Our Company Blog

Getting Your Outdoor Space Ready for Warm Weather

You probably winterized your outdoor space to protect it from animals and weather during the cold weather. Fire pits and fireplaces along with appliances like grills and refrigerators can be affected by winter, even if you do your best to prevent it. When weather warms up and you’re ready to fire it up for summer gatherings, there are a few things you need to do first.

Clean and Check the Grill

You may have a grill or a stove-top in your outdoor space. Whether you have one or the other, or both, you should clean and check it before use. Even if you cleaned and checked your appliances before closing out your space for the winter, you should again. Even if your grill was working properly at the end of the season last year it may not be now. A lot can happen during a winter even with your best preparations.

Clean and Check the Fireplace or Appliance

Your fireplace, fire pit, or appliance should be cleared of debris, ashes, and anything else that might have blown or fallen into it. Anything besides the intended fuel can cause a dangerous fire or explosion. Also, if you have a gas appliance you should make sure the burners and glass are cleaned and that the fuel connection is not leaking and set appropriately.

Prepare Wood for your Fireplace or Fire Pit

Do you have a wood-burning fireplace or fire pit? if so, you should start gathering your summer fire wood today. You should only burn properly seasoned wood in your fireplace even if you’re burning outside. Burning the right wood insures that you have a warm, efficient fire. Burning dry wood also means less byproducts. Do you already have a supply of seasoned firewood leftover from your winter burning? Then it will be perfect for your outdoor fire as well.

Update Seating and Furniture

If you prepared your outdoor space for winter, you might have thought to store your furniture and cushions in a dry area so they wouldn’t get ruined. If you forgot this, you might need to replace your furniture or cushions. Maybe you like to update your furniture each year. No matter your reasoning, you should set up the space as you like. Make sure to secure cushions to the furniture so they don’t become fire hazards, as well.

Secure Valuables

Depending on your outdoor space, you might have walls, a roof, or even a full kitchen. If you have expensive items in your outdoor space that can be removed, tampered with, or vandalized, you should secure them for the season. Many cities have codes that specify certain requirements regarding open fires. It’s also important to make sure your homeowners insurance policy doesn’t have any restrictions as well.

When you’re ready to start your outdoor entertaining this spring, don’t rush into it. Make sure your appliances are safe and ready for use. If you’re looking to upgrade portions of your outdoor space or replace damaged items, you can choose IBD Outdoor Rooms for the best products!

Choosing the Right Finish For Your Outdoor Kitchen

While you’re planning your dream space outside you don’t want to leave anything to chance. The appliances, fire pits, counters, and patio flooring should all fit together to your liking. The materials you use can determine the beauty, safety, and comfort of your outdoor kitchen—even the life of the kitchen. You want materials that are rated for outdoors, durable, scratch resistant, and stain resistant.

When you have come to the end of your outdoor kitchen design, the finishing touch is the finish itself. IBD Outdoor Rooms offers two beautiful options that come in a variety of designs and colors. While deciding, consider what you’ll be doing in your outdoor kitchen. Would you benefit from a smooth finish? Would stone match your space more perfectly? The price is always a factor as well. An IBD Outdoor Room associate can answer questions regarding price anytime you’d like to call.

Granitech

Granitech base is pure natural granite granules that are mixed with a clear polymer. This allows the granite to bond to the substrate. This finish is a six step process that results in a durable and beautiful, natural finish. For a specific color you can bring a sample to one of our experts and they can produce any desired color using a two week process of color matching. Once the product is finished, it is low maintenance and should last the life of the unit.

• First, the IBD component is sealed with adhesive at all joints and fasteners to insure a smooth, secure base.
• Next, a primer is applied for a flawless surface.
• Your technician will use a trowel to apply the first coat of granite and polymers over the unit.
• When the first coat is dry, the technician will apply a second coat of granite and polymers, this time under pressure to create proper texture.
• When this second coat is dried, your technician will apply IBD’s unique seal coat to lock the granite on as an “overcoat” which reduces scratches and stains.

Stone and Brick

Many homeowners opt for the more traditional outdoor look of brick and stone. With stone finish we are better able to match to the terrain if desired. The Granitech offers nine beautiful options, but the possibilities with stone are seemingly endless. While you’re making plans for your outdoor kitchen, consider the benefits of each finish, the durability of both, and both installations.

IBD Outdoor Rooms only sells the best products rated for outdoor use and provides professional installation every time.

You can start by viewing our photo gallery and calling to make your appointment—the first step toward your dream outdoor space.

Pros and Cons of an Outdoor Kitchen

When you start thinking of spring cleaning and warm weather, you often think of improvements you’d like to make. If an outdoor kitchen is on your list, you should make sure it’s an investment you want to make. If you decide to build an outdoor kitchen you want to start planning now, so that you can use it when warm weather hits.

The Cons

• PRICE: Any investment in your property is going to cost money. Since you need specific appliances, cabinetry, and seating made of
  durable outdoor materials, you will have to pay for those. Furniture, flooring, and a heat source like a fireplace or fire pit is also a necessity for an outdoor space. Depending on your location and climate, you may decide to construct a room with walls and even a roof. All of these things cost money.
• WEATHER: Depending on where you live, you may have long periods of time when you are unable to enjoy your outdoor kitchen due to weather. You will also need to weatherize your outdoor kitchen if you don’t plan to use it through winter. If you don’t have a roof on your outdoor space you are also limited to using it only on days of nice weather.
• ACCESSIBLE TO THIEVES AND CRITTERS: If you have expensive appliances outside, then other people can tamper with, damage, or steal your property. This doesn’t always have to be on purpose. A neighbor can light a harmless fire in your outdoor fireplace that results in an accidental burn, leaving you with an insurance claim! An outdoor kitchen can also be damaged by animals seeking a warm, dry shelter for the night—or the season. It’s important to adequately prepare your outdoor kitchen to prevent such visitors.

The Pros

• INCREASING PROPERTY VALUE: If you’re looking to sell or refinance, an outdoor kitchen can do the trick, pushing your property value over the threshold you’re striving for. For the money you spend on the outdoor space, you will get back that and more if you sell in the future. A beautiful outdoor space also increases curb appeal.
• ENTERTAINING: If you’re a socialite, you might value this factor more than others. An outdoor kitchen means you can entertain any amount of people comfortable. You don’t have to worry about crowding your friends into your house.
• COOKING MESSES STAY OUTDOORS: Not only can you do all of your entertaining in your outdoor space (weather permitting), but you benefit from having a separate cooking area that doesn’t leave your own kitchen a mess after a big gathering. You can even install a composting system as part of your outdoor kitchen to help with your cleanup and benefit the environment.
• ODORS AND SMOKE STAY OUTSIDE: Having a fish fry doesn’t mean your house has to smell like fish. Cooking for a large group doesn’t mean your kitchen fills with smoke. These things stay outside when you have an outdoor kitchen to use!
• HEAT STAYS OUTSIDE: Not only does the heat from cooking stay outside when you have an outdoor kitchen, but you can also enjoy cool spring and fall evenings—even winter—when you have an outdoor space with a fire pit.

Your outdoor kitchen won’t affect your home’s interior in the least, which is the best perk of all. You shouldn’t dwell on the cost or the upkeep of your outdoor kitchen, because it benefits everyone. Built well, an outdoor kitchen will withstand the test of time, and be useful for many years.

Start The New Year Off Right! Let Us Help You Plan For A New Outdoor Fireplace!

You may not be planning for your summer activities yet, but imagine a new outdoor space to host a get-together, relax into the cool evening, and watch Fourth of July fireworks with the family. You can start the New Year off right by planning your new outdoor fireplace today. Avoid the spring rush by choosing your fireplace and planning your installation now.

First Thing’s First

Imagine your space. There are many styles of outdoor fireplaces available and IBD Outdoor Rooms offers the best garden fireplaces, wall fireplaces, and fire pits on the market. Our professionals can match you with the perfect fireplace to fit your space in size, style, and function.

• THE GARDEN FIREPLACE is designed to fit into small areas and are designed to burn gas, biofuel, or gel fuel only. They can also be vent-free or vented, allowing for versatility. These fireplaces offer adequate heat for outdoor entertaining and a beautiful feature for your garden or patio space.
• RINNAI WALL UNITS are designed for spaces that have divider walls or where larger units are needed. These gas appliances offer a beautiful gas flame and high heat output for those cool evenings in Spring, or less heat for the warmer evenings of summer.
• THE FIRE PIT comes in various shapes and sizes to fit your specific need. The octagonal fire pit housing is our most popular selection at IBD Outdoor Rooms. It features a fully welded corrosion resistant frame and 1/2 cement board covering. We also offer round, square, wedge, oval, and rectangular fire pit housings, as well as stratford and pedestal fire pit housings, which stand up from the ground.

Our outdoor fireplaces are available in Grinitech and stone finishes which can be matched to your outdoor space perfectly. If you haven’t planned your outdoor space beyond your fireplace, we have everything you should need to complete your dream space. You can choose from a variety of posting, roofing, rafters, and anatomy to create a custom structure that fits any space and any need.

Choose IBD!

At IBD Outdoor Rooms we offer only industry-trusted brands rated for outdoor use with professional installation and maintenance. We want our customers to enjoy an outdoor living space no matter what time of year. That’s why maintaining the highest level of safety and beauty with every addition is important to us!  In doing this, we want out customers to return to IBD for all their needs. And, in addition, because they are fully satisfied with our service and products.

We have a technician standing by to begin this journey with you. Ready to start your search for the outdoor space of your dreams? Then visit our gallery to view pictures of our best work. One of these fireplaces could be yours!

Get started today by calling IBD Outdoor Rooms at 704-960-4530.

Keep Your Outdoor Kitchen Protected from Critters During Cold Weather

When cold weather hits, animals behave just like people, searching for someplace warm to sleep. If there isn’t someplace warm to sleep, they at least search for shelter, and they will find it anywhere. If you aren’t careful they may find it in your outdoor kitchen. Your appliances are dry and with the assistance of some nesting materials, critters large and small can make them cozy and warm.

Tips to Keep Critters Out

• Keep your kitchen clean
  When you prepare your kitchen for winter you should make sure it is completely clean of food and debris. If you have any food at all on or in your appliances you can bet a critter will find it! Give your stove-top, grills, counters, sink, fridge, and cupboards a thorough cleaning. You should also remove food from your outdoor refrigerator and cupboards and fasten them with locks.
• Install a chimney cap
  If your outdoor kitchen has a chimney, make sure it has a chimney cap. If your chimney is installed and doesn’t have a chimney cap, a certified chimney sweep can install one in just a short appointment. Without a chimney cap, small critters will find a nice, cozy home inside your chimney flue.
• Close your chimney
  Your outdoor fireplace might have a screen or glass doors. When your chimney isn’t in use, make sure that the screen or doors are closed tightly and locked or fastened. If you don’t have doors, you can have them installed and custom-fitted to your fireplace opening. In the meantime you can use your damper to close off the chimney from the fireplace opening. This will work to keep animals out when the chimney isn’t in use.

When you invest in your home and property by adding an outdoor kitchen, you don’t want animals to ruin it. Animals can leave flammable debris in your chimney that can cause fire. They can leave debris and harmful waste in your cooking area, and their claws can damage cabinets and counter-tops. Don’t let it happen to you.

Before you install your outdoor kitchen or remodel it, keep these things in mind:

1.  Stainless steel cabinets are durable. They best protect against weather and can lock during the off-season. Stainless steel also protects your cabinet surfaces from the claws of critters small and large.
2.  Install a chimney cap and doors or screens to avoid a problem later. Start with the right design today, and you won’t have to worry about repairing a damaged chimney or removing an animal from your flue, alive or dead, later.
3.  Install outdoor-rated appliances. Most of these outdoor appliances are designed to withstand not only weather, but also protect against wildlife. You can ask any park ranger, though, and he will tell you that almost nothing protects against animals. They are cunning and sometimes desperate.
4.  Consider a custom structure. By building a structure around your outdoor space, you allow yourself the freedom to fully enclose your outdoor kitchen during the off-season. For instance, building a partial wall or roof can allow you to use custom-removable walls, anchored tightly to the roof and floor to secure your space from wildlife and weather.

Consider the benefits of winterizing sooner rather than later. Protect your outdoor kitchen against critters today so that you can enjoy it in the spring.