Watch Cost effective solutions for Backyard projects HOUSE Magazine March April 2012 in New Channel | Channify

Cost effective solutions for Backyard projects HOUSE Magazine March April 2012. Bill Renter Outdoor Living Expert of the Deck and Patio Company recommends sever cost effective solutions for your back yard. HOUSE Magazine March -April 2012: Deck and Patio Company's Cost-Friendly Landscape Article Deck and Patio Company Offers Budget-friendly Options for Beautiful Landscape Design In the following interview, Bill Renter, owner of The Deck and Patio Company, in Huntington Station, suggests some interesting ideas for operating within a modest landscape design budget. Q: There are a lot of outdoor lovers wanting to create an oasis on their property but are concerned about costs. Can you give them a reason for hope? A: I understand their passion. As an avid skier and hiker, experiencing nature is a life to me. As long as you include nature's major elements: land, water, air, and fire, there is a wide range of options open. So, yes, there definitely is hope. In fact, much of our work at Deck and Patio is done in regular backyards, in phases, and within a modest budget. One way to keep costs down is to work from a scaled sketch and photos of the products, rather than have homeowners invest in a formal and intricate plan. Q: Can you give me an example? A: Budget pergola and fireplace kits can be half the price of custom ones and you can get a clear picture of what they will look like before hand. Such kits can produce a beautiful outdoor stage for a Great Room -- the perfect spot for star gazing and sharing good times with family and friends. Q: Can you recommend a cost effective alterative to an in-ground pool? A: A hot tub can be an ideal budget option to a pool. In addition, by surrounding it with rocks and a small garden, it suggests that "in-ground" look even if it's not. Q: What type of fire pits do you recommend? A: I prefer gas fire pits over wood-burning ones because they are smoke-free and sparks and embers don't blow around whenever there is a puff of wind. A nice budget-conscious option is the "Inspiration" gas fireplace, with Venturi flame technology. It has only one flame but gives and intense tornado-type appearance through use of mirrors. Q: Do you have any other favorite products or equipment? A: Well we often use Bullfrog Spas because they have less plumbing than others. In addition, their removable jetted hot tub seats, called JetPaks, allow them to be individually selected by the customer for a perfect massage to relieve stress and increase flexibility. Q: What about cost-friendly paver areas? A: Instead of a brick or masonry pavers, we often create a meandering natural path with bluestone stepping stones. Each stone is about three or four feet wide and long. They give a more natural aged look as they invite guests to go from one spot to another, sometimes through a garden. Q: Any last thoughts? A: Don't feel because you aren't ready for a large or expensive landscape project that you can't have an outdoor oasis. There's more than hope. There really are options available for every budget. It just takes a little creativity. http://www.deckandpatio.com/DP_Blog/?s=cost+effective&search=Search