectionals for Covers
Don’t be intimidated by your sectional when you go to measure it for a cover. Having an assistant is a great idea for this large piece of your patio setup.
How to measure patio groupings for covers
If covering each element of your patio individually is not ideal for your situation, due to timing, furniture shapes, or patience, we have covers meant to go on top of a patio furniture group. It is a good idea to measure around the grouping in the shape it normally takes, or the shape you want to arrange it into for covering. While not arranging is simpler, and you should always take care when arranging furniture to avoid scuffing, it is recommended make sure there is enough under the cover, close enough together that the cover doesn’t dip down excessively and pull your furniture with it.
Please feel free to reach out to one of our helpful Customer Service Representatives at 1-800-854-2315 Mon – Fri, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm PST if you have any additional questions regarding any topic related to our products. The Classic Accessories website also has information regarding warranty, as well as FAQs.
Interviews with DIY Specialists for outdoor spaces for your home.
It’s the time of the year where we begin to take stock of our homes, the projects we completed and those that are moving to next year’s wish list. The internet has proven itself a great place to find inspiration for projects and home styling, especially as Do-It-Yourself has become a bigger part of our culture. It’s a way for you to have a true hand in making changes to your home as well as giving your home the personalized look and style it deserves. There are a ton of great sources for projects that start with home improvement stores, Home Depot and Lowes have great sections on their websites that point to projects you can do with the materials they sell. That being said, there are ideas abound on Pinterest and Instagram, so many different ideas and projects that starting down this road can seem daunting.
A good way to toe into this pool is to start following the blog or social media account of people who are actively trying to improve their homes and share it with others. DIY specialists, with accounts of what worked and what didn’t, who are trying to fully align their home to a particular style. It’s a great process to see–even if the style is not quite your own, it gives a frame of reference for the variability in scale and detail DIY projects can take while providing an example of how to make sure that you’re looking at the entirety of your home for a seamless or purposefully diverse style.
We’ve had the pleasure this season of working with two DIY specialists, Natalie Kolter of My Vintage Porch, and Leslie Davis of Deeply Southern Home. Both women excel at creating curated journeys through their DIY and home styling projects that bring their personalities, aesthetic preferences, and families (including their photogenic pups) into account-along with working on a budget. I reached out to them to get answers to questions about their projects, with the intent of giving a taste of the DIY life to you.
Passionate about design and her southern heritage, Leslie works to create a style that stems from tradition but does not tie itself to a specific time period. Leslie lives in Birmingham, Alabama with her family. Leslie’s expertise spans from room makeovers requiring construction to flipping furniture and crafts. For you patio lovers, she has a fun section of her blog dedicated to outdoor projects.
This July Leslie took a look at our Montlake FadeSafe covers, as a measure against pollen, leaves and other minor outdoor debris. We were so excited to see Montlake in action and loved her time-lapse of the covering process, since that is one of the most daunting aspects of covering your furniture.
Interview
Do you have a favorite area of your home? Is your favorite area to renovate different from your favorite area to decorate or lounge in?
My favorite room in our house has to be the kitchen! After our budget friendly renovation, it is the perfect place to cook and gather. I love styling the open shelves in the kitchen area so I would have to say it is my favorite place to decorate as well. As for lounging, our favorite chill space is our basement media room. It’s light and bright during the day but cozy at night, perfect for movies or Netflix!
What has been your favorite project to date?
Favorite project to date would probably be our master bathroom. Through many hours of hard work and planning it is an oasis, a perfect retreat for an evening bath or a calming place to start the day.
Do you have a go-to tool or resource when working on projects, if so can you share it with us?
I don’t have one go-to tool in the tool box. I use them all depending on the project. Having a solid base of tools like a drill, miter saw and a nail gun opens the possibilities for so many projects. As far as resources, I don’t like to use just one source for DIY project help. I want to find an expert in the field and learn from them. I often check several sources before I head into a project I have no prior experience with. Obviously, that includes searches on Pinterest, Google and YouTube.
Design or functionality: how do you find balance if there needs to be a balance for you, or do you eschew one in favor of the other?
I am a firm believer that function must come first but I never want a completed project to look like I chose function over design. The esthetic component must look like it was the most important part of a room. I also place a great deal of value on the comfort and inviting nature of a space. Those are really important characteristics of design to me.
Do you have something that, having done it yourself once, you would never do again (aka least rewarding project)? Also what was the most rewarding project—if that one isn’t your favorite?
What well-timed question! I recently tried to reupholster a settee for our daughter’s first apartment. Even though I’ve handled small upholstery projects before, this was bigger project than what I had time for given her impending move-in date. I eventually set it aside and will likely hire it out. We all are fond of this antique and it is worth having it done right.
The most rewarding projects are complete room makeovers, like my husband’s library/office space. We built an entire library wall complete with a fireplace where nothing but a blank wall previously existed. That’s completely satisfying.
What is you main source of inspiration?
I gain inspiration from everywhere! I am always inspired by the colors found in a variety of different landscapes. Creating a color palettes for a room around nature is always a good choice. Of course, I love taking cues from beautiful spaces I see on Instagram, Pinterest and magazines.
Do you have a dream project you haven’t gotten to work on?
It’s always been a dream of mine to flip houses or renovate rental properties. I feel confident I could balance budget and my design goals to create beautiful places for people to thrive. Also, to see a home completely transformed and then passed onto a new homeowner has got to be the best reward!
Do have a favorite picture of Tucker?
Our golden-doodle Tucker, he is such a great model!! Probably a photo of him on the screen porch will always be a favorite. He really finds great joy in relaxing on the huge sofa out there. He’s a smart dog!
What is your best piece of advice for DIY beginners or enthusiasts?
My best advice is to not be afraid to try something you’ve never done before! I always say, you never know what you are capable of until you try! That being said, my best advice would be to do your research, start with small projects where you can develop skills that can take you onto bigger and better projects.
How have your DIY projects been most affected by your location?
Living in the south, there are definitely outdoor projects that we put on hold during the summer months. It’s just smarter, more enjoyable to do those kinds of projects when it’s cooler.
Do you have any suggestions for small touchups or décor projects for fall/winter?
The easiest, most effective way to transform a space is paint! The right paint color is the most important design element in a room. I would also add that an updated backsplash can have a dramatic impact on the style of a kitchen. It can be a great, low-cost beginner project.
How do you think Classic is fitting in with your home?
I love that I was able to select from a wide variety of Classic Accessories covers that matched my outdoor space. I was able to choose a fabric that blended well with our stone patio.
Natalie Kolter is a mother of three living in Tucson, Arizona. Her blog is a celebration of the successes and joy of renovation and decoration. Natalie’s style is a unique combination of modern and rustic influences that centralizes on a highly curated color palette focusing on white with splashes of natural brown, green and navy accents. Her blog looks at her home renovation projects and has sections for DIY fun-furniture, signs, crafts and more.
Do you have a favorite area of your home? Is your favorite area to renovate different from your favorite area to decorate or lounge in?
I like to make every space in the house feel inviting and cozy. I think that one of my favorite spaces is probably our bedroom since we most recently renovated it and added beams. I have always loved the extra character in a space.
What has been your favorite project to date?
I have so many favorites. It’s tough to choose just one but a couple of my favorites would definitely be the beams in our bedroom and the nightstands that we upcycled in there from our old nightstands.
Do you have a go-to tool or resource when working on projects, if so can you share it with us?
I mostly just “fly by the seat of my pants”. lol. When I come up with an idea, I just run with it and do what I need to do to get it accomplished.
Design or functionality: how do you find balance if there needs to be a balance for you, or do you eschew one in favor of the other?
I like to include both as I desire my home to be “liveable and comfortable” while being visually appealing at the same time.
Do you have something that, having done it yourself once, you would never do again (aka least rewarding project)? Also what was the most rewarding project—if that one isn’t your favorite?
Adding shiplap and wood to our walls has probably been the most rewarding in regards to the character it gives to our home. I’m not sure that I have a project that I would say is the least rewarding. Even project fails help us to learn from our mistakes.
What is you main source of inspiration?
Pinterest is something that helps me see what I’m dreaming up in a real life setting. It helps me to see if I will really like the idea that I have before I even start a project.
Do you have a dream project you haven’t gotten to work on?
My Dream Project would be to find, purchase, gut and completely restore and/or renovate an old farmhouse or barn. I love old homes with character.
Do have a favorite picture of Chester?
I would have to say that every picture of Chester. He’s just the superstar of all of the photos.
What is your best piece of advice for DIY beginners or enthusiasts?
Don’t be afraid to try something new. Start with small projects to build your confidence level in tackling that larger project! And, remember, home improvement and hardware stores will cut wood for you if you don’t have the right saws to make the cuts yourself…and that doesn’t make your DIY less DIY!
How have your DIY projects been most affected by your location?
I love to go thrifting, antiquing and to junk yards…this is where all my DIY projects begin. Tucson doesn’t have the same quality or quantity of the kinds of treasures I love, which means I get to go hunting for them all the more! I refuse to overpay for items I’m interested in, especially when I know what they are (or aren’t) worth.
Do you have any suggestions for small touchups or décor projects for fall/winter?
A great budget friendly option for both Fall and Winter would be to use outdoor free items, like wood. I brought home some wood logs one time and cut them to the size I desired and then painted them white. I also distressed them so that they would look like birch logs. You could to the same with sticks and other outdoor items. I have often used pressed leaves in frames for decor as well.
How do you think Classic is fitting in with your home?
I love the hammock and umbrellas from Classic! They are seriously the most durable, beautiful pieces I’ve ever had as part of our pool/patio living space!
So much
More than a tarp,
Aesthetically-pleasing,
Ready-to-protect,
Textile-time-saver (long run)
Covers Protect
This week, we’re throwing down some reasons for you to be as excited about covers as we are, our top 5 reasons to cover your outdoor products. Next week, we’ll be releasing a longer post that goes into more depth about the reasons to cover, as well as some graphics to help you find the perfect size cover for your products.
Top 5 Reasons to Cover Your Gear
But covers take time to put on…
One of the biggest downsides to covering is having to put the covers on. Covers are not as hard as you would think to put on, although the process can be time consuming. While we recommend a slow and steady pace for putting on covers as well as using the buddy system for larger covers, we’ve developed some techniques to speed up product photoshoots here.
We clock in at about 30 seconds. Don’t try this at home. We are professionals.
Note that while you putting on the cover takes 45 seconds to 30 minutes (RVs and Boats are trickier), it only takes a few minutes to take it off when you actually want to use your vehicle, grill or golf cart and you don’t have to spend an additional 30-120 minutes cleaning/drying said item.
Also, we may be biased but we think that a covered yard looks great!
Check out all of our covers and keep your outdoor gear covered with a SMART cover.
We are loving the weather we’ve been experiencing this week. It’s a welcome relief, both in that we’ve gotten a dip in temperatures, putting us closer to our normal for this time of year, and that the wind is currently blowing in such a way that we are (for now) largely free of smoke from the fires around us. We’re hopeful that our neighbors in the Cascades, Northeast Washington, British Columbia, Oregon, and California get relief soon from the actual blaze soon.
If you are able, we still think it’s a great time to get out and enjoy some of the summer sunshine. Late summer and early fall means it’s time for school, sports, and weekend adventures. Your patio will soon be seeing a different crowd of people. Friends and family will visit for Labor Day, friends from school and their families will join you for dinner or after game gatherings, and your family may find themselves truly looking forward to their evenings in the backyard as time spent together away from work and school.
There’s still time to make a change to your patio to carry you into an autumn of relaxation and lounging. To help celebrate the end of the season and continue our celebration of the introduction of cushions to our Ravenna Collection, we’re having a sale on all Cushions, Umbrellas, Hammocks, and Frameless Furniture. Save 20%* through the end of September on items in those categories using the discount code: OL2018 at checkout on our website. We think that both Montlake and Ravenna offer a great selection of colors. The Henna fabrics of Montlake ensure a pop of color with subtle complexity offset by the solid Antique Beige and Light Charcoal color ways, while the neutrals in Ravenna cushions add an especially warm and inviting ambiance to any yard that you can enliven with Spice, Mallard Green or Empire Blue.
If you haven’t gotten a chance to check out these products, which stemmed from our larger cover collections of the same names, we have pages that take a deep dive into the overarching features and feelings behind the collections, look books to inspire your patio.
We’ve shown you the Montlake FadeSafe Collection page before; the Ravenna Collection page is new and features Ravenna Cushions and Covers (as well as some lovely lifestyle images orchestrated and photographed by our in house Creative Solutions team).
You several options to experience the collections:
Dive right into the product pages with “Shop the Collection”
Learn more about the Covers, Cushions, etc. by clicking those categories on the Desktop version or “About …” on the Mobile version.
Explore the lifestyle imagery by clicking “Shop the Look”
Both collections are excellent choices, as two of our top patio cover collections (and fabrics). Montlake is more durable and is geared to a modern crowd, while Ravenna nods to a sophisticated style that is more simplistic, yet feature-rich.
We hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day weekend filled with both with fun and relaxation.
*Exclusions may apply; subject to change based on availability.
King County takes pride in its park system, trail system, and natural areas. The amount of land set aside for public use is impressive and appreciated by the residents. In an area where small yards for homes and apartments are normal, having the luxury of easy-to-reach public lands is invaluable.
As members of the local community, we want to help. The last two years, we’ve chosen to volunteer and contribute to the health of local parks through a park clean up event as part of a Green Kent Partnership. Park clean ups are a great way to help maintain these natural areas, keeping them in pristine condition for fun and future use. Clean ups aren’t necessarily about trash, but can also focus on trimming overenthusiastic growth, clearing harmful or invasive plant species from an area, laying down mulch to help fertilize the trees and prevent new undergrowth. It’s a few hours of your time that help keep local parks in top shape for everyone in the community.
Last year we helped clean up Glenn Nelson Park. This year, we decided to go to Riverview Park in Kent, due to its proximity to our new location.
Several of us chose to walk to Riverview Park for the event. Image: Heather
Several of us chose to walk to Riverview Park for the event.
Riverview park is modest park consisting of a small area of land next to the Green River. Part of the Kent Valley Loop Trail system, this park sits close to the southernmost points of the Eagle and Frog Loops, and is also close to an intersection between the Green River Trail and the Interurban Trail.
Wheelbarrows. Image: Amanda
Once at the park, we were given marching orders and shown available supplies–gloves, bags, tarps, rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows, pitchforks, and clipping tools. Our cleanup was focused on the removal of two invasive plants from a small section of the park.
The site manager, Francine, ran through important safety information before we began; mostly how we should properly hold and carry the equipment so as to neither cause harm to ourselves nor the equipment. We also learned that there were flags set up to designate both spots for photos chronicling the clean up as well as places to not go beyond due to the presence of hemlock. This was a plant many of us knew by name only, so Francine kindly showed us what the plant looked like so we could better avoid it. I consider this detail important because so few of us were aware of the appearance of a plant that could be dangerous and was just a yards off of a well-trafficked trail.
Bindweed removal. Image: Amanda
We started the session removing both living and dead instances of a creeping vine, field bindweed. This plant twines and creeps across the ground, down, around, over, and through anything it can manage to create an interwoven network of vines and roots that smothers and strangles local vegetation. We quickly became familiar with the white roots with twinges of green and pink. The root system was intricate and very thoroughly integrated with the soil and vegetation of the area. The plant is capable of carpeting the ground. In areas where the bindweed had really taken over, we were advised to roll the weed as you wood a rug, and cut swaths of it out for final removal. The bindweed had to be bagged because of its aggressive nature; it try to establish a new root system almost anywhere it can.
Blackberry vine extraction. Image: Heather
We were reacquainted with a familiar enemy during the cleanup. As with our cleanup last year at Glenn Nelson, we spent a good portion of the cleanup removing invasive blackberry vines. Not to be confused with the native blackberry plant, the trailing blackberry, the Himalayan blackberry was introduced in the 1800s and has proceeded to carpet any area it can as it spreads along the coast. The idea of abundant fruit-bearing bushes seems grand, but these plants are very invasive and will completely take over areas to create what are, essentially, walls of prickly plant along the roadsides of the Pacific Northwest. They are also on the list of noxious plants, considered a non-regulated noxious weed in King County, highly invasive and recommended to be removed from areas whenever possible.
Redistributing mulch. Image: Francine
After a quick break, we began part two of the cleanup, adding mulch to the area we had cleared. First, a layer of cardboard was placed on the ground. Then we relocated several piles of mulch onto the cardboard where several people spread it for even coverage. We ended up breaking the work into three main tasks: shoveling mulch into wheelbarrows, wheeling the loads over to its destination, and spreading the mulch. Some people stuck to one task, while others would alternate between tasks as was required by the flow of work or their preference.
Action shots. Images: Amanda, Francine and Heather
In the end, we left the park a bit cleaner, clearer, and far healthier looking than when we arrived. It was not only a great way to get out of the office for a bit, but a good exercise in teamwork, forestry, and community as well. We were especially thankful that the weather let up enough for us to be able to participate. It was one of the first days we’d had in over a week were the smoke/haze let up enough to allow for safe outdoor activity.
Group Photo. Image: Francine
A big thank you to everyone who participated and those who wanted to but were unable to attend. We’re looking forward to our next community volunteering event!
Get on the water and away from the crowds on your next trip. Our Classic Accessories Pontoon Boat is the best way to get to where the fish are and away from crowded river and lake banks. The perfect day for fishing is also the perfect day for fishing for other anglers in your area.
Our 9-foot pontoon includes a removable transport wheel, providing you a convenient, practical way to get you into the water faster. Featuring 6 mesh, and 6 zippered pockets, this boat has room for all your gear. With oars and a padded swivel seat, this boat includes everything you need to get out to the lake in comfort.
Still Water Fishing for trout in lakes requires different tactics. A pontoon boat allows an angler to cover a lot more water than waders. Trout may congregate in cooler water near an in-flowing stream or an underwater spring and may be lured to bite on a streamer fly. An often successful tactic is to pull a streamer such as a woolly bugger using clear sinking line, behind the watercraft. The somewhat erratic motion of the oars or fins tends to give the streamer an enticing action. Trout also tend to “cruise” transitional areas (e.g. dropoffs, weed bed edges, subsurface river flow at inlets, etc.) Watching for cruising trout and casting well ahead of any visible fish is often successful.
Matt Bohanan, our E-Commerce Sales Manager, says that one of his favorite parts of fly fishing on our pontoon boats is, “Nothing like the feeling of walking on water early in the morning – just us and the fishes!” Easy to transport two boats (even with just a small car), put together, and be on the water in less than 20-minutes. Can nimbly help you get into the hard to reach fishing spots that other boats struggle to go. There always seems to be a couple jealous fisherman wanting to check out my boats in envy every time we go out.” Hands down, his favorite time is sharing this sporting tradition with his son Chase.
That’s just it. Here at Classic Accessories, we get the privilege to be a part of memories being made. Traditions passed on from one generation to the next. Time spent. It’s as simple and as meaningful as that.
Wind can blow dust, dirt, and debris against your gear, causing weathering and scuffing. A cover is a layer between your furniture and the elements, and can limit the accumulation of dust, pollen, and leaves directly on your favorite items. Note: Covers are just part of the patio furniture cleaning process. Always refer to your care instructions for the most informed methods of cleaning and caring for your furniture.
