Time to start thinking about next years backyard makeover!

www.rickrobinsonhomes.com

Time to start thinking about next years backyard makeover!

I know it is winter time now but that means that while everyone in the cold climates are stuck indoors and getting cabin fever already, we can start to imagine our backyard makeover for next summer….

Maybe you have always wanted a pool or maybe a portable spa?

Some of you may already have these items but need to give your back yard a facelift, how about a new deck or patio?

One of the most common makeovers is the patio or deck; these can be made from all different kinds of material,

    ·       wood

          ·       treks decking

·        pavers

                                             ·       Concrete the options are plentiful.

First thing you need to do is decide how big or small of a deck or patio you need or want. When it comes to spas a good rule is to have the patio at least 3 feet larger than the spa itself to have some walking room around it.

Another great makeover idea is landscaping, I love to see backyard gardens around a pool or spa they just add some peacefulness to the area, I think so anyway.

·       When considering landscaping it is best to hire a professional to do the layout and install as most of the contractors have a detailed education and experience in these matters and can give you some great ideas.

Lighting is also a great mood enhancer. There are several lighting options as well.

                    ·       Spot lighting to highlight a beautiful tree or the house itself.

·       Low level garden lights to accent a walking path

               ·       Stick lights to go around the perimeter of the deck or spa

               ·       Paver lights. Designed to be flushed with the pavers but illuminate

                      ·       Step lighting for wood or treks decking, a lighted step area for safety when going up or down the steps.

Fire pit area is one of my favorite things to do as well. There are several types of these you can choose from.

          ·       Wood burning

·       Propane

     ·       Natural Gas

                                                ·       Outdoor fireplace (also wood burning)

No matter what your ideas are; start thinking now about what you would like to do so you will have plenty of time to design and re-design the plans (believe me you will be glad you started now).

Until Next Time….

"Spring Is Here, time to replace that grill"

www.rickrobinsonhomes.com

"Spring Is Here, time to replace that grill"

Well finally winter is officially over, at least by the calender. Now it is time to once again start to think about the backyard and what to do with it this year.

I love this time of year, I finally get out of my winter funk and I am glad to get outside and feel the fresh air in my lungs.

I think this year is a great time to replace my grill. I have seen all the new Weber grills this year and they look great. If you have not seen the newer models yet you should get out and check them out. The redesigned the Spirit series this year to include front control knobs and redesiged cart. Lets look at all the new features of the Spirit Grill from Weber:


Spirit 210

Spirit 210 has collapsible side tables and front control knobs. It is a more sleek design for those people who do not have a good size area to put a grill.
Height: 25.6 in
Width:  32.3 in
BTU :   26,500 per hour input
Retail $399.00 in most stores
Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates. This model is not available in Natural Gas though. All in all a great buy for the money.





Spirit 310

Spirit 310 has 529 sq. in. of total cooking area it offers plenty of grilling space, (424 sq. in.) of primary cooking area and (105 sq. in.) of warming rack area it has enough room for everyone.
It has 3 stainless steel burners.
32,000 BTU-per-hour input
Height: 25.6 in
Width: 32.3 in
 Retail $499.00 in most stores
This one is my choice since I would like to have the higher BTU rating.

Either grill will bring you years of outdoor cooking enjoyment and they can be found everywhere. Parts are easily attainable thru your merchant or just call Weber 365 days a year and they will help point you in the right direction. I have had nothing but great comments from my customers about Weber and I own one myself and will continue to buy them.

Until Next Time...

It's Not Just a Grill, It's an Island!

www.rickrobinson.kwrealty.com

Request's are coming in for info on grill island's. Here are some tips on researching this subject. Remember when you are building a grill island you must use a grill insert as apposed to a free standing grill. This is due to the insert models are vented a certain way so you don't overheat the inside of the island and potentially cause a fire. Always consult a professional. 

You have the pre-assembled island's that come in many different sizes and shape's but you must choose from their selection. Cal Spas has a nice selection of these. You can choose the tile and or stucco design and color, from their selection.
Next, you can hire a landscape architect to design an island and buy the stainless insert items( side burner, bar tender, fridge, etc.) locally and have the landscaper install them. With this option you can design whatever you want and choose the type of material used. This can become on the expensive side depending on the material used, but you will achieve exactly what you want.

There are companies that sell the stainless steel grill inserts and accessories that also will design and build an island to your specifications. Alfresco has a very nice grill selection and accessory line up. And they use stucco or brick for the exterior and granite or stone for the top. They use metal studs for their framing. I have seen the final product and it's very well built. You can go to their website and find a dealer that is near you. You also have the freedom of shaping the island as you see fit which becomes one stop shopping.

Do some research and decide which way works best for you if you have any questions send me an e-mail and I will answer any of your questions. Let me know what you think.

Until Next Time...