IN Fox Chapel Area Spring 2020 | Page 53

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. Sani-Products Pest Control Protecting Residential & Commercial Properties Since 1950 DON’T LET THESE SILENT DESTROYERS TAKE DOWN YOUR HOME THIS SPRING! BED BUGS | CARPENTER ANTS | ROACHES BEES | RODENTS | TERMITES CALL FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE TODAY 412-322-5900 • www.bugmuggers.net Sani-Products Pest Control • 842 E Ohio St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 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 planned days in advance. The grilling process gives steaks, chicken, fish and pork a wonderful smoked flavor, while reducing the overall fat content. And it’s not just meats that can benefit from grilling. Bell peppers, onions, zucchini and tons of other vegetables take on a wonderful flavor when tossed lightly with olive oil, wrapped in foil and cooked on a grill. Continued on next page > FOX CHAPEL AREA ❘ SPRING 2020 51