Outdoor Kitchens – Bring your Cooking and Entertaining Outdoors

Imagine not only enjoying a meal outside but cooking that entire meal outside as well. This dream is all made possible with an outdoor kitchen. From a griddle to a refrigerator and everything in between, an outdoor kitchen truly allows family and friends to cook and dine al fresco!

In today’s blog, I will cover all the various components of an outdoor kitchen. There are so many factors to consider when designing and building an outdoor kitchen and I want to ensure you know all your options.

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, my 3D landscape design allows clients to see what an outdoor kitchen will look like in their backyard. It also gives them an idea of spacing of various outdoor kitchen components. This state-of-the-art technology is the perfect way to visualize what your yard will look like with your brand-new outdoor kitchen!

Ready, set, grill!

Components of an Outdoor Kitchen

There are many options available for outdoor kitchens today. This means the sky is the limit when designing them and you can create a dream kitchen right in your backyard.

Here are the main components of an outdoor kitchen:

·       Grills

·       Smokers

·       Pizza Ovens

·       Griddles

·       Refrigerators

·       Sinks

·       Kegerator or Drink Stations

·       Storage

·       Attached Bar Areas for Serving

Within each of the above components, there are an abundance of options available. Keep in mind you do not need to have all these components. You can pick and choose which items best work for you and your family’s needs.

Grills

When deciding on a grill for your outdoor kitchen you will need to contemplate the following factors.

·       Brand

·       Size

·       Type

There are so many brands of grills on the market today. I highly recommend you do your research to see which fits within your budget and fits your needs. A few popular brands include:

·       Blaze

·       Vermont Castings

·       KitchenAid

·       Weber

Most grills range in size from 200 to 600 square inches total. This would include not only the grill/cook surface, but the shelving on the side and areas below. Here is a great article on deciding on the perfect grill size for your outdoor kitchen.

The final factor to determine is the type of grill. Below are the four popular types of grills.

·       Charcoal

·       Gas

·       Pellet

·       Electric

Smokers

In North Carolina, BBQ is a must! That means smokers are extremely popular options for outdoor kitchens around here. Similar to grills, there are various types of smokers that include charcoal, gas, pellet, and electric. Some popular smoker brands are:

·       Masterbuilt

·       Traeger

·       Cuisinart

Pizza Ovens

Pizza always tastes best when it comes out of a pizza oven. That is why pizza ovens are growing in popularity for outdoor kitchens. Wood-fired pizza ovens tend to be the most known. However, within those are sub-types, such as, barrel vault ovens or Napoletana ovens.

Griddles

Unlike grills listed above, griddles offer a flat cooking surface instead of ones with parallel or lattice bars on the cooking surface. This means it is much easier to cook and clean almost anything on a griddle vs. a grill. In addition to common grill out food, many people enjoy cooking stir fry, hibachi, seared and sauteed ingredients for fajitas, bacon, and pancakes. A few popular griddle brands include:

·       Blackstone

·       Pit Boss

Refrigerators

Who wants to constantly go in and out of the house for ingredients while grilling or cooking outside? Save yourself the time and energy by adding a refrigerator into your outdoor kitchen. Not to mention you can keep your beverages cool in there and simply grab one while you are cooking or dining outside. Outdoor refrigerators come in a variety of sizes and are built to withstand the elements. Learn a little more about what to look for in selecting an outdoor refrigerator in this article.  

Sinks

A sink in your outdoor kitchen makes meal prep and clean up very easy! Stainless steel tends to be the most common material for outdoor sinks; however, stone sinks are also rising in popularity. Stone sinks tend to be made from soapstone, granite, or marble. Regardless of what material you choose, it makes the perfect addition to an outdoor kitchen.

Kegerator or Drink Stations

Unlike indoor kegerators, outdoor kegerators must prove their durability since it can get hot or cold outside depending on the time of year. A few options to consider when choosing an outdoor kegerator:

·       Single-tap vs. double-tap

·       Size

·       Class – luxury, premium, or standard

Another popular drink station choice for outdoor kitchens are outdoor wine coolers. These are perfect when you are entertaining multiple guests or throwing a party.

Storage

Just like an indoor kitchen, you will want storage in an outdoor kitchen. You need to plan to keep utensils, cooking tools, plates, cups, etc. outside if you do not want to make a ton of trips back and forth between inside your house and outside.

Attached Bar Areas for Serving

Last, but certainly not least, to consider is adding an attached bar area for serving. Adding this option into your outdoor kitchen makes serving family and guests so simple. It requires less effort for the cook and host.

Let Hawkins Landscape Architecture Design Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen

Is your mouth watering thinking about all the amazing meals you can make in your very own outdoor kitchen? Catch up to your senses and get started on building your dream outdoor kitchen today by calling me at 336-848-7164. I partner closely with all my clients to design landscaping elements they love and will enjoy for many years!

Follow my Instagram page for photos and inspiration on outdoor kitchens and any outdoor living element!

Landscape Structures: Part 4 – Picture-perfect Porches

This is part four of four in a series on landscape structures. Part four covers porches.

If you missed the other three parts of this series on landscape structures they covered pergolas, gazebos & sheds, and decks. Today’s blog discusses our last landscape structure… porches.

Porches are steadily increasing in popularity among homeowners due to their many benefits, extension of your outdoor living space, flexibility in design options, and comfort. There are so many different styles of porches that the sky really is the limit when it comes to porch design and materials! Enclosed porches are all the rage right now as they allow people to enjoy the outdoors for all seasons.

In my latest blog below, I discuss the advantages of porches and popular styles and design choices.

Advantages of Porches

Porches provide homeowners with numerous benefits. Here are a few advantages they offer:

·       Creates outdoor space away from the elements

·       Keeps bugs out (enclosed porches only)

·       Increases house’s square footage available

·       Raises home value

·       Provides many possibilities for entertaining

·       Adds a lavish charm to your outdoor living space

Porch Design Options

One important building aspect to consider in your porch design is the ceiling. Two popular choices are:

1.       Tongue and groove ceiling

2.       Volume ceiling

A tongue and groove ceiling is a popular choice. It is simple yet provides a classic look. Most people love that it provides a natural look. Additionally, some homeowners decide to stain or paint the ceiling to create a color that matches their color scheme for the porch.

In contrast, a volume ceiling is a taller ceiling for those wanting more height on their porch. The effect is much more dramatic with the volume ceiling and the beams can be decorative, adding to the charm of this option. This is the perfect choice for homeowners that are adding a full outdoor kitchen with a custom fireplace or pizza oven.

Another consideration related to porch ceilings is adding a ceiling fan. A fan is popular in the south as it is a great way to add a breeze and cool off those sitting on the porch.

Latest Trend in Porches – EZE BREEZE doors!

One of the newest trends in porches are ‘EZE BREEZE’ doors. These are a porch enclosure system that allows the space to be totally enclosed or totally open air. Homeowners love this simple, yet high-quality product and the flexibility it allows for porch designs.

Why Wait to Create a Porch the Entire Family Will Love?

If you have been dreaming of having the perfect porch, then do not wait any longer. Give me a call today at 336-848-7164 or complete this simple contact form to get started. We will discuss all your needs and budget so I can carefully design a porch your entire family will love spending time on. Be sure to visit my Instagram page for porch inspiration and other fun landscaping tips!

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, I partner with every client to ensure they have a porch design they love, that fits within their budget. I want to ensure this outdoor living element is one they feel comfortable enjoying for many years to come. My 3D designs help my clients visualize what the porch or any landscape feature would look like on their property. It is the ideal way to see a project before construction even begins or to make any last-minute adjustments.

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Landscape Structures: Part 3 – Decks are the Cornerstone for Your Outdoor Oasis

This is part three of four in a series on landscape structures. Part three covers decks.

Decks are a comfortable spot to enjoy nature at home. They are an ideal locale for reading a book, relaxing with family, entertaining friends, and simply taking in the ambiance Mother Nature has to offer.

There are three major types of deck building projects. Those are building a new deck, renovating an existing deck, or adding a full ceiling system underneath a deck to allow the area beneath to become dry outdoor living space.

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, I work closely with clients to determine their needs and budgets. This way I can help design the ultimate outdoor living space that often includes decks. My comprehensive landscape design includes placement of any landscape structures, such as decks, for an ultimate aesthetic appeal. Best of all, clients that utilize my 3D designs get to see what their deck will look like before construction even takes place!

In my latest blog below, I discuss the advantages of decks, materials, and numerous design ideas.

Benefits of Decks

These landscape structures provide so many wonderful advantages to homeowners. A few most noteworthy benefits include:

·       Increases home value

·       Expands house’s square footage

·       Provides endless entertainment possibilities

·       Creates luxurious aesthetic appeal to yard

Common Deck Building Materials

Today, there are so many options for what materials you can use to build your deck. On top of that, there are also many stains in some materials allowing for a variety of colors. As part of the design process with Hawkins Landscape Architecture, we will discuss the various materials available, what they will look like, and how they fit into your budget.

Five popular deck materials are:

1.       Pressure-treated lumber

2.       Cedar

3.       Redwood

4.       Composite

5.       Ipe

Below I go into a little more detail on each material’s pros and cons.

Pressure-treated lumber

Advantages: Lower cost and chemically treated to withstand mold, rot, and insect damage.

Disadvantages: Higher maintenance and tends to warp or crack over time.

Cedar

Advantages: Most inexpensive among the natural wood options, beautiful natural wood appearance, and long lifespan.

Disadvantages: More expensive than non-natural wood options and requires annual power washing and a coat finish every three to four years.

Redwood

Advantages: Long lifespan, beautiful natural wood appearance, durable, and often naturally rot-resistant.

Disadvantages: Expensive, harder to get on the East Coast, and requires annual power washing and a coat finish every three to four years.

Composite

Advantages: Low-maintenance, available in huge selection of colors and textures, and withstands rotting and insect damage.

Disadvantages: Damp spaces can attract mold and depending on the company and selection can be expensive.

Ipe (one of the more popular tropical hardwoods)

Advantages: Durable, naturally resistant to rot and insect damage, sleek and beautiful natural wood appearance, and long lifespan.

Disadvantages: Must be sealed every year, expensive, and not great option to stain or finish.

When selecting a deck material, it is important to factor in cost, maintenance, and what it will be used for. These variables will direct you to which deck material looks great, but also fits within your budget and needs.

Deck Design Ideas

A deck is not simply a space to sit outside, it provides the opportunity to create an outdoor living space you and your family will enjoy for years to come. Below are a few fun ideas to add to your deck!

·       Hot tub

·       Built-in seats

·       Plants

·       Garden

·       Shade sails

·       Lighting

·       Patio furniture

·       Fire pits (Read this great article on the do’s and don’ts for fire pits on wood decks!)

Let Me Help You Create Your Dream Deck Today!

Why wait any longer to build the deck of your dreams for your family to enjoy? Get started today by giving me a call at 336-848-7164 or completing this contact form. I look forward to patenting with you to create an outdoor living space you adore!

Check my Instagram page for inspiration and ideas for all things landscaping! Don’t miss the fourth and final blog in this landscape structures series. It will cover porches.

Spring Trees: Dogwoods and Beyond – Spring Plants Blog Series: Part 4 – Spring Trees

This final part in a four-part series on Spring plants. Part four covers Spring trees.

My Spring plants blog series covered Spring bulbs in part one, Spring perennials in part two, and Spring shrubs in part three. I will cover our fourth topic in today’s blog – Spring trees!

Trees provide so many amazing benefits in landscape designs. Two advantages of Spring trees are profuse blooms and a large variety of choices. The blooms on these trees add to a sense of joy with the return of Spring and adds a multitude of colors to any landscape. You can choose from a variety of Spring blooming trees. This means you can spread the bloom times out between early spring, mid spring, and late spring to enjoy color the entire season.  

Like other landscape elements it is sometimes hard to envision what a tree will look like on your property. Luckily, my 3D landscape designs allow you to see exactly how trees and other landscaping elements will look like in your yard before landscaping installation occurs!

Spring Trees

Nature provides so many wonderful trees to choose from to consider for your landscape design. I would highly recommend any of the flowering trees below for show-stopping blooms, hardiness, and attractive habit and leaves. Below are a few of my favorite Spring trees that look stunning in landscape designs. I share where each plant grows and their optimal growing conditions.

If you missed the other parts in this blog series, please check out this hardiness zone map as a reference point. The Piedmont Triad in North Carolina is in zone 7. Zones are determined by average annual extreme minimum temperature. For a more in-depth look at zones and to search your zip code, visit the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Dogwood (Cornus florida)

Hardiness Zones: 5-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Partial shade to full sun. They need moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

Click here for more information on Dogwood.

Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. These plants need well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on the Redbud. *Note: These blooms emerge from the stems!

Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia X soulangeana)

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. They need moist, acidic, organically rich and well-drained loamy soil.

Click here for more information on Saucer Magnolia.

Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata)

Hardiness Zones: 4-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. Moist, well-drained, slightly acid soil is best for these plants.

Click here for more information on the Star Magnolia.

Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata)

Hardiness Zones: 5-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun, partial shade, or mostly shade. These plants need well-drained, moist, acidic soil.

Click here for more information on the Flowering Cherry.

Amelanchier (Amelanchier arborea)

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. These plants prefer moist, well-drained, acidic soil.

Click here for more information on the Amelanchier.

Carolina Silverbell (Halesia carolina)

Hardiness Zones: 4-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. Medium moisture, well-drained, slightly acidic soil is best for these plants.

Click here for more information on Carolina Silverbell.

Spring Trees Provide Shade and Beauty. See How They Look in Your Yard with 3D Design!

From bulbs to trees, I hope you have enjoyed this four-part blog series on Spring plants. If you are considering adding trees or other plants, you do not have to guess what they will look like in your front or back yards. My 3D landscape design allows you to see exactly how they will look on your property, before anything is even planted. Get started today by calling me at 336-848-7164 or complete this easy contact form.

I look forward to discussing all your landscaping needs and making your outdoor oasis vision a reality! Be sure to check out my Instagram page (@3Dlandscapearchitect) for landscaping inspiration ideas and more fun facts on Spring plants!

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Hellebornes, Primroses, and Irises… Oh My! Spring Plants Blog Series: Part 2 – Spring Perennials

This is part two of four in a series on Spring plants. Part two covers Spring perennials.

No landscaping is complete without beautiful plants. Every plant brings its own unique beauty and grace to a front or back yard. Spring is the perfect time to ‘branch’ out and try new plants in your yard!

In part one of my Spring plants blog series, I discussed Spring bulbs. Today, I want to share some information about Spring perennials.

Perennials are the perfect touch of color and nature’s beauty for any landscape. If you are unsure of where to begin when it comes to plants, do not fret. I work closely with all my clients to create a design that utilizes plants that will compliment all their landscaping features. Best of all, my 3D landscape designs show you exactly how everything will look once completed.

Can you smell the flowers yet?

Spring Perennials

For those who are not savvy about all things in the gardening world, most perennials tend to grow foliage in their first year and bloom in their second year. Best of all, these plants usually live and prosper for several years.

Below is a selection of some of the perennials I often incorporate in my landscape designs. I have included information on where each grows and the optimal growing conditions for each plant.

In case you missed it in part one, I recommend you look at this hardiness zone map as a good reference point. As you will see the Piedmont Triad in North Carolina is zone 7. Zones are determined by average annual extreme minimum temperature. For a more in-depth look at zones and to search your zip code, visit the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Hellebores (Helleborus)

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Partial shade. They need moist, but well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Hellebores.

Bleeding Heart – Dicentra (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Partial shade. These plants need rich and moist soil.

Click here for more information on the Bleeding Heart.

Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera)

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. They need moist, but well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Creeping Phlox.

Bergenia (Bergenia crassifolia)

Hardiness Zones: 4-10

Optimal Growing Conditions: Partial to heavy shade. Moist and rich loam or clay soil is best for these plants.

Click here for more information on the Bergenia.

Candytuft (Iberis)

Hardiness Zones: 4-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full to partial sun. These plants need well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on the Candytuft.

Primrose (Primula vulgaris)

Hardiness Zones: 4-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Varied from sun to shade. These plants prefer humus-rich soil.

Click here for more information on the Primrose.

Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum)

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Partial to full shade. Rich, moist, and well-drained soil is best for these plants.

Click here for more information on Solomon’s Seal.

Iris (Iris germanica)

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun. They need deeply cultivated, rich soil to flourish.

Click here for more information on the Iris.

Spring has Sprung! Why Wait Any Longer for Your Dream Oasis?

Are you daydreaming of beautiful plants blossoming in your yard now? Make this dream a reality by calling me today at 336-848-7164 or complete this easy contact form to get started.

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, we are devoted to designing your dream yard and being with you every step of the way.

Do not forget to follow my Instagram page for more information about Spring plants and pictures of these glorious pieces of nature! Be on the lookout for part three of this series where we discuss Spring shrubs!

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Spring Is Here – Finally! Spring Plants Blog Series: Part 1 – Spring Bulbs

This is part one of four in a series on Spring plants. Part one covers Spring bulbs.

If I were to create a version of the ‘My Favorite Things’ song, it would absolutely include various Spring plants. From cheery daffodils to the graceful tulip, I love Spring in the south. I absolutely adore seeing the vibrant Spring floral display the Piedmont Triad is offering right now.

Today’s blog discusses Spring bulbs. They are an amazing addition to a front or back yard. Each bulb adds a touch of color and nature’s magic to any landscape design. Not sure what plants will look best in your new landscape design? Do not worry, I can advise on what plants will look best and advise on what might not compliment your yard’s aesthetics. My 3D landscape design service also lets you see how they will look first-hand before anything even blooms!

Now, who is ready to learn about some gorgeous plants?

Spring Bulbs

The harbingers of spring are our southern bulbs. Below are some of my favorites and ones that are commonly used in southern landscape designs. I have included information on where each grows and the optimal growing conditions for each bulb.

Before we dive in, I recommend you check out this hardiness zone map. It lists all the zones in the continental United States in number format. As you will see the Piedmont Triad in North Carolina is zone 7. Zones are determined by average annual extreme minimum temperature. For a more in-depth look at zones and to search your zip code, visit the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Daffodil (Narcissus)

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sunlight. Ideally, they should have at least six hours a day of bright sun. They should also have well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Daffodils.

Crocus (Crocus sativus)

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to light shade. This bulb needs light, well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Crocus.

Hyacinth (Hyacinthus)

Hardiness Zones: 4-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun or partial shade. These bulbs require moist, but well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Hyacinth.

Snowdrops (Galanthus)

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. In cooler climates does not require as moist soil, but in warmer clients does need moister soil.

Click here for more information on Snowdrops.

Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Sun or partial shade. Preferably, they should be planted in an area that does not have direct or strong sunlight.  These bulbs need moist, but well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Bluebells.

Tulips (Tulipa)

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sunlight. These bulbs need to be planted in an area that is protected from strong winds. They require well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Tulips.

Allium (Allium sativum)

Hardiness Zones: 4

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sunlight. However, they can survive in partial shaded areas as well. They need well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Allium.

Please note, you might have noticed that most of the bulbs prefer well-drained soil. That is because too much water and moisture will lead to rotting.

Spring Bulbs Pair Perfectly with Any Landscape Design

Are you ready to have a gorgeous backyard oasis and start watching those spring bulbs bloom every year? At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, we work closely with every single client on all details, including plants. We partner with you to create a yard you will enjoy for years to come. Get started today by giving us a call at 336-848-7164 or complete our simple contact form.

Be sure to follow my Instagram page to see fun facts about Spring plants! Do not miss part two of this series where we discuss Spring Perennials!

Landscape Structures: Part 1 – Everything to Know About Pergolas

Photo by: Mike Micchiche

This is part one of four in a series on landscape structures. Part one covers the ever-popular pergolas.

Pergolas are a great way to create shade and build ambiance in your backyard. We increasingly receive more and more requests from clients who want to add a pergola to their existing landscape design or add one into a new design. These unique structures date back to the mid-1600’s in Europe and were commonly used in gardens.

If you have always dreamed of having a romantic pergola in your backyard, then I can help you make that dream a reality! I love designing gorgeous pergolas for my clients and work closely with them to design one they love. We will discuss everything from materials to size to shape of the pergola in our consultation to ensure it is not only the pergola you are dreaming of, but one that fits within your budget.

Pergolas Provide Numerous Benefits to Homeowners

This stunning landscape structure provides so many advantages to homeowners. Here are some of the top advantages of building a pergola in your backyard.

·       Creates shade

·       Increases home’s value

·       Builds ambiance

·       Extends living space

·       Enhances privacy

·       Provides place to hang plants, shades, or curtains

These are only some of the many advantages to building a pergola. Another great benefit is the many ways to utilize a pergola.

Ideas to Utilize a Pergola

Pergolas can be used in so many ways. They are not merely a landscape structure, but a way to build an outdoor living space and something unique to your yard. Below are a few ideas to get you started.

·       Walkways

·       Sitting area

·       Grilling spot

·       Shaded poolside break area

·       Garden location

·       Entertainment destination

·       Reading nook

They sky is really the limit when it comes to how you use your pergola. How you use your pergola will play an important role in the design of the structure. For example, if you are wanting to enjoy the stars you will want to place it somewhere where the night’s sky view is unobstructed by trees or the house. However, if you are wanting one for shade, then it is better to put it closer to trees or the house for optimal shading.

Speaking of limitless, one of the best parts about pergolas are they are completely customizable.

Complete Customization with Pergolas

Homeowners love the variety a pergola provides them when it comes to design. There are three major areas of focus in designing pergolas. Those are:

1.       Size

2.       Style

3.       Material

Size

We can design a pergola in about any size you would like! If you have a smaller backyard, then a smaller pergola is usually best. However, if you have more space then you might want to consider expanding to a larger, more robust pergola.

Style

While many pergolas have a similar look, there are a variety of style choices when designing and building one. They can have just one row of timbers or panels across the top. Or they can have multiple ones in different directions which create a square design across the top. We will work closely with you to decide a style, so the final design is exactly what you envisioned.

Material

A final, but particularly important, design aspect of pergolas is deciding on the right material. You will want a material that you not only love how it looks but are comfortable maintaining as needed for that specific type of material.

The four most common pergola materials are:

1.       Pressure-treated lumber

2.       Cedar wood

3.       Vinyl

4.       Trex

Pressure-Treated Lumber

One of the biggest pros of pressure-treated lumber is it is usually the least expensive material. Additionally, this material has a good lifespan. However, it does require staining every four to five years. Another con of this material is it tends to warp and crack over time.

Cedar Wood

The most popular cedar wood tends to be Western Red Cedar. But there are other options available. A big advantage of cedar wood is it is naturally insect resistant. Plus, it is beautiful as is, without the need to stain it. A final pro is it has a long lifespan as well. The most common con of this material is it is more expensive.

Vinyl

This material requires extremely limited maintenance, which is its biggest advantage. However, it is not a material that is easy to paint over, so that means there are not many color choices. 

Trex

This composite material is blend of plastic film and wood fibers. It requires virtually no maintenance other than occasionally pressure washing. Another advantage is the fact that it is a weather-resistant material. One con is it tends to cost more than other materials. Additionally, most homeowners think it does not have the desired beauty of other materials, like natural wood.

See Your Landscape Structure Come to Life with 3D Designs!

Our clients love our 3D Landscape Design as it allows them to see first-hand how their landscape structure will look on their property. Are you ready to see your very own pergola come to life with our 3D Designs? Get started today by giving us a call at 336-848-7164. You can also complete our simple contact form and we will be in touch soon. We look forward to helping you create the perfect pergola!

Be sure to follow my Instagram page to see some of my landscaping projects and design inspiration!

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Luxurious Fiberglass Pools and Spas Provide Numerous Benefits

Are you dreaming about enjoying the perfect pool in your background with friends and family? At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, we can design your vision with every detail you desire to help you bring this amazing outdoor space to life. There are so many benefits of fiberglass pools, which we discuss in detail in our latest blog. When you add on a spa, there are even more benefits at your disposal. We also share the many landscaping options to consider when you are adding a pool and spa to your backyard.  

My goal is always to provide a finished design that my clients love and will enjoy in their backyard for years to come. Pools and spas are luxuries that I absolutely love designing. There are truly so many design options available. I work closely with every single client to ensure the final design is exactly what they are looking for in their backyard.

Are you ready to dive into all the wonderful benefits a pool and spa provide you and your family?

Fiberglass Pools – Endless Benefits

Fiberglass pools are one of the options when you are considering adding a long-term pool in your backyard. They offer numerous advantages, which include:

·       Lower life-time cost

·       Less maintenance required

·       Shorter install time

·       Smooth interior surface

·       Extremely durable

·       Resistant to saltwater damage

·       Doesn’t impact water’s pH level

·       Algae-resistant gelcoat

·       Less electricity & chemicals required

These are only a few of the benefits of choosing a fiberglass pool. We can discuss those in length in your consultation.

Recommended Fiberglass Pool Brands

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, we will work closely with you and your contractors to ensure you end up with a pool you love and are able to maintain. We do have a few fiberglass pools we highly recommend to our clients. Those are:

·       San Juan Pools

·       Blue Hawaiian Pools

·       Viking Pools

Spas Provide Numerous Health Benefits

Most people love sitting in spas or hot tubs, but did you know they offer extensive physical and mental health benefits? Here are some of the top health benefits they provide.

·       Muscle relaxation

·       Joint pain relief

·       Decrease blood pressure

·       Burn calories

·       Improve insulin sensitivity

·       Restore flexibility

·       Alleviate lower back pain

·       Decrease headaches

·       Reduce anxiety & stress

·       Better sleep

Luxurious Landscaping to Complement Your Pool & Spa

While you are swimming in your pool or relaxing in your spa, you will want to enjoy the outdoor space around you. Landscaping is the perfect way to create a flawless ambiance around your pool area. Four big landscaping tools we use in these settings are:

1.       Pool deck

2.       Retaining walls

3.       Plantings

4.       Lighting

We carefully tailor each of these landscaping features into your overall pool and spa design. Our goal is always to provide a design where you love every detail. We want you to be able to envision you and your family enjoying that outdoor living space and making many cherished memories.

Skip the Guesswork – See Your Landscape Design in 3D!

Between the size and shape, it is often hard to imagine a pool in your backyard. 3D landscape designs completely change that. Our unique and revolutionary 3D Landscape Design allows clients to see the pool and spa they want right in their own backyard – before installation even begins! This is an ideal way to ensure you love the size and shape of the pool before installing it into your backyard.

Design Your Dream Pool & Spa Today!

Are you ready to create and have your very own pool to entertain family and friends? We can help make that dream a reality! To get started simply give us a call at 336-848-7164 or complete our simple contact form. During our consultation we will discuss your vision, budget, and answer any questions you have about the process.

If you are interested in seeing some of my other work, then head over to my Instagram to see photos from my various landscape design projects. I am looking forward to helping you create the pool of your dreams that you will enjoy for many years!

Porches are all the RAGE!

Porches! This year has been the year of home renovations, many including screened or grilling porches. This porch is off of a stately home on High Rock Lake. The porch serves as a covered area for outdoor dining and entertaining off of the new pool! The design not only included the porch with grilling/dining area and custom fireplace, but also a new shotcrete pool with infinity edge and spa. Other porches I have designed this year have many other types of amenities:

*Fireplaces and other Fire Features

*Built In Kitchens- these kitchens can include more than just a grill, how about a pizza oven, Green Egg, kegorator, or a built in bar?

*’EZ Screen folding doors, that can allow the porch to either be open air, or open entirely to allow the fresh air and dining alfresco:)

*Built in Hot Tubs

*Built in Showers

The sky is the limit when designing these wonderful home renovations. Most homeowners can expect a return of 84% on their investment when they add a porch to their home- so a great value for the money! Using my 3D imaging technology, customers are able to see the finished porch before construction:) See more projects such as this on my Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/3dlandscapearchitect/

Take a look at my latest publication in Lawn and Landscape Magazine- "Try-3-D-landscape-Design"

3D landscape design, pool with pool deck, pergola

Thinking about trying 3D landscape design for your landscape business? Take a look at my latest article here for tips and discussion of the technology.

http://www.lawnandlandscape.com/article/try-3-dimension-landscape-design/

See more and follow me on INSTAGRAM!