Wherever you call home, the desire to create an outdoor retreat ranks as a high priority for most homeowners.
Outdoor rooms merge the pleasures of nature with functional, family-designed living areas, and Western Red Cedar remains a time-tested and environmentally friendly top choice for builders.
Creating an outdoor oasis can be simplified, if you keep a few things in mind, and even a small budget project can add great value to your home.
First, your design should fit your location.
Using your knowledge of natural elements like the direction of sunlight and wind can effect how and when the area is used.
An overhead structure, like a cedar gazebo or pergola, can be added to shield sun or rain.
These affordable additions can dramatically increase the value of your space and the value of your time spent enjoying it.
Second, your flooring options are vast and really define the space.
Cedar provides unmatched durability and contains a natural preservative, lessening your need to constantly maintain this tranquil retreat.
A deck can provide a naturally elegant boost to your home and lifestyle.
Third, accessories can add a touch of your own character.
Simple backyard amenities like a grill, table and lounge chairs are ideal additions to your new living space.
For a more dramatic outdoor space, adding a hot tub and subtle lighting will provide an area the whole family will enjoy.
When choosing building materials for your projects, keep in mind that the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association offers a free directory to help you find a retailer who abides by Sustainability Guidelines.
These guidelines ensure that your lumber is sourced from a sustainable forest, and properly managed to ensure forests for generations of builders to come.