Country Almanac © #130 • 2010
backyard solutions
contents
™
outdoor Rooms
28 This home’s Mediterranean theme continues to the patio.
30 A neglected lot gets an outdoor kitchen and spa.
32 Shelter from the sun has never looked lovelier.
34 A fireplace anchors this family-friendly yard.
36 Building a two-level terrrace provided twice the charm.
perfect
pathways
56
Structures
42 When shade was requested, it was a pergola to the rescue.
44 A classic gazebo takes center stage in this garden.
46 Visit a backyard playground for kids and grownups alike.
48 A garden designer makes her yard live like a retreat.
50 Formal spaces & an avalanche of color topped the wish list.
36
expand
your space
Paths & Patios
56 Quaint walks merge a pool and patio.
58 Bluestone updates a 1950s Colonial.
62 Curb appeal gets a boost from this artistic entry.
64 A beautiful stone wall makes an ideal border for a deck.
66 Architectural interest comes to a busy corner lot.
structures
add interest
48
Gardens & Plants
72 A conservatory allows views to the nearby lake.
76 This site went from boring builder’s lot to daylily delight.
78 Creating a “wild cottage” look was this homeowner’s goal.
80 Shade was a requirement for this around-the-house garden.
84 Lush tropical plants make this Hawaiian site a standout.
Backyard Solutions
3
84
Tough Terrain
creating
comfort
90 This tiny condo lot thinks it’s an estate.
92 A once-flat site was built up with terraces.
94 With drainage problems tackled, the owners can enjoy their yard.
96 Three distinct levels tame this hillside terrain.
98 Rocks and native grasses fit well in this dry-weather Utah site.
100 Low walls let homeowners keep their Lake Michigan view.
Water Features
106 A pretty pond is the main attraction.
108 Waterfalls, a spa and lush plantings surround a new pool.
112 An urban garden was reworked to feel like a rural retreat.
114 This long, narrow site squeezed in a pool and spa.
116 The soothing sounds of a waterfall block neighborhood noise.
118 A steep slope gains an infinity pool.w
DESIGN IDEAS
pond as focal point
112
design
for living
92
4
Backyard Solutions
10 A landscape designer shares common-sense solutions.
16 Learn all about the latest gardening trends.
20 See our expert’s top 5 dream backyard items.
22 What increases your yard’s value? Find out.
38 Build an outdoor kitchen that works for you.
52 Simple structures frame your garden and add interest.
68 Pretty paths lead to backyard success.
86 Our expert picks the top perennials for beginners.
102 Your most frequently asked gardens quesions are answered.
122 Creating a backyard pond is easier than you think.
126 Outdoor fireplaces are heating up.
130 Craft your own recycled mosaic planter.
132 Pick the best shrubs and trees for your yard.
136 We go coast to coast to tell you what works where.
146 Bring a slice of Italy to your yard.
born and raised in England,
has enjoyed gardens and
being creative most of his
life. His company, Your
English Gardener, based in
Atlanta, Georgia, specializes
in landscape design and
consultancy. Doncaster also
writes about gardening
and encourages home
gardeners and readers to
get their hands dirty!
6
Backyard Solutions
Michael Glassman,
owner of Michael Glassman
& Associates in Sacramento,
California (michaelglassman.
com), is an award-winning
landscape designer and
author of four landscape
design books, including
Kinder Gardens: Growing
Inspiration for Children. He
has worked in the landscape
design field for more than
30 years.
t
t
Chris Cipriano
is the founder of Cipriano
Custom Pools and
Landscaping in Ramsey,
New Jersey (plantnj.
com). He has provided his
clients with one-of-a-kind
pools, outdoor kitchens,
waterfalls, volcanic fire pits,
eco-friendly landscaping,
custom stone carvings and
more for more than 20 years.
Steve Jones
is the author of the weekly
newspaper column The
Plant Man and the host
of the non-profit Web
site landsteward.org. In
addition, Steve and wife
Cheryl own the online
nursery greenwoodnursery.
com, where visitors can
follow Cheryl’s Gardening
Blog and receive a free
weekly newsletter.
Kim Conerty,
a landscape designer,
has worked at the firm of
Kinsella Landscape Inc. in
Blue Island, Illinois, since
2006; she has won an Illinois
Landscape Contractors
Association Gold Award
for residential design and
construction, and is also the
firm’s plant purchaser; she is
LEED AP certified.
t
Phil Doncaster,
Steve Chepurny,
co-founder, along with Tim
Worrell, of Beechwood
Landscape Architecture
and Construction in
Southampton, New Jersey,
has been a landscape
architect for more than
20 years. Chepurny also
designs and constructs
outdoor kitchens and
entertainment areas.
t
t
vice president of Kinsella
Landscape in Blue Island,
Illinois, is an awardwinning designer who has
authored several articles
on plants and landscaping.
He frequently works with
landscape designers Kim
Conerty and Renee Mercer,
both of whom also have
contributed to this issue.
t
John Algozzini,
t
t
Meet the Experts
Chris Siewing,
co-owner of Nature’s ReCreations in St. Louis,
Missouri, has been
designing and constructing
ponds for seven years. He
and his partner won first
place in the North American
Pond and Waterfall Building
contest in Chicago in 2007,
with a dual-pond system
and a negative- or zeroedge effect.
Trends 2010
Enjoy your yard, enhance your neighborhood and help the environment.
Landscaper Steve Chepurny lets us in on what’s hot now!
By Barbara Ballinger
PHOTO: Mark Tanner
Colorful roses match
the bold red door for
winning curb appeal.
PHOTO: John Martinelli
Get a good $$$ payback
With the recent economic downturn, people
are looking to renovate and/or update their
exterior living spaces with minimal expenditure.
Reinventing a space is very worthwhile; however,
serious consideration needs to be given to
how long the homeowner intends to stay.
More homeowners are opting for long-term
commitments to their home, which dramatically
impacts how the space is designed or remodeled.
Private & lush are key goals
A terrace constructed from the right materials is always in style. Fire pits provide
hours of enjoyment. Don’t have one? Don’t worry—it can always be added later.
16
Backyard Solutions
Designing a garden that’s rich in texture and color
and has a sense of privacy is a big request. The
true challenge is to balance immediate objectives
with long-term sustainability. Educating the
consumer on how plants will grow through the
years is a major task, but fixing a garden that’s out
of control is a much bigger problem and costs
much more than planting well from the start. Think
for the long-term now!
This front walk was carefully planned to be wide enough to accommodate several
people. It jogs, adding more visual interest than a straight line would have.
By using different stones
than were chosen for the
façade, the entry walkway
adds another dimension.
Think quality materials
Whether designing a garden or an exterior living
space, clients want value without compromising
quality in construction or plant materials, so they
don’t have to redo a few years down the road.
When working with a client, most designers like to
set the groundwork for a long-term relationship,
which entails minimal to no callbacks, and a
garden that matures and improves with age.
Budgets need to be realistic on both ends, and
preparing a well-conceived plan that’s true to the
estimate is important to both client and designer.
When budgets are tight, it’s smarter to go slowly
and phase into a project so you don’t compromise
quality now and have regrets later on.
Working on constrained sites due to existing
sensitive environmental and ecological
conditions is a growing issue. These include
wetlands, wetland buffers, slope restraints,
stream encroachment buffers, easements and
construction buffers. As environmental standards
and codes expand, working on properties with
delicate issues is an area where knowledge is key
and using a skilled professional is essential. Some
areas are considered so environmentally important
that any disturbance is regulated. However, there
are situations where revegetation and introducing
native indigenous plantings to the area are
encouraged, so know where this applies.
18
Backyard Solutions
00 Distinctive Backyard Ideas
PHOTO: John Martinelli
Go green to be
environmentally sensitive
What
Americans Want
what’s new
By Barbara Ballinger
Pavilions or pergolas
Adding an overhead shade
structure will only increase the
use of a patio or cook station. A
custom pavilion or pergola adds
a sense of intimacy to a space in
concert with a fire feature.
What’s on the
wish list for
today’s busy
families.
A
s people spend
more time living
and entertaining at home,
it should come as no
surprise that today’s yards
are becoming as livable
and luxurious as home
interiors. Steve Chepurny,
ASLA, of Beechwood
Landscape Architecture
and Construction in
Southampton, New Jersey
shares what’s currently
making the list of top
homeowner requests.
Custom-designed
swimming pools
Designing a pool for both family
fun during the day and adult
entertainment in the evening will
bring a sense of luxurious living
to a home. Defining the pool with
custom tile finishes, stone coping,
fog effects and a custom pebble
finish will add longevity and a
timelessness.
Incorporating
walls for privacy
PHOTO: John Martinelli
PHOTO: Cipriano Landscape Design
PHOTO: John Martinelli
PHOTO: Courtesy Scott’s
These can be achieved by
introducing stones, custom
wood lattice, exotic wood
panels, glass panels or glass
tile walls, all of which add a
sense of scale, dimension
and warmth to a space. Be
cautious, however, because
the price adds up.
Fire pit or fireplace
This amenity offers endless hours
of enjoyment and ambience. The
payback on investment is huge.
PHOTO: John Martinelli
Built-in cook stations
20 Backyard Solutions
People want to entertain and dine
outdoors. Cook stations can be as
simple as two to three appliances
or full-blown outdoor kitchens with
pizza ovens, grills, icemakers, sinks
and more. The sky’s the limit!
Outdoor Rooms
A walnut travertine deck looks at home in the woody surroundings and leads to
the various entertaining zones on the patio below.
blend in with
surroundings
A neglected wooded yard gets a
stunning natural-look makeover
30 Backyard Solutions
Steps away from the spa is a small fire pit that adds inviting warmth and stands
in contrast to the water element beyond.
T
he homeowner of this contemporary house in New Jersey
wanted to turn his 2-acre site into a backyard haven,
visible from a glassed-in Florida-style room. But challenges
existed: The backyard swimming pool was old and the yard was
heavily wooded. Landscape architect Steve Chepurny, ASLA, was
hired to develop a solution. He decided to take the pool down
to its concrete shell, install a natural stone coping to blend in
with the surroundings, add 6" of new earth-toned tile, replaster
and install new efficient equipment. Because the homeowner
also wanted a spa, Chepurny constructed one 3' from the pool
so that it was close enough for a waterfall feature to spill over
into the pool and recirculate, yet also far enough away for
PHOTOS: John Martinelli
Problem: Property not maintained well in
its 15+ years, so older pool and entire yard
needed major work
Solution: Take out everything except pool
and completely bring yard up to today’s
standards
Key Plantings: Leatherleaf Mahonia
(Mahonia bealei); Nova Zembla
Rhododendron (Rhododendron
‘Nova Zembla’); Dwarf Fountain Grass
(Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’);
Green Mountain Boxwood (Buxus ‘Green
Mountain’); Munstead Lavender (Lavandula
angustifolia ‘Munstead’)
Zones: 5–6
Landscape architect: Steve Chepurny,
ASLA, Beechwood Landscape Architecture
and Construction LLC, Southampton, NJ
beechwoodlandscape.com, 609-801-1252
some visual separation. The waterfall can be operated via
a remote control device; the spa can accommodate six to
seven bathers. Big boulders and a natural Colonial-brown
stone coping surrounding the pool add a natural look. The
surrounding walnut travertine deck relates both to the
water feature and the materials selected for the pool. Close
to the spa, Chepurny introduced a small fire pit; closer to
the house, a full kitchen was constructed utilizing concrete
and masonry block with a stone veneer. The kitchen houses
a sink, refrigerator, grill, trash receptacle, warming drawers
and bar tap. And directly off the house, Chepurny designed a
deck with steps down to the wonderful new features.
going for a natural look
Updating pool equipment with more energy-efficient
choices and replastering the concrete shell and
coping were the initial decisions that led to completely
redesigning the backyard. Changing the coping wasn’t a
big expense and was also a good aesthetic decision since
brick and concrete had been favored materials, but now
stone is more popular and adds a natural look that’s also
sustainable. Altogether, the pool remodeling costs were
about $30,000 versus $55,000 for a new pool. The spa cost
an additional $12,000.
Backyard Solutions
31
Outdoor Rooms
rooms for
entertaining
Two-level terrace produces room for
relaxing and cooking, with a privacy wall
change from the back of
the house to the yard;
little room for circulation;
little privacy
Solution: A two-level
patio, one level at
grade and one a few
steps down, and a wall
and latticework to add
privacy by neighbor’s
house
Key plantings:
Bloodgood Japanese
Maple (Acer palmatum
‘Bloodgood’); Coral
Bark Japanese Maple
(Acer palmatum ‘Sango
Kaku’); Endless Summer
Hydrangea (Hydrangea
macrophylla ‘Bailmer’);
Grand Bleu Blue Mist
Shrub (Caryopteris x
clandonensis ‘Inoveris’);
Junior Dance Garden
Phlox (Phlox paniculata
‘Junior Dance’)
Zones: 6–9
Landscape architect:
Steve Chepurny, ASLA,
president, director
of sales, Beechwood
Landscape Architecture
& Construction,
Southampton, NJ
beechwoodlandscape.
com, 609-801-1252
36 Backyard Solutions
T
he new 4,500-square-foot house in
Moorestown, New Jersey, offered
plenty of interior living space, but its ½-acre
lot provided challenges to its owners and
landscape architect Steve Chepurny. While its
corner site offered charming bucolic views on
the open street side of a horse farm, the other
side was so close to a neighbor’s home that
his clients could hear and see them in their
yard and pool. The backyard also dropped
off 3' from the house at the rear, making it
somewhat unusable. “All that was there was a
flight of wooden steps down to the ground,”
says Chepurny.
Two-level solution
His solution was a two-level entertainment
area, with the upper terrace off the house
for sitting. Down several steps, he built
a second patio with sufficient room for a
table and a cooking station, with plenty of
circulation room in between. Both spaces
utilized cobbled concrete pavers to keep the
cost down. “If we had used real stone, we
would have increased the cost about $4,500.
We used that money toward other landscape
improvements,” Chepurny says. But he
did use pricier bluestone for the steps since
he could do so sparingly and add a nice,
luxurious touch. The lower terrace is on the
same level as the family’s walk-out basement,
making access into and out of the house
easier. Low walls were capped with natural
bluestone with a rockface edge. For additional
privacy, one wall was capped on its side with
a custom-designed lattice panel for visual
relief. New plantings included evergreens,
maples for fall color, and hydrangeas, spirea
and other perennials for summer variety.
The lower-level terrace,
paved in concrete, provides
plenty of room for cooking,
eating and circulating.
An outdoor kitchen
can consist of just
a grill and a side
burner, or many
more appliances.
This one features a
counter for sitting
at on its opposite,
non-work side.
PHOTOS: John Martinelli
Problems: A 42" grade
outdoor kitchen triangle
Where the couple once had minimal use of their yard, since the only
access was a flight of wooden steps, they now have multiple points
of entry and exit. A two-level terrace leads directly from the first
level, while the lower-level terrace links up on grade with a walk-out
basement. The backyard has places to sit, eat at a table or bar, and
circulate freely. “There’s a great triangle from the table to the bar
and to the upper terrace,” says Chepurny; it’s a work arrangement
that is often favored in an indoor kitchen and which performs equally
well outdoors. And even with the terraces taking up ample space,
there still was a sizable lawn area left for the homeowners’ children
to play as well as to provide visual relief from the hardscape.
Backyard Solutions
37
New smart Kitchens
By Barbara Ballinger
Set up your hot spot
with no regrets
Protected by stone
“walls,” this space
has good storage
and equipment.
W
With more homeowners wanting to spend time outdoors, even in cold climates
where that means much more limited use of decks, water features and dining
tables, an outdoor kitchen still is considered a sought-after amenity. For the
cabinet and appliance industries, it has been a dream come true, since any
hardworking outdoor kitchen needs good storage—and plenty of it—as well
as the right equipment, says Tom Sedito, president of Seaside Cabinetry Inc.
(seasidecabinetry.com) in Juno Beach, Florida. But because of tough weather
conditions, materials need to be picked carefully. Here’s a checklist of points to
help you design your outdoor culinary haven:
38 Backyard Solutions
PHOTOS THIS PAGE: courtesy OutdoorKitchensByAtlantis.com
A big hood helps
vent strong odors
away from those
relaxing outdoors.
An outdoor kitchen can be
compact yet functional.
With a roof
overhead, cooks
are sheltered in this
attractive space.
• Pick equipment smartly
• Choose materials wisely
Despite the availability of numerous appliances that
are as tantalizing as those available for indoor use, you
don’t need everything to entertain well. Start with
a grill—perhaps one with a rotisserie and definitely
one with a cover to keep away bugs and animals. Buy
one that’s at least 36", which will be large enough to
cook for a group of your family or friends. Big grills
generally run from $1,500 to $7,000, depending on
size and features, Sedito says. Besides that, you also
may want a sink and refrigerator, or a beverage center.
Additional bells and whistles, if your budget and space
permit, include a side burner or two, a hood, warming
drawers, an icemaker and even a beer tap.
Opt for durable, long-lasting materials for the
cabinetry and countertops, and quality construction
from an established company that will be around for
any maintenance, such as Atlantis Outdoor Kitchens
(outdoorkitchensbyatlantis.com), a subsidiary of CWP
Cabinetry. Sedito considers the most practical cabinet
material to be a ¾" high-density polyethylene (HDPE),
a plastic that can be recycled. It comes in numerous
colors, so it can match furnishings and fabrics used
outdoors; it also can be paired with bamboo fronts
for a green touch; and it has stainless steel hinges and
hardware for durability. Granite or other stone surfaces
work best for countertops, since they can withstand
Backyard Solutions
39
E
Can’t-Miss Materials
Region by Region
very landscaper has a bag of tricks made
up of tried-and-true standbys and great
new techniques that they learn from being
on the job and solving challenges day in and day
out. We spoke to professionals Steve Chepurny in
New Jersey, Terry TerHaar in Illinois and Michael
Glassman in California to find out what materials
and plants top their thumbs-up list.
Landscape designers pick no-fail
materials from coast to coast
Materials that Make the Grade
• Northeast
Pennsylvania Bluestone. This choice is favored for its wide
variation in color and texture. The stone is dense, resists
staining and is a timeless addition to any garden.
Porphyry Granite Cobbles. These authentic cobble pavers
were used centuries ago. Extremely durable, their color
palette and texture adds visual delight to any walk, patio or
driveway.
Glass Tile. Forever beautiful, it makes an elegant statement.
Utilize glass tile in a water feature. It’s available in a
multitude of sizes, patterns, mosaics and colors.
126 Backyard Solutions
PHOTO: John Martinelli
Concrete Pavers
work especially well
in the Northeast and
the Midwest, since
they can withstand
harsh winters.
PHOTO: John Martinelli
Natural Stone
VeneerS are lighter
weight and easier to install
than traditional stone.
Backyard Solutions
137
PHOTO: John Martinelli
Pennsylvania Bluestone
is a popular choice in part
because of its wide range of
colors and textures.
Concrete Pavers. Pavers come in a range of sizes, textures
and colors. The market influence has been pushing
for larger sizes and patterns that authenticate natural
stone. Pavers work well in the Northeast because they’re
installed on a dry aggregate base that can withstand
harsh winters and freeze/thaw cycles. A dry installation
with Polymeric sand filler allows for seasonal expansion
and contraction. Other products may not be as forgiving!
• Southwest
Moss Rock or Moss Boulders. Natural rocks with colorful
lichen and moss covering them add interest and drama
to a landscape.
Saltillo or Terra-cotta Tile. The interesting color variations,
from ochre to orange to terra cotta, add warmth and
intimacy to outdoor living spaces. The high-fire terra138 Backyard Solutions
00 Distinctive Backyard Ideas
cotta tiles are better for colder
climates. These tiles come in
different sizes and shapes.
Carved/Natural Granite and
other Stone Monolithic
Fountains. These natural rocks
are drilled so water can run off
them to create interesting sounds
as well as visual water play.
PHOTO: Amy Gallo
Natural Stone Veneers. These represent real stone that’s
cut into a veneer to make it lightweight and simplify
installation. Savings can be passed on to the homeowner.
Selection and availability are vast.
Terra-Cotta Tile
comes in a range
of warm tones; its
appeal is universal.
Hand-troweled Plaster Finishes. These finishes can be found on planters, walls and
residential facing. They come in different color and
texture variations to add interest to the surface and
tie the architecture to the landscape. Walls or planters
should be capped with stone for a classic effect.
Frost-proof Art Deco Tiles or Decorative Painted
Mexican or Italian Tiles. These tiles can be used as an
accent, as a wall mural or as a backsplash. They come in
a range of colors, designs, motifs and sizes.
• Midwest
Unilock Brussels Block Concrete Paving Stone. This
unique product is affordable, has a smooth cobblestone
look, comes in a variety of shapes and colors, and is great
for patios and walkways.
Natural Stone Rock and Boulders. These classic elements
help define spaces and create structure in a garden.
Additionally, they can be used as outcroppings to
provide or enhance a natural look.
Bluestone Gravel. Great for borders, it adds color to a
garden and is good for an informal seating area.
Granite Pavers. The streets of Chicago were once paved
with them; now, they are most often used for edging,
patios and fire pits.
Ipe Wood. This extremely hard Brazilian wood lasts
longer than cedar, is great for freestanding screens, patios
and pergolas, and has a beautiful color.
Backyard Solutions
139
Distinctive Backyard Ideas 00
Plants with a Purpose
• Northeast
are also disease and insect resistant, have low water
requirements and, most importantly, have an ability to
survive despite deer and rabbits in the yard.
Franklin Tree (Franlinia Alatamaha). This great native tree
was discovered by Benjamin Franklin along the stream
banks in Pennsylvania. One of the few fall flowering
trees, it has creamy white blossoms with stunning red
fall foliage color. A must-have for the Northeast.
Grand Bleu Caryopteris (Caryopteris Clandonensis
‘Grand Bleu). This is an excellent shrub for massing; it
introduces a vivid blue flower in the landscape from
August through September. It has a long blooming
period, is very showy and is deer-proof.
Red Laceleaf Japanese Maple (Acer Palmatum Dissectum
‘Tamukeyam’). A true four-season plant—from its red
spring foliage to its graceful summer habit and red color
to its orange-red fall color and lastly, to the gorgeous
structure and branching habit for winter effect. This is a
plant that, when illuminated, provides a show.
Heuchera Citronelle (Citronelle ‘Coral Bells’). An
excellent perennial, this offers a vivid chartreuse foliage
with white flowers. This perennial thrives in the shade
and is a standout in the garden. Once again, this
perennial also demonstrates some deer tolerance.
Wintergreen Boxwood (Buxus Microphylla Koreana
‘Wintergreen’). Excellent as foundation plantings or
simple all-around-use plants, boxwoods in general are
low maintenance due to a slow growth habit. They
Crape Myrtles (Lagerstromeria indica hybrids). These can
be grown as shrubs or small trees, and can be multi-stem
or standard. They’re the best plant for hot summer regions
with showy flowers, good-looking bark and fall color.
Flax and Lavender
make a perfect pair.
Both add colorful
interest to the garden.
• Southwest
140 Backyard Solutions
PHOTO: Amy Gallo
PHOTO: Terry TerHaar
Boxwood makes a
wonderful foundation
planting, and it is easy
to care for.
Backyard Solutions
129
Carpet Roses (Floracarpet rosa). These are groundcover
roses that grow to be no more than 2' high. They are
vigorous, disease resistant and have a profusion of
blooms. They are perfect for covering slopes and forming
traffic-proof covers on level ground as well as for growing
in containers.
used to make furniture. Alphonse Karr bamboo stands
shorter, at 15' to 35' feet, and it has beautiful yellow
and green striped canes. These types of bamboo are
non-invasive and sustainable, and work well as fastgrowing privacy screens.
Flax (Phormium tenax). These plants are sturdy and
fast growing. They take almost any soil, require little
water, and survive in hot or chilly conditions. They are
dramatic plants with many sword-like evergreen leaves
that grow in a fan pattern, with wonderful colors such
as bronze, orange, yellow and green. As a bonus, they
look great next to large boulders and make a wonderful
textured focal point.
Columnar Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus ‘Columnaris’).
This plant not only has great form but it also has
beautiful fall color.
Weeping Eastern Redbud (Cercis Canadensis ‘Covey’).
This ornamental tree has beautiful pink flowers in the
spring and an interesting sculptural shape.
Boxwood (Buxus ‘Green Velvet’). Great for structure, it
also creates parterres for formal gardens.
Yew (Taxus x media). This plant is good for providing
structure during the winter.
Purple Smokebush (Cotinus Coggygria ‘Velvet Cloak’).
Highlights are its great color and form, which can be
shaped to suit any garden space.
• Midwest
Lavender (Lavandula). Native to the Mediterranean
region, this plant is prized for its fragrant lavender
or purple flowers; it likes hot, dry environments and
requires little water. Lavender blooms profusely and
works well in an herb or perennial garden.
Clumping Bamboo. Giant timber bamboo (Bambusa
oldhamaii) achieves heights of 20' to 55' and can be
142 Backyard Solutions
PHOTO: John Martinelli
Crape Myrtle works
best in the South, as it
likes things hot.
PHOTO: Amy Gallo
Japanese Maple is
an elegant four-season
tree that will dress up
any yard.
Backyard Solutions
129
PHOTO: John Martinelli
Mimicking an
indoor kitchen,
this workstation is
fronted in stone
veneer.
cold weather and hot foods, Sedito says. While some
homeowners may like the look of stainless steel for
cabinets—and it’s fine for outdoor use as long as it’s
a heavy gauge—be prepared that it requires more
upkeep to look its best. Brick and mortar are also
practical but not as appealing as perhaps bamboo for a
green touch, or the beauty of teak or cypress.
outdoor kitchens include a second counter—higher
than the main work surface—for sitting at and even
eating. A fireplace or fire pit nearby are appealing
additions to an outdoor cooking zone.
• Fit your budget
To match an outdoor décor, pick a cabinet door
style that fits; panels with raised molding will look
more traditional, while flat fronts will better match a
modern theme. For added visual interest, incorporate
natural stones, or blend brick with wood.
Cabinetry with countertops generally runs about $550
to $600 per linear foot; it can run as high as $850 to
$900 per linear foot. Appliances vary significantly in
cost, between $1,500 to $20,000 or more, depending
on what’s selected, Sedito says. On average, most
outdoor kitchens he’s been involved with constructing
have totaled about $12,000: $6,000 for cabinets and
$6,000 for a grill, sink and refrigerator or icemaker.
• Locate it for comfort and functionality
• Appeal to the next homeowner, too
There’s no single location that works, though many
homeowners keep their kitchen away from strong
sunlight, perhaps placing it under a pergola. It’s also a
good idea to site it close to a back door, to make treks
in and out to fetch food, etc., easier. Another essential,
obviously, is to have an area that’s large enough to
accommodate the outdoor kitchen, which typically
runs 8' to 9' in length. Don’t forget to add extra room
so you can maneuver around comfortably. Some
Because outdoor kitchens have become so popular
recently, you’re likely to recoup a large percentage of
your investment dollars, though it’s never a guarantee
and depends on the health of the housing market.
Nevertheless, by investing in quality cabinetry,
countertops and equipment for your outdoor kitchen,
your efforts are more likely to be rewarded in both
your enjoyment and the next homeowners’ pleasure.
The kitchen may even be a major selling feature.
• Create a backyard theme
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