HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
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.
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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
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