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The costs of materials for a deck have risen dramatically over the past few years , running anywhere between $ 15 and $ 35 per square foot depending on the type of material . Wooden decks are attractive , but they do require more maintenance and will have to be resealed every few years to give them maximum life . Both PVC and composite decks require significantly less work but aren ’ t entirely hassle-free . You should be sure to power-wash your deck 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 .
Homeowners are especially keen to add a fire feature 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 who don ’ t have the space for a fireplace , fire pits or fire tables make a great feature , with some creating a beautiful flame that glows through crystal rock . Tables are available in three different heights , with a lower coffee-table height , dining table , and bar height . Homeowners also have the option of selecting wood- or gas-burning fire pits .
The Great Outdoors
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 to maintain a cool house . This simple idea can really help keep your home comfortable 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 .
With an outdoor kitchen , grilling is not just for summer either . Having a cover for rainy days and outdoor heating available , it can be done virtually year-round . Although just a simple oven and grill can change the way you live , a sink with running water and a fridge can really make cooking outdoors convenient .
For entertaining , the outdoor kitchen offers a way to spend time with your guests while preparing the meal . There ’ s also an entire line of in-ground sound equipment and specially made outdoor TVs . The televisions are completely waterproof , and three times as bright as a normal TV so they can be viewed even in strong direct sunlight .
Make Your Bathroom a Great Escape
Though your bathroom may not spring to mind as the place to hold your next cocktail party , with the right accoutrements your bath can be a great place to hang out and enjoy life . And if you live with family members , it may be the only place in your house where you can truly be alone for a bit .
Besides just being a place to “ get ready ” to meet the day , it ’ s also a relaxing space to recharge your batteries after a long week at work . Hydrotherapy is one of the best ways to relieve stress and help tired , overworked muscles . With tons of specialized showerheads , you can have everything from the sprinkle of a gentle rain to an invigorating massage to bring your body back to center . And a nice relaxing bath in a soaker tub can make the world go away for a while .
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