Planning the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen Space

September 12, 20230

Planning the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen Space

An outdoor kitchen is a great addition to any deck or patio, allowing you to cook, entertain and dine outdoors. When planning an outdoor kitchen, consider the layout carefully, ensuring adequate countertop space for food prep and cooking, as well as storage for utensils, dishes, and pantry items. Think about traffic flow – you don’t want people crowding the grill master. Allow 3-4 feet clearance around grills and appliances.

Planning the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen Space Deck Builder Delaware County
Choose materials that can withstand the elements like stone, tile, stainless steel and weather-resistant woods like teak. Opt for surfaces that won’t get too hot in sunlight. Include some covered areas for shade and protection from rain.

Incorporate features like a sink, mini-fridge, grill, side burners, pizza oven, ice maker or kegerator based on how you’ll use the space. Pick durable, commercial-grade appliances designed for outdoor use.

Ensure proper ventilation, lighting and electrical outlets to support the kitchen’s functions. Use overhead string lights to illuminate counters and add ambiance.

If designing a built-in masonry outdoor kitchen, get help planning the layout from a landscape designer or contractor. Obtain all necessary permits and ensure proper gas and electric hookups if needed.

No matter the size, create zones for different tasks – a grill station, sink area, prep zone, dining space. Have a cleaning area with storage for supplies. Decide if counter space is better extended in an L-shape or U-shape based on the footprint.

If a deck is part of your outdoor kitchen plan, you’ll have a few extra considerations to throw into the mix.

Weather – It’s best to build a deck during the warmer months when there is less chance of rain, snow or extreme cold. This allows the wood to properly cure and lets the workers avoid slippery or freezing conditions. Late spring through early fall is generally the ideal timeframe.
Builder Availability – Deck builders tend to get booked up during peak construction season in summer. To ensure you can get on their schedule, try booking a few months in advance for a spring, summer or early fall build.
Cost – Prices on lumber and contractor labor may be higher during peak season. Building in the spring or fall can provide some cost savings.
Use – If you want to enjoy the deck all summer long, schedule the build in early spring. If you mainly want it for fall, a late summer or early fall build could work.
Curing Time – Freshly treated lumber needs several weeks to cure before sealing or staining. Keep this in mind so your deck is ready when you want to use it.
Permits – Check how long permit approval takes in your area. You don’t want this to cause delays in your builders schedule.

By planning all the details and features in advance, you can create the ultimate outdoor cooking and dining space perfect for your home and entertaining needs. Let me know if you need any other tips as you design your outdoor kitchen oasis!

Deck Additions

A Planner’s Guide to Scheduling a Deck Addition

August 14, 20230

A Planner’s Guide to Scheduling a Deck Addition

There are several factors that determine when the best time to undertake a deck construction project may be, and it is smart to weigh all these considerations thoroughly when settling on timing. Many homeowners’ instinct is to build the deck during the warm summer months so they can immediately start enjoying the new outdoor living space.

However, building in the peak of summer is often not the best option. Building in extreme heat can also be taxing on the construction crew. And summer is the most popular time for outdoor construction across all home improvement projects, so material costs are often higher due to increased demand. For these reasons, it is usually better to plan the deck build during the spring or fall instead. So what should you do then? Contact your contractor now and get on their schedule for fall or spring! Otherwise – they may very well be booked up.

Build your Deck in Spring

Late winter through early spring is an ideal window to begin planning the project and scheduling the contractor, as their calendars tend to book up once spring sets in. Building the deck in the spring when temperatures are mild provides plenty of comfortable working days for the build team.

Importantly, spring construction allows the wood to properly cure over several weeks before the hot summer sun potentially causes damage. Precipitation levels are also lower in spring compared to fall, minimizing delays. And planning the timing around spring can save money, as material costs are lower compared to peak summer. The key trade-off is that planning for a spring deck does require the homeowners wait several months before fully enjoying the new space, compared to building in late summer.

But if the priority is ensuring quality construction without delays, along with maximizing long-term durability, then undertaking the deck build in spring or early summer is likely the optimal choice. Taking the time to carefully consider all these factors will help homeowners determine the ideal timeframe to initiate their deck construction project.

Deck Additions

What Type of Deck Should I Add to My Home?

June 15, 20230

Decks, the ultimate outdoor sanctuaries, offer an expansive canvas for unleashing your creativity. Picture this: a magnificent space adorned with an outdoor kitchen, a bubbling hot tub, plush lounge furniture, or even a crackling fire pit. The possibilities are boundless! Yet, decks offer far more than a mere haven for outdoor enjoyment. They bestow upon your property a trifecta of desirability: heightened value, irresistible aesthetic appeal, and practical storage capacity. As an added perk, decks curtail the expanse of landscaping that demands constant upkeep.

Decking Material Choices

There are multiple choices available for your new deck. Depending on your home design, backyard and landscaping, one or more of these may be the right fit:

Pressure-Treated Wood
Cedar
Exotic or Hardwood
Fiberglass
Composite

Pool Deck

Elevating your poolside experience, wood decking emerges as a top selection. Its remarkable slip-resistance ensures safety for barefoot guests, while its comforting texture adds a touch of luxury. Unlike other materials, wood doesn’t retain excessive heat, maintaining a pleasant surface even on scorching days. However, be mindful of a minor consideration—wood requires treatment with a finishing sealer to prevent potential splinters. With this precaution in place, embrace the allure of wood decking and indulge in a poolside oasis like no other.

Alternatives to wood decking include:

Flagstone
Concrete
Travertine
Pavers
Acrylic
Brick
Composite

Style & Placement

Deck styles possess a remarkable ability to harmonize with homes, aligning in size, shape, and aesthetic grace. Each deck style exudes versatility, adapting effortlessly to various architectural wonders. However, certain deck styles possess a profound symbiosis with specific home types, weaving an intricate tapestry of design unity. The synergy between decks and homes becomes an art form, where the perfect pairing elevates both structures to breathtaking levels of beauty and coherence.

Low Square: Creates a seamless transition from your home to backyard, much like a patio. The perfect backyard extension in some situations.

Second Story: Perfect for the home with gorgeous trees and extensive natural surrounds to take in.

Custom Shapes: Large rectangle or square decks get a huge ‘flare’ bonus by adding an angled corner or two. Adding just that simple adjustment softens the lines and creates a bit of personality to your deck design. The same goes for curved designs, built in benches, wraparounds, and built in pergolas within a portion of your deck!

Multi-story: Usually these decks are an extension of your indoor space that flow outdoors and extend down to the ground floor, sometimes to a pool area. Fabulous for the hosting type property.

Regardless of the type of deck you choose, remember that it should be one that fits your life style and your home’s design. Make it one that your family will enjoy and you’ll never look back.

Tag: Decking