Castlerock Landscape Contractors

Denver, CO (Vocus/PRWEB) March 22, 2011

You don’t need to look at a calendar to find the first day of spring. Trees turning green and bulbs peeking through the soil let us know it’s finally here. It’s time to start planning to plant. Before beginning, check out the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado’s (ALCC) annual top landscape and garden trends. The Top 11 in 2011 provides outdoor enthusiasts plenty to dig.

Top 11 Landscape Trends for 2011
1. Grow your groceries. Trips to the grocery store continue to get more expensive. Food prices increased 2.2 percent last month to record highs and it’s predicted that surging oil prices will continue to increase food costs. Why not defray some of those costs through a kitchen garden? Homegrown fruits and vegetables not only taste better, they can help the pocketbook as well. According to the National Gardening Association, a well-maintained food garden yields on average a $500 return. It also allows you to grow natural, vine-ripened produce.

2. ‘Fire and water’ do mix. Coloradoans love to spend time outdoors. A great way to increase your outdoor season is by adding the warmth of fire with an outdoor fireplace, fire bowl or fire pit. Added ambience can be created with a water feature such as a fountain, built-in stream or pond. Water adds visual appeal and soothing sound to mask city noise. Once considered luxury items, fire and water features are now more affordable and can create dramatic results.

3. Solid as a rock. Hardscapes are areas that use ‘hard’ materials, like natural stone or manufactured blocks to create patios, walkways and retaining walls. The color and composition of stone can dictate the tone and mood of a landscape. Many natural stones are quarried right here in Colorado and many blocks are also manufactured here–so ask if the material is a “local.” Since using the right material for your job gets the best result, consult with a professional to find out which materials best meet your needs.

4. Increase your home’s value by increasing ‘curb appeal.’ A recent SmartMoney article stated that landscaping could add up to 15 percent to a home’s value. According to the National Association of Realtors President-Elect, Walt McDonald, “When people ask me how they can get strong interest in their property, I always tell them to fix up their landscaping.” Whether you are looking to increase your home’s value or increase the chances of selling your home, investing in well-designed quality landscaping makes financial sense.

5. Small spaces can provide big enjoyment. Just because an outdoor space is small doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed. Skillful design can enhance the privacy of these areas and increase their functionality. Some creative Coloradoans have maximized their small spaces with outdoor kitchens, bar lounges, water features and planting walls that require no soil.

6. Perennials never go out of style. A perennial is the ‘little black dress’ of landscape design. They never go out of style and the add depth to any garden. Because they come back year after year, they provide a great return on investment. You can even divide overgrown plants and share them with a neighbor. Perennials that do well in Colorado include prairie zinnia, torch lily, golden flax, phlox and blanket flower.

7. Mix your veggies with flowers. It’s not only OK to mix vegetables with annuals and perennials, it makes your garden look fabulous. Certain flowers will also help protect your vegetables from bad insects, attract good ones and promote overall plant health. Mixing plants can also help economize space and reduce maintenance. Good flowers to mix in with your vegetables include zinnia, marigold, nasturtium, dahlia and lavender.

8. Light it up. Night lighting that highlights your house and landscape is one of the fastest-growing landscape innovations. Not only does it look great, but it increases home security. And new fluorescent and LED lighting options mean using less energy. LEDs now come in multiple colors, adding drama to your nightscape.

9. Simple is superb for container gardens. Containers can make show-stopping statements when set in entryways, balconies, patios or even in gardens. Non-complicated combinations of one to three plant varieties offer clean lines, a simple style and are an elegant alternative to a mish-mash of blooms. Try monochromatic combinations such as light green splashed with white for a cooling effect.

10. Therapeutic gardening feels good. The physical activity of gardening and the eye-pleasing results of your hard work benefit both your physical and mental health. Some gardens, like the award-winning Hewit Foundation Healing Garden at Littleton Adventist Hospital are specifically designed to relieve stress and promote mental tranquility. Asian-style gardens can be particularily calming and Zen. Gardening also is good for our bodies. The average female burns about 250 calories per hour gardening.

11. Doing it right the first time is the best bargain around. Homeowners who are watching dollars closely are wary of quick, cheap fixes that are short lived. Find the right professional contractor for the job and use durable products that enhance property values, provide ease of maintenance and save money over the long haul.

For more information on Denver landscape design, Denver landscape contractors, or Denver landscape architects, please visit our Denver landscape contractor informational site.

For more information on Denver landscape design, Denver stone patios, or Denver water features, please visit our Castlerock landscape design informational site.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) June 16, 2008 –
“THE EVERLASTING FLOORING SYSTEM” Choose from over 100 color combinations. Resurface any concrete area to a brand new superior finish.

” LASTING FOR DECADES”

BELIEVING IS SEEING ! “THE DURABILITY OF TERRAZZO FLOORING”

Because our products are HOTEL-QUALITY, they are perfect for use in HIGH-TRAFFIC areas. We are a leading NATIONWIDE installer and supplier!

5{ (RESIDENTIAL ) (COMMERCIAL) Hotels /Condo,s /Apartment Complexes /Office Buildings /Malls /Car Ports /Swimming Pools / Patio:s / Lobbies / Sunrooms /Laboratories /Driveways / Garages /Basements /Restaurants /Museums / Restrooms /Showrooms / HoT Tubs /Courtyards /Porches /Pet Areas

“THE EVERLASTING FLOORING SYSTEM”

Decorative Sand & Stone Co. Inc. installs a rugged high quality composite coating on concrete surfaces. Called “Rustic Terrazzo” and “Polished Terrazzo” This technology was developed more than 15 years ago in the Boston area to solve the problems of concrete in severe weather conditions, high traffic and low maintenance requirement areas. The final surface is a “natural stone”,epoxy, and cement composite , where the cement completley (100%) protects the bonding of the epoxy from ultra-violet radiation which would cause degadation. This material then can be sealed with either a matte or glossy sealer to provide stain resistance. The final reults of Our Terrazzo Flooring is that it will “Last for Decades” ! The cement can be colored to provide color matching for any project.

Find out more….

” LASTING FOR DECADES”

About Our Company***** Decorative Sand & Stone Co. Inc. We are a licensed company for both commercial and residential projects. We have been in concrete coatings for over 15 years. We provide our customers with installations of high quality decorative coating products. We provide full service including preparation of the existing surface. Repairing, grinding, sealing, etc.

Rustic terrazzo surfacing is excellent to reduce slip-and- fall accidents around pools, stairs, and other slippery surfaces. Decostone has installed rustic terrazzo flooring for clients such as hotels, restaurants, and homeowners for over 15 years. Whether you are looking to reduce liability in commercial areas or are seeking to increase the value of your home, Decostone Rustic Terrazzo is a top resurfacing material!

(-PRODUCT BENEFITS-) *Eliminates the cost of removing and disposing of the existing concrete.*Reduces down time.* Does not require stuctural modifications.*Applications are 3/8 to 1″ eliminating the need for elevation changes.*Most systems prevent the moisture in the underlying to escape. *The Texture of stone reduces injury. * Stone Appearance – Creates a deep rich color. * Endless designs possibilities give great decor flexibility. “Low Maintenance” for “High Traffic Areas”

(-PRODUCT FEATURES-) *.DECORATIVE APPEARANCE / Natural stone flooring with a European Romantic look. *NON- SLIP / Natural characteristics of stone. * LONGEVITY / The stone is “Everlasting”. * BREATHABLE / The solids in the epoxy allow moisture to escape from concrete base which prevents lifting of the coating. * AFFORDABILIY / Compare to hard wood, brick, tile, flagstone, slate. * EXPANSION JOINTS / Protects surface from expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. * ENDLESS DESIGNS / Artist and designer on staff.* COMPLIMENTARY / Enhances the appearance of natural wood,brick, stone, and slate facings./ NATURAL STONE / River rock, marble chips, granite chips, over 50 color combinations possible.* POURED FLOOR / Great for non- level, uneven floors, covers imperfections. *Hand Troweled

Rustic Terrazzo surfacing is excellent to reduce slip-and-fall accidents around pools, stairs, and other slippery surfaces. Decostone has installed rustic terrazzo flooring for clients such as hotels, restaurants, and homeowners for over 15 years. Whether you are looking to reduce liability in commercial areas or are seeking to increase the value of your home, Decostone Rustic Terrazzo is a top resurfacing material. Attractive!

Our natural river rockstone creates a deep, rich color and provides endless design and pattern possibilities. This is an everlasting flooring system which will retain an atttractive appearance for decades to come!

Durability!

Our stone systems are the ideal solution to beautifying your surroundings. The products we use can hold up in all weather conditions.

Skip-free surfaces!

Despite the rigid characteristics of stone, this system increases traction which reduces the risk of personal injury considerably. A must for every home with children!

Non – Slip: Ridged characteristics of the stone

Appearance: Elegant, natural stone flooring

Affordability: Comparable to hard wood, brick, tile, flagstone, slate, etc.

Natural Stone: Marble chips, granite chips, river rock; over 100 color combinations!

Hand Troweled: We take the time to do it right

Expansion Joints: Excellent for construction and expansion

Poured Floor: Great for unilevelness, covers imperfections in concrete

Longevity: Stone and sand are everlasting

Technology: Epoxy is a durable bonding agent

Endlesss Designs: Artists and designers on staff

Compliments: Stone looks great with natural wood, brick, stone walls, slate, etc.

Company: Professionals in indoor-outdoor epoxy flooring systems: over 15 years

Fast, easy installation: Eliminates the cost of removing and disposing concrete. Prevents down time and the mess associated in replacing existing decks.

Natural Stone: Creates a deep, rich color and provides endless design and pattern possibilities. This is n everlasting Flooring System which will retain an attractive appearace for decades to come.

Texture: Despite the rigid characteristics of stone, this system increases traction which reduces the risk of injury considerably.

Weight: Does not require any structural modifications.

Thickness: Applications are applied 3/8: to 1″. This eliminates the need of elevation changes at dorrways and other ajoining surfaces.

Maintenance: Most other Epoxy Systems on the market today claim to be “maintenance-free.” The fact of the matter is, they fill up with dirt and algae after a few years and must be pressure-washed continuously. The Decorative Sand & Stone hybrid Flooring System is a filled system which prevents the epoxy from breaking down from the ultraviolet rays, while still allowing ground moisture to vent.

Breathable: Most other systems used today prevent concrete to breathe. These systems will not last. The Deco System creates a vapor barrier between the stone on the bottom and the sand on the top.

For more information on Denver landscape design, Denver landscape contractors, or Denver landscape architects, please visit our Denver landscape contractor informational site.

For more information on Denver landscape design, Denver stone patios, or Denver water features, please visit our Castlerock landscape design informational site.

14 September 2010
When:
September 28, 2010 from 5:00pm–7:00pm

Where:
Design Workshop Aspen Office
120 East Main Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
No need to RSVP

Description:
This book signing event will offer an inclusive inside look at the recently published book, Garden Legacy: The Residential Landscapes of Design Workshop. The book explores landscape design of the American West by profiling the residential landscape architecture of Design Workshop. The gardens featured are found in some of the most beautiful natural environments in the world: on the boundary of Wyoming’s Teton National Park, in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, and in the foothills of the Southwest’s Sonoran Desert. While each garden reveals the special intent of its owners, the collective design philosophy for the gardens emphasizes a respect for the natural landscape and a desire to preserve, through views, reflections, and the celebration of natural features, the inherent beauty found in each place.

Richard Shaw, a partner with Design Workshop, who led the effort for publishing the book will be at the event to sign copies of the book and discuss in detail the design philosophy behind the gardens profiled.

About Richard Shaw
Richard Shaw, FASLA, AICP, a principal and partner with Design Workshop, has devoted his career to tourism development, resort design, residential design and developing communities. He has twice earned the Urban Land Institute’s prestigious Award of Excellence for The Little Nell in Aspen and for Whistler/ Blackcomb Resort in British Columbia. In 2009, Richard received the Design Medal award from the American Society of Landscape Architects, which recognizes his relentless pursuit of design excellence over the last 36 years. He has a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, where he was awarded the prestigious Jacob Weiderman Travelling Fellowship Award. He is currently a full member of the Urban Land Institute and serves on the Recreational Development Council.

For more information on Denver landscape design, Denver landscape contractors, or Denver landscape architects, please visit our Denver landscape contractor informational site.

For more information on Denver landscape design, Denver stone patios, or Denver water features, please visit our Castlerock landscape design informational site.

Premium content from Denver Business Journal – by Cathy Proctor / 28 Oct 10

A small, private Longmont company sees a big future for its innovative, underground irrigation system that it claims cuts water use as much as 60 percent compared to standard overhead sprinklers.

Irrigation Water Technologies Inc. (IWTI) sells and distributes the KISSS (Kapillary Irrigation SubSurface Systems) watering system in North America. An Australian company with a similar name, Irrigation Water Technologies Australia, makes the patented system, which consists of a flexible water tube sandwiched with a plastic strip on the bottom and a strip of felt-like material on the top.

A modest economic recovery would make IWTI profitable in 2011, said Dave Hunter, president and CEO.
“We operate in a green, sustainable conservation space that’s spurred by population growth and water shortages,” Hunter said. “‘I don’t see that easing up. Water is going to be the next battleground after oil.”

Traditional overhead sprinklers lose water to evaporation and runoff. But KISSS system water winds up in the soil. It seeps out of the tube, which is buried up to 12 inches underground, through the felt and into the soil — using the capillary action of the felt and dirt to spread water slowly and widely to the roots of grass, trees or ornamental plants.

KISSS also avoids problems associated with drip irrigation systems, such as water pooling around the tubes, or roots growing into the tubes and clogging the water flow, said Mike Croy, IWTI’s vice president of sales for North America.
The system has been used to water athletic fields, commercial and public gardens, street medians and plants in green roofs, such as on the William J. Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, Ark., and the Target Center in Minneapolis, Hunter said.

The tubes can feed water, fertilizer or pesticides into the soil for roots, and its underground location means players can use athletic fields while the system runs, Croy said.

“It saves water and gets as good or better coverage [for the root systems] as traditional irrigation systems,” Hunter said.
The private company started in North America in 2007 and has 15 employees, up from 11 a year ago. Its 2009 revenue was “in the six figures” for 2009, and expected to double in 2010, Hunter said.

Making goods in Longmont
IWTI expects to close a Longmont manufacturing agreement with the Australian company, to start in early 2011. The Longmont office would make systems for the North American sales territory, Hunter said. He expects to hire two employees initially for that operation.

Hunter joined IWTI in July. The company moved to Longmont from Colorado Springs in December 2009 in order to be close to its CFO, Collis Woodward, who lives in Fort Collins, he said.

The KISSS system costs more than other irrigation systems. A KISSS system for a soccer field would cost 20 percent to 30 percent more than overhead systems, but the higher costs are recouped through water savings in five to seven years, Hunter said.

Water demand for the Clinton library’s green roof, which was installed in 2007, is 40 percent less using the KISSS system compared to what an overhead system would require. That’s according to Mark Anderson, sustainable market development manager for the installer, Tremco Inc., an 80-year-old Beachwood, Ohio, company focused on roofs and waterproofing materials for buildings.

“That’s what I specify for all my systems for vegetative roofs,” Anderson said. “It’s working fabulously. We’ve had no issues at all. Everything is flourishing very well.”

Anderson said he initially thought the library’s roof would last about 15 years, but now believes the irrigation system and plants will extend the roof’s lifespan to 45 years.

The plants protect the roof from weather and sunlight, lengthening its lifespan, he said.
“It’s all about water management,” Anderson said. “It’s truly a water-conservation device that’s easily controlled, not exposed to the elements and doesn’t have a UV breakdown of the components [from sunlight]. Everything is buried, it stays in place and it works.”

Read more: Irrigation company sweet on new watering system | Denver Business Journal

Announcing the 1st Annual Denver Landscape Network Awards for Recognition in excellence in the following Categories:

Outdoor Kitchen of the Year

Outdoor Living Area of the Year

Annual Arrangements and Use of Color

Innovative Landscape Design

Winners of the 2011 Denver Landscape Network Award(s) will receive:

Feature Article displayed on the Denver Landscape Network, and linked-to from the DLN Home Page. Article is Archived on the Denver Landscape Network website and links back to your company’s website and contact information

Press Release of the Featured Award and Recognition – Indexed News Results by Google, Yahoo, Bing

Best of DLN Logo, which will be featured on your paid DLN Advertisement, including a free License to use the Logo on your Website, Brochures, Cards, Etc.

Unlimited License to use and link to the Featured Article from your website and marketing material

Criteria for Denver Landscape Network Awards:
Photography – While we don’t need print ready 10MB files of the project you’d like to submit, Good Pictures tell everything.
Uniqueness – Any landscaping company can construct simple landscapes. DLN Awards go to companies that construct or design landscaping that stand out from the rest.
Project Description – While pictures may tell everything, a good project description should accompany an award winning project.

2011 DLN Awards will be issued June 20th. The Deadline for award applications is May 1st, 2011.

For more information on Denver landscape design, Denver landscape contractors, or Denver landscape architects, please visit our Denver landscape contractor informational site.

For more information on Denver landscape design, Denver stone patios, or Denver water features, please visit our Castlerock landscape design informational site.

courtesy of landscapingdenver, youtube.com

For more information on Denver landscape design, Denver landscape contractors, or Denver landscape architects, please visit our Denver landscape contractor informational site.

For more information on Denver landscape design, Denver stone patios, or Denver water features, please visit our Castlerock landscape design informational site.

DENVER, CO /Send2Press Newswire/ — As a reaction to growing interest in water features, Outdoor Seasons has announced its revolutionary H2Oasis planter fountain kits. The number of Americans who own water features has tripled from 2 to 6 million in the past three years, but to date only homes with large outside areas could accommodate a water garden.

Now with the H2Oasis kit, anyone with a small patio, deck or balcony can have a water garden. And they are affordable. For less than $100 people can enjoy water gardening.

The decorative and fun fountain kits convert cedar barrels or whiskey/wine barrels into water features. Consumers can chose from a wide array of styles from the happy gnome to the dancing dolphin.

With the H2Oasis it is possible for more than 84 million American gardeners to have the tranquil relief of a water feature in their own home.

For more information on Denver landscape design, Denver landscape contractors, or Denver landscape architects, please visit our Denver landscape contractor informational site.

For more information on Denver landscape design, Denver stone patios, or Denver water features, please visit our Castlerock landscape design informational site.

In America, Studio4LA is a leader in cutting edge planters, containers, and pots.

This company is an artisan based group that casts post modern shapes in their southland studio. Concrete is the main media in a line of unique water based fountains. Water Line’s pure forms exemplify Studio04’s primary design focus of juxtaposing modern materials — Concrete — with organic elements — Water.

These Water Features introduce a modernity rarely present in landscape design today, with the sounds of cascading water bringing respite and relaxation to any garden, residence or work space.

All of the water features are treated with a matte finish sealer on interior and exterior surfaces and come with a drainage hole to allow for easy cleaning. ainbow of custom colors. All Water Features come with an underwater pump and river rocks. Studio4LA products can also bee made to order. Lights are also available for maximum effect.

Trevi Manufacturing, Inc. was founded in 1997 by Scott and Gabrielle Acton. Formerly Cast in Stone, the company focused on the manufacturing of cast concrete products with an emphasis on the custom design and construction of one-of-kind components used in large architectural undertakings. Examples of the company’s work can be seen in some of the world’s most recognizable themed attractions and resorts. Trevi has come a long way, refining proprietary techniques and formulation of composite materials to create a variety of products.

Founder, Scott Acton, explains some clear advantages to using Trevi products, “One of the challenges of sculpture and casting is building designs that are both lighter and stronger. Trevi has developed a process that casts concrete at almost half the weight of standard precast concrete. Coupled with creative designs, we strive to bring the pleasure of fountains, planters and statuary without hurting anybody’s back.”

The focus of Trevi’s business has expanded to include the design and crafting of attractive fountains, planters and statuary for commercial and consumer use. Three generations of Acton family designs continue to influence the expansion of the Trevi Collection. Homeowners, interior designers and architects appreciate the range of unique choices available in the Trevi Collection. Commercial clients appreciate the Trevi’s broad range of capabilities and the company’s style of doing business.

Today, Trevi continues a tradition of creating choices for the company operates a large manufacturing and office facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. Headquartered in the Southwest, Trevi distributes ASTM-tested products throughout the United States. For more info on Trevi go to www.trevicollection.com

All of these pots, vases, containers, come in a dazzling array of finishes including spectacular metallic and lacquer coats.

For more information on Denver landscape design, Denver landscape contractors, or Denver landscape architects, please visit our Denver landscape contractor informational site.

For more information on Denver landscape design, Denver stone patios, or Denver water features, please visit our Castlerock landscape design informational site.

Chicago, IL (1888PressRelease) November 06, 2010 – Bob Walsh Enterprises announces the publication of their very first step by step guide on how to grow plumerias anywhere in the world, not just in subtropical and tropical regions of the world.

The ebook, How To Grow Plumeria – Frangipani Anytime Anywhere, is both educational and informative. The author explains the growing process for plumerias in an easy to understand language and clear methodical way with supportive descriptions and pictures.

This user friendly book was written for plumeria lovers worldwide who have an affinity for tropical plants and a desire to successfully create a garden of their own plumeria plants. Plumeria aficionados benefit from the accumulated wealth of knowledge that the author presents based on his 10-plus years of tried and tested experience growing his own plumerias and other tropical plants in Chicago, USA, which is plant hardiness zone 5.

Following this step by step guide, frangipani enthusiasts from Anchorage, Alaska to Auckland, New Zealand are now able to grow their own garden of these exotic tropical beauties indoors or outdoors following the credible tested information found within this book.

Plumerias have become one of the most popular flowers in the world over the last twenty years with more and more people traveling internationally to subtropical and tropical regions of the world and discovering their intoxicating sensuous exotic beauty. These travelers return home with a burning desire to create their own tropical gardens. It does not matter if one has a front or back yard, patio, terrace, balcony, or an indoor garden room, this guide teaches how to grow plumerias successfully.

The readers learn about the history of plumerias, also known as frangipani, the many other local names for this exotic tropical plant, plant’s leaves and flowers’ characteristics, shapes, sizes, colors, and fragrances.

Bob Walsh takes tropical plant lovers through a step by step guide on how to grow plumerias, even providing whole chapters on how to grow plumerias from seeds, from unrooted cuttings, and from rooted cuttings — all with detailed descriptions and pictures.

From the new to the experienced gardener, the author instructs these plumeria lovers in all areas on how to grow plumerias, franginpani, including the preparations needed to start planting, the correct potting medium for planting, watering, fertilizing, proper lighting, airflow, humidity, disease and insect control.

As a special bonus in his book, the author includes the very latest planting method for plumerias. His documented recorded process speeds up the development of unrooted cuttings and puts it on the fast track compared to other known methods for rooting. Showing success in fall planting, this process compared to the traditionally suggested springtime planting offers hope to plumeria gardeners that they can begin planting their cuttings and plants anytime indoors.

This truly is a one of a kind plumeria plant guide that takes the gardener from beginning to end in creating a spectacular tropical garden of paradise right where they live adding companion tropical plants to plumerias that takes on the appearance of a professional job well done. It is well worth its price to bring one’s dream to floral fruition.

For more information on Denver landscape design, Denver landscape contractors, or Denver landscape architects, please visit our Denver landscape contractor informational site.

For more information on Denver landscape design, Denver stone patios, or Denver water features, please visit our Castlerock landscape design informational site.

By Marcia Jedd / hgtvpro.com

Outdoor kitchens are a hot segment in many parts of the country. Russ Faulk, marketing manager with Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, a maker of high-end grills and accessories based in Chicago, offers 10 tips for creating the best outdoor kitchen and entertaining areas:

This outdoor kitchen can hold its own with most indoor versions. Photo courtesy of Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet

1. Apply good kitchen design principles for functional zones of the kitchen. “If you’re not a kitchen design professional, be sure you understand good kitchen design principles, or partner with one,” Faulk says. Cold areas (refrigeration), hot areas (grills and cooktops), wet areas (sinks) and dry areas (prep counters and storage) must all work together effectively in proper proximity, each with enough allocated space.

Faulk suggests the Kitchen Planning Guidelines by the National Kitchen & Bath Association for more information.

2. Remember that indoor and outdoor kitchens are simpatico. The most significant difference between indoor and outdoor kitchen design is often the exposure to the elements (shelter and durability considerations). Other differences include more difficulty in running utilities such as water. And there is usually no outdoor wall, so the outdoor kitchen equipment typically defines the room boundaries. “Outdoor rooms bring a whole world of additional cooking options, like open-wood flame or smoking,” Faulk says.

In planning the outdoor kitchen, Faulk says to consider the relationship between the indoor and outdoor versions. How will they be used together when cooking or entertaining? What is the traffic pattern between them?

3. Select low-maintenance materials and equipment designed to withstand the rigors of an outdoor kitchen. “The easier the kitchen is to clean and maintain, the more the homeowner will use and enjoy their investment,” Faulk says, noting that high-quality stainless steel provides a sanitary surface, easily cleaned and corrosion-resistant. Counters and patio or decking material should be highly resistant to grease stains and able to withstand high temperatures.

Natural stone counters require sealing on a regular basis. If you go with granite, use cultured granite with UV stabilizers. Avoid highly porous materials such as limestone. In climates with considerable freezing and thawing, avoid tile countertops.

For flooring, sealed pavers or concrete works. So do natural stone blocks with a lower porosity, such as granite.

4. Complement the design of the home’s architecture and landscape, Faulk says. Use compatible materials and incorporate subtle architectural details.

Jonathan Carr, president of landscape design and online retailer Grillmaster’s Garden (Zionsville, Ind.) advises adding structure. “A fireplace is an excellent anchor. And try to create a feeling of something over your head.” He suggests pergolas, arbors or other open-air or roofed structures, even the canopy of a shade tree.

5. Plan the entire outdoor entertaining space as part of a single functional plan. Dining areas, cooking areas and pool areas often coexist. Think of these as outdoor rooms and consider the flow of traffic as part of the design. “Don’t isolate the cook from the rest of the party,” Faulk advises.

6. Plan for utilities. When planning layouts, keep in mind the best practical placement or installation of the necessary gas, water and electrical supply.

7. Extend the outdoor entertaining season with heaters, shade and rain shelter. “Incorporate shade trees, pergolas and awnings in cooking and dining areas, but don’t put a combustible ceiling or awning above an outdoor grill,” Faulk says. Outdoor-rated vent hoods are another option.

Natural gas patio heaters can be used effectively under eaves and pergolas. Portable propane patio heaters are another option. “Radiant heat under the patio and countertops has been used in outdoor kitchens where money is no object,” Faulk says.

8. Incorporate music and other entertainment so the homeowner doesn’t face the design challenge of adding it later. Faulk notes: “TVs need to deliver a good picture in bright sunlight.”

9. Provide adequate task lighting as well as ambient lighting to accommodate after-dark cooking and entertaining, Faulk says.

10. Understand the homeowner’s needs and the equipment available. Faulk suggests asking the homeowners these questions:

How do you cook inside? Outside?
Do you do your own cooking at parties or hire a chef?
How many people and how often do you entertain?
Marcia Jedd writes frequently about design and construction issues.

For more information on Denver landscape design, Denver landscape contractors, or Denver landscape architects, please visit our Denver landscape contractor informational site.

For more information on Denver landscape design, Denver stone patios, or Denver water features, please visit our Castlerock landscape design informational site.