Having a lot of yard space can be a huge benefit when it comes to buying a new home. However, deciding how you’re going to constantly maintenance that yard over time can often make the added acreage more of a headache than a reward. Are there any options for creating an outdoor living area that doesn’t require as much upkeep? Yes! It’s a wonderful concept called hardscaping. If you want to build a lovely entertaining space outdoors that shouldn’t cost you countless hours of landscaping in the future, choose this option for a welcoming retreat that requires little maintenance. Here are some popular materials used for the process that might be ideal for your unique situation.

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Enhancing your backyard doesn’t get much better than installing new and fun amenities like streaming fountains, comfortable new lounge chairs or a stunning new patio set. However, nothing says modern and hip like installing a backyard firepit, a feature perfect for entertaining your friends and relaxing with loved ones. Unfortunately, many are capable of ruining their new outdoor fireplace before they’ve even owned it for long simply due to lack of information on how to properly use it. Here is a beginner’s guide to using your masonry fireplace the right way from the moment it’s installed.

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Do you spend a lot of time in your backyard during the summer months? Do you wish there was a way that you could enjoy the great outdoor when temperatures drop without freezing your butt off? Is there something missing from your landscape? If you answered yes, yes and yes again, you may need a backyard firepit.

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Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular as more and more homeowners seek ways to expand their living spaces to the great outdoors. If you are thinking about adding an outdoor kitchen to your home, keep the following tips in mind to ensure that the finished product is beautiful, functional and most of all, that it increases the value of your home.

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When most people think of home improvements, they think of improvements made indoors, but outdoor renovations can be just as valuable. Outdoor living is good for your mental and physical health, which is why it is so important to spend as much time as you can in the wide-open air. However, if your backyard is all muck and mud, it can be understandable if the last place you want to spend your free time is your yard. Fortunately, by making a few inexpensive changes—including adding patios, walkways and decks—you can transform your yard into an outdoor haven.

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Creating a green living area when remodeling or building anew, can feel overwhelming because “going green” is more than a philosophy. It incorporates the structure, the design, the materials, and even the way the project reacts with the sun’s path. Don’t let that deter you from having your architect help you create an eco-friendly outdoor addition. Green porches, decks, and patios can be environmentally friendly. Here are a few tips to help you move in the right direction.

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Outdoor tiles now come in a wide variety of colors, styles, textures, and materials; so many infact, that it can often be confusing to know what type of tiles can be used where. The tiles need to be sufficiently durable to withstand weather and traffic, hard enough to resist extreme weather, and suitably strong to last for years. Homeowners also want a masonry product that compliments their home’s style, yet is still functional and hard-wearing. Porcelain, slate, and travertine all have new looks and styles, so here are some helpful hints about choosing between the tiles.

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Flowers, shrubs and trees have long been the backbone of a beautiful yard but they aren’t the only way to create something gorgeous. In recent years, hardscaping has become quite popular and for good reason. Check out these gorgeous ways to add hardscapes to your yard.

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When it comes to choosing flooring, materials like ceramic, carpet and hardwood likely come to mind. These tried and true materials have been used in homes for years, though each of these materials has its own pros and cons. However, polished concrete is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to these traditional flooring choices. No longer just for sidewalks and buildings, consider the benefits of this medium for your next flooring project.

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Making your concrete colorful has the potential to make something that is normally basic that much more appealing. It is important to learn about the different options available in order to make the best selection. Below are some tips about different projects you can pursue to make your concrete hardscape a little more aesthetically pleasing.

 

Give Your Concrete an Antique Look — You might try doing this to reveal the interesting patterns in your concrete. This method may be combined with different methods of coloring, which makes it versatile and opens up many possibilities for creativity. The aesthetic value of this method comes from the way the colors interact with the ridges and nooks, as the antiquing powder or liquid is applied after the concrete hardscape is poured but before it has anything else done to it. [Read more…]