The history of Colorado is literally carved into aspen trees throughout the state. Arborglyphs, or drawings and writing, were carved into aspen trees by sheep herders in the late 1800′s and early 1900′s. The sheep herders were mostly immigrants from Mexico, and their cultural contribution to Colorado is recorded in these carvings. Some are extraordinarily beautiful.

Aspens are definitely worth considering for landscaping. They take some work, but their stunning beauty makes up for that. They are quick growing and self reproducing. An aspen can be a centerpiece of any landscaping, or they can be used to complement other foliage in a garden. This is an easy way to have a little Colorado in your yard.

First, consider how you like to cook. Will a built-in grill be the centerpiece of your outdoor kitchen? Or, is a wood-fired oven your preferred cooking method? Perhaps you would like one of each. A sink with running water is practically a necessity. You may also choose to build in refrigeration.

After you have an idea of the major equipment that you would like to include, then you can consider the location of the kitchen. Will it be incorporated into an existing deck or patio, built poolside or secluded in a quiet garden?

How many people will you be cooking for regularly? The number of guests who will typically be at your table will help you to determine the size of your cooking and seating areas. Intimate kitchens are great for small families while expansive ones are perfect for entertaining.

The features that you desire, that location that you select, and the size of your outdoor kitchen will all affect the final cost.

When making a decision on a deck patio or both, it is always helpful to think through how you will use the space. What are habits, how large is your family and what events will you be hosting in an outdoor living space.

A deck is attractive and can add some architectural features to a home, but the space of a patio can be just as usable. The decision is usually made strictly on preference. Many people enjoy stepping outside their home onto a deck and down a few steps to a beautifully landscaped patio area as well.

Patios are usually at ground level and decks are typically off the ground area. While both can add dimension and scale to a home, a deck often has ornamental sides and railing while a patio area often blends into the other landscaping of the property.

Sometimes, when a family relocates to another city or state, there are concerns that appear that are borne out of the uncertainty of a new location. The unknown is always an element to be considered during a move and the settling in phase of that move. Having the right kind of home security can provide the family with much needed peace of mind so that they can feel comfortable in their new residence.

Security needs depend entirely on what the families greatest concerns may be. Some feel that an alarm system is all that is necessary, while others might wish to have cameras installed. Satisfying those individual needs creates a peaceful climate.

• Concrete is considered highly durable, and while it is not inherently known as a “green product,” it is able to be recycled and resourced which ultimately ekes away at its initial impact. If treated correctly, concrete counters can last a lifetime; again, reducing the need for environmentally costly replacement.
• Glass Tiles are far preferred to ceramic tiles because their content is 100 percent recycled material and the actual process to perform the recycling consumes much less energy that the alternative of making new tiles from virgin material. Glass tiles will not offgas VOCs if water-based grout is utilized during the installation, and they are easier to reuse and recycle than their ceramic counterparts.
• Wood (untreated hardwood that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council) is considered the “best choice” when based strictly on environmental friendliness and impact. Untreated wood is truthfully a renewable resource and requires much less industrial processing than other countertop materials. As a caveat: wood is not an ideal choice for use immediately around the sink or other wet areas and a transition zone with another product (such as glass tile) is recommended in these areas.

There are more materials out there like recycled plastic and paper composite that you may want to consider, as well; but the three we have listed seem to be the most available; and since part of being green is to not waste energy looking for resources, we hope one of these three will entice you to its use.

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