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 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 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. With a covering for rainy days and outdoor heating
available, it can be used virtually year round. Although just
a simple oven and grill can change the way you live, a sink
with running water and an added fridge can really make
cooking outdoors convenient.
For entertaining, the outdoor kitchen offers a way that
you can 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 for
entertaining. The televisions are completely waterproof and
three times as bright as a normal TV, so they can be viewed
even in strong direct sunlight.
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MURRYSVILLE ❘
SPRING 2020
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