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Five Top Trends In Patio Designs

April 14, 2010 By Peter Leave a Comment

(ARA) – When does a trend become a tradition? With continued interest in creating great outdoor living spaces, the trend for jazzing up the backyard may just be on the verge of becoming a staple of the American home, and as much a requirement as a great kitchen or welcoming bath.

And every summer it seems homeowners find new ways to create a “wow effect” in their outdoor living spaces. The outdoor experts at ConcreteNetwork.com point to five hot trends in patio designs to help elevate your backyard patio from a nice patch of bricks to your favorite spot to entertain and relax this summer:

Patio with a fireplace

Patio with a fireplace

1. Make the backyard a destination

More people are foregoing costly summer vacations in favor of sinking that travel money into creating a getaway spot in their own backyards. Enterprising homeowners are using decorative concrete to create mini theme parks with faux rock water features, sculpted pools with water slides and garden bridges.

2. Cost-sensible, eco-conscious

Environmental awareness doesn’t have to take a backseat to luxury, homeowners are finding. Backyard oases must also emphasize eco-consciousness, incorporating environmentally-friendly materials like concrete, which is sustainable. But they also like the organic look and feel that the material can impart. Concrete patios can mimic the look of natural stone – even lava – without the eco-impact associated with quarrying the real thing. Plus, concrete costs considerably less than many natural stone products.

3. Furniture built to last and last

Anybody can go to the local home improvement store and pick up a patio set. The truly trendy backyard designer turns to permanent backyard furniture, custom-made to fit your yard’s style. Custom concrete furniture can take on any shape, from pool tables and benches to patio tables and planters. It lasts a lifetime and never needs to be painted or refinished.

A patio with a nice view, pool and warm fireplace

A patio with a nice view, pool and warm fireplace

4. Light my fire

When it comes to creating ambiance, few home improvements pack the wallop of a fireplace. Outdoor hearths are growing in popularity as homeowners continue to recreate all the appeal of their home’s interior outside in the backyard. Whether you choose gas or wood-burning, custom designed or pre-cast, adding a fireplace to your outdoor landscape is sure to light up its appeal.

5. Size – and shape – matter

We’ve all seen patio disasters – the sprawling slab that totally dominates a tiny backyard, or the postage-stamp-sized patio that appears lost in a sea of grass. Homeowners are no longer leaving patio size to chance. Instead, they’re putting a lot of thought and planning into right-sizing their patio to create a living area that meets their needs and fits the profile of their backyard. How the space will be used and how much space you have to work with will be main factors in sizing your concrete patio, according to Scott Cohen of GreenSceneLandscape.com. You can also find a patio size chart at www.concretenetwork.com/patio/size.html.

Whatever your personal style, and whether you’re aiming to improve your home’s resale value or enhance your enjoyment of your house, upgrading your outdoors is an investment that makes sense. Visit www.concretenetwork.com to learn more.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Filed Under: Articles, Blog, Decks, Entertaining, How To, Outdoor Fireplaces, Outdoor Lighting

Burger Season is Back — Don’t Forget the Basics

August 31, 2009 By Peter Leave a Comment

(ARA) – Americans and Canadians love hamburgers … that’s a fact. An estimated 1.5 billion pounds of ground beef become those favored burgers cooked at home each year. Whether it’s gas versus charcoal, with cheese or without, every burger fan has a different opinion about what makes the perfect patty.

But there’s one thing most burger enthusiasts agree on. According to a national consumer survey from The Beef Checkoff, 90 percent of people enjoy their burger cooked to medium (160 F) doneness or higher. However, some home chefs and grillmasters are using unsafe methods for checking when a burger is done, like cutting into them with a knife, squishing them with a spatula, or just making an educated guess.

Dave Zino, executive director of the Beef and Veal Culinary Center at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, suggests a better method for checking your burgers to ensure a juicy, flavorful and safe result.

Check your burger with an instant read thermometer to ensure it is cooked.
Check your burger with an instant read thermometer to ensure it is cooked.

“Don’t waste time with guesswork and techniques that can affect the quality of your burger,” Zino says. “Use an instant-read meat thermometer each and every time to make sure you’re cooking ground beef to 160 F. It’s the only sure-fire way to achieve the doneness most people prefer while also ensuring a safe meal.”

No matter the hamburger preference, the beef industry is dedicated to providing consumers with healthy and nutritious food. Steps taken at every segment of the beef production chain — from pasture to plate — ensure the safest product possible. However, there still are many opportunities for consumers to improve food safety in their own kitchens, and making sure your ground beef is cooked to 160 F is just one of them.

“Whether I am at work as a professional chef or in my home kitchen, food safety is always a part the recipe,” Zino says.

Try Chef Dave’s tips to ensure your burgers are safe and savory this summer:

* Keep beef refrigerated, even when thawing it. Don’t leave beef out at room temperature.

* Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after making patties or preparing any other foods.

* Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw and ready-to-eat foods separate. Think ahead when at the grill or stove and have a clean plate ready for cooked meat.

* Insert an instant-read meat thermometer sideways into the center of the patty. Always cook burgers to an internal temperature of 160 F.

* Have leftover burgers? Refrigerate cooked foods no later than two hours after cooking.

For more information, tips and recipes for making your burger the best, visit: www.BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com/safesavoryat160.

Classic Beef Cheeseburgers
Makes four servings. Preparation and cooking time: 25 to 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
2 teaspoons steak seasoning blend
4 hamburger buns, split
4 slices cheese (such as Cheddar, American, Swiss, etc.)
4 lettuce leaves
4 tomato slices

Toppings:
Ketchup, mustard, onion slices, pickles

Directions:

1. Combine ground beef and steak seasoning in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into four 3/4-inch thick patties.

2. Place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, uncovered, 13 to 15 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 13 to 14 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160 F, turning occasionally. About two minutes before burgers are done, place buns, cut sides down, on grid. Grill until lightly toasted. During last minute of grilling, top each burger with cheese slice.

3. Line bottom of each bun with lettuce leaf; top with tomato slice, burger, and toppings, as desired. Close sandwiches.

Cook’s Tip: To prepare on stovetop, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place patties in skillet; cook 12 to 15 minutes until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160 F, turning occasionally.

Cook’s Tip: Other popular burger toppings include grilled or caramelized onions, blue cheese, bacon, sauteed mushrooms and barbecue sauce.

Cook’s Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

This recipe is an excellent source of protein, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, iron, selenium and zinc.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Filed Under: Articles, Blog, Entertaining, How To, Outdoor Fireplaces

A Guide to Simple Outdoor Fireplace Plans

May 19, 2009 By Peter 8 Comments

Why an Outdoor Fireplace?

An outdoor fireplace makes a very stylish and attractive addition to any property, and many people are now realizing the benefits of having one. Not only does it look good and feel good, but it will add value to your property and be a great talking point when you have friends around.

The great thing about outdoor fireplaces is that they are relatively easy to install, and to do so all you need is a good plan. There are lots of simple outdoor fireplace plans available, catering for a wide variety of styles and themes, and once you get your hands on one the process of installing the fireplace is not far away.

Different Styles of Outdoor Fireplaces

You can choose from a whole range of fireplaces these days which cater for every taste. There are portable fireplaces that can be moved to different spots in the yard, a large number of custom designs, and a whole wealth of different materials that they can be made from.

Nice outdoor gas chimenea

Nice outdoor gas chimenea

Your fireplace could come with a bowl-shaped base with a chimney, or a chimenea style chimney pot. It could be made from clay, terracotta, or aluminum amongst other materials, and each one has its benefits. Cast iron, for example, will be very tough and durable under high temperatures, whereas terracotta often looks more attractive. Other metals, however, can be prone to rust, and some people swear by masonry as the only material to use.

In terms of themes, you could opt for a traditional style, an Eastern Brick design, or a modern and trendy appearance, and different styles become fashionable at different times. Or you could just choose a classic design that will never go out of fashion.

Outdoor Fireplace Plans

You will need to get hold of an outdoor fireplace plan that explains the relevant steps that need to be taken to build the fireplace. A good plan is essential, as it is this that will be the foundation of your fireplace and will inevitably dictate the fate of the project. Try to find one that is clear and easy to follow, and also one that will provide you with a guide as to how long it should take to build and how much all the materials are likely to cost.

One thing that all plans should carry is adequate safety measures. It is important that any fireplace is built to a safe design and has good ventilation, and the plan should follow these basic guidelines.

Above all, your outdoor fireplace plan should clearly explain the safety issues involved in your fireplace, both during the making of it and the upkeep. This could include details about cleaning the chimney to prevent accidents, and other maintenance issues.

Installing an Outdoor Fireplace

When you have your outdoor fireplace plan, the next stage is actually building it. You should note before you begin the process that this is a very time-consuming task. It is not an easy do-it-yourself project that will be finished by dinner time, and as such you will have to be prepared to put in a significant amount of time and effort if you are to make a successful project.

Before you begin, choose the location in which you want the fireplace to be situated. There are portable designs available, but if you are constructing something more permanent then the last thing you want is to realize half way through the project that it would look better in a different part of the yard. So think long and hard before starting, and you will save yourself countless misery down the line.

Outdoor fireplaces are very versatile and can be positioned just about anywhere you want them to go, but make sure that the area is clear before you start to construct it as it will require a large amount of space during the construction process. Also ensure that there is adequate space above it for the chimney. This is an essential feature for a wood-burning fireplace because of the smoke that will be produced, and it should really be a feature on any outdoor fireplace.

However, if you are instead having a gas fireplace, you will not need a chimney but will still have to ensure there is adequate space for the venting system.

All in all, with a good outdoor fireplace plan you should be able to construct a solid, effective, and attractive fireplace that will last many years and provide you with a lot of enjoyment.

Filed Under: Articles, Blog, Decks, Outdoor Fireplaces

What You Need To Know Before Buying or Building an Outdoor Wood Burning Fireplace

January 29, 2009 By Peter Leave a Comment

An outdoor wood burning fireplace has become more popular than ever. They are a smart purchase for your backyard, patio, or pool area, as they can be used virtually year round. From providing a source of heat in winter, to being the centerpiece of your outdoor room while entertaining in the summer, these fireplaces are as versatile as they are beautiful. The burning wood’s smoke also helps to ward off insects, a big plus in warm weather.

Outdoor wood fireplace
Outdoor wood fireplace

Many people who are in search of wood burning fireplaces to compliment the living space outside of their home find it a bit difficult to choose just the right one. There are many styles and options to consider when choosing such a fireplace, and they are all so tempting that you may try to convince yourself that you need more than one! Don’t let all of the choices you are faced with overwhelm you. Instead, do a little homework and discover the types of fireplaces that would be both suitable and safe for your yard. Narrowing the selection down a bit can make it easier to decide on the perfect fireplace for you.

They are available as custom made or free-standing. The custom made fireplaces look and perform very much like a fireplace that you would have inside your home. About the only difference you will find in these outdoor models is the lack of a damper. You can choose an outdoor fireplace crafted of brick, or of various types of stone such as marble, granite, sandstone or stucco.

Of course, these wood burners have a chimney, and you can also choose to include a mantle. These fireplaces come in a kit for the homeowner to assemble, or you can hire a contractor to do the job for you. Those who are fond of do-it-yourself projects can also purchase fireplace plans, and build a beautiful fireplace to be proud of. The kits come with detailed directions, and the careful following of these will assure you of creating your own fireplace masterpiece! Building a fireplace yourself from scratch naturally takes longer, so if you are in a hurry, one of the fireplace kits can save you both time and money.

If you don’t think you want to add an accessory that is as permanent as a custom made fire place to your yard, you still have many different types of outdoor fireplaces to choose from that can be portable. There are several that can travel from backyard to beach to campsite and back, and perform in each spot beautifully. You may also have a small outdoor area to work with, and prefer a fireplace that won’t overwhelm the space!

Gas fire bowl
Gas fire bowl

Also known as fire pits, fire bowls, and chimeneas, free standing outdoor wood burning fireplaces are an affordable way to create the kind of ambiance that only an open fire can bring. They are a popular attraction at parties and other gatherings, and you’ll find that everyone wants one of the coveted fire side seats! Many people use them not only for insect control and/or a source of heat, but also as a fine way to cook food outdoors. Outdoor wood burning fireplaces can cook your meats and vegetables as well or better than conventional grills.

Free standing, portable fireplaces are made of terra cotta, cast iron, terrazzo tile, steel, copper, and other materials. The fire pits and bowls usually come complete with a stand that is made from good quality wrought iron. They also include a poker, a steel grate, a spark arrestor screen, and some have an ash collector bowl to go underneath the fireplace that minimizes any mess. The size range on these can range from 30 inches all the way up to 36 inches, with the bowl of the pit becoming deeper as the size grows. Portable fireplaces can be very decorative as well. Some free standing ones have various designs cut out of the sides of the pits, and these can create lovely shaped, dancing shadows that add a touch of whimsy to your evening.

Just about everyone loves to relax by sitting around an outdoor fire, and with wood burning fireplaces, you can bring this mood to your backyard whenever you like. The cast iron and stainless steel varieties of portable fireplaces are extremely durable, and can withstand the heat of many, many fires. You will get many years of pleasure from a fireplace made from one of these materials.

They are much more stylis these days, and hopefully you will be able to find one that suits your needs perfectly.

Filed Under: Articles, Blog, Outdoor Fireplaces
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