HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
EXTRA SPACE IS ON DECK
One of the most inexpensive ways to add living space to your
home is the addition of an outdoor deck or patio. Having a great
outdoor space is like adding an extra room to your house. It can
be enjoyed by the whole family, or experienced in quiet solitude
as a retreat to the Zen of outdoor living.
If you like to entertain, then an outdoor space is a must. Guests
can spill out onto the patio, extending your home to allow more
freedom for guests to mingle, both inside and out.
Though the words “patio” and “deck” are often used
interchangeably, there is a difference. A patio is generally
constructed of stone pavers, tile or a simple concrete foundation
that sits squarely on the ground. Decks are usually made of wood,
PVC (also called vinyl) or composite, which has wood content
that has been encapsulated in a PVC wrap. Decks can either be
ground level or elevated. When considering which option is best
for you, you’ll want to look at the costs and also which one works
well with the style of your home. The good news is that regardless
of the option you choose, you’ll get a positive
return on your investment, somewhere
between 30% and 75%.
For a wood frame house, wooden, composite
or PVC decks can match the trim of your
existing home. Since wood can be painted, a
wooden deck offers the most color options;
however it will also require frequent repainting.
Both PVC and composite decks are available
in a wide range of earth tones to match your
home’s style.
PVC and composite decks require less
maintenance in the long run. Although
wooden decks run about $2 - $3 per square
foot, they do require more maintenance and
will have to be resealed every few years to give
them maximum life.
Both PVC and composite decks will run
an average of $8 - $9 per square foot. They
will require power-washing for cleaning, with
frequency depending on location. If the deck
26
724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
❘
icmags.com
is adjacent to trees and shrubbery, leaves and pollen
will settle on the frame and washing is required to
keep it looking sharp.
If your home is made of stone, you may opt for
a patio that is a continuation of the stone look, but
this also works well with a wood frame or brick
home. Patios work best in yards that are level,
while a deck can be placed pretty much anywhere,
including a hilly or uneven lawn.
Many homeowners add fire features to their
outdoor area, which functions as a gathering point
for both family and guests. Traditional wood-
burning fireplaces not only add physical warmth
and beauty, but emotional warmth as well.
Contemporary homeowners are opting for very
modern linear gas fireplaces, with smooth, clean
lines to mirror the style of their home.
For homeowners who don’t have the space for a
traditional fireplace, fire pits make a great feature,
creating a beautiful flame that glows through crystal
rock. They’re available in three different heights, with a lower
coffee table height, dining table and bar height. The homeowner
also has the option of selecting wood‑ or gas-burning fire pits.
OUTDOOR KITCHENS –
FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T STAND THE HEAT
When the summer heats up, the prospect of slow-cooking
a roast or searing some ribs is just not as appealing when you
know it’s going to heat up your house and drive up your air
conditioning bill. Take a tip from our pioneer ancestors who
baked their bread and cooked their meats outdoors in the
summer in order to maintain a cool house. This simple idea can
really help keep your home cool during the dog days of summer,
while saving you money on energy costs.
With an outdoor oven and grill, barbeques can be a
spontaneous dinner idea, rather than a major event that must be
Continued on page 29 >