Making your outdoor yard more enjoyable

Want to expand your living space without the cost of adding on? A great place to add living space is right out your back door. Add some patio furniture. And if you have some extra money, purchase teak patio furniture. It will last a long time.

Through creative landscaping, homeowners are discovering the benefits of turning under-used yards into another “room” for entertaining or relaxing.

1. More than a patio. The days of throwing a few pavers on a sand bed to create a patio are gone, according to Gravier. Rather, homeowners are asking for multi-tiered backyards featuring seating areas, flowerbeds, an area for the grill and even an outdoor fireplace. “With decorative, easy-to-install block, homeowners find that they can add dimension and style to their yards at a very reasonable cost,” Gravier said.  Or you can create a new semi outside metal buildings. These buildings can be purchased via kits and built easily.

2. Conquer that hillside. For some homeowners, their yards present landscaping challenges such as steep hills that steal space and compromise utility. Block walls with terraced gardens can tame hillsides and create more useable outdoor space, Gravier said. “While you may need a landscape contractor to help you with a job like this, a terraced wall constructed of beautiful decorative block can turn an eyesore into a remarkable asset.”

3. Timber! A favorite landscaping tool for decades has been treated wood. But after a few years, the timbers become discolored and begin to rot -- not to mention, they pose a threat because of the wood treatment chemicals. Homeowners are switching to lasting and environmentally friendly decorative block walls as a solution for replacing timber walls, planters or flowerbeds, said Gravier.

4. Outdoor oasis. Many homeowners are seeking a quiet sanctuary for escape from the rat race. The yard can be the answer -- an outdoor oasis with a personal, cozy cove to relax and rejuvenate. According to Gravier, the options for customized landscaping have never been greater. “Incorporating decorative walls easily adds character and can personalize the space in your yard,” he said.

5. The outside of your home should have exquisite exterior window shutters. There are many designs and styles to choose from.

For complex landscaping jobs such as building tiers and multiple sets of stairs or walls greater than six feet high, homeowners will want to work with a landscape contractor. For more basic landscaping jobs, such as walls less than six feet, homeowners can look to their landscape supply store for products and installation instructions.

Allan Block has more advice to offer homeowners considering enhancing their outdoor living experience. For additional information, send an email to info@allanblock.com, write to ATTN: Allan Block Info Center, 5300 Edina Industrial Blvd., Suite 100, Edina, MN 55439 or visit our Web site at allanblock.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Find mosquito trap reviews,  products and insect pest control that will make your time in your backyard, patio, pool or porch area more enjoyable. So when you are sitting in your backyard furniture, you do not get eaten alive.

Find all designs of patio chairs and furniture. You can find cleaning tips and a buyers guide with most of the top manufacturers of Adirondack chairs. These types of chairs are some of the most comfortable chairs around. Browse around and learn how this type of furniture is used in the backyard for a relaxing break. Find the newest designs and styles. Buy teak patio furniture from only the top designers and manufacturers