Expert Advice on Home Improvement TV Host of Emmy®-Nominated Today's Homeowner® and home expert for The Weather Channel

(634) Outdoor Entertaining

Decks and Patios, Lawn and Garden, Exterior, Today's Homeowner, Landscaping & Design Published 07/30/2007 by Danny Lipford

---

---

Danny shares some ideas to help you transform your backyard into a comfortable outside living space complete with an outdoor kitchen for entertaining or simply feeding the family.

Two different approaches to creating an outdoor entertaining area are looked at in the episode. The first one includes an existing pool, covered patio and a new brick outdoor kitchen with stainless appliances, fireplace and granite countertops all of which seamlessly become an extension of the already great-looking backyard. The second project involves building an approximately 1000 sq. ft multi-level deck using TimberTech TwinFinish composite decking with a new concealed fastener system. The 3-level deck also includes a covered bar, swing and benches.

Although very different projects, each looks at how to address foundation and drainage issues as well as how to choose the right materials and when to hire a pro. Without a doubt both homeowners spent much time planning their projects and it shows.

I thought this show would never make it out the door! Seems like there was one delay after the other when it came to building the composite deck down in the St. Pete area. After several delays, though, it finally got kicked off and we were able to meet up with the homeowners and contractor and start shooting footage. The Timbertech material is awesome, to put it mildly. I know it costs more to use composite materials, but it sure is worth the extra cost when you look at the next-to-nothing maintenance you’ll have by using it.

While we’re on the subject of decks, this is one of the most attractive methods for adding an outdoor entertaining space and, in essence, adding on to the square footage of your home. But before you run out and buy some lumber, here are a few things you should consider.

• Before you do anything, make sure you know what you can and can not do in relation to your local building codes. This is especially true for all you do-it-yourselfers out there. Structural stability, location and size are main factors to consider before the first post goes in place.
• Don’t overbuild the deck. A huge deck next to a small house simply doesn’t work. If you really think you need a lot of extra space, build the deck in several layers. This will break up the expanse and also add some character to your entertaining area.
• Spend more for low maintenance. I know I already said it, but it bears repeating. This is especially true if you do a lot of entertaining. The deck needs to be able to stand up to traffic, moving furniture back and forth, kids, pets, line dancing….you get the picture.
• Shy away from boring lines in the deck boards. Mix and match the layout to have some diagonal patterns, inlaid designs or other features to bring some life to your deck. Give it personality!
• Consider functionality. Adding built-in benches, planters even built-in cup holders in the railing can enhance your entertaining space.

Sometimes the biggest hurdle is designing the deck and creating the materials list you need. All I can say is thank goodness for the Internet! Check out this free design service. It won’t provide you everything to really customize and personalize your deck, but it sure is a great starting point.

Finally, for homes without decks, don’t forget that even the simplest additions can create a fabulous entertaining area outside, if only for one or two people! A spot for a couple of chairs and a chiminea, maybe a water feature or a bench beneath an arbor can provide a very nice spot to enjoy the outdoors. Again, look for hints online to create your space. Here’s another website for choosing a chiminea.

Other Tips From This Episode