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A green investment… DirectBuy of DuPage County donation to Arbor Day Foundation to help replant trees in damaged forests.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, HOFFMAN ESTATES, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

To help celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, DirectBuy of DuPage County hosted two Green Energy Seminars for its members. And while attendees learned how to run their homes more efficiently and take advantage of government appliance rebates, Club Owner Jeremy Vest felt a grander green gesture was in order. To that end, he donated $100 to the Arbor Day Foundation’s Replanting Our National Forests program.

In cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, the Arbor Day Foundation is planting new trees in U.S. forests damaged by natural and other catastrophes (e.g. California wildfires). For every $1 donated, one tree will be planted in these damaged forests. DirectBuy of DuPage County’s contribution represents 100 new trees to be planted in one of these damaged forests.

“We applaud our members’ efforts to educate themselves on how they can run their homes in a more energy-efficient manner and what better way to recognize greener living than planting a tree,” said Vest.

Build Energy Experts, LLC, the industry leading Building Energy Auditor, Energy Retrofit, LED Lighting, and Alternative Energy specialist for government, commercial, and residential applications, conducted the two Green Energy sessions. Topics covered included:

  • Incentives (tax incentives, grants, Homestar)
  • Energy Audits
  • Weatherization (insulation; energy-efficient remodeling)
  • Whole House Ventilation System
  • LED Lighting
  • Renewable Energy
    • Solar Photovoltaic
    • Domestic Hot Water Solar Systems
    • Wind Energy
    • Geo Thermal Heating and Cooling

“We pride ourselves on helping our members save money on their home improvement projects and home furnishings,” said Vest. “By offering seminars like this, we not only enhance the value of their membership, but give them the resources to reduce their carbon footprint.”

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Clubs have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories by purchasing from more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or authorized suppliers. With several convenient locations in the greater Chicago area (Chicago, Gurnee, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, and Tinley Park), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. The DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 150 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuy.com. 

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 Stonington Ave Ste. 150, Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Lake County, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

A green investment… DirectBuy of DuPage County donation to Arbor Day Foundation to help replant trees in damaged forests.Read More

A fiver… DirectBuy of St. Louis East (IL) celebrates fifth anniversary.

COLLINSVILLE, ILLINOIS…

For five years, DirectBuy Club has been offering consumers in the greater East St. Louis area a new way to save on home improvement projects, furnishings, and accessories.

“Being in business five years is certainly a milestone worth recognizing, especially in the economy we’ve had the past few years” said Rick Lolly, owner of DirectBuy of St. Louis-East. “On the other hand, the economy has reinforced our decision to go into business because we’ve seen firsthand how DirectBuy helps our members literally save thousands of dollars on their home improvement projects.”

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy of St. Louis-East offers products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers at direct insider prices. DirectBuy Club also offers design and delivery services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services, many times at a discounted rate.

“Our five years in business has brought with it an opportunity to become a part of the local business community as well as help out our members,” said Lolly. “We look forward to building on those relationships during the next four years.”

Since 2005, DirectBuy of St. Louis-East has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Conveniently located at 1601 Eastport Plaza Drive, Suite 101 in Collinsville, Illinois, DirectBuy Club offers consumers a comfortable setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the U.S. and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service, and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

A fiver… DirectBuy of St. Louis East (IL) celebrates fifth anniversary.Read More

DirectBuy Franchise owner and family join “Team In Training” to raise money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Ryan Biberston, Brianna Biberston and Jim Biberston of DirectBuy of Albuquerque

Jim Biberston, franchise owner of DirectBuy of Albuquerque, his son Ryan, and daughter-in-law Brianna (who also both work at the club) are training to participate in the Jay Benson Triathlon on May 9, 2010, at the Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. But they’re not just participating in the Triathlon for their own health and wellness; the Biberstons are a part of Team In Training, an organization that fundraises to support research to find cures for leukemia, lymphoma, and melanoma. The team’s funds raised from the Jay Benson Triathlon will be donated to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

“DirectBuy strives to be a leader in the community by acting as a promoter of change and by helping those in need,” said Jim Biberston. “I see this event as an opportunity to support the local chapter of Team In Training and, through them, the larger movement in the fight against blood cancers across the United States.” Biberston is one of 160 DirectBuy club owners and managers who actively participate in their local communities, supporting such organizations as The Boys and Girls Clubs, the Salvation Army, the YMCA, Homes for our Troops, and children’s hospitals, as well as many others.

 “I was initially contacted by “Be the Match Foundation” as a possible bone marrow donor to someone who is fighting Leukemia, and I’m currently in the process of doing so,” said Ryan Biberston. “We then decided to take it a step further and are competing in this event in honor of all individuals who are battling blood cancers. They are the real heros, and we need all the support we can get to cross the ultimate finish line – finding a cure!”

“Our goal as a family is to raise $4,500 before May 9, 2010,” said Brianna Biberston. “The more people we reach, the more lives we touch, the closer we come to a cure.” To support the Biberstons in their fight against blood cancers, you can visit their team website at http://pages.teamintraining.org/nm/jaytri10/jbiberston.

Since opening in 2004, DirectBuy of Albuquerque has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Conveniently located at 5500 Wilshire Avenue Northeast in Albuquerque, DirectBuy Club offers consumers a comfortable setting where members finally have the financial control of buying direct.

About DirectBuy Club

Consumers interested in joining DirectBuy are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s business model and the benefits of buying direct. The Open House also helps consumers better understand how DirectBuy members avoid traditional retail markup when purchasing brand-name merchandise.

Since 1971, DirectBuy Club has been showing hundreds of thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the United States, and more than 500 in Canada.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service, and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

DirectBuy Franchise owner and family join “Team In Training” to raise money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma SocietyRead More

A fiver… DirectBuy of Greenville celebrates fifth anniversary.

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA…

For five years, DirectBuy Club has been offering consumers in the greater Greenville area a new way to save on home improvement projects, furnishings, and accessories.

“It may sound like a cliché but our five years here in Greenville have really gone by fast,” said Tom Akins, owner of DirectBuy of Greenville. “Part of that has been because we’ve been busy. The other part is that when you’re enjoying what you do, the time does fly. And it’s hard not to enjoy watching our members literally save thousands of dollars with their DirectBuy Club memberships.”

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy of Greenville offers products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers at direct insider prices. DirectBuy Club also offers design and delivery services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services, many times at a discounted rate.

“It hasn’t always been an easy economy in which to do business these past five years, but it’s reinforced our decision to own a DirectBuy Club,” said Akins. “We’re helping people save money and build the homes of their dreams. That has us looking forward to what the next five years will bring.”

Since 2005, DirectBuy of Greenville has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Conveniently located at 1327 Miller Road, Suite 103 in Greenville, DirectBuy Club offers consumers a comfortable setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the U.S. and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service, and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

A fiver… DirectBuy of Greenville celebrates fifth anniversary.Read More

Nothing casual about giving… DirectBuy employees donate proceeds from Spirit Day to Boys & Girls Club.

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

While casual days might be the norm for many companies in corporate America, the staff at DirectBuy’s Corporate Headquarters in Merrillville, Indiana, has turned the opportunity to wear jeans to work into a way to generate donations for local causes. For a $2 donation, DirectBuy employees purchase the right to dress down on a predetermined workday. The most recent casual day, or Spirit Day (as it’s referred to at DirectBuy), was held on Wednesday, March 17, 2010, and raised $3,254 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana (BGCNWI).

“Spirit Days have been very well received by our employees, but the fact that this one occurred on St. Patrick’s Day gave us the opportunity to make an event out of it,” said Candice Baeza, a team leader at DirectBuy’s Corporate Headquarters. “So, to really drum up donations and get in the spirit of the day, we served a traditional corned beef and cabbage lunch with a Green River punch and raffled off a Nintendo Wii for staff who participated.”

A special guest, Greg Reinholt, development manager for BGCNWI, drew the winning ticket held by Josie Gonzalez, an administrative assistant in DirectBuy’s IT department. “I kept telling everyone my name was going to be pulled, but I never really expected it to happen,” said Gonzalez.

In addition to drawing the winner of the Wii, Reinholt spoke to DirectBuy staff about BGCNWI and its special relationship with DirectBuy (in 2009, DirectBuy employees contributed more than $3600 to BGCNWI) and what their donations meant to the organization. He cited the story of Andrew King, a young man from Gary whose life was greatly impacted by his time spent at several Boys and Girls Clubs throughout his youth.

“I am very happy to be working with DirectBuy. We share a common set of values for our respective members in that we both pride ourselves on individual care, assuring our members receive excellent service,” said Reinholt. “A natural relationship has developed between our organizations and I believe it will be a long-lasting one. Already DirectBuy and its staff have been very generous – 2009’s gifts enabled 20 children to become members of the Clubs!”

 “Our Spirit Days are a lot of fun, especially ones that fall on a fun day like St. Patrick’s Day, but hearing Andrew King’s story really made an impression on everybody,” said Senior Director of Merchandise Services, Patti Titus. “In addition to having some fun and getting to wear jeans to work, our Spirit Days are making a difference to people in the communities in which we live and there’s certainly nothing casual about that.”

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service, and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

Nothing casual about giving… DirectBuy employees donate proceeds from Spirit Day to Boys & Girls Club.Read More

Barrie residents win $25,000 home makeover from DirectBuy

BARRIE, ONTARIO…

 When Gina and Rob Baxter received a notice in the mail telling them they had won $25,000 in DirectBuy’s Home Makeover Program, they thought it was just another advertisement and dismissed it as unimportant. Even once DirectBuy of Barrie Co-Owner Christine DeMarsh called the Baxters to let them know they really had won, they still didn’t believe it at first. “It took a few minutes to really sink in,” said DeMarsh. “Then they got really excited and thanked us over and over again.”

“We were speechless when we confirmed we had really won,” said Ron Baxter. “All we could think was, ‘WOW, what awesome news!’” Although the initial shock wore off, the Baxters were still excited days later at the cheque presentation ceremony. “They were ecstatic, and could barely contain their excitement,” said DeMarsh. “Rob was practically beaming while he discussed the renovations this would allow him and his wife to do on their home.” After paying off a credit card, the Baxters plan to use the rest of the money to install hardwood flooring, add a deck extension, and do some yard work, with hopes to do even more.

The Home Makeover Program is an exciting event for both the winners themselves as well as DirectBuy employees. “I was almost excited as the Baxters were,” said DeMarsh. “I felt like I had won to be part of this giveaway and see it change someone’s life.” And that’s just what the Home Makeover winnings have the potential to do: “This happened at a very good time. It really helps out and takes some major stresses away,” said Gina Baxter. “We’re really thankful to DirectBuy for this opportunity; it’s absolutely perfect that it happened to us.”

Over the past few years, DirectBuy has distributed more than a million dollars in prize money to both members and non-members as part of their Home Makeover Program, designed to help consumers create the home of their dreams.

DirectBuy of Barrie, located at 320 Bayfield Street, Unit 63, in Barrie, ON, offers consumers thousands of items including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions, and major appliances from more than 500 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers.

To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy of Barrie employs product specialists who are specially trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishings, Home Improvement, Flooring, Entertainment/Outdoor, and Accessories. Additionally, members benefit from the use of a children’s play area, café, and a members’ lounge to relax in while shopping.

About DirectBuy Club

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s unique business model. The Open House also helps consumers better understand how DirectBuy members avoid traditional retail markup when purchasing brand-name merchandise.

Since 1971, DirectBuy Club has been showing hundreds of thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada, and more than 700 in the US..

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service, and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

Barrie residents win $25,000 home makeover from DirectBuyRead More

Deerfield resident shoots and scores, wins Blackhawks tickets in DirectBuy Club contest.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, HOFFMAN ESTATES, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

As the leading home improvement and home furnishings club offering direct insider prices, DirectBuy Club has a goal of helping members get more for less. Deerfield resident Esra Ozdaryal found that out firsthand when she visited DirectBuy of Lake County in Gurnee, Illinois, to learn more about membership. After completing an Open House tour, she was entered into a raffle that eventually won her two tickets to the Chicago Blackhawks versus St. Louis Blues game on April 7, 2010.

“Congratulations to Esra Ozdaryal for winning the two tickets to the Blackhawks-Blues game,” said Darrell Richards, the Managing Partner of DirectBuy of Lake County. “Judging by the number of participants we had, this was no small accomplishment.”
 
The drawing was part of a special promotion put on by DirectBuy of Gurnee, DirectBuy of Chicago North, and DirectBuy of DuPage County. Leading up to the drawing on April 2, 2010, fans who attended an Open House during March at any of those DirectBuy Clubs received a piece of authentic NHL memorabilia and were entered into a drawing for the aforementioned tickets to the Blackhawks-Blues game (members of the general public were also invited to enter).
 
“The Hawks have been a hot commodity all year long and fans have been chomping at the bit for the playoffs to begin,” added Richards. “So there’s been quite a bit of interest from our members, guests and staff.

Due to a previous commitment, Esra could not attend the game. The tickets were then donated to the Chicago Boys & Girls Club. One of the Boys & Girls Club members, 16-year-old Shango, and an adult guardian attended the game.

DirectBuy Club offers everything hockey fans could possibly need to watch the game from home – flat screen TVs, recliners, and home theater seating, even kegerators for your den or entertainment room at direct insider prices from your favorite brands. In addition, each DirectBuy Club employs product specialists and designers who can help members create the “man cave” or entertainment room that works best for their home.

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Clubs have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories by purchasing from more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or authorized suppliers. With several convenient locations in the greater Chicago area (Chicago, Gurnee, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, and Tinley Park), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. The DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 150 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuy.com. 

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 Stonington Ave Ste. 150, Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Lake County, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

Deerfield resident shoots and scores, wins Blackhawks tickets in DirectBuy Club contest.Read More

Kent, Washington residents win $50,000 home makeover

Gordon and Christina Patchell (second and third from right) receive $50,000 check from DirectBuy of South Seattle staff.

KENT, WASHINGTON…

When Gordon and Christina Patchell walked into DirectBuy of South Seattle on March 5, 2010, they weren’t making their typical visit to the Club to shop. They were about to be handed a $50,000 check to makeover their home, thanks to the Home Makeover contest they entered while attending an Open House at DirectBuy.

“We were considering renovating our kitchen and heard some great things about the savings we could get through DirectBuy, so we decided to check it out,” said Mr. Patchell. “Now we can design the kitchen we’ve always wanted without squabbling over materials – suddenly what grade of granite to get won’t even be a point of debate.”

That kitchen remodel may have been the plan all along, Home Makeover winnings or not, but the Patchells intended to wait a few years before getting started – they knew they would do it “one day” but they were working on building their budget first. Now, with more than adequate funds to get going, they are moving full steam ahead.

“I’m thrilled that this is going to a family that will appreciate the benefits of a DirectBuy membership,” said Steve Pallagi, co-owner of DirectBuy of South Seattle. “I know what this will mean for Gordon and Christina and I’m really excited for them.”

“We were shocked and delighted when we found out we were the grand prize winners,” said Mrs. Patchell. “We both read the letter several times before the news sunk in – we never win anything big, so it was completely unexpected and astounding.” Pallagi was shocked when he found out as well, “This is the first time a DirectBuy Club in Washington has had a Home Makeover winner.”

The Patchells are excited to get started on their big kitchen project, but beyond that, they plan to use the rest of their winnings to redo some other areas of their home. “We are looking forward to making use of our membership,” said Mr. Patchell. “DirectBuy really came through for us.”

Over the past few years, DirectBuy has distributed more than a million dollars in prize money to both members and non-members as part of their Home Makeover Program, designed to help consumers create the home of their dreams.

DirectBuy of South Seattle, located at 7661 South 180th Street in Kent, WA, offers consumers thousands of items including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions, and major appliances from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers.

To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy of South Seattle employs designers as well as product specialists who are specially trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishings, Home Improvement, Flooring, Entertainment/Outdoor, and Accessories. Additionally, members benefit from the use of a children’s play area, café, and a members’ lounge to relax in while shopping.

About DirectBuy Club

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s unique business model. The Open House also helps consumers better understand how DirectBuy members avoid traditional retail markup when purchasing brand-name merchandise.

Since 1971, DirectBuy Club has been showing hundreds of thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service, and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

Kent, Washington residents win $50,000 home makeoverRead More

Spring now on deck…Get your deck ready for spring and summer entertaining.

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

To many homeowners, a deck project is an all-or-nothing proposition. You either rebuild or stand pat. Yet if you’re not in rebuild mode, a spring “makeover” can not only make your deck look better for entertaining, it can also preserve its long-term health.

“Whether you live in a cold or warm climate, winter can do a real number on a deck. So adding ‘cleaning and repairing the deck’ to your spring cleaning chore list is a pretty good idea,” said Mike Georgeff, of DirectBuy. “That can range from tightening loose boards and hammering loose nails, to cleaning your deck with a bleach solution to take care of mold and mildew that may have built up over the winter.”

If your deck is in need of a more thorough cleaning, you may want to consider purchasing or renting a pressure washer. And if it’s been more than a year or two since you stained your deck, a new coat with sealant is probably in order. Using a different color stain can literally create an entire new look for your deck and preserve it for the long haul.

Other than cosmetic changes, you may want to add some accessories and furniture to expand on the new look of your deck. Some relatively simple and cost-effective ideas include:

  • Replacing old lighting and/or installing new solar lights – classic wooden post caps or solar light caps can easily be glued on to give your deck a new look.
  • Add new furniture – consider different types of furniture for your deck: porch rockers, recliners, wicker armchairs, and love seats. End tables and coffee tables, items typically thought of for indoor use, can also make quite an impact outdoors.
  • Plants, plants, and more plants – fill planter boxes with vines and colorful flowers or load planters with ornamental grasses. Lightweight containers and soil-less planting mix makes moving plants around easier. To minimize maintenance, add water-retention polymers and slow-release fertilizer.
  • Carpeting – while carpeting an entire deck might be impractical, a rug underneath the table where meals will be eaten does provide a more comfortable experience for guests. It also protects the deck from scratches as people come and go from the table.
  • Cabinetry for the grill area – many grills come with built in storage space; you can really cut down the number of trips to the “indoor” kitchen by adding portable cabinets or storage units and shelving.

“By following some or all of these guidelines, you can makeover your deck in a weekend or two,” said Georgeff. “Even better, you can give your deck a new look without the investment of rebuilding your deck or adding on.”

DirectBuy Club offers many products to help with your deck makeover, including furniture, grills, lighting, and other accessories—all at direct insider prices. In addition, DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if you need assistance selecting products or advice on how to go about a home improvement project, you have seasoned professionals at your service.

 For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, you can visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

 About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

Spring now on deck…Get your deck ready for spring and summer entertaining.Read More