Outdoor Living
It’s never the wrong time of year to think about outdoor living in any climate. Long-term planning never hurt anyone, and it usually makes the end result better. The more you know, the smoother it goes, in theory. Really, the fewer surprises, the better, in any large project, so read up. Talk to a professional concrete contractor about details before selecting materials and devising an outdoor project. Know what you want so that costly mistakes do not destroy your outdoor living dream. Whatever has to be hooked up in an outdoor kitchen should be cleared and approved ahead of time. Gas lines, water and electricity may be involved, and the overall plan should be established to accommodate the placement of these utilities.
Google.com has millions of pictures online where you can get some inspiration. There is almost no end of ideas for all parts of outdoor living. More pictures than you ever dreamed of seeing will at least help rule out things you don’t want and probably show you things you can’t live without. What does this have to do with concrete? Most outdoor living spaces are be made of concrete. The outdoor barbecue, walls, floors and even furniture can be made of concrete. Sinks, patios and spaces for firewood are made of concrete and look like specially made custom designed items. There are so many different styles, designs and colors of concrete, much of it doesn’t even look like concrete.
Stone is very expensive, but concrete can be made to look like stone. Polished concrete and stamped concrete is usually used on indoor floors and looks like marble, but it could be used somewhere in an outdoor room. Logos for floors and personalized theme motifs can be inlaid on a concrete floor, whatever the finish. Matching colors, complementary colors, and contrasting colors are possibilities for any decor you choose.
Concrete can be made to look like brick, tile, granite and wood for many decor options. Counter-tops made of concrete are in demand now and stand up to wear. Concrete sinks and basins are mostly seen indoors, but they’re perfect outdoors. Those who favor contemporary design may opt for smooth, gray concrete for the entire outdoor room. For variety, there can be a different type of surface for every part of the outdoor room. Each part can have its own surface, whether it’s a sink, floor, wall, oven, storage space or bench.
Throw out ideas randomly and write them down. Pare down the list with the most favorable ideas. Find out about codes for running utility lines in your area. Consider a layout and pick out colors and materials. Map it out on paper. Talk to contractors and get estimates. Think about it some more. Make changes when necessary and get a final plan. Decide on a contractor and talk about the reality of your plan and cost. Pick a starting time and get going.
It sounds so reasonable and rational, doesn’t it? It’s not that simple. Make it easier by letting the contractor do the work of getting permits and finding out about local codes and the reality of making the plan come to life. Concrete contractors know about this kind of plan, and would be involved in creating most of it if it is mostly concrete. Here’s the real kicker; they know slopes.
Outdoor rooms must be level just like indoor rooms, and concrete cannot be laid until the site is ready. That’s the beauty of hiring a professional concrete contractor. They level a site, figure out drainage and set it up. Without proper drainage, the outdoor room cannot begin to happen. It is wise to go with a company that has many years of experience and reasonable prices.
Call Us Today — We Do Concrete Cheap If you’re located in North Carolina or Southern Virginia, let’s talk soon. We’d be delighted to discuss your ideas for sprucing up your backyard and getting a brand new concrete patio installed. We invite you to pick up the phone and give us a call at 919-454-3927. We’ll get you a fast, reliable estimate as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.
