Homeowners look to add fireplaces and patio spaces
By Geri Anne Kaikowski gkaikowski@civitasmedia.com
Homeowners are heading outdoors when it comes to sprucing up their living quarters.
Outdoor fireplaces and patios are popular additions to dwellings, according to Sam Barbose, owner of Barbose Masonry in Luzerne.
“The trend we have been seeing for the past several years now is people looking to add value to their home by adding spaces where they can sit and relax,” he said. “I have seen a big boost in patios, fireplaces and outdoor kitchens in the last two to three years. I find that a lot of people are putting more into beautifying the outside of their home. Because of the economy, they’re traveling less and spending more time at home, so they want to invest in it.”
Many of his customers are seeing items they like online or in magazines for him to replicate at their homes.
Barbose uses a combination of hardscaping, such as installing patios, walkways and retaining walls with the wet work and mortar work of masonry to make his work more unique.
“I think more people are starting to combine landscaping with hardscaping, which is great,” he said. “They’re starting to realize that there’s a lot that can be done to add a special touch to their home.”
His techniques can be applied to brick or block foundations to repair work to adding a structure for the yard. Much of the work is mainly aesthetic but heat can be derived from smaller fire pits by using gas logs or by adding a woodburning unit.
Large areas can be converted into a totally different setting, such as an outdoor kitchen. “These come with a stainless-steel sink and area for a refrigerator or a grill,” Barbose said. “Generally, the consumers pick what appliances they want, and we build around that.”
Additions can be made to existing structures.
One way people can save time and money is by using pre-formed materials, such as those from the FireRock company, based in Birmingham, Alabama. These are pre-cast and assembled materials that a mason can use for patios and outdoor fireplaces, pavers and other work. The materials come from suppliers or are produced by artisans.
Because the materials are pre-formed, work can be done a lot quicker, saving the consumer money in labor costs, Barbose said.
“The company has the pieces molded together in basic sizes and we can custom them to any job,” he said. “It’s solid concrete and specialized mortar that is just as sturdy as the regular.”