Monthly Archives: July 2018

Maximize Your Yard with a Deck or Patio

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This time of year is all about spending time outside and enjoying the warm weather before winter starts to show her face again. Get the most out of the summer months by adding a deck or patio to your yard. Your house will instantly feel bigger, and you’ll be able to spend hours outside enjoying your new space with friends and family.deck or patio

Why you should add a deck or patio

Here are some of our top reasons to add a deck or patio to your home.

Increased home value

Adding a patio or deck can be a great way to add value to your home. If you are thinking about putting your home on the market, you might be able to attract more buyers if your home already has an outdoor living and entertaining space.

deck or patio

Add beauty to your outdoor space

 

Both decks and patios can add charm and energy to your yard. They make properties look finished and inviting. Plus, they work well with a variety of home and yard spaces.

deck or patio

Expand your living space

In the summer, a patio or deck can feel like an extension of your home. Well-designed spaces can have comfortable seating areas, shading and even cooking and entertaining spaces.

deck or patio

Durability

A carefully constructed deck or patio will be sturdy, durable and will last for years to come. If you use the right materials, like stone for a patio or composite material for a deck, your deck or patio can be long-lasting and require minimal care and maintenance. Choosing durable materials will also ensure that your new outdoor living space will be able to handle any of Minnesota’s weather extremes.

deck or patio

Design options

Both patios and decks offer homeowners countless choices when it comes to design and color options. Creating a space that you love is a great way to show off your personality and creativity.

deck or patio

When you are considering a patio or deck, the most important thing to keep in mind is that you want a space that fits your needs. Ultimately, we want you to have a space that you love and that you will use for years to come. Give Mike and his team at Great Goats Landscaping a call today to learn how they can help design and install a patio or deck that is right for you.

Fire Pit Trends You Should Know About

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Fire pits and summer go hand in hand. There is something about gathering around a fire in the evening with friends and family that is instinctively human. Fire pits draw people together and are an ideal place to relax, tell stories and get to know the people in your life a little bit better. If you’re thinking about adding a fire pit to your yard, here are a few design ideas to consider as you make a fire pit that is perfect for you.

fire pit

Built-in or mobile

It’s typical to think of fire pits as a built-in feature of a yard, but mobile fire pits are equally common and have their own benefits. Movable fire pits are readily available at many garden supply and hardware stores. They come in a wide range of styles and designs and are easy to move around your property. However, movable fire pits tend to only last a season or two before they begin to deteriorate.

Build-in fire pits are much more durable, can last many, many years and require minimal maintenance. They also allow for more permanent design elements like a patio or seating areas.

Above- or in-ground

An in-ground fire pit can be a cost-effective option and is easy to build. However, above-ground pits are more common. A current trend is to create the feel of a sunken living room with the fire pit area. The surrounding wall offers built-in seating and helps block the wind while reflecting back heat, creating a cozy, warm outdoor room.

Placement

It’s easy for an above-ground fire pit to become the focal point of your outdoor design. Be sure to place it in an area where it balances well with the other design elements in your yard. A gas fire pit can be installed almost anywhere, but if you are burning wood, your fire pit will need to be 10 – 25 feet away from any structures depending on local ordinances. Als,o consider wind patterns and any smoke issues that might arise.

Materials and Shape

Fire pits can be built out of many different materials. The most popular are brick, natural stone, and concrete blocks. Round or square fire pits are the most common, but of course, the design options are limitless. Fire pit liners are generally recommended and are often required by local municipalities. Steel liners add to the safety of the fire pit and help reflect heat upward and outward.