Our Company Blog

Fire Pits for Fall

Fall has finally officially arrived and the temperatures and turning-leaves are proof. Whether you live on the east coast, the west coast, or anywhere in between, fall is the time when people move outside. In the mountains or on the beach, we are drawn outside to relax, explore, and entertain. Barbecue cookouts are replaced by backyard bonfires, and cool evenings are for s’mores with the kids, wine or coffee with friends, and a crackling fire to bring it all together. Is your fire pit ready for fall? Make sure your home has the perfect outdoor space with a new fall fire pit.

Gas Fire Pits for Fallman and child sitting by firepit

Gas is a popular fuel source not just for indoor fireplaces and stoves, but also outside fire pits and fireplaces. Our gas fire pits are custom-designed for you. IBD Outdoor Rooms actually specializes in custom gas fire pits, and when you start with us, the planning, design, and shipment are seamless. Gas fire pits offer many benefits that other outdoor fire options don’t. Your gas fire pit can be ignited and extinguished immediately when necessary. Don’t fumble with kindling or matches. Your fire can burst to life with the press of a button—even with a remote in some cases. Your gas fire will need no oversight. Once it’s lit, just sit back and enjoy.

The only task now is to get from here to there—design, shipment, and installation.

Designing Your Gas Fire Pit

All of IBD’s fire pit housings are made of fully welded corrosion-resistant frames and ½ cement board covering. They are shipped ready-to-finish and should be installed by a licensed contractor in your area.

  • IBD’s most popular design is the octagonal fire pit housing. It comes sizes ranging from 36 to 72 inches across to fit burners of 19 or 25 inches. This is a great option for any space and allows for 360-degree seating.
  • A great option for a space of any size is the classic round fire pit housing. It stands at 18 inches tall and includes two stainless steel vents for optimal fuel efficiency. The round housing comes in a variety of sizes from 36 to 72 inches across and works with 19 and 25-inch burners. We also have an oval fire pit housing for longer spaces with available space.
  • For more intimate spaces and for use as a coffee table, the square fire pit housing is a popular option. There are two sizes of the square fire pit, 36 inches across with a 19-inch burner and a 48-inch fire pit with a 25-inch burner.
  • Also available in two sizes, the wedge fire pit housing is perfect for a corner installation. This option can allow you to utilize a small space and still make seating possible.
  • For outdoor spaces next to squarely-shaped pools, spas, and patios, you may prefer a rectangular fire pit housing. We have those too, available in a variety of sizes and burner designs.
  • For a classic look, you can choose the Stratford or Pedestal fire pit housing which is available in sizes large and small. The Pedestal fire pit is our tallest, standing at 42.5 inches tall.

Contact Us

No matter the size or shape of your space, we can help you pick out a fall fire pit. Contact IBD Outdoor Rooms to design yours.

By Sheryl Isenhour | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Fire Pits for Fall

Freshen Up Your Outdoor Living Space

Now is the time of year when homeowners are enjoying the outdoors, with barbecues, parties, bonfires and more. While you’re relaxing or entertaining in your outdoor space this summer, the last thing you want is for the party to be ruined by unsightly appliances, bothersome bugs, or overgrown plant life. By freshening up your outdoor space now, you can avoid some embarrassing mishaps later. Here are the best tips from our team at IBD Outdoor Rooms:

 

1. Update Lightingoutdoor patio with grill

You can prevent many issues simply by adding more light to your outdoor space. A firepit or porch light is not always adequate, and more light will deter animals, prevent accidental falls and injuries, and bring more comfort to your gathering in general. You can add light to your space by installing an IBD lamp post with a gas torch fire. Another option is to opt for a pergola instead of a roof over decks and patios, allowing moon and starlight to light your space.

2. Improve Function of the Space

You can improve the function of your outdoor living space by giving it more purpose. Your patio will lack purpose if there are too many types of furniture (swings, benches, seats), if there are no tables for food or drinks, if there are too many or not enough heat/fire/light options (focal points), and if there are too many or not enough activities for entertainment (games, etc.). You can improve your functionality by studying what you and your guests most like, and follow-through with improvements. If you most like to roast marshmallows, a porch swing is not the best seating. If there are many children, a low fire is not the best fire appliance. If you barbecue outside but have to move indoors to eat, consider installing a table in your outdoor space.

3. Maintain the Landscape

Whether you live in urban or rural areas, an unruly yard can bring a host of problems into your outdoor living space. Your guests may come for a good time, but will leave with itchy bug bites, or even worse. An unkempt lawn is welcoming to plant and animal life that may be Unwelcome, like poison ivy/sumac, wild animals and their droppings, and even snakes. Keep the lawn trimmed nicely, and consider planting some bug deterrents around your outdoor living area (lavender, lemongrass, citronella plants).

4. Plan for Year-Round Fun

Many homeowners want an outdoor space for spring, summer, and fall fun, but by planning now, and making necessary upgrades, you CAN enjoy your outdoor space during cold weather. If you already have a fireplace with high-heat output, consider adding a hot tub to your outdoor space. Patio heaters are also a great option, especially if your patio or deck feature walls or a roof. Just because warm weather will pass by doesn’t mean you can’t get use out of your outdoor living area all year long.

 

Are you still unsure how to upgrade your outdoor living area or how to go about it? At IBD Outdoor Rooms, we turn fantasy into reality, and we have a team member who can walk you through your vision, and get you on course to implement it. For the most recent inspirational patio ideas, click here.

By Sheryl Isenhour | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Freshen Up Your Outdoor Living Space

Spring Recipe Ideas for the Grill

A spring barbecue is not only a barbecue but a celebration of warmth after a long winter. Many Americans take to the backyard grill to gather with friends and family to celebrate spring holidays, spring break, and just to enjoy the weather. While you’re celebrating the season, why not do it with great recipes that highlight the season?

 

Using Seasonal Veggies and Fruitsmeat and vegetables on the grill

Fennel and Onions

This recipe from Food and Wine uses fennel in the marinade, in the vinaigrette, and on the side for a boost of vitamin C and A, while also adding a light, spring taste to the dish. Fennel is a lighter flavor, less harsh than an onion, and more subtle. During this time of year, you should be able to find fennel in your local grocery store.

Asparagus

You can find Asparagus throughout the year, but the very best asparagus is what you’ll find in the stores this spring. When you plan your barbecue this spring, pick up some asparagus and mozzarella. Wrap the asparagus in foil with butter, lemon juice, and pepper, and place on the grill. It only takes a few minutes to soften the stalks, then you can carefully grill them to add a smoky taste. Before plating and topping with a slice of mozzarella and a tasty vinaigrette of your choice.

Apricots

Grilled apricots are a tasty treat indeed, and perfect for spring. In this recipe from Delish you can use fresh, seasonal apricots to create a dessert for your guests at your next barbecue. Toss halved and pitted apricots with olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling on a grilling surface or cast iron pan (cut-side down). After fruit begins to soften (about 1 minute), flip and grill the skin side for another 30 seconds. Remove from grill and serve with 1 cup of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with toasted almonds.

Artichokes

Start by removing the thorny tips to the leaves, then cut an inch from the top of the artichoke and the stem to about an inch. Rub the exposed area with lemon. Peel the skin of the stem with a peeler, and rub with lemon, then rinse the whole thing before cutting in half. Remove the inedible portion (the furry choke) and rinse. Rub the lemon over any exposed area. Using a steaming basket, steam the artichoke halves or quarters until soft, then move to the grill for a smoky flavor. Serve your grilled artichokes with hollandaise sauce for best flavor.

Get Ready For Spring

Your spring barbecue can be the talk of the town. Don’t serve your guests the same old chicken legs and hot dogs. Use fruits and vegetables that are best and in season this spring. Get out and visit local vendors and find the best, freshest ingredients. Need to update your outdoor space to accommodate your spring barbecue? Check out our outdoor products at IBD Outdoor Rooms.

Call and get started today at 704-960-4530.

By Sheryl Isenhour | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Spring Recipe Ideas for the Grill

Create the Perfect Pizzas with a Wood Fired Oven

No matter where you live, you can order top-of-the-line products from IBD Outdoor Rooms during the cold weather. Lucky for you, winter is the best time to plan the outdoor space that will bring fun to your summer. We have outdoor products for your outdoor patios, kitchens, poolside cabanas, and gardens. These types of products bring up the value of your property, and we can help bring style and function to your favorite space as well.

Our Favorite Products–Wood Fired OvensCreate the perfect pizzas with a wood fire oven.

One of our most popular products, and frankly our favorite, is the wood-fired oven. A wood fired oven is beautiful AND useful. You may know it as a pizza oven, but they’re so much more than that. You can enhance any space with a wood fired oven. When you shop with us you have your choice of ovens housed in the component that will work best with your design, and then finished in the stone that will complement your landscape and your home. No matter where it’s placed, it will be the centerpiece of your space, your yard, maybe your whole property. The wood fired oven is easy to pick out, professionally installed, and is fueled by the most easily accessible resource–wood.

Step One

First, you need to discuss your new installation with a local contractor. Find a professional in your area who is NFI-certified and determine the best place for your new unit. This will help you determine what shape your oven module should be.
Next, choose your oven module. This determines the shape of your new wood fired oven, how tall it will be, and what style. Our modules include Classique, Stratford, Sicilian, Tuscan, and Milano. The Milano is the smallest option.
Then, choose stylish add-ons to complete the look. You can upcharge for a wider base cabinet or factory installation of brick oven. You can also choose a dress out band for the top of the chase as well as a short or long shelf for the pizza oven opening.
Because your unit will be a fire appliance, ventilation is required in order to keep the fire burning as hot as necessary for oven cooking. So in the final process, you will be required to pick a chase shroud.  Because your unit will be a fire appliance, ventilation is required in order to keep the fire burning as hot as necessary for oven cooking. This will allow gases to escape, while keeping water out of the opening.

Shipment and Installation

All of our customers at IBD Outdoor Rooms have the convenience of a home delivery. When your products arrive, they will be ready to construct and install with clear-to-read instructions and guidelines. Do not attempt installation or construction yourself. Hire a professional before you proceed to insure your new fire appliance is installed correctly, is code-compliant, and will be safe and long-lasting.

Get started today so that we can turn your fantasy into reality, bringing your outdoor space together into something to enjoy all summer long.

Call today at 704-960-4530.

By Sheryl Isenhour | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Create the Perfect Pizzas with a Wood Fired Oven

Bring the Party to Your Yard this Fall With a New Fire Pit

Fall is here, and no matter where you are, it’s never too late in the season to enjoy a nice fire pit. You can bring your yard to life with a new fire pit that compliments your landscape and house, fits in your space, and is affordable and durable. You’re one step away from having the outdoor space of your dreams! Choose a fire pit from IBD Outdoor Rooms and transform your yard into the go-to party place of the neighborhood.The perfect round firepit for your home this fall.

Location, Location, Location!

It’s important to choose the best location for your new fire pit. If you are in the beginning planning stages of your outdoor space, you have more freedom here. If, however, you already have a patio, pool area, or garden, you may just need to decide where to place the fire pit within that space. Maybe you already have a basic fire pit you’ve been using temporarily. Then you need to decide what size and shape of fire pit you need.

Gas Fire Pits

At IBD Outdoor Rooms, we specialize in gas powered fire pits. The environmental benefits, safety, and efficiency of gas-powered fires make them the best choice for our customers. They can be fired in moments, extinguished immediately, and each have precise temperature and flame controls. Gas fire pits also don’t “smoke-out” your friends and family as you lounge by the fire, and there’s no ashes to clean up. It’s easy to choose a gas fire, but homeowners also have the choice of designs, sizes, and finishes to complete the fire pit of your dream space.

Working with IBD Outdoor Rooms

–Choose a shape that we have in stock, or choose a custom design that fits your space and needs specifically.
Octagonal
Round
Square
Wedge (perfect for corner placement!)
Oval
Rectangular
Stratford
Tall pedestal
–Choose a burner size that matches the capacity you want for your fire pit. We do not manufacture or supply a specific burner, but a professional can assist you in choosing one when you plan your fire pit with us.
19 inches
25 inches
–Complete the job by choosing a finish that will compliment your landscape and your home. We ship products “ready to finish” and offer two beautiful options.
Granitech
Stone

Your Finished Fire Pit

When the fire pit that you choose arrives to your house, it will be ready to finish. We do not offer installations and encourage our customers to hire a certified contractor to complete the installation. For your fire pit, make sure you seek out a NFI certified chimney and fireplace technician to complete your installation safely and efficiently.

Are you ready to choose your new fire pit now so that you can enjoy it this fall?

Call us at 704-960-4530 and we’ll turn your fantasy into reality!

By Sheryl Isenhour | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Bring the Party to Your Yard this Fall With a New Fire Pit