East Bay March 2010

EAST BAY

Phot

o: G

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MARCH/APRIL 2010

ideas and resources for your home

6 Decking StylesCozy Outdoor Furniture

Backyard Living

MMAKING important remodeling decisions is easier at

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4 March/April 2010 THM East Bay

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M A R C H / A P R I L 2 O 1 O

[ C O N T E N T S ]

20

10

BUILD IT GREEN10 Sustainable Landscaping

Easy, thrifty, and beautiful.By Annette Hartsfield

12 Designing Your DeckThe many surfaces for today’s decks.By Chris Vaughn

18 Moving OutdoorsCasual furniture provides comfort and style.By John Rogers

CCIDC20 Outdoor Eating Adventures

Exploding demand for outdoor kitchens. By Joanne M. Stage, CMKBD, CID

12

B A C K Y A R D L I V I N G

TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com East Bay THM March/April 2010 5

Find more great ideas and resources for your home onTodaysHomeBayArea.com

ideas and resources for your home

BayArea.com

Search the Bay

Area’s ultimate

resource guide

for more articles

of interest, links

to more resources,

Web sites, and

professionals

who can help

you with all your

home projects.Remodeling Made EasyGet the look you want with professional help all along the way.

www.todayshomebayarea.com/sunshineconstruction

Painting Spells A custom paint job can do magicfor your home’s appearance.

www.todayshomebayarea.com/mgdpainting

Kitchen Remodeling Made EasySuggestions for saving dollars and your sanity.

www.todayshomebayarea.com/ccidc

Post your Web page on TodaysHomeBayArea.com!Contact Information • Multiple Links to Your Web Site • Photo Gallery • Press

Call 925.659.6200 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

Kitchen ResolutionTake your kitchen from lukewarm to hot in the New Year.

www.todayshomebayarea.com/feature

ON THE COVER

Photo: Gloster Axis Collection in teak.Photo: Gloster (www.Gloster.com).

8

22

7 SpringForwardGet inspired for all your home andgarden projects at the Contra CostaSpring Home & Garden Show.

NKBA8 Luxury Bath

on a Budget6 Tips to creating a stunning yeteconomical bathroom.By Jennifer Ho, CKD,CBD

CLCA22 Safe Home Repairs

Protect your family, employees and property. By Barbara Landrith

Solid Silks Velvet LinenTaffeta & Embroidered Silks

At the Drapery Boutique we are passionate about providingthe finest quality “Ready-to-Hang Draperies” to our

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TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com6 March/April 2010 THM East Bay

Volume 10, Issue 2 • March/April 2010

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THE FIRST SIGNS OF SPRING HAVE ARRIVED: warm breezes,chirping birds, bunches of blooming wild flowers and thehighly anticipated 25th Annual Contra Costa Spring Home

& Garden Show.This amazing show is sponsored by the Contra Costa Times

and runs April 9, 10, 11 at Concord’s Sleep Train Pavilion. True to tradition, the show will feature the latest windows, windowcoverings, insulation, roofing, gutters and money saving heatingand air conditioning.

Show hours are Friday 12 noon to 6 PM, and Saturday andSunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. General admission is $6 and children12 and under are free.

“This year’s show will have more kitchen and bath remodelingcontractors than ever before,” says Show Manager Frank Adams.“This type of remodel is very big, right now, and it’s very convenientfor the home owners to be able to find all of the top talents in one location.”

If you wereconsidering solar, now is the time toact. Manufacturersand installers areoffering unbelievableincentives andfinancing. Why wait?

One of today’s most luxurious outdoor trends is the backyardkitchen, which is both functional and aesthetically fabulous andcan be equipped with grilling equipment, refrigerators, sinks andburners. “The high end ones are starting to become works of art,complete with sound systems, lights and umbrellas. Any of theseextras can be added on,” Frank says.

Today’s Synthetic Grass is so realistic and durable that it hasbecome one of the most popular home improvement items in the show. Imagine, no watering, no fertilizing, no weeds and noneed for a lawn mower. Also, check out the latest in long-lastingdecking materials, such as Ipe Brazilian Hardwood and TimberTech, a popular composite material that looks like the real thing,but wards off termites and harsh weather.

Homeowners can also scope out the latest water wonders:spas, pools and lavish waterfalls. “This is a great time to startthinking about adding a pool or waterfall,” Frank states. “Ourexperts will be able to answer all of your questions”.

Some people may simply want to bring the outdoors insidewith a variety of garden inspired artwork, prints and pottery. Alsofor the indoors: Interior Decorating, Closet Organization, GarageStorage and every kind of flooring imaginable, including manyvarieties of exotic tiles, bamboo and imported hardwood.

In addition, you can peruse gourmet assortments of delicioussauces by the nationally renowned chef The Crazy Cajun, plusBistro Blends Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars and Garlic wondersfrom Primo Gourmet Foods. All are available to sample and purchase.

For additional Show information: call (925) 682.7227. THM

Get inspired for all your home andgarden projects at the Contra Costa

Spring Home & Garden Show.

HOME & GARDENContrContraa CostCostaa SprinSpringg ShowShow

Friday, April 9 • 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Saturday, April 10 • 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Sunday, April 11 • 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM


Simplify Fancy Shower Systems

You could still have the shower system of your dreamswithout all the bells and whistles. Don’t equate budget to budget brands. Do look into premium brands as theyoften offer quality shower products at budget prices.

Less is more

Decorative tiles are jewels that set the tone for a bath. It’s nice to drench your bath in luxurious glass mosaics. But do you really need so much? Less is more when it comes to decorative tiles. You’ll be amazed that just a fewstrategically placed decorative tiles go a long way.

Consider Green

Green is an investment that not only helps the environment, but your pocketbookas well. A few extra dollars today can save you much more down the road. Dothink about water conserving fixtures and high efficiency lighting (i.e. LED,fluorescents). As an added bonus, tax incentives and rebates may be availablewith current stimulus plans and green initiatives. Switching out that waterwasting toilet may qualify you for rebates with your water company.

Jennifer Ho, CKD, CBD is a designer at De Anza Interior (www.DeAnzaInterior.com) and is theVice President of Government Relations for NKBA Northern California as well as a member ofthe Marketing Advisory Council for NKBA National. From choosing a designer to picking outcolors, the NKBA is your source for design ideas, expert remodeling tips, and advice. To find a design professional near you please visit www.nkba.org. THM

WHILE WE’D RATHER NOT THINK ABOUTthe economy, it’s inevitably affected our lives. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to put

off remodeling that icky old bath. Quite the contrary, it’s the perfect time to do so.

Being on a budget doesn’t equate to giving up onluxuries or cramping your style. Knowledge paired withcreativity can go a long way in creating a drop dead gorgeous bath that’s functional, practical and budget friendly.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Hire a Design Professional

It may seem counterintuitive. After all, you are on a budget. But the rightdesigner will actually help you save time and money. Don’t underestimate theleg work needed to complete a bath remodel. Do interview 3-4 designers toget a feel for their work and chose one that fits your style, budget and trust.NKBA.org is one place to start in your search for a Bath Design Professional.

Don’t skimp

It’s tempting, but do think twice when you see a price that seems too good to be true. It probably is too good to be true. You may end up spending moredown the road in repair and replacement cost.

Set a Realistic Budget

Your design professional will be crucial in helping you establish what is realisticand what is not. Do make a list of wants and needs and prioritize them.

[ N K B A ]

BY JENNIFER HO, CKD,CBD

Luxury Bath on a Budget

National Kitchen & Bath Association

6 tips to creating a stunningyet economical bathroom.


Call for a free in-home consultation!

(800) 953-0053 or(925) 472-8760

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ATRULY GREEN HOME extends to its outdoor spaces as well. But don’t worry – “greening” your landscape

is not as hard as you think. At Build It Green, a Bay Area based non-profit promotinggreen building practices, we encouragesustainable landscaping methods as part of our mission. Below are some of the do-it-yourself suggestions we teach in our training programs.

Nourish the soilHealthy soil is the foundation of everylandscape. This may seem like a no-brainer,but you’d be surprised just how manybenefits a robust, living soil has for your plantlife and your pocketbook. Well-aerated soilacts like a sponge, absorbing and storingwater and nutrients, which means you’llspend less money watering plants and re-supplying your topsoil. The beneficialorganisms like bacteria, fungi and worms thatthrive in healthy soil supply your plants withnutrients and protect them from diseases,saving the need for harmful and expensivepesticides and fertilizers. Creating healthy soildoesn’t have to cost much either – both organicmulch (e.g. chipped landscape debris) andcompost, two major contributors to good soil,can be made from your own household waste. Check out the BayFriendly Landscaping and Gardening program at www.BayFriendly.orgfor excellent free guidelines on making your own compost and othersustainable gardening tips.

Conserve waterConserving water is essential for a landscape that is both budget-conscious and easy on the environment. Despite the heavy rains in California this January, the state remains in the grip of a seriousdrought that state Department of Water Resources officials say could “cripple our economy and quality of life.” But you can have a beautiful landscape without taxing the water supply. Selectingdrought tolerant plant species and replacing unused lawn areas

[ B U I L D I T G R E E N ]

BY ANNETTE HARTSFIELD

s u s t a i n a b l e l a n d s c a p i n gEasy, Thrifty, and Beautiful

Photos by S

arah Sutton of Design, Com

munity & Environm

ent

8 0 0 . 9 9 9. 3 8 2 8 www.solarcontrolcompany.com


with water-conserving California native groundcovers or perennialgrasses will significantly reduce your water needs. Prevent rainwaterfrom leaving your property by choosing permeable hardscape surfaceslike gravel, and by minimizing the total amount of impervious pavedarea used for driveways, walkways and patios. You can also wateryour plants for free by installing a rainwater harvesting system tocollect and store stormwater.

Plant wiselyA well-planned landscape conserves resources and saves time andenergy in a variety of ways. Hydrozoning for example, the process ofgrouping plants by their water needs, allows you to easily water inappropriate quantities. It’s also a good idea to give your plants enoughroom to grow to their natural shape and size. That way you don’t haveto prune them, a time-consuming activity that just creates more wastefor the landfill. Finally, consider strategically planting deciduous treesto keep the sun off your house during the summer months (deciduoustrees will still let sunlight in during the winter). Shade trees can createa micro-climate that is up to 15 degrees cooler than in the surroundingarea, reducing summer air-conditioning costs by 25 to 40%.

Integrate recycled materials This is a fun one. There are no limits on how to creatively integratesalvaged, reclaimed and recycled materials into your garden andlandscape. Build fences and tool sheds out of reclaimed wood, usesalvaged broken concrete for retaining walls and raised planting beds,and re-use any manner of containers for your plants – anything fromold shoes to bathtubs will work!

Conventional landscaping often damages the environment and canend up costing more in utility bills and maintenance. The eco-friendlychoice isn’t always the more expensive or cumbersome way to go.Indeed, in this case it saves time, money, resources and results in a beautiful outdoor space you can feel good about.

Annette Hartsfield is a Build It Green Program Associate and Grant Writer. For more information on sustainable landscaping and green building in general pleasevisit www.BuildItGreen.org. THM


[ B A C K Y A R D L I V I N G ]

Wood

Plastic

Stone

East Bay THM March/April 2010 13

DESIGNERS ALWAYS TALK ABOUT BRINGING THE OUTSIDEin, but there’s a simple way to do the reverse: Adding a deck to your home—whether it’s a simple extension off

your master suite or a series of interconnected decks that show off your landscaping—brings the inside out. With a deck, you havethe opportunity to create outside rooms that effectively expand yourhome’s square footage and help you enjoy leisurely afternoons orevening parties in your backyard.

Where to start? Today’s decks come in all manner of materials,from natural wood to high-tech composites, concrete tiles, plasticsand vinyl, and natural stone. Each creates a sturdy, unique deck.The key is to think about what you’ll use your deck for: Will it be a high-traffic deck where children run and play? Will it be a quietretreat? Will it be the site of regular barbecues and backyard cooking?Each use requires a different level of sturdiness and may call fordifferent materials.

Also consider the material’s longevity and maintenance needs.Some materials are inexpensive to install but expensive to keep up.And, finally, think about the mood you want to set with your deck.Whether you’re looking for rustic, modern, elegant, or sturdy, there’sa decking material for you.

W O O DBefore there was composite decking or more high-tech decking,there was always wood. The go-to material for decks for decades is notable for its wide variety of products, its numerous grades, and its inexpensiveness.

What you will get with a wood deck is its traditional beauty.Whether you choose common pine or more exotic redwood, Ipe, tiger wood, or Jatoba, you’re investing in a natural product that’shandsome and costs less in initial investments. Look for pressure-treated woods, which have preservatives designed to extend the lifeof your deck and protect it from weathering, splitting, splintering, >>


The many surfaces for today’s decks.

DESIGNINGYOUR DECK

Composite

BY CHRIS VAUGHN


pests, or rot infestations. Also consider harder-grade woods, includingheartwood, the oldest, hardest part of the tree that’s naturally moreresistant to rot and pests. Most exotic woods, including teak, arenaturally harder. Although these woods are more expensive, they’reexpected to last longer and have fewer problems.

What you won’t get with many wood decks is a lifetimeguarantee. The harder and the more extensively treated wood cancarry a warranty for the lifetime of the original purchaser, but manydecks will need to be replaced within 10 years. And all wood decksneed to be sealed, cleaned, and sometimes repainted yearly or everyfew years.

Worried that wood might not be the environmentally friendlychoice, no matter how beautiful or eye-catching it might be?Consider wood carrying the FSC label. That means the wood hasbeen certified grown in an environmentally and socially consciousmanner by the international Forest Stewardship Council. You canalso use companies that individually promise they’ve harvested thelumber in a sustainable way or use reclaimed lumber that has beenremilled and made into new products.

C O M P O S I T EDid you ever imagine you’d be sunning yourself on top of milk jugsor soda bottles? When you install a composite deck, you might wellbe. Composite decking is notable for its environmental friendliness,variety of styles, longevity, and low-maintenance materials.

It’s also growing in popularity.Composite decking is a combinationof wood products, like sawdust andplastic that usually comes fromrecycled containers. People who buyeco-friendly varieties can feel goodabout reusing old materials andmaking use of wood chips andsawdust that go into the constructionof composite decking. Manufacturerslike EverGrain, NexWood, Tendura,Trex, and WeatherBest make deckingin a variety of colors and wood-likefinishes that mimic everything fromexotic hardwoods to knotty pine.

Composite decking also doesn’t have some problems of natural wooddecks: It often carries a warranty of 15 years or more, is less prone to rot and pest infestation, anddoesn’t splinter or warp. It’s alsousually made with a nonskid texture.

However, because compositedecking contains natural wood fibers,it reacts somewhat to moisture. Andbecause the planks are less strongthan wood, the joists under the

planks that hold the deck up must be placed closer together.Composite decks are often built on top of pressure-treated woodsupports so when the supports need to be replaced, the deck isaffected. Although it requires far less maintenance than wood, your composite deck should be cleaned yearly with a brush andcommercial deck cleaner to remove debris that can breed surface mildew.

A L U M I N U MIf you’re looking for a sleek, modern deck, aluminum may be thematerial for you. With its polished surface, aluminum blends well with modern-style houses and can be a unique addition to moretraditional homes.

Aluminum decks are very strong, supporting as much as 240pounds per square foot. They also have the advantage of being


Aluminum

Composite TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

East Bay THM March/April 2010 15

fire resistant. Because the planks are strong,they require fewer joists underneath than someforms of decking such as AridDek.

Aluminum is also extremely lowmaintenance. It runs no risk of cracking,splitting, or splintering. Like other forms of man-made decking, aluminum is nearlyimpervious to rot and pest infestations.Aluminum resists corrosion and doesn’t rust,so you won’t have to spend time keeping your deck from moisture or degradation.

Aluminum decks also have a seamlesssurface. Many manufacturers, such as Lock Dry and DryDeck, sell interlocking planks thatprevent moisture from seeping into the usuallywooden supports, making the structurewaterproof and creating a dry space underneaththe deck. Look for aluminum decking withpowder coating and ridges that makes it slip-resistant. Powder coatings can also containcolors, allowing the homeowner to choose a tonethat matches the décor, such as white, gray,light brown,and a wooden brown.

C O N C R E T EDoes the thought of concrete decking summon to mind schools andother drab places? Today’s concrete decking is anything but boring,offering a variety of colors, textures, structural grades, and precast or stamped concrete tiles.

Because it’s concrete, the deck is impervious to fire, rot, andpests. And concrete deck manufacturers have gotten creative withtheir decking, creating tiles with the look of natural stone but thesturdiness of concrete.

You have two choices with concrete decks: One option is a pouredand steel-reinforced deck that’s built at the site. The advantage isthere’s no wood involved, so the deck isn’t at the mercy of woodsupports. Poured concrete decks are supported by steel pylons thatare sturdier and can support more weight than typical wood decks.However, these kinds of decks are also among the priciest of all decks.

The other option is to use precast concrete tiles. These tiles canresemble stone decking, with a variety of colors and natural texturesthat’s both slip-resistant and varies in color to make each deckunique. Dekstone, a manufacturer of one of the main forms of this

kind of decking, ships its deck tiles unsealed. The tiles can bedirectly attached to wood joists or a waterproofing membrane can be placed under the tiles to protect the wood and concrete fromexcessive moisture. All forms of concrete decking should be sealedfrom moisture every few years.

P L A S T I CThere’s a reason plastic is used in so many products: It’s versatile,easily recyclable, durable, and easy to clean. Plastic decking is onemore step toward man-made decking. It’s often environmentallyfriendly, made of 95 percent recyclable plastics like polyethylene,polystyrene, and polypropylene. As with composite decking, look atthe manufacturer’s label to check to see how much of the deck ismade from recycled materials, and whether it’s recyclable. You canalso look at the material itself. High-density polyethylene (HDPE)and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are the most common recycledplastics made primarily of milk jugs and soda bottles, respectively.

Plastic also has the advantage of being one of the most low-maintenance deck materials. Because it has no organic matter, >>

TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

Concrete

it’s impervious to rot that affects wood decks and (to a far lesserextent) composite decks. It also doesn’t split, splinter, or becomebrittle over time. If mildew grows on the surface of the plasticplanks or they get dirty, simply hose off the deck or use a deckcleaner. Many decking manufacturers, such as Verdura, offer full 30-year warranties on their decks.

Plastic decking is lightweight but strong, and usually installedabove wooden joists. Many types of plastic decking come with a no-show type of installation that’s totally waterproof. It also comes in avariety of colors, including white, black, teak, oak redwood, and green.

S T O N EDecks made with natural stone, tile, slate, or pavers impart adifferent feel than rustic wood or modern aluminum. Stone deckingis a cool and sophisticated look, and notable for its wide variety of materials, grades, treatments, and textures. Colors can be rich,like black or Tuscan red, or mellow, like beige or earth tones.

The advantage of stone decking is that it requires less annualmaintenance than wood and light colors remain relatively cool in hotweather. It also doesn’t warp, isn’t as susceptible to moisture as wood,and is impervious to pest infestations. It’s also extremely strong.

When considering a stone, porcelain, or slate deck, check tomake sure the tiles or pavers are for outdoor use and specifically for deck use. Many forms of stone decking come in interlocking tileformats. These types are stone mounted on a composite base thatcan be attached directly to joists without the need for mortar or grout.

Like many other decking materials, stone decks tend to requireless annual maintenance than wooden decks. However, manymanufacturers still recommend they be sealed regularly to protectthem from stains and moisture.



Be sure to look for higher-quality stones because they aresturdier, more resistant to movement, and are less likely to crack.Warranties for stone decking materials vary by manufacturer, butmany last at least 10 years.

V I N Y LYou might have heard of PVC pipes or even vinyl fabric. But a PVCdeck? Absolutely!

Vinyl decking, also called PVC decking, is another form ofdecking made with a different type of plastic. It has the advantageof being nearly maintenance free and impervious to rot, moisture,and pests. Although some vinyl is made of virgin plastic, notrecycled, some varieties, like Quadra Vinyl, are made of 100 percentrecycled vinyl. The planks can also usually be recycled after use.Look for manufacturer labels that identify if the planks are recycledor recyclable.

Vinyl planks, like other plastic decking, are strong and easy to clean. Vinyl planks have internal reinforcement that make themrugged and make other reinforcements, like steel or aluminum,unnecessary. As with plastic, there’s no need to spend time doingannual sealing or maintenance of the planks. Simply hose them offif they get dirty and clean with a deck cleaner if the deck gets morestubborn stains. Like plastic, vinyl decks come in several colors,including white, gray, and wooden-like tan. They also usually comeembossed with a wood grain texture that reduces the risk of slipping.And most vinyl decking comes with an extensive lifetime warranty.Popular brands of vinyl decking include Dream Deck and EverNew.

Like other decking materials, vinyl decking is usually built onwood supports and is subject to the health and longevity of thewood. Because the planks are made completely of plastic, they’realso slightly more sensitive to the heat of the sun than other deckingchoices, though vinyl is also often treated to keep it cool. THM

Plastic

Vinyl


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WHETHER YOU’RE SOCIALIZING WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY or relaxingwith a good book, the new preferred space of choice is no longer inside on a cozy oversized sofa or dinette set for four. Instead, more and more patios

and backyards are being transformed into an outdoor oasis made to please everyone. Gloster continues to offer a broad spectrum of designs and styles in a variety of

materials and their four new collections for 2010 are no exception in furniture design& innovation.

ESTATE � Bright white and seriously smooth, Estate is a painted finish that can be relied upon to impress. Traditional design and a modern, resilient coating overmahogany frames guarantees a low maintenance finish in a style that will last. With all the advantages of more contemporary materials & every aesthetic quality of timeless design, Estate brings a classically simplistic look to any environment.

AXIS � Stunning lines and sharp looks combine to place Axis at the center of designinnovation. Solid teak sled style frames and stylish angles echo throughout the line by London designer Mark Gabbertas. Broad horizontally slatted seats combine with gently curving backs to ensure comfort, while optional cushions offer furtherindulgence. The Axis dining chair and table is also available in a stunning, durablewarm grey painted finish fully suited to outdoor use.

FUSION � At the cutting edge of design, monochromatic stainless steel frames &single piece swooping slings ensure Fusion dining and lounging furniture stand outfrom the crowd. Sleek solid steel frames with integral peened armrests combine withMercury colored slings offering the maximum in comfort and practicality.

KORE � Fusion dining chairs sit perfectly with any of the Kore dining tables also byPovl. Available in either rectangular, square or circular formats with slatted teak or acidetched, tempered glass tops and an integrated ceramic lazy susan on brushed stainlesssteel frames, Kore becomes a focal point in any dining suite. A seating capacityranging from 4 to 12 ensure practicality not simply aesthetics are a key feature.

Gloster Furniture Inc. is the world’s largest producer of quality teak outdoor furniture. Gloster’sreputation for sophisticated design and unrivaled attention to detail has led to multiple awards in the casual furniture industry for its excellence in design and manufacturing. For more information,please visit www.gloster.com. THM

Casual furnitureprovides comfortand style.

MovingOutdoors


Axis Collection glass top dining table and chairs in Sable.

Estate Adirondack seat, footstool, and side table.

BY JOHN RODGERS


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[email protected]

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(Behind Max’s Diner)

866-1144

DO YOU DREAM ABOUT planning your own outdoor kitchen andcreating a place for family and friends to gather while you cook?Since the discovery of fire when cooking on the open hearth

became the heart of the cave dwellers home, the alluring aroma ofgrilling has continued to captivate our senses. According to an industrysurvey, the latest trend is an exploding demand for outdoor kitchens!And, while a fire pit may have been suitable for our cave dwellers, today’ssavvy consumer has the benefit of modern technological advances inappliances and finishes.

Here are some ideas to help you get started. First start out by reviewing your local building codes and requirements

for an outdoor kitchen.

Second, create a plan and your needs and wish list. The basicessentials are a grill, sink and some type of refrigeration or cooler.

Third, review the features available in outdoor appliances and whatyou need. Consider that a Hybrid Grill can incorporate a selection of gas,charcoal and wood fire grilling with a 32,000 BTU side burner, wok or lobster pot ready. Customized grills are available for fish, meat andvegetables or teppanyaki-style cooking. Other outdoor appliances caninclude a countertop pizza oven, smoker, dishwasher, freezer, refrigerator,wine chiller, keg tapper, warming drawers, ventilator, sink, pantry storageand trash and recycling center. Enough selections to make your head spin!

And lastly, your other considerations should include your lifestyle,privacy, view, prevailing winds, landscaping and the flow of traffic. In

addition consider task and moodlighting, a sound system, internet,television, low-maintenance materialssuch as stainless steel for cabinets,stone or concrete for countertopsand whether you require shelter for a cooking and clean up area.And, although California has greatweather year around, think aboutpossibly adding natural gas patio heaters.

Most importantly, there are a lotof decisions to make when investingin your outdoor kitchen. Considerworking with a professional who isfamiliar with codes, products andthe planning of outdoor kitchens.Contact a Certified Interior Designer(CID) to work with you. Certified


[ C C I D C ]

Photos courte

sy of K

alam

azoo Outdoor Gourm

et.

Outdoor Eating AdventuresExploding demand for outdoor kitchens.

BY JOANNE M. STAGE, CMKBD, CID


Interior Designers in the State of California are qualified by education,experience and examination. Your Certified Interior Designer can plan your space, help you make proper selections, and oversee the installation.

Joanne M. Stage, CMKBD, CID is the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s representative tothe California Council for Interior Design Certification board. For a list of Certified InteriorDesigners in your area or to view the CID pages, visit www.ccidc.org/cidpages. THM

APPLIANCESDirect Appliance 925-560-0500www.directappliancedublin.com

CABINETS & CLOSETSValet Custom Cabinets & Closets925-362-8838www.valetcustom.com

CLEANING SERVICESpring Fresh Cleaning800-750-7175www.springfreahcleaninginc.com

CONCRETE Lara’s Concrete925-458-6304

CUSTOM FRAMINGAcanthus925-866-1144www.acanthusonline.com

DRAPERIESExclusive Fabrics & Furnishings866-413-7273www.thedrapeboutique.com

GARAGE STORAGEPremier Garage866-497-2880www.premiergarage.com

KITCHEN CABINETSKitchens Unlimited925-934-4700www.KitchensUnlimitedWalnutCreek.com

KITCHEN COUNTERTOPSKitchen Classics925-674-8966www.KitchenClassics.net

KITCHEN DESIGN CENTERRic’s Kitchen & Bath510-733-5543www.Rics-kitchen-bath.com

LANDSCAPE DESIGNMasterpiece Gardens & Design925-937-2253www.masterpiecegarden.com

LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENTLandscape Care Company925-372-7973www.landscapecare.net

RESOURCE GUIDE

List your business, call 925-659-6200

WE GO BEYOND THE LAWN

Proper Pruning • FertilizationWatering • MulchingLandscape Design

Flower/Bulb PlantingGardening Consultation

Offering weekly,monthly & quarterly

maintenance programs.

Call 925.937.2253 masterpiecegarden.com

ROEBER’S INCORPORATED has led

the way in plumbing, heating &

cooling since 1923. Specializing in

service, repair & new installations for

both business & residential. NATE

Certified technicians. Carrier Factory

Authorized dealers.

ROEBER’S INCORPORATED 510.537.0556www.roebers.com

LANDSCAPE SERVICESNo Nonsense Horticultural Services925-820-1843www.NoNonsenseHort.com

PAINT CENTERProfessional Paint Center925-933-3315

PAINTING CONTRACTORMGD Painting and Decorating 925-679-2802

PAVING STONESBlack Diamond Landscape & Designs800-942-1955www.blackdiamondlandscape.com

POOL RESURFACINGCalifornia’s Gunite925-960-9500www.californiasgunite.com

REDWOOD FENCINGBorg Redwood Fences925-426-9620www.borgfence.com

REMODELING CONSTRUCTIONSunshine Construction, Inc.925-472-8760www.sunshine-construction-inc.com

SHOWER DOORS & ENCLOSURESCalifornia Shower Door Corp.800-675-6225www.calshowerdoor.com

TILE AND STONEWestern Tile Design Center925-671-0145www.westerntiledesign.com

WALLBEDSWallbeds ”n” More925-570-5663www.wallbedsnmore.com

WATER HEATERSPhillips Water Heater Service925-584-9846

WINDOW TINTINGSolar Control Glass Tinting Co.800-999-3828www.solarcontrolcompany.com


CALIFORNIA’S DEVASTATING STORMS have causedaccidents, flooding, mudslides, erosion and propertydamage to homes and businesses across the state. After

suffering property damage, it is time to think about getting yourrepairs done. The California Landscape Contractors Association(CLCA) is pleased to offer some recommendations to help you makesafe repair choices to protect your family, your employees and your property.

ONE The best way to protect your family, employees and property is tohire a licensed contractor. An unlicensed contractor is already breakingthe law and there are many unscrupulous individuals who pose ascontractors with the intent of stealing, defrauding or hurting the owner.There is a reason they don’t have a license or can’t get one.

TWO A licensed contractor with employees is required to carry workers’compensation insurance to protect you from liability in case one of theirworkers is injured on your property. If you hire an unlicensed person, youmay be financially responsible if injuries, fire, or other property damageresults. Licensed contractors are also required to disclose whether or not they carry liability insurance.

THREE Licensed contractors in California must demonstrate at least 4 years of experience/education in the trade for which they

are licensed, be fingerprinted and have an FBI backgroundcheck. If your project costs more than $500 the contractormust be licensed by the California State License Board

(CSLB). The CSLB provides information about a contractor’s license, worker’s

compensation status as well aspending and prior legal actions.

FOUR Don’t rush into repairs no matterhow badly they may be needed. Be sure

to get at least 3 competitive bids, checklicenses and ask for recommendations.

Be suspicious if the contractor does not want to give you adequate time to make a decision. Someunscrupulous individuals use scare tactics to force a quick decision on the part of the owner who oftenagrees to overpriced or unnecessary work.

FIVE Contractors cannot ask for a deposit of morethan 10% of the total cost of the job or $1000whichever is less. Do not pay cash and do not payup front for supplies and additional workers. Besuspicious of those going door to door offeringcheap work for cash.

SIX Require a written contract and be sureto understand it before you sign it. It is also

[ C L C A ]

not a bad idea to havesomeone else review it as well. Homeownershave a three day rightto cancel when signinga Home ImprovementContract. A Serviceand Repair contractis different andwaives that right.Be sure you aresigning the rightdocument.

SEVEN Do not let yourpayments get ahead of your workand keep a file of all papers relating toyour project. Pay by check so you have documentation of payment.

EIGHT Soil erosion can happen slowly or it can happen very quickly in a heavy rain. The exact measures needed for your property are based on your soil type, slope grade, home/office location, weather, wateravailability etc. Also areas exposed by fire can open the door for invasivespecies and weeds. In some areas erosion control materials or mechanicalcontrol measures may need to be applied. Contact your local CalTransoffice or local forest service for guidelines in your area.

NINE Water flow is an important factor of any property protection plan.Never underestimate the power of storm water and debris. Evaluating the area and planning for additional storm events in the near term is acritical first step to protecting your property and improper or inadequatemeasures can aggravate potential problems. If you need help with erosioncontrol, water removal, mold and other items that have the potential for long term, serious damage and liability, be sure to hire a licensedprofessional who is an expert in that field.

TEN For future reference, it is also a good idea to keep records andphotos of your property as part of your home or business inventory list for insurance purposes.

For more information about hiring a licensed professional, to check the status of a contractor or report an unlicensed contractor visit the State License Board at www.cslb.ca.gov or call1-800-321-CSLB (2752). THM

SAFE HOME REPAIRSBY BARBARA LANDRITH

Protect your family, employees and property.



naturapaint.com

© 2009 Benjamin Moore & Co. Benjamin Moore, the triangle “M”symbol and Natura areregistered trademarks and Green Promise is a trademark licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co.

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(925) 933-3315

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Why Tankless?Performance: endless hot water

Efficiency: uses 50% less gas

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Green: lower greenhouse gas emissions

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Bringing family and friends together since 2002.

Call for a designer to meet with you.

888-275-8770www.backyarddream.com

1. Hire Back Yard Dream2. Meet with designer3. Construction begins4. Guest list

We can transform your backyard in as little as 30 days!

The Party’s at Your House. Are You Ready?

Affordable Solutions for Every Organization BudgetCabinets | Accessories | Floor Coatings | Overhead Storage

Free Estimates, Free Installation, Lifetime Warranty on Cabinets, 20 Year Warranty on Floors

Proudly Serving the Bay Area

For more information, call 866.497.2880 or visit PremierGarage.com* Offer must be presented at time of estimate/order. Offer may not be copied, duplicated, transferred or combined with any other offer. Valid at participating locations only. Minimum purchase requirement

must be met. No cash/credit back. Not valid on prior purchases. Void where prohibited. Lic.#894280

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Before

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