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, with smooth, clean lines to mirror the style of their home.
“For those 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,” 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
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.
Continued
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