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Dress up your outdoor living space

Dress up your outdoor living space
Now that summer is here, people are once again turning their attention towards things they can do outside. So it should come as no surprise that the experts are predicting one of the hottest trends in home improvement will continue to be creating outdoor living spaces. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, American homeowners spent $3.7 billion on patios and terraces in 2004, an increase of an astonishing 366 percent since 1994. And these days, more and more people are going beyond your standard deck or patio and putting in full-blown outdoor kitchens. The major benefit of such an addition is that it puts all the ingredients for outdoor dining and entertaining close at hand. Why run back and forth to the house when everything you need can be kept outside? While some outdoor kitchens are simple and include only a grill, table and chairs and storage cabinet for cooking gear, a 2005 study done by the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association indicates people are ready for upgrades. One third of respondents said they plan to improve their outdoor grill areas by adding such things as refrigerators, sinks and eating areas. Once you commit to going the higher end route, you'll want to make sure you do it right. In an interior kitchen, the countertops, made of granite or engineered stone, are typically the focal point. Outdoors, the emphasis is often placed on the structures that surround your appliances. For a look that will make an impression while at the same time fitting into the natural surroundings, you'll want to go with Owens Corning's Cultured Stone, a veneer stone that's an exact replica of natural stones used for building. Among the material's many benefits, it looks and performs like real stone, but is far lighter, less expensive and easier to install than natural stone. Cultured Stone veneers are available in more than 100 different colors and textures including Dressed Fieldstone, River Rock and a wide variety of Ledgestone textures. They also make a variety of lightweight stone trim products for a coordinated, finished look. "And it gives the appearance that the appliances belong there," says Bob Heath of Owens Corning. "When you're in the backyard, you want it to have the look and feel of the outdoors, so it makes sense to go with a material that looks like it naturally rose up from the ground." Ready to get started on plans for your outdoor living space? Log on to www.culturedstone.com to get some ideas. The site features design information, a photo gallery, and a search engine you can use to find the authorized Cultured Stone products dealer near you. Many hearth products retailers also carry this material, and can direct you to an installer in your area. You can also order samples online. If you don't have access to the Internet, you can call (800) 255-1727 for more information. Courtesy of ARA Content