Outdoor Living Improvement Projects
Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2017
By:
Sequoia Supply
Categories:
Composite Decking
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Hardscape Features
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Deck Construction
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Fire Pits & Fire Tables
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Outdoor Kitchens
More and more Americans are embracing our outdoor living spaces and creating our own outdoor oasis. There is – perhaps – no greater place to embrace one’s time alone reflecting with nature, or creating priceless memories with family and friends.
Over the decades, Americans have embraced our outdoor spaces
to differing degrees. Not only has it been contingent upon one’s particular
outdoor surroundings, but also upon the economy, status and culture of our
country at any given time. We have never seen a greater surge of Americans expanding
our outdoor living lifestyles than in recent years.
Outdoor living spaces have been trendy for years with people
wanting the same experience on their deck or patio as they have in their living
room. Comfortable outdoor furniture, good music, well-placed TVs and – of course – good
eats! Here are the top five outdoor living improvement projects that Americans
are pursuing.
Outdoor Kitchens
The recent popularity of outdoor kitchens and dining has made
finding prefabricated outdoor kitchen kits and plans easy and affordable. Homeowners
continue to find new ways to add value to their homes by creating more
functional space, which is apparent in the rise in popularity of outdoor
kitchens. We evolved from being satisfied with hot dogs and burgers on the
grill in the 1950s, to steaks and barbecue on the grill in the 1960s, to fish and
shrimp on the grill in the 1980s, to vegetables and fruit on the grill in the
1990s. Food has taken a higher outdoor profile in the last several years, with
some folks not only wanting to grill, but to bake and sear and simmer and
serve. The sky has become the limit including outdoor refrigerators, sinks
with running water, granite countertops, cabinets, pizza ovens and much more.
Fire Pits
Adding a backyard fire pit can be a great enhancement to your
outdoor decor. Fire pits are a popular addition to backyards and patios as
a cozy gathering spot during outdoor time with friends and family or to add
drama and charm to golden evening hours. It’s a great way to extend your
enjoyment of your backyard or patio when temperatures fall in the evenings or
during cooler seasons when you normally stay indoors. Options include digging
your own pit and building it up with rocks or bricks as your ancestors did, or
popular and stylish free-standing fire pits and fire tables to match any décor and
lifestyle. Don’t make your choice lightly however. In addition to style, look
for high-quality, durable materials that will stand up to heat and the elements
and provide years of enjoyment, comfort, relaxation, and fellowship with those
close to you.
Composite Decks
There are dozens of low-maintenance quality composite decking options from
which to choose. The primary benefit being that you will never have to stain,
seal or paint the decking like wood materials. Design options are nearly
endless, with more being introduced annually from exotic wood appearance to
even simulated stone! Many composite decking companies have created products that
encapsulate the composite material with a thin layer of PVC or other
proprietary capstock for a hardened exterior shell that protects the material
from stain, mildew, scratching and UV fading. As the material is extruded it is
usually given a textured surface for slip resistance and appearance. Although
the initial cost of construction is certainly more than wood, composite decks cost
less over the lifetime of the deck when maintenance is factored in.
Hardscape Patios and Walls
Hardscaping is an attractive feature that offers many appealing
options for your outdoor oasis, from a rustic stacked wall to a fully developed
outdoor living room and kitchen. Once you've decided to create an outdoor
space, we can help you carefully plan to meet your hardscaping goals. It’s
important to do your research in advance. Fixed objects in the landscape don’t
move easily. As much as possible, consider the entire area available to you for
hardscaping before you design a single element. You may only be planning to put
in a patio now, but maybe your future plans include a barbeque, pond, kitchen,
bar, or walkway. Measures need to be taken in order to incorporate those
elements and make them flow together.
Outdoor Lighting Enhancements
Properly lighting your outdoor living space will transform it from
invisible to inviting. Outdoor lighting enhances the mood when you are under the moonlight,
adding hours of unforgettable quality time that can be enjoyed in your outdoor
oasis. When planned properly in advance and installed during the deck-building
process, low-voltage outdoor deck and railing lights provide a subtle,
functional, and complimentary glow that enhances your deck’s beauty and adds to
the ambiance. Proper landscape lighting is much more than putting a few solar
lights along the walkway. It is the creation of a mood and atmosphere in your
yard after dark. With various combinations of lighting types and styles, you
can turn your daytime yard into something magical at night. Landscape lighting
combines the practicality of outdoor lighting with the beauty of landscaping.
Tagged:Outdoor Kitchens, Fire Pits, Hardscaping, Outdoor Lighting, Composite Decks