Our Company Blog

Ready for an Outdoor Makeover? We Have Tips!

Year after year, homeowners across the U.S. decide to upgrade and makeover their homes for efficiency and style. Whether you’re looking to upgrade to sell or just to enjoy, we have tips. After years of designing, manufacturing, and building outdoor rooms, we have seen our fair share of good and bad ideas. Let an outdoor room expert help you get started with your new upgrade.

Start at the End

The best way to start the design for your new outdoor space is to envision what you would like in the end. Is it something that you can D-I-Y? Is it a complicated install that requires a professional hire? These are things to think about as you begin to browse our products and designs. Consider the type of space you would like first, including the walls, structure, appliances, necessities, and more. If you need electricity in your outdoor kitchen, consider where you’d like the outlets. If you prefer a basic fire pit over a gas unit, consider where you’d like to stack wood, where the smoke will settle, what type of seating is safest near open flames. Once you have an idea of what you’d like your outdoor space to look like and what you’d like it to do for you, it’s time to talk to a contractor.

Hire a Certified Contractor

Whether your project is big or small, it’s important to get the right help. Your municipal codes may require you to hire a certified contractor even for minor renovations and constructions. Find out from your city authorities first, then look for contractors that are specifically trained and certified for your needs. For instance, if your install includes a fire appliance of some kind, you should have it installed by a National Fire Institute (NFI) certified chimney and fireplace technician. This will not only protect your property but also your investment and maybe even your life. Our products, including structures, are incredibly easy to construct. They’re shipped to your door with clearly labeled parts and detailed instructions, however, they are best installed by a certified professional.

Let Your Imagination Run Wild

Visit our gallery to find some of our favorite projects. When it comes to outdoor spaces, the sky is the limit. Many homeowners design an outdoor space that complements the home, landscape, and their personality perfectly, and we can help. You can design a basic patio with a low wall and gas fireplace or an elaborate outdoor kitchen and tiki bar next to a kidney-shaped pool with a stone waterfall.
At IBD Outdoor Rooms it’s our goal to turn your fantasy into reality, and we can get started as soon as you get started.

Contact IBD Outdoor Rooms

We can help you design your dream space today. Call 704-960-4530, contact us online or stop by our showroom at 184 Academy Ave., Concord, North Carolina.

We Can Build a Wood-Fired Oven for You

When you think of an outdoor kitchen, most people think of a grill, a counter top, and maybe a sink. At IBD Outdoor Rooms, we consider all the possibilities when it comes to the outdoor spaces. We want your dream space to not only be functional but also beautiful. You probably  already know we install fireplaces for your outdoor space, but did you know we can also install a wood-fired oven too?

A fireplace is usually the focal point, whether it’s at a campsite, a living room, or a backyard. When you choose a wood-fired oven, you get the best of both worlds–a beautiful fireplace and a functional oven. It will definitely be the star of all your summer gatherings.

Dual-Use Fireplace

A fireplace adds vibrancy and beauty to any space or gathering. However, adding an wood-fired oven will create even more opportunities to entertain this summer. It is also called a “wood fired pizza oven”, this oven make delicious cooking possible without making any of your household kitchen items or kitchen dirty. The oven can preheat while you sit around the fire with your guests! You won’t be wasting any electricity when using this outdoor oven. And you’re not wasting gas for your grill as the fire you are enjoying is also heating your oven.

Quality Cooking

Wood-fired ovens offer faster cooking than any grills or any conventional ovens. The even heat distribution not only cooks your food faster, but it also creates a unique boost of flavor. This type of baking also helps the foods retain their nutrients. Whether you’re baking a pizza or roasting vegetables, you can count on it being healthier!

IBD Wood-Fired Ovens

When you consider us for your outdoor space updates or renovations, we won’t stop until your dreams become a reality. Once you decide the style that fits your space and personality, IBD Outdoor Rooms will order it and have it shipped to our facilities, then we will install it at our factory. Finally, we will ship the item to you in a contained unit, ready to install in your new outdoor space.

All of our products are carefully designed and assembled so they are ready for you when they arrive at your home. However, you should consult a certified contractor for the installation, especially for any fire-related products. Finding an NFI-certified chimney and fireplace technician will ensure your wood-fired oven will be installed safely and properly.

Call IBD Outdoor Rooms at 704-960-4530 or contact us online to get started right now!

Learn About Different Kitchen Islands

You may think the options are fairly limited for kitchen islands. After all, outdoor fire pits only come in few sizes and options – not at IBD Outdoor Rooms! There is flexibility when shopping our kitchen islands collection. We take into consideration that every home, family, and dream space is different. We also make certain the measurements and design are perfectly suited for your space before the order is placed. We want to prevent delays, and we want you to have your finished space as soon as possible.

Our six basic kitchen island designs provide plenty of options for the average homeowner to build an outstanding outdoor dream space. Check out our designs online, and then call a representative to get started!

• Santa Fe Straight Design – A straight forward counter and island design that has two standard cutouts. It can be as short or as long as you’d like, and it can include as many cutouts as requested – dining ledges, electrical boxes, cabinet liners, caveats, and back splashes.
• Versailles V-Shape Design –This is perfect for a small space and can fit into a corner. It has two standard cutouts and two available versions. One version has corners that extend to the edge, and the other version turns back toward the unit. These islands can be paired nicely with a back splash, cabinet liners, electrical boxes, and more.
• Lexington L-Shape Design – This L-angled design is also available in other angles including 30, 45, or 60-degree angles. The unit is measured according to the dimensions of the cooking space, and options include: as many cutouts as requested, dining ledges, electrical boxes, cabinet liners, caveats, and back splashes.
• Trenton Tri-Shape Design – This popular design includes six standard cutouts include all options and accessories if wanted. The angle can vary,with 30-45-degree angles being the most popular. This design is especially nice for more than one grilling space.
• Ultimate U-Shape Design – This is our best seller! With this large-format island, it can include all options and accessories available, along with six cutouts are standard with ample counter space.
• Concord & Serpentine Curved Design – These designs are custom-built, and perfect for ceramic grills, dining, and beverage stations. This design has an unlimited variety of finished sizes and is priced with a custom quote after consulting with the client.

Call IBD Outdoor Rooms at 704-960-4530 and get started planning your dream outdoor kitchen island today! Do you want your dream space before all of the summer fun begin? Then you should get started right now!

Protecting Outdoor Furniture and Appliances

When you’ve put consideration, time, and money into your outdoor space, you want it to last. You want it to be beautiful. Over time, though, even furniture and appliances designed for outdoor use can become damaged due to weather and sun exposure. The best way to prolong its life is to protect it from the damage.

Things You May Need:

• Outdoor Furniture Protectant product
• Bucket for soap and water
• Brushes
• Upholstery Cleaner
• Paint brushes
• Paint or stain

Protecting Fabric Furniture

When it’s time to prepare for summer, take all the removable cushions from your furniture and wash them. If the cover doesn’t come off the cushion, you can use an upholstery cleaner for the same affect. Once cushion and cover are clean, you can spray the entire surface of the furniture with Outdoor Furniture Protectant. An added protection you can try is to place the cushions in plastic before returning to the cover. This will ensure your cushions are as long-lasting as the furniture itself.

Protecting Wood Furniture

Wood is most often stained or painted at the manufacturer, but this process may need to be repeated due to time and sun exposure. First, clean the surface of the furniture with soap and water (some homeowners use a power washer) and allow to dry. Then, use a brush to apply Outdoor Furniture Protectant to the furniture, paying close attention to the frames and supports, and allow to dry. This is when you will apply stain or paint to your liking. Make sure you purchase appropriate paint for use outdoors. Your wood will need a coat of primer before paint is applied.

Protecting Metal Furniture

Much of the damage your metal furniture will withstand overtime is due to where it’s placed. If you place metal furniture beneath a tree, it will most likely have a steady drip of water in one particular place following a rain. This small place will rust, then eventually form a hole. Be sure to place your metal furniture completely under a canopy or roof, or completely in the open sunlight to avoid drips that add rust to your furniture. To clean and protect it further, you should wash with soap and water (or power washer), and allow to dry. At this point you can paint the furniture with a product rated for outdoor use. When you purchase paint specifically for metal, it usually includes a rust inhibitor.

Protecting Outdoor Appliances

The most effective way to protect your outdoor appliances is to cover them when they’re not in use. Your products should be rated for outdoor use, but can still be affected by the elements. Additionally, by covering your stove-top and sink, and closing your grill, you keep animals and debris from getting into your appliances. For your refrigerator, it’s important to clean it regularly. If you have an awning, roof, or custom structure with limited space, the refrigerator can go inside with full protection.

Like every good investment, your outdoor space is only going to be as maintained and long-lasting as you allow. It’s a space to enjoy, but requires some upkeep.

Have a product from IBD Outdoor Rooms? Feel free to contact us and gain an expert recommendation about protecting your furniture and appliances!

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!