The weak economy has definitely left many rethink their vacation plans and turn to something right out their back door. Family getaways, travels and planned vacations lessened from 2008 to 2010, even garnering a term "Staycation". Where the travel industry saw a loss, the patio industry grew.
A trend is forming with more and more homeowners transforming their backyards and patios into instance getaways and favorite gathering places. While there maybe a cost to this transformation, when complete, it’s theirs. No momentary snapshots of time, but a paradise that can be enjoyed by simply walking outside. Save one vacation and enough funds should be available to complete each backyard paradise getaway area.
So how do we make this Backyard Paradise?
First, the backyard is surveyed, and depending on size, separate getaway areas are formed for different functions. Typically a backyard or patio can be segmented into three or four areas:
- The Gathering Spot
- The Cooking Place
- The Dining Area
- The Lounge
(The Lounge can be optional, depending on the backyard size.) Each of these getaway areas, with research and planning, can be created under a typical vacation’s budget.
It’s recommended that each be measured and sketched out to have a visual representation of the plan. This way there are no unfortunate incidences of something being too big or too small, when placing everything in its spots. Once measured and sketched, a separate list should be made for each getaway area, comprising of associated costs, colors and finishes, and themes for the patio products. To make each area truly its own getaway, it is perfectly okay not to match colors and themes, giving the feel of different destinations to the different patio places.
The Gathering Spot is easily a favorite for backyard vacationers and friendly gatherings. A fire pit makes a perfect centerpiece for a circle of patio chairs and a great place for conversation while enjoying the evening. Fire pits vary in price from under $100 up to a few thousand. On the mid to higher end, a fire pit table should be considered for its versatility, quality and ease of use. During the cooler seasons, the fire pit table can be operated by propane or natural gas with fire glass or gas logs radiating heat to those gathered around it. Wood can also be used to create a camp fire ambiance. In the warmer seasons, the gas logs can be removed and an ice bowl inserted to keep cold some favorite beverages. Fire pit manufacturers also include a cooking grid, adding to the fire pit’s year round versatility.
While enjoying the Gathering Spot through the summer days, a patio umbrella should be considered to stay in the shade and protect from the sun’s UV rays. Unlike most other patio tables, the fire pit table will not have a center hole to place and hold the umbrella, so an offset patio umbrella is recommended to provide the shade. To estimate the right size offset umbrella, measure the comfortable sitting position of the patio chairs from chair back to chair back. Or to better understand the comfortable sitting position, estimate the total chair depth plus the tabletop length, width or diameter, plus another total chair depth (if applicable). Draw this out on the getaway area that’s been sketched.
The chairs should match the main finish, color or theme of the fire pit to have continuity in the Gathering Spot. Many of the fire pit tables come in different heights such as conversation height (like the height of an indoor sofa), dining height and bar height. Make sure the patio chairs fit with the height of the fire pit table.
Many other elements and decorations, such as outdoor rugs, planters, tiki torches and more can be added, as a finishing touch, to complete the area theme.
The Cooking Place is a staple of any great backyard. There is nothing like a BBQ master grilling something delectable for a summer party or a night time gathering; the smell of succulently seasoned meat and barbecue sauce wafting through the air attracting the attention of neighbors many homes away. The envy of the neighborhood and trip to a popular eatery can only be steps away, while never having to leave the comfort of home.
Years ago, quality grills, surrounds and outdoor kitchens were lavishes of ultra upscale residences. Through new manufacturing techniques and price drops of a competitive market, an outdoor cooking place of both quality and envy can now be created on a less than vacation budget. The range of grills from size, price, feature and finish is massive. To narrow down the BBQ grill selection, it should first be decided where the grill will be placed. During operation, a barbecue will release carbon and other elements upward in the “smoke”, so careful consideration should be made of anything above the grill. Unless a smoke vent is to be used, it is recommended that nothing be above the barbecue.
Once the grill area is decided, will there be a surround encasing the grill and if so, will other appliances be included in the surround, such as a bar, sink or warmer.
Measure and sketch the total Cooking Place area to make sure there is enough room for the plans. BBQ grills come in many sizes and the selection will be dependent on the area allocated to the Cooking Place. The size of a barbecue is usually determined by the total grill surface. A good rule of thumb is to consider how many items, on average, will be grilled at a time; this number then should be multiplied by 1.25. For steaks, fold a sheet of paper in half, top to bottom. Continue to fold additional sheets of paper until the number of items requirement is met. Arrange the sheets together in a rectangle and that will be the total surface needed and size of the grill surface. For chicken, fold the paper into quarters and repeat the process above. Based upon the grill surface, the BBQ grill size can be chosen. If the barbecue will not be going into a surround, then add 18 inches to each side for shelves. Shelves are a necessity for any good grilling, and even better to hold an adult beverage for the BBQ chef.
The fuel source is next in line to selecting an appropriate grill for the Cooking Place. BBQ grills today have a variety of fuel sources, such as charcoal, liquid propane, natural gas, wood, pellet and electric; the most popular of these being propane and charcoal. Charcoal gives the authentic smell and taste of a true barbecue, but takes time to warm the grill and is limited when lengthy cooking times are required. Propane, while not have the true authenticity (of course, this is debatable), warms the grill quickly, is easily replenished and lasts during a longer cookout than typical charcoal. Knowing the fuel source prior to purchase is important, as parts are not easily interchangeable.
Any other features for the BBQ grill should now be considered. These can include rear burners for indirect heat or rotisserie cooking, side burners, warming racks and much, much more. Many manufacturers differentiate themselves by these features and deciding which ones are truly up to the BBQ griller him or herself.
Some suggested accessories for the Cooking Place are a grill light to have a good view of the cooking food, some outdoor bar stools, so others can join the barbecue chef and of course, a grill cover, to protect the BBQ grill purchase.
Making a backyard paradise or patio getaway is only limited by the imagination. Saving on vacations and investing into the home backyard will create beautiful areas that can be enjoyed by friends and family for years to come.
In our next article, the Backyard Paradise will be completed with more information about creating great Lounge and Dining areas.
Derrick Riley - Owner of Neighbors Marketing, featuring (8) online stores within the patio industry, sharing over 30 years of patio product experience.
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