Adding a well-built deck instantly raises the value of a home. Summer proves a busy season for deck builders as homeowners realize how much having one could add to their enjoyment of their yards. Contemporary decking differs from the porches of the 1940s or 1950s.
Today’s deck designs range from outdoor decks with benches to full outdoor kitchens with dining areas built-in. For areas with variable weather, like the Carolinas, where it’s sunny during the mornings but often rains in the afternoons, consider an outdoor covered deck. This deck design also works well in areas that experience snow since it allows you to enjoy the deck and weather protection.
Deck Entertainment Ideas
Whether you construct an outdoor kitchen or a sitting deck only, make the deck wide enough to place a BBQ grill on it. This feature lets you cook next to where everyone eats and enjoy conversation while you grill. Consider erecting your deck before Memorial Day to kick off summer with a BBQ and use it as the dining area for an Independence Day celebration.
Set aside a corner of your deck for a chiminea. As fall approaches, it helps you keep warm while enjoying a Labor Day cookout. Welcome pumpkin season by burning leaves in the chiminea, a great way to keep your yard clean and reduce spending on firewood. Celebrate the first official day of fall with mulled cider, pumpkin pie, and a fire in the chiminea.
How Pools and Landscaping Add to Your Outdoor Enjoyment
Homes with well-landscaped yards and outdoor living spaces can provide excellent environments for relaxing and entertaining. According to a Houzz study, 56% of the participants were planning to update their yards for the express purpose of having a nicer place to entertain. There were several popular additions that homeowners chose to enhance these areas, along with purchasing appliances like outdoor gas grills.
Popular Projects for Outdoor Living Spaces
The 2014 Houzz Spring Landscaping Trends Study revealed that 83% of the survey’s participants believed their backyards were “an ideal entertaining space.” During the same year, landscape architects were asked to project the popularity of different types of outdoor residential design elements. According to their 92% rating, kitchens and entertainment spaces were in second place as popular choices for enhancing outdoor living spaces. IHomes with well-landscaped yards and outdoor living spaces can provide excellent environments for relaxing and entertaining. According to a Houzz study, 56% of the participants were planning to update their yards for the express purpose of having a nicer place to entertain. There were several popular additions that homeowners chose to enhance these areas.
In addition to adding barbecues or grills to their backyard entertaining spaces, Houzz data also showed that 14% of homeowners had outdoor kitchens built.
Whether homeowners are planning to put their houses on the market or live there for years to come, it’s important to note that adding an outdoor kitchen can raise a house’s value and bring a substantial return on investment. This return can be as much as 100% to 200%, which is substantial.
Include a Swimming Pool
Swimming pools can also be an excellent addition for outdoor entertaining. In the United States, for example, swimming is the fourth most popular activity or sport. It’s even more popular with children and teens, who consider it to be their favorite activity. Given this, having an in-ground or above-ground pool built can provide hours of fun and relaxation. It’s also an excellent form of exercise.
In-ground pool liners tends to last an average of five to 12 years. Above-ground pool liners will usually last six to ten years. It’s important to schedule regular maintenance and repairs for pools. Even though it occurs slowly, pool plaster does degrade. Pools can also become stained and etched. It usually takes approximately ten to 15 years for a pool’s surface to degrade, however. At that time, pool owners will want to have a new coat of plaster applied to rejuvenate its appearance.
Pools should have a screen enclosure surrounding them to maximize safety. These should be four-sided isolation fences that are a minimum of five feet tall. Self-closing and self-latching gates are an important safety feature. When pools are completely surrounded with a screen enclosure, it can prevent someone such as a young child or household pet from accessing the pool from the yard or house.
Schedule a Consultation With Your Local Contractor
Whether you want to add an outdoor kitchen, a pool, or both, it’s time to schedule a consultation with your local contractor. At this time, you can discuss other features that you may be interested in, such as a grill or spa. If you already have a pool that needs new plaster or other repairs, your contractor can take care of this as well. In case your pool doesn’t have a screen enclosure, it would be a good idea to have one installed at your earliest convenience.
