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In the picturesque city of Boulder, Colorado, nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, lies a haven for DIY enthusiasts and homeowners alike: tons of local lumber yards. Boulder's lumber yards offer an abundance of high-quality materials, perfect for a myriad of creative projects to enhance your home. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, here are five imaginative projects using locally sourced materials. High-Quality Lumber in Boulder: A Testament to Excellence Boulder, Colorado, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and commitment to sustainability, is also home to a lumber industry that prides itself on providing high-quality materials. The lumber sourced in Boulder benefits from the region's rich forests, where slow growth rates result in dense, sturdy wood with exceptional strength and durability. Furthermore, Boulder's lumber yards meticulously select and process their inventory, ensuring that only the finest cuts make it to market. With a dedication to environmental stewardship and a focus on craftsmanship, the lumber in Boulder stands as a testament to excellence, offering homeowners and builders alike the assurance of superior quality for their projects. Rustic Wood Accent Wall Materials Needed: - Various lengths and types of lumber (pine, cedar, reclaimed wood) - Nails or screws - Hammer or drill - Saw (if custom cuts are required) - Sandpaper - Wood stain or paint (optional) Instructions: 1. Measure the wall space where you want to create your accent wall. 2. Visit your local Boulder lumber yard to select the perfect wood for your project. Consider different textures and finishes to achieve the desired rustic look. 3. Cut the wood to the desired lengths, ensuring they fit snugly against the wall. 4. Sand the edges and surfaces of the wood to smooth out any rough spots. 5. Begin attaching the wood to the wall using nails or screws. Start from the bottom and work your way up, ensuring each piece is level. 6. Once all the wood is attached, you can leave it natural for a rustic look or stain/paint it to match your decor. 7. Step back and admire your beautiful new accent wall! Custom Kitchen Shelving Materials Needed: - Lumber (preferably hardwood for durability) - Shelf brackets - Screws - Drill - Level - Wood stain or paint (optional) Instructions: 1. Measure the space where you want to install the shelves in your kitchen. 2. Visit your local Boulder lumber yard to choose the appropriate wood for your shelves. Consider the weight of the items you'll be placing on them. 3. Cut the wood to the desired lengths for your shelves. 4. Install the shelf brackets on the wall using screws and a drill, ensuring they are level. 5. Place the cut wood on top of the brackets to create the shelves. 6. Secure the wood to the brackets using screws. 7. Optionally, stain or paint the shelves to match your kitchen decor. 8. Enjoy your custom kitchen shelving, perfect for storing cookbooks, dishes, and more! Garden Planter Boxes Materials Needed: - Cedar or redwood lumber - Screws - Drill - Saw - Sandpaper - Wood stain or paint (optional) - Plastic liner (to protect the wood from soil and moisture) Instructions: 1. Determine the size and shape of your planter boxes. 2. Visit your local Boulder lumber yard to select the appropriate wood for outdoor use. 3. Cut the wood to the desired lengths for the sides, bottom, and optional trim. 4. Assemble the planter boxes by screwing the sides together to form a rectangular shape. 5. Attach the bottom of the planter box using screws, ensuring it is securely fastened. 6. Sand the edges and surfaces of the planter boxes to smooth out any rough spots. 7. Optionally, stain or paint the planter boxes to complement your garden decor. 8. Line the inside of the planter boxes with plastic liner to protect the wood from soil and moisture. 9. Fill the planter boxes with soil and plant your favorite flowers, herbs, or vegetables. 10. Place the planter boxes in your garden or on your patio and enjoy watching your plants thrive! DIY Floating Shelves Materials Needed: - Lumber (preferably hardwood for strength) - Wall anchors - Screws - Drill - Level - Wood stain or paint (optional) Instructions: 1. Measure the space where you want to install the floating shelves. 2. Visit your local Boulder lumber yard to choose the appropriate wood for your shelves. 3. Cut the wood to the desired lengths for your shelves. 4. Drill holes in the back of the shelves for the wall anchors. 5. Install the wall anchors in the wall at the desired locations. 6. Attach the shelves to the wall anchors using screws, ensuring they are level. 7. Optionally, stain or paint the shelves to match your decor. 8. Arrange books, photos, or decorative items on your new floating shelves for a personalized touch to any room! Outdoor Dining Table Materials Needed: - Cedar or redwood lumber - Screws - Drill - Saw - Sandpaper - Wood stain or paint - Outdoor wood sealant Instructions: 1. Determine the size and shape of your outdoor dining table. 2. Visit your local Boulder lumber yard to select the appropriate wood for outdoor use. 3. Cut the wood to the desired lengths for the table legs, frame, and tabletop. 4. Assemble the table frame by screwing the legs to the frame pieces. 5. Attach the tabletop to the frame using screws, ensuring it is securely fastened. 6. Sand the edges and surfaces of the table to smooth out any rough spots. 7. Optionally, stain or paint the table to complement your outdoor decor. 8. Apply a coat of outdoor wood sealant to protect the table from the elements. 9. Place the table in your outdoor dining area and enjoy al fresco meals with family and friends! With a trip to your local Boulder lumber yard and a little creativity, the possibilities for DIY projects are endless. Whether you're sprucing up your home's interior or enhancing your outdoor living space, these projects are sure to add charm and functionality to your surroundings. So roll up your sleeves, grab your tools, and let your imagination run wild!

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Common plumbing issues like clogged drains, leaky pipes, running toilets, water heater issues, and low water pressure come up once in a while in every home, provided that there is a plumbing system in the home. Homeowners should not always depend on plumbers to fix their problems, especially in an emergency situation. It’s important to equip your home with some plumbing tools that will aid in the fixing of some of these problems. Of course, some advanced issues like the sewer line problem or water heater problems will require the touch of an expert plumber. But for minor problems, visit any home improvement stores in Boulder to pick up tools for plumbing work. The store attender should guide the customer to select the right tools that will match their home plumbing systems and fixtures. Meanwhile, there are some must-have tools homeowners should never joke with, and they include. 1. Plungers This tool is an extremely vital plumbing tool designed to decongest a blocked pipe or drain. Clogged pipes are a common issue in most homes, and it is essential for every home to have a plunger in its toolbox. With a simple plunger, a homeowner can fix sink blockage issues in the kitchen in Longmont without having to hire a professional. Having a plunger around the home saves money, and the time it would take for a plumber to arrive. Below are the different types of plungers available in the market. Cup Plungers: These plungers are otherwise referred to as sink plungers, and they are mainly used to work on flat plains due to their ability to infuse positive pressure effect when the cup is pushed down through a vacuum and negative pressure when pushed some distance away from the fixture. Accordion Plungers: This type of plunger is specifically designed for unblocking toilet drains. They are shaped in ways that the nose fits into the toilet drain to suck up water and particles to remove the blockage. This unique tool can be purchased in any plumbing supply in Boulder and is pretty affordable. Flange Plungers: this plunger contains a fold-out flag that is fixed on the toilet drain opening. It is able clear the toilet clog by suction. This plunger is not only peculiar to the toilet. It can be used on other surfaces as well. But, it’s improper to use the toilet flange plunger on the sink or tub drain. 2. Plumber’s Snake And Augers This is an impressive tool that forces out far or near clogs. They can remove blocks that are deeper down or close to the surface. These tools are very resourceful for cleaning or freeing the pipe from clogs. The Plumber’s drain snake and hand augers can help any individual fix any drain clogging problem, but don’t hesitate to hire a professional when the problem is beyond the snake and auger. It’s important to inspect your plumbing system for possible leakages. It is easier for a homeowner to fix a minimal plumbing problem but will prove difficult to fix when it becomes severe. Hand Augers: A hand auger is very useful in dislodging sink clogs. They can be used to clean kitchen clogs and can reach any depth level. The tool is operated by moving it anticlockwise as the cable travels through the sink pipe to unblock clogs for easy water access. Drain Snake: This is an amazing plumbing cleaning tool used for generators. They typically do the same thing as the augers, but they are weightier and easier to use. 3. Saws and Cutters Saws and cutters are one of the most popular cutting tools and can cut both light and solid materials of any shape, size, or length. For example, the saw and cutter can be used to cut pipes, bolts, screws, nuts, etc. These tools are not just peculiar to plumbing work but are also used for wood cutting at Lumber Boulder. Different types of saws and cutters have their unique function. Hacksaw: this is known as a fine-toothed saw that can cut through metallic pipes or metallic parts. Bow saw: this saw performs the exact function as the hacksaw, but they are used in wood cutting. Junior Hacksaw: For narrow regions like the under the kitchen sink, the Junior hacksaws are used to access and cut out any object part that needs cutting Metal File: This machine is used to give a smooth finish to any metallic surface or part. It helps in smoothing rough planes or edges after the cut process. 4. Thread Sealing Tape This film tap is used to wrap or seal a pipe or tube to prevent leakages. This tool is applied in threaded joints or connected areas in piping where there might be possible leakages. To use the tape, they have to be sold cut to the required width and length. For easy winding and threading, the tape is usually wound on a spool. There are different types of seal tapes. However, the top grade option can withstand high and low temperatures, and is flexible enough to better coverage and perfect sealing. 5. Pliers Pliers are typically used for easy gripping, and they are used by professionals to unloose or tighten bolts and nuts. This tool can be used to loosen bolts and nuts of any size. They are a perfect plumber’s tool for penetrating into tight spaces that their wrench can't get to. Most pliers are multifunctional. They don't only grip things. They can also be used for twisting wires and cutting wires. Pliers also play a key role in the extraction of nails from woods and can serve as a supportive tool in a Boulder Lumber Yard. While engaging in some of these Plumbing jobs, it's important to put on some safety outfits, like gloves, coveralls, glasses for eye protection, etc. If the issue is too severe or is looking a bit above your skill level, consult professional plumbers.

Deck-board installation is a great way to create an extension in the home for relaxation and entertainment. Decorating the patio with a single-level deck framed with finely-finished timber woods naturally improves the look and feel of the home. Decking in Boulder is either fixed to stand freely on their own or attached to the house. And the boards come in different patterns and shapes that allow the installer to get creative and come up with unique designs. What Is a Deck Board? It is commonly known as a home improvement material used in forming the surface of a deck. The boards come in different types, PVS, composite, or wood, and they can carry up to 100 lbs per square foot, depending on the purpose of its installation. The boards come complete with good resistance to rot, dampness, cracks, fades, and warps, and they don't require extra touches (like sealing, painting, tinting) to look nice. Good quality lumber in Boulder is not affected by sun rays and is known to have a good slip-resistance ability. Composite decking is a fantastic alternative to wood. Where to Install Deck Boards? Deck boards can be laid on any dry and leveled ground. Before taking any step towards laying the decks, it is important to define the purpose for the construction. The purpose is what determines how the boards will be laid. People install decking for different reasons, for example -creating a place for privacy, relaxation, entertainment, or children's play area. People install deck boards for reasons best known to them, and these reasons are what determine the structure, design, size, and location of the fixture. A homeowner can either decide to hire a professional for the installation or do the work themselves. Either way, the individual must consider these factors while planning for a deck project. The nature of the ground: is the ground plane or slopy? Sloped grounds are not ideal for decking. Each of the boards needs to be rested on properly leveled ground. How exposed is the location to sunlight? When building a space for relaxation, keep off from locations that are regularly stricken by sunlight as it can also affect a low-quality deck material. The panorama exposure: locate a nice spot (with a beautiful view in your home) to lay the boards. Consider privacy: check if the spot will provide the needed privacy. Avoid moisturized ground: Wet grounds cause deterioration and damage on the boards. Look out for supporting features: things like trees can help provide shields and structural support for the structure. Budget of the project: when working with a low budget, visit any Boulder hardware store to buy affordable deck materials that can suit your budget. Draw a plan: sketch your deck-board layouts and meticulously work it out. Try not to waste materials available. Important questions to ask when planning a deck project What type of deck board material is required? What is the size of the spot? What is the dimension of the boards? What is the expansion gap needed for the deck boards? What are the required tools? What safety precautions or measures need to be observed during the process? How to Lay Deck Boards Deck board laying is not as difficult as it seems. With the right knowledge and guides, one can build an attractive deck that will spur neighbors to scream “wow!” And this is possible even for someone without prior experience. The first step towards achieving a successfully fitted and professionally looking deck is by creating accurate layouts for the deck. The layout guides the individuals to fix the boards in the perfect dimension and angle. Secondly, assemble all needed materials for the installation, and keep them on-site a day or two before the actual work begins to avoid running around to look for materials on the day of the project. The materials should be kept away from sun radiation, even the high-quality boards. Sunlight can alter the quality and appearance of the boards, and weak boards are easily affected by sunlight. Afterward, get the ground ready for the actual laying. An already dry and level ground won't need any groundwork. However, the installation would need to employ a land leveler machine and smoother to level plowed and uneven terrain. Another option for preparing the ground for composite decking in Boulder is to cover the leveled area with landscaping fabric; this will prevent plant and weed germination, which causes serious damage to the boards. The next step would be to create a solid base for the boards. The deck boards are usually installed on solid frames, and the frame is what provides structural support for the boards. The base can be built with a timber frame that is screwed and fastened together. Building a strong, safe, stable deck is impossible without a solid foundation. The foundation contains the load and pressures from the board. A strong foundation is what guarantees durability and sustainability. The project will require the individual to engage in some physical tasks like moving the boards, lifting heavy timbers, cutting, etc. The activity can be exhausting, so it’s important to get extra hands to assist in the lifting and cutting. Make good use of the measuring instrument, ensure that each of the boards is properly aligned according to measurement. And ensure that the cuts are accurate, use 90-degree when sawing so as to achieve a fine cut. After every cut, smoothen the edges after cutting and ensure there are no splinters. Create accurate drills by marking out the spots where holes need to be created, which will ultimately ensure correct fixings. Put on all the necessary protective outfits, which includes a face mask, safety goggles, gloves, etc. Avoid burning remnants of timber planks. Instead, dispose of them in the recycling bin or waste disposal unit. When they burn, toxic chemicals in the wood are released into the atmosphere. Homeowners also have the option of consulting a reliable brand like Trex Decking Boulder for professional assistance regarding their deck board installation and maintenance.

Before placing an offer on a home, new or old, there are things to know and look out for before doing so. The reason for purchasing a property will determine what to consider. Buying a home to live in for a while without additional work needed, starting a family, planning on selling, or taking up a renovation project are all reasons why one may invest in a house. With that, certain variables can disrupt the intent and make owning a house more difficult than it should be. There are a few things to do and look for before making an offer, including getting an inspection, knowing the year the house was built, how sturdy the foundation is if there is exterior or interior damage, and how outdated or updated the appliances are. Get an Inspection Before purchasing a home, it is necessary to get an inspection done. This is one of the final steps before placing an offer and is the last opportunity a buyer can assess the property and ensure there is no underlying damage or issues that could lower the cost. The inspector will do a walk-through of the house and look at the structure, electrical, plumbing, roofing, basements, decking in boulder, and other areas. An inspection takes a few hours to complete and an additional few days to write and send off a report. Buyers have the choice of attending the inspection process to get a first-hand look at the potential issues raised by the inspector. The inspection can be negotiated, so the seller pays for the service fee, but typically the buyers pay for an inspection, which can cost a couple of hundred dollars. If there are minor repairs that need to be done after the inspection report comes back, the buyer can request the seller to do these things before purchasing the home. In some cases, another inspection is required if there are severe issues which is when a renegotiation of the property amount can be done, or a buyer can back out of the deal entirely. First Time Buyer- What to Look Out For If the house is older, that increases the chance of other issues arising, like mold, infestation issues, water damage, poor structural support, and plumbing issues. Water damage Mold usually arises due to dampness caused by poor installation or a leak. Areas to look for are underneath window sills, basements, attics, and ceilings where water can leak in from the roof. There is potential for water damage on the decking in boulder and may require a new deck. With older homes, decking is usually in poor condition and needs to be replaced. A good alternative to regular wood is composite decking in boulder which is a type of wood blend combined with plastic and other materials that produce a stronger and more sturdy result than normal wood. To avoid deck complications in the future, including rot, insects, and splinters, a trex decking in boulder is a good choice. The blend of wood and plastic makes the deck more reliable and durable, and trex decking in boulder is ideal in wet and humid conditions, or areas that face a lot of snow. Electrical The electrical box should be neat and organized with no disconnected wires. If this is not the case, it can be a potential safety hazard. Plumbing Looking under sinks and around faucets should be done to ensure there are no leaks or plumbing concerns. Infestation When looking for infestations in a home, common places include the kitchen, underneath the deck, inside walls, or in an attic. Droppings or nests will usually be present if there is a rodent infestation. Roofing Ceilings and skylights will have water damage present if there is a leak in the roof, but an inspector will be able to thoroughly examine the area. Gutting and Renovating If purchasing a property for the purchase of gutting a majority of the space to make room for renovations, it is important to consider the condition of the home and how severe or minimal damage is. Renovations of any kind should be taken up with a professional unless the owner of the home possesses the necessary knowledge and expertise. Professionals make the renovating process easier as they can source the proper lumber in boulder if it is required and have easy access to boulder hardware stores to easily retrieve the necessary supplies. When renovating a home, is essential to have the proper tools and equipment to work on small projects and provide assistance along the way. A full renovation can be a very lengthy process and usually requires anyone residing in the house to relocate for the time being. The structure and foundation should be in good condition before buying a home, as this can be an extremely costly procedure to undertake if it needs to be replaced or fixed. Replacing the foundation includes: Assessing the severity of the foundation damage Looking into other options to repair the foundation If severe enough and insatiable, the house is raised with hydraulic jacks and supported in place. The old foundation is removed by heavy machinery and replaced by laying new concrete. The foundation is the support of the house, and with a weak foundation, the house is not properly supported and can pose a potential risk for damage. Buying and Selling A buyer looking to purchase a property to renovate and sell for a higher price will also look out for extensive damage that can make the process not worth it. Buying and selling is a common tactic done to make a profit on an inexpensive home with cost-effective renovations and upgrades. Ensuring the house will not require extensive repairs is something that is always considered. A house is a big investment and is typically thoroughly inspected and looked into before a buyer makes an offer.

Making changes to a home, new or old, can bring about unforeseen situations. Depending on what part of a house is being changed and improved determines the process, time frame, required materials, and difficulty. Some house improvements do not require much skill or work and can be done by DIY, including painting a room, changing handles and knobs, and changing fixtures. At home improvement stores in boulder, they will have all the necessary tools, equipment, and parts to implement and help with the process. Certain house upgrades should be taken on by a professional unless an individual has the required skill set for the job. Things like changing toilets, sinks, floors, removing walls, and more require more than one person and need certain equipment like plumbing supply in boulder and lumber in boulder. What Tools are Required Depending on the type of upgrade, tools including hammers, sanding machines, screwdrivers, wrenches, levelers, measuring tape, and Exacto Knives are usually needed and can be found at home in improvement stores in boulder. These tools are very basic but are necessary when renovating, upgrading, or building a home. Small house upgrades usually only require these types of tools, especially in doing a DIY project. A professional should be considered with any form of upgrade to ensure no damage happens and the outcome is correct. What are the Different Types of House Upgrades? Countless upgrades can be implemented in a house, from small fixture changes to large kitchen remodels. A few common upgrades include: Kitchen When upgrading a kitchen, getting the proper supplies and professional help for kitchens in longmont will make the process smooth. Kitchen upgrades are done to create a more functional space or re-enhance what’s already there. When it comes to kitchen designs, there are many different styles and types to go with. Whether looking for a simple and elegant design, modern, or craftsman, the right kitchen upgrade is possible. Kitchen upgrades may involve removing sinks and fixtures or changing the entire layout, which will require a plumbing supply in boulder and an expert to properly remove and reinstall appliances, including stoves, fridges, ovens, and sinks. Flooring Upgrading old and worn-down flooring is common, especially if the house is older. There are many things to consider when choosing to refinish existing floors or install new flooring, including the type of wood type, time frame, and method. Seeking a professional will ensure the process is done correctly and will avoid creating delays or carrying out the process incorrectly. The process is different for refinishing and installing floors, as refinishing is changing the appearance of the wood that is already installed compared to installing new floors. It can take up to 3-5 days to refinish floors, dependent on the square footage of the space. The installation process for floors that come prestained is a lot faster and takes between 1-3 days. Decks It is common for old and outdated homes to have worn-down decks that need to be replaced for not only appearance reasons but also safety reasons. Sourcing new wood for a deck can be done by visiting a boulder lumber yard and talking to professionals to help with the upgrade. Rotting and weak wood can pose potential problems if not removed or fixed and usually occurs due to the age and wear it faced over the years. A boulder lumber yard has a wide range of materials, but it is recommended to use redwood or cedar for decking since they are resistant to insects and factors that can cause certain types of wood to rot. Exterior An exterior upgrade can involve painting the outside of a home, landscaping, roofing, and lighting. Overgrown gardens or dead grass are common reasons to upgrade the landscape and can make a big difference for the front of a home. Landscaping methods include planting flowerbeds, displaying flower pots, improving grass, building fencing, and planting trees. Fencing requires lumber in boulder and is a service provided by professionals. Bathrooms A bathroom renovation will require a plumbing supply in boulder, and often a professional is involved to properly install new toilets, sinks, and faucets. There are many bathroom styles and designs that range from unique to traditional and modern. Common styles include tropical, transitional, modern, Mediterranean, and rustic. Each bathroom style has individual and distinct aspects that create a specific environment. Every bathroom serves a universal purpose, and with a bathroom upgrade it can become a space to relax and unwind from the day, and a clean and functional design will help to generate that feeling. Basements With older homes, basements are often dingy and reserved for storage. They can be dark and cold due to the concrete flooring but are more than capable of having an upgrade done. Installing flooring, painting the walls, and installing drywall can create a more inviting and appealing space. Important things to Keep In Mind Understanding the house and knowing what can be a DIY project versus a professional one will prevent any delays to the process and eliminate room for error. An older house is likely to have unforeseen situations arise when removing flooring or exposing electrical work, while a more recently built house has not experienced the same wear and tear. Certain upgrades can take time and may require relocation from the entire space for a few days or longer, depending on the project. Installing flooring can take a few days, while redoing a kitchen can take up to a couple of months. Is it Costly? With any upgrade, money is involved. The cost of a project depends on the required material and professional help, and the more extensive and vast a project is, the higher the cost will be. Basic tools and equipment are relatively priced, and a DIY upgrade is an option that is more cost-efficient. Typically, installation fees and professional assistance range from two to six thousand dollars. Before starting any sort of upgrades, considering the cost is important to feel secure.

When looking to enhance and revamp a home’s exterior, perusing all the options related to decking in Boulder is a wise move. For homes already complete with a deck or looking to add one, turning the home “inside out” a bit by building an outdoor kitchen is a unique and exciting way to modernize the property. Properly outfitted Boulder hardware stores and businesses specializing in home improvement offer exceptional professional guidance, as well as quality work and materials, like lumber in Boulder, to help realize all manner of outdoor cooking dreams. Novel and Conducive to Memorable Entertaining Having a special outdoor kitchen and dining area allows hosts to create a unique ambiance for themselves and guests, using elements like mood lighting, music, and visually exciting yet comfy outdoor furniture. For kitchens outfitted with ample counter space and cubbies, hosts can go all out and harness their creative urges by filling unused space with decor. Maybe some strategically placed candles are conducive to the desired aesthetics and mood, or those throw pillows that match the outdoor chairs would look great in the connected side seats. Hosts may even want to embrace the more natural themes of being in nature and add beautiful accents with floral arrangements or succulents. Another great customizable option for outdoor kitchens is constructing the dining area in an island configuration around the grilling and cooking area. This allows for even more engagement and connection between the cook and guests and maintains a heightened sense of community and social bonding, even while busy multitasking mixing salads, and monitoring the grill. This setting offers hosts the opportunity to save on potential restaurant costs and instead invest in creating a special experience with quality food and surroundings. Outdoor kitchens are nothing without a quality grill. This most communal of cooking methods has its own lists of benefits, like offering taste variety with the high heat and charring involved, which is considered healthy as excess fats drip off. These benefits are paired with the modern conveniences of a mini-fridge, sink, and a spacious countertop doubling as an area for hanging out and socializing in an outdoor kitchen. There is no need for constant trips in and out of an indoor kitchen, allowing for a more fully immersive and centralized experience. Extension of Home Living Space Practically speaking, for those with smaller home interiors, or, perhaps, a long guest list- maybe both!- extending the social area to the outdoors provides the necessary space for a full and engaging experience for all present. What’s more, investing in aesthetically pleasing and practical exterior elements encourages homeowners and guests to enjoy the outdoors more. Cooking and socializing can still take place in the same area, now upgraded with the simultaneous enjoyment of fresh air and the natural elements of a property. The modern amenities and personalized design of an open-air kitchen offer residents and their visiting friends and family to indulge in an intriguing ambiance distinct from their more conventional, indoor counterparts. Even simple yet quality construction and the open, breezy setting makes for a more luxurious experience and make every meal feel like a special and relaxing occasion. Investment in Property Choosing to add an outdoor kitchen to one’s property offers more opportunities for decorating and customization in the living space. Overall layouts can be as simple as a small corner outfitted with a grill, mini-fridge, and just enough counter space, to more extravagant and eye-catching creations featuring full-size sinks, attached sunken side benches for lounging, ovens, power burners/stoves, smokers, and extensive cabinet and cupboard space. Depending on an individual’s vision and needs, such features as bar islands, pizza ovens, and even waterfalls can be added in. Even rain can be embraced as an element of ambiance rather than a hindrance, as specialized roofs and coverings can be constructed to make the most of an outdoor dining experience. The materials used for such outfitted appliances are strategically chosen, assembled, and protected to withstand the elements in a given area. One can take advantage of the wide variety of materials available, such as composite decking in Boulder, including quality and professional Trex decking in Boulder. One can also tailor to personal tastes by choosing amenities made of multicolored stone, sleek metal, and accents of all shades, to name a few. Such intentional design is guaranteed to preserve the investment for years to come and retain both personal and monetary value. According to sources like CNN Money, when reselling a home equipped with an outdoor kitchen, US homeowners can expect, at the very least, to regain the full amount spent on constructing these special amenities. As these cooking areas are considered to be luxury features, countless homeowners in the US are able to sell for a more lucrative price, allowing them to profit off their attractive and practical investment. All in all, an outdoor cooking area not only offers a unique ambiance but can also add significant value to a home, attracting attention and benefitting the owner when it comes time to sell. Lower Energy Usage in Hot Seasons As most modern homes are equipped with air conditioning, especially properties located in areas with warmer weather year-round, outdoor areas designated for cooking can help save on energy costs. Cooking inside intrinsically warms up the interior of a home, particularly larger-scale meals, which can be an advantage in areas with cold fall and winter weather. However, during the summer and hotter periods, a home’s air conditioner has to use up more energy to keep the interior cool. Not only can indoor summer cooking get stuffy temperature-wise, stronger, more pungent smells can also be intensified, like deep fried foods. Instead of opening windows to air out a home and letting hot air flow in, also expending more air conditioning energy, cooking outdoors eliminates any such concerns, even smoky mishaps with burnt dishes.