SPECIAL SECTION: HOME IMPROVEMENT
He says wooden decks will run about $2 - $3 per square foot. These
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 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 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.
According to Marci Buckiso of The Fireplace and Patioplace,
and local expert in furnishing outdoor living spaces, homeowners
are especially keen to 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, w