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Advertorial Types of firepits for your backyard oasis Outdoor entertaining areas are popular among homeowners, and fi repits are one of the most sought-after additions to such spaces. In fact, a 2016 survey from the American Society of Landscape Architects found that fireplaces and firepits were the most popular outdoor design ele ment in 2016. Various styles are available to homeowners who want to add firepits to their back yards, and choosing the right type may come down to budget, the amount of yard space available or even personal preference. · Wood firepit: As their name suggests, wood firepits burn wood, which may appeal to homeowners who already have wood-burn ing fi replaces inside their homes. Because they don't require homeowners to tap into gas lines, wood fi repits are generally easy to set up and install, and many homeown ers prefer the aesthetic appeal of crackling wood and fi ames that's synonymous with wood firepits. · Gas firepit: Gas firepits are touted for their convenience, as they don't require homeowners to carry wood and build fi res. Upon being connected to a gas source, gas fi repits provide fi re at the click of a switch. Gas firepits are also appreciated for their safety, as there is little or no risk that fi ames from gas fi repits will grow too large and become difficult to control. · Gas fire tables: Gas fire tables might be ideal for those homeowners whose sense of decor favours more modern looks. Gas fire tables come in a variety of shapes and Improve outdoor living spaces The popularity of outdoor living spaces has been growing for years. A 2014 study from the home remodelling and design platform Houzz found that 56 percent of homeowners were making updates to improve their yards for entertaining. Similarly, nearly 60 percent of architectural practices surveyed by the American Institute of Architects in 2016 said outdoor living spaces were popular fea tures in the homes they built. Outdoor living spaces may also be sound investments for homeowners looking to im prove the resale value of their properties. According to Remodeling magazine's 2017 "Cost vs. Value" report, outdoor living spac es returned between 55 and 71 percent of homeowners' initial investments at resale. When planning an outdoor living space, homeowners with ample backyards have much to work with. However, to make the most of the space while simultaneously hop ing to get as strong a return on their invest ments as possible, homeowners should look to create spaces that offer broad appeal and are not too personalized. The following are some popular outdoor living space features homeowners may want to consider. Outdoor kitchens Outdoor kitchens allow homeowners to prepare more than just traditional backyard barbecue fare. A standalone charcoal grill in the backyard might get the job done, but a built-in gas grill complete with burners and surrounding granite countertop makes for a more functional outdoor entertaining space. Bars Indoor entertaining areas often include bars, so it makes sense that homeowners want to include a place to prepare and serve beverages to their guests. Homeowners with room in their budgets may want to install wet bars where they can rinse mixers, glasses and other items needed to prepare drinks for their guests. Warming features Features that can keep homeowners and their guests warm after the sun sets include outdoor fi replaces and fi repits. A 2016 sur vey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects found that fi replaces and fi repits were the most popular outdoor design element in 2016. Such features can provide a focal point in the backyard while also extending the outdoor living season into autumn and even early winter. Porch space Outdoor living spaces are often found in the backyard, but homeowners with bigger front yards than backyards may want to ex pand or open their porch spaces to create more space outside. Porch swings and rock ing chairs provide a great place to relax, and porch spaces are covered, meaning home owners can continue to enjoy time outside even when it begins to rain. Outdoor living spaces are growing in popu larity. Homeowners who want to capitalize on this trend can do so in various ways. (MCC) sizes and, like gas firepits, there's no need to struggle with lighting a fire or carrying fire wood. · Tabletop firepits: Homeowners, condo minium or apartment dwellers with limited backyard space may want to consider the convenience of tabletop firepits. Restau rants may use tabletop firepits in their outdoor seating areas because they pro vide warmth and ambiance without taking up much space. Tabletop fi repits fueled by gas will not need to be connected to a gas source, which may appeal to consumers who want something that's simple as well as small. · Fire urns: While they might not tech nically qualify as fi repits, fi re urns provide a similar effect as firepits. Fire urns are typically gas-powered and may be an ideal choice for homeowners who are looking for a unique, awe-inspiring feature for their out door entertaining areas. (MCC) #1 in P a tio s & D rivew ays! HARDWOOD FLOORS MILTON $ 5.50 per sq ft $ 4.50 per sq ft $4.25 per sq 905 876-7671 - Toll Free 1 .8 6 6 .4 1 4 .0 0 2 2 53 Steeles A ve. E. M ilton, On ·STAMPED CONCRETE · iNTERLOCKiNG ·EXPOSED AGGREGATE ·FLAGSTONE J ete Interlocking LTD FRENCH CURBS RETAiNiNG WALLS GARAGE FLOORS FREE ESTiMATES 4 3 /4 " S olid Ash H ickory from Oak as low as While quantities last 905-878-8595 Ask for John www.jmcconcrete.ca SPECIALIZING IN: Sales, Installation and Stairs, Pre-finished/Engineered Hand Scraped/Wire Brushed, Sanding and Refinishing, Builders/Contractors.