SPECIAL SECTION: HOME IMPROVEMENT
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.
Vince Lorenzi, owner of Lorenzi Home Design Center, explains
that there are cost differences, but feels the PVC and composite
decks require less maintenance in the long run.
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
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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.
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