Protecting Neighborhood Landscapes Since 1880 .
· Quality Tree Pruning & Removal
· Tree & Shrub Fertilization · Lawn Care
· Insect & Disease Management
· Landscape Maintenance & Planting
· Certified Arborists · Free Consultations
HIC # PA012574R
724-209-5277 South Pittsburgh . www . davey . com
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 , it 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 .
Vince Lorenzi , owner of Lorenzi Home Design Center , explains that there are cost differences , but feels that PVC and composite decks require less maintenance in the long run .
He says wooden decks will run about $ 2 to $ 3 per square foot . These are attractive , but 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 to $ 9 per square foot . They will require power-washing for cleaning , with frequency depending on location . If the deck is adjacent to trees and shrubbery , leaves and pollen will settle on the frame , so 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 .
According to Marci Buckiso of The Fireplace and Patioplace , a local expert in furnishing outdoor living spaces , homeowners are especially keen to add fire features to their outdoor area , functioning 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 those homeowners who don ’ t have the space for a traditional fireplace , firepits make a great feature , creating a beautiful flame that glows through crystal rock ,” says Buckiso . And 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 a wood- or gas-burning firepit .
OUTDOOR KITCHEN SPLENDOR
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 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 .
24 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags . com