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Give Dad What He Really Wants This Father’s Day

Are you struggling with a gift idea for Father’s Day? Your dad is important, and we know that you want to give him something that he will love! What better gift to treat your dad with than an outdoor kitchen? If he already has one, no worries! We have plenty of ideas for items he can add to it. Keep reading below for ideas on what to gift your dad this Father’s Day that he will really love!

Grill
What’s an outdoor kitchen without a grill, right? A built-in gas grill is definitely a must-have for an outdoor kitchen! When determining what type of grill to buy, think about the maximum amount of people you’ll be feeding. Being able to cook a majority of the meat or vegetables at once helps to keep the food hot when it is time for dinner to be served.

Countertops
You will need space to prepare your gourmet meals, so be sure that there is plenty of countertop space. If you have everything crammed together, it could mess with dad’s culinary creativity and nobody wants that! Be sure that he has plenty of elbow room and that you choose countertops that can withstand outdoor elements.

Pizza Oven
Talk about outdoor kitchen must-haves! Whoever gets tired of pizza? Definitely not us! An outdoor pizza oven is compact, reliable, and pretty inexpensive. Plus, it will be some of the best pizza you have ever made at home!

Kegerator
You may be speaking to dad’s heart if you show up on Father’s Day with a Kegerator. A kegerator is a cost-effective draft beer dispenser. You keep the keg in a refrigerated environment which then allows it to remain fresh and carbonated for an extended period of time. Plus, you can’t have an outdoor party without some beer!

Wet Bar and Sink
For times when one bottle of wine isn’t enough for your guests, you’ll be ready with a bar and stools! You can operate the grill while someone else tends the bar serving drinks, including your own. The bar also serves as additional space to eat once your outdoor table fills up. You’ll also need a sink outside to make cleanup easy! This can be added to the bar area.

Fireplace
Grilling out doesn’t have to be just a summer gig when there’s a fireplace by the outdoor kitchen. Stay warm and cozy as the air cools down and enjoy great food while you are at it!

An outdoor kitchen or outdoor kitchen accessories as a Father’s Day gift is really a win for everyone! Dad will be anxious to use his new gift which means he may invite you over to grill out soon!
Give Outdoor Hardscapes a call today at (251) 214-9166! We will help your hardscape dream ideas come to life. We have the experience and know-how to create amazing outdoor spaces and we will take your outdoor living to the next level. Visit our website at www.outdoorhardscapesgroup.com or email chaves716@gmail.com.

© Southern View Media 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don’t Get Left Behind.”

Top Considerations When Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen

Nothing says “summer is here” like the smell of food cooking on the grill. Friends and family will gather around the table and enjoy what you have prepared. But what if your outdoor cooking space isn’t up to par? Here are some ideas to consider if you are planning to bring your kitchen outdoors.

Space

You may have big ideas for designing the ultimate entertaining space, but unfortunately, the outdoor extension of your home may not accommodate all of you plans. If you have a small outdoor patio, consider the proper size of your grill, furniture and storage needs for your equipment.

Whether it’s just the two of you or if you expect to have several guests at a time, it’s important to think about seating arrangements. An outdoor entertainment space is never complete without proper furniture. Dining tables these days can seat up to ten or more. The addition of an island or bar can also provide additional seating for guests.

Design for Weather

When designing your new outdoor kitchen, consider your area’s climate and how the elements may affect your space. Pick the proper weatherproof materials for your countertops and cabinets. Also, choose furniture and appliances that can literally weather any storm.
Protecting your guests and from summer’s heat is also important. Large, offset umbrellas will give everyone enough cover from the sun while pergolas will not only give an amazing aesthetic to your space but can also provide a nice shade.

Types of Appliances

A bigger outdoor space will allow for more choice for your outdoor kitchen. If you have decided to add an island or an extended bar to your kitchen, think about adding a built-in mini fridge, food prep station and a sink. If this sounds excessive, you will thank me when you experience the convenience this provides.

Size doesn’t matter as much when it comes to your grill, a smaller gas or charcoal grill will definitely get the job done. A portable grill in small space is handy if you are limited on seating arrangements.

Consider the Cost

Budgeting can be your friend or foe when it comes to any addition to your home. A bigger space may need a bigger budget and may also requirement calling in reinforcements. Consult with a licensed contractor and get the permits needed if you are adding on to your home.
A smaller space will require fewer cooks in the kitchen but don’t skip the design elements. A budget-friendly space can still have most of the bells and whistles of a professional chef’s kitchen but on a smaller scale.
Think about other items that may add to your budget such as materials for countertops, lighting, utilities, the type of gas you will be using, and the size of cabinets for storage.

Give Outdoor Hardscapes a call today at (251) 214-9166! We will help your hardscape dream ideas come to life. We have the experience and know-how to create amazing outdoor spaces and we will take your outdoor living to the next level. Visit our website at www.outdoorhardscapesgroup.com or email chaves716@gmail.com.

© Southern View Media 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don’t Get Left Behind.”

Plunge Pools vs. Traditional Swimming Pools

The warm weather is approaching, which means it is pool season! If you don’t currently have a pool of your own, but have desperately wanted to install one, you are not alone. However, choosing the right type of pool for your home can be extremely stressful. Keep reading below as we discuss the difference between a plunge pool and a traditional swimming pool. This should help you narrow down your choice of what pool you want to be swimming in!

Traditional Pools
A traditional pool typically has neat, symmetric lines and look like your standard rectangular lap pool. However, many homeowners have started upgrading their traditional pool designs to more modern styles. While a traditional pool is not the most appealing, it is very practical and perfect to use for exercise. If you have a lot of room in your backyard and are looking forward to swimming big laps, a traditional pool will be the right fit for you! Traditional pools are typically made from sandstone, granite, and marble.

Plunge Pool
A plunge pool is a small, shallow pool that is built for the purpose of lounging, wading, and cooling off. Plunge pools are a great alternative to a traditional pool if you are looking more to “chill” and not as much for exercise. Many homeowners prefer plunge pools because their costs are lower, smaller in size, easier to maintain, and reduce water requirements. Due to the limited dimensions, plunge pools are shallow and take up less space. This is beneficial if you have a smaller lot. Many plunge pools can be upgraded with water features that look like fountains and waterfalls. Plunge pools are extremely popular in places like France and Europe due to them being economical, easy to maintain, and less water usage. Although you cannot swim big laps like you could in a traditional pool, you can perform low-impact exercises. For instance, you can perform exercises that focus on stretching your arms, legs, and abdominal muscles – rather than cardio from swimming laps.

As you can tell from the above, there are many benefits to have a plunge pool and there are many benefits to having a traditional swimming pool. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your home and your lifestyle. If you are looking for something a little smaller, easy to maintain, and lower in cost, a plunge pool may be best for you. However, if you have a bigger yard and are wanting to get in some laps around the pool, then a traditional pool is the route for you! If you have any questions, Outdoor Hardscapes has you covered. Reach out to us today and we will assist you as best as possible!

Give Outdoor Hardscapes a call today at (251) 214-9166! We will help your hardscape dream ideas come to life. We have the experience and know-how to create amazing outdoor spaces and we will take your outdoor living to the next level. Visit our website at www.outdoorhardscapesgroup.com or email chaves716@gmail.com.

© Southern View Media 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don’t Get Left Behind.”

What are the best outdoor kitchen countertops?

Outdoor kitchens are all the rage. They can add years to your home enjoyment. Whether you are beginning to raise your family or heading into retirement, outdoor kitchens double the fun.

There are many considerations in designing this space. One big one is what type of countertop will suit your needs. The same countertops that work well inside will not translate to the outdoor elements. Take some time going over your options and reading the considerations below. This will help you turn your dream outdoor kitchen into a reality for years to come.

3 considerations before choosing your countertop

  1. Your climate: certain materials do not hold up well to freezing or heavy UV light.
  2. Your use: will you use this for light entertaining, rowdy super bowl parties, or everything in between?
  3. Your budget: how much are you able to spend? Keep in mind installation costs.

3 good choices for outdoor kitchen countertops

Concrete

Concrete countertops are extremely popular right now. Especially for outdoor spaces, they are a top choice. Durable, clean-cut and with a favorable price point of about $100 a square foot, concrete meets most homeowners’ needs. It’s also available with add-ons like drain sinks and a multitude of beautiful colors and stains. But beware: as easy as concrete can be on the back end, installing it can be tricky. This is one area you do not want to DIY. Improper installation of concrete countertops can cause cracking later. Even when reinforced with steel, cracking can occur. About 2-5 years in the concrete will crack and even break if improperly installed to start. The bottom line? If your heart is set on concrete, take the time to find and invest in an experienced, reputable installer.

Stone

Second in line of popularity for outdoor kitchen spaces is stone. Stone countertops are beautiful and generally durable. They can also be versatile and allow you to translate your inside look to the outdoors if stone is part of your indoor decor. However, certain stones are more porous than others. Why is this important? Consider that there will most likely be more spills and mishaps outside. Barbeque sauce, red wine, marinades used as you grill-all of these can cause stains in porous stone countertops. These are tough to remove.

In terms of stone, granite is a fairly safe choice. Just like other types of stone it can be a bridge between your indoor and outdoor decor which is a lovely touch. Granite is durable and stands tall against the outdoor elements. The one detail to steer away from in your granite choices? Heavy veining. Certain epoxies and fillers are used to achieve the look of veining in granite-and these fillers have a negative reaction to outdoor UV light. The result is a change in the color and look of the granite you chose. Stones will cost you about $50-$120 per square foot.

Tile

Tile is by far the least costly of outdoor kitchen countertop materials, coming in at about $10-$30 per square foot. This is a shoe-in if you are on a tight budget. Tile is very versatile as well. You can do patterns or mimic a stone look. Tile is fairly easy to install. Watch your grout choices closely, though, and hire a professional to install. Certain grout choices do not stand up to elements well, especially freezing weather.

Making the right countertop choice for your outdoor kitchen will bring you years of headache-free outside enjoyment.

Give Outdoor Hardscapes a call today at (251) 214-9166! We will help your hardscape dream ideas come to life. We have the experience and know-how to create amazing outdoor spaces and we will take your outdoor living to the next level. Visit our website at www.outdoorhardscapesgroup.com or email chaves716@gmail.com.

© Southern View Media 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don’t Get Left Behind.”

Our FAQ About Pavers Answered

At Outdoor Hardscapes, we have many years of pavers installation experience. Due to many satisfied customers, we take pride in ourselves when it comes to being knowledgeable about pavers, their benefits, and all types of paving. For more information regarding pavers, keep reading below.

What is the history of paving stones?

According to history, Romans were the first ones who built the first cobblestone superhighway, which still works today.

What are pavers made out of?

Interlocking concrete and precast concrete pavers are made out of cement and rock materials known as a fine and coarse aggregate.

How long do pavers last?

According to a majority of manufacturers, pavers are made to last a lifetime. When purchasing your paver, be sure to check the manufacturer’s warranty.

What are the different paver types?

There are multiple paver types: smooth pavers textured pavers and tumbled pavers. Smooth pavers have a smooth surface with square corners. Textured pavers have a textured surface, which causes them to have an expensive look. Tumbled pavers have chiseled corners. These chiseled corners have an antique and distressed look.

Paver or stamped concrete?

Even though stamped concrete is easy to install, it is subject to frequent cracking. Pavers are more durable, flexible, and resistant to UV light and changes in weather. In addition, pavers are slip resistant, easily repaired, and require very minimal maintenance.

Natural stone pavers and concrete paver

Natural stone pavers are primarily cut from real rock, concrete pavers are man-made and are made of concrete and many other materials. Concrete pavers are made in a vast array of shapes and colors.

How long does it take to install pavers?

Installation is dependent on the size of the project, but for the average size, driveway pavers can be installed in around one week.

How are concrete pavers installed?

When getting a concrete paver, your contractor will check for an underground obstacle. Once it has been checked, the base material will be installed, along with, concrete borders, bedding sand, the pavers and run a compactor over the area.

What is the best maintenance for concrete pavers?

In order to keep the best maintenance for your paver, you should keep it swept, washed with water often, or you should schedule professional maintenance.

Pavers have many benefits and will add timeless appeal to any residential or commercial property. If you have any further questions regarding pavers, feel free to reach out to Outdoor Hardscapes. We will be happy to further assist you!

Still, have questions about pavers?  Give Outdoor Hardscapes a call today at (251) 214-9166! We will help your landscape and hardscape dream ideas come to life. We have the experience and know-how to create amazing outdoor spaces and we will take your outdoor living to the next level. Visit our Outdoor Living Area.

© Southern View Media 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don’t Get Left Behind”