Sunday 6 March 2011

Enjoy Outdoor Living With a New Patio, Deck, Or Sunroom

You don't have to live in the country to enjoy outdoor living. With the right outdoor furniture and accessories anyone with a small outdoor area, deck, balcony, or patio can enjoy the pleasures of relaxing, socializing, and cooking outdoors.

When asked what they most like about spending time outdoors, people say they like the sunshine and the fresh air. They may talk about the flowers and the trees and the animals they see. Other people particularly like to read outside, or sit on a swing and catch up with friends. For others, outside is the place to relax with a cool drink and watch the sun go down. For many people, grills are the most memorable part of the outdoor experience.

For anyone lucky enough to have a water feature in her or his outdoor living area, the sound of gently flowing water is a true pleasure. Perhaps nothing brings peace of mind like water; whether it's a stream, a pond, a pool or a fountain, it's a treat for all the senses.

With high gas prices, a weak economy, and costly plane fares, many people are choosing "staycations." They spend their vacations at or near their homes--taking small trips, perhaps. For staycationers creating an additional living area out of doors makes staying at home something to look forward to. With a new patio, deck, or sunroom you won't miss all the hassle and expense of traveling; you'll be happy to entertain friends and family in the comfort of your newly expanded home. Consider a new screen porch; it's the perfect way to be outside without getting bitten by mosquitoes and black flies.

A play set can turn your outdoor living area into a playground for the youngsters. Swing sets and slides never go out of style from one generation to the next. Sandboxes are safe play areas for toddlers. For teens, young adults, and even the older folk, crocket is always a hit. With a narrow patch of ground you can easily make a horseshoe court.

Put a grassy yard to work by turning it into a volleyball court. All you need is a net and a ball and a few energetic people. You can enjoy a pick up game with a portable basketball hoop.

Food always taste better outside. That's why outdoor grills are so popular, and there are so many to choose from. Depending on whether you are a gourmet outdoor chef or a basic outdoor cook, you can choose an elaborate outdoor stove or a simple grill. Before you make your purchase, investigate the various options, look at quality and safety features, and consider your cooking needs and preferences. Gas grills are very popular these days, but charcoal still works great. With a simple charcoal grill chimney, you can light your fire without using a smelly and dangerous lighter fluid.
You'll never regret the time you spend outdoors. With a little planning and creativity you can have the comforts of indoor living plus the pleasures of outdoor living.