Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2023-11-27T14:11:00

(BPT) – Parties, family gatherings, time with friends and the occasional surprise guest — the holidays are full of fun get-togethers and reasons to celebrate. While there’s much to look forward to, cleaning your home might be a less joyous holiday activity.

Tidying your house can be a lot of work. When you need your home to look its best for a big event, small gathering or just an unexpected guest, a quick clean with minimal effort can make all the difference. Here are a few proven tips and tricks to save time by cleaning smarter, not harder.

Tip 1: Use multitasking cleaners to save time

You don’t need a cabinet overflowing with cleaning solutions. Choose multitasking options like Bona’s all-purpose cleaners that clean a myriad of surfaces, including stainless steel, glass, ceramic, granite and stone. You can quickly tackle many tasks in your home and feel good about using a product that is 99% USDA certified bio-based content, meaning it’s better for the environment.

Tip 2: Create clutter bins for quick cleans

One way to help cut clutter is by creating a bin system to quickly tidy a space. In each room have a small basket or bin handy where you can toss in items that need to be put away in a hurry. This helps clear spaces, especially when time is running short. You can put the bin into a closet to tend to later or assign the bin to a family member to put items away while you focus on another task.

Tip 3: Focus on the floor for a tidy appearance

A quick clean of the floor makes any space look tidier in a snap, and a cleaning system like Bona’s Premium Spray Mop is ideal for both dusting and mopping. With an extra-large mop head for faster cleaning, microfiber pads that can be washed and reused up to 500 times and a system that uses 97% less water than a traditional mop and bucket, it’s a great value that is also environmentally friendly.

Tip 4: Use a grab-and-go mobile cleaning caddy

When you only have a few minutes, a well-stocked plastic caddy can be a life-saver. Pack your caddy with your go-to favorites including Green Guard Certified, USDA Biobased and EPA Safer Choice cleaners to ensure safe ingredients are used around your home. Add in items you find useful like microfiber cloths, paper towels and rubber gloves. This way, when you get that last-minute call or text, you’re ready for a quick clean before guests arrive.

Tip 5: Don’t worry, be merry

The holidays are meant to be about family and friends, so try to do a little less cleaning and a bit more enjoying. While you might notice the few crumbs on the floor or dust on a shelf, there’s a good chance your guests won’t. Focus on cleaning the high visibility areas, surfaces and floors while reducing clutter to get the most impact, especially when you’re low on time. Let the rest go and spend your time enjoying the season.

In just a few minutes, it’s easy to make your home guest-ready. Remember, the holidays are about time with loved ones, so stress less, enjoy your home and embrace the joy of the season.

2023-11-27T00:01:00

(BPT) – With less than 2% of the U.S. population involved in farming and ranching, many are unaware of their food’s backstory. Noticing the gap, Chad and Jeana Steiner decided to launch their own agritourism destination in Washington to make a difference.

When the Steiners purchased an empty lot a couple hours east of Seattle in Chelan, Washington, they saw an opportunity to realize their dream of providing agricultural education. Eight years later, the land hosts a flourishing farm where visitors learn how food goes from farm to fork and wine flows from grape to glass.

The seed of an idea

Love for agriculture is central to the Steiners’ relationship. They met in their National FFA Organization (FFA) chapter and both enjoy working outdoors. Between undergraduate and graduate school, Chad worked for Ste. Michelle Winery, where he first got the idea to start his own vineyard. He also grew his agricultural knowledge during his 12-year tenure with Syngenta.

In 2014, the Steiners moved from Sacramento, California, and bought property in Washington to open their own vineyard.

“With Chad traveling for Syngenta, touring apple orchards and seeing every farm culture on a mass and small scale, we began to understand how disconnected people are from farming,” said Jeana. With this in mind, the Steiners looked beyond running a traditional vineyard toward creating a space where people could reconnect to farming.

Fruitful expansion

The Steiners’ three young boys inspired the farm’s next expansion. After relocating to Chelan, the couple looked for family fun as Halloween approached. When they discovered the nearest pumpkin patch was over an hour away, they saw an opportunity.

“I talked to Erin Moran, the local principal, and did an experiment with the fourth graders,” said Jeana. “They helped us plant the pumpkin seeds, and the following fall, they all came back to pick out a pumpkin.”

The pumpkin patch is now in its fourth year. Since then, the Steiners added U-Pick apples and U-Pick flowers to the farm activities. “Last season, there was a grandma with her granddaughter who was so excited to pick an apple for the first time. It was amazing to see a memory they will be able to share forever,” said Jeana.

As business on the farm increased, visitors expressed interest in learning what happens behind the scenes. With a focus on education, the Steiners began free public farm tours that typically included about 30 people.

“We tailor the tour to what’s going on with the farm at the time,” said Chad. “I like to wrap these discussions into the big picture of why growers do certain things, such as apple thinning.” Apple thinning, he explains, helps produce a certain size of apple.

Through Airbnb and VBRO, the Steiners made their guest house available to visitors who want to stay on a working farm. Tourists from California to England have visited the property. “I was honestly blown away by the interest of people that wanted to come and stay,” said Jeana.

“Chad is really well-versed in winemaking,” says Connor Flanagan, a visitor at Chelan Valley Farms. “The knowledge he brings to the table is invaluable, and it’s super interesting to hear the story behind the grapes.”

In light of their success with the vineyard, the couple was able to finally fulfill their other agricultural dream by opening Lagrioth Winery, named after the combination of the words “lake,” “agritourism” and “growth.”

Harvesting guidance

For growers interested in agritourism, the Steiners say a crucial first step is deciding whether it will be a hobby or a main income source. Chad stresses the importance of determining input costs, time involved and which crops and agritourism operations can drive revenue.

Once you have a customer base, knowing how to grow it is critical. For the Steiners, promotional efforts were key to growing their customer base and the farm’s success. Social media, local media and the Chamber of Commerce weekly bulletins are important marketing tools for the Steiners.

Jeana adds that having an experienced mentor was helpful. Niki Allision, a local farmer who sells flowers, helped mentor the Steiners when they were getting started. The Steiners now mentor others.

“I had someone call a few days ago who has property but just doesn’t know how to get started,” says Jeana. “He asked if he could come on the farm tour and see behind the scenes with our animals.”

Like all growers, the Steiners experience times of hardship. “There have been days where we wonder how we are going to do this,” says Jeana. “It’s just Chad and me. We don’t have outside investors. We hope to carry this forward and make a difference in people’s lives.”

To learn more about Chelan Valley Farms, please visit Chelan Valley Farms. Visit SyngentaThrive.com to read more on agritourism.

2023-11-21T02:01:00

(BPT) – Do you love hosting during the holidays, but not the cleaning? If so, you’re probably looking for ways to make your preparations go more smoothly so you can get to the fun stuff — like enjoying the festivities with your friends and family. Fortunately, you can make your home look presentable in less time with a few tried-and-true techniques that focus on making your home look more inviting.

To create a more welcoming, open — and clean — space that’s ready to set the stage for your holiday celebrations, try these approaches.

1. Do a quick clutter dump

Have a half hour or so to spare? You can do a lot in a short amount of time with this cleaning hack: To quickly clear a room of clutter, grab a trash bag and a basket that are both easy to carry, then walk through rooms where you plan to host your next get-together. Pick up anything that needs to be thrown out to put in your trash bag, or if it’s out of place, to put in your basket.

When the trash bag is full, bring it out to your trash container right away. If it’s not full, empty smaller trash containers around the house to fill it up before taking it out. Don’t wait till your basket is completely filled to take a break. When your basket is about half full (and still easy to carry), bring those items to the rooms where they belong. Stray dishes? In the kitchen. Dirty socks? The laundry hamper. You get the idea.

Need helpers? This is an easy game for kids to play — just give them a small basket and have them hunt for toys and other items that can go in their rooms.

2. Look for excess furniture

Step back and take a good look at your living room or other main entertaining areas. Is there space enough for people to move around without too much difficulty? Or do you have too many side tables, ottomans or other small furniture pieces interrupting the room’s flow? Remove them — temporarily, anyway — well before your holiday party to make it easier for people to gather.

Bonus: With less in the room, this is also a great opportunity to rearrange things, if you can see a better way to place your large furniture.

3. Use the best tools for the job

To make cleaning even easier, and even enjoyable, use equipment that’s designed to be simple, effective and convenient. For example, the Casabella^® Clean Water Spin Mop makes cleaning your floors a breeze, with a dual bucket system separating the clean and dirty water, and double handles that combine to form one — and a comfortable grip for easy carrying from room to room. Using this mop is so simple that it’s fun, with an easy-to-use pedal that spins the mop in the bucket to remove dirty water. Its built-in cleaning solution ratio cup helps you get the ratio right, every time, and the dirty water pour spout makes for easy disposal. Best yet, the easily detachable, reusable mop head is machine washable.

Find this and other handy household tools at Casabella.com.

4. Let your floors set the tone

Speaking of mopping, you’ve probably noticed that a clean floor makes any room seem instantly brighter and fresher. Be sure to take out small rugs or anything that might be a tripping hazard before cleaning and having guests over. The good news is that your vacuuming, sweeping and mopping will be a lot easier after you’ve gotten some of that clutter out of the way, so get ready to attack your floors with gusto!

Pro tip: To help keep your floors clean ahead of the party, make sure you have large, sturdy doormats, inside and out, and that everyone in the house uses them.

5. What’s on the surface?

Before you can dust any of your tables, counters, shelves or desks, you need to remove excess items. If your initial clutter dump left things behind, like mementos or other things you like to display in your living areas, consider moving at least some of them to a higher shelf, or store them for a while, to allow room for people to set down glasses or plates — and for you to be able to clean surfaces with ease.

Designate one or two areas per room for displaying treasured items that make good conversation starters, then box up the rest to sort out another day.

Using these tips, you’ll be able to get your home ready for the holiday in no time, with a smile on your face!

2023-11-17T07:01:01

(BPT) – If you love cooking and are always working toward improving your skills as well as your creations, you may want to review the tools you use in your kitchen each day. Having chef-quality equipment makes it easier to expand your culinary repertoire and achieve high-level, consistent results, from family meals to dinner parties.

Here are tools that can improve your efforts, from start to finish:

Chill out

For all the times you’ve planned large holiday meals and despaired at having no room in your fridge to hold all your ingredients — much less keep everything at the correct temperatures — you’re probably ready for an upgrade. To help you prepare for any size dinner party or a week’s worth of culinary adventures, the Signature Kitchen Suite 48-inch Built-In French Door Refrigerator will give you the space you need, especially during the busy holiday season.

While you may be happy to know this fridge is ENERGY STAR certified, you’ll probably be even more impressed with its convertible drawer, letting you choose from five preset temperatures suitable for chilled wine, fridge/deli, meats and seafood, beverages — or even letting you turn it into a freezer. On top of that, you’ll have two freezer drawers with plenty of space for frozen items, plus a Dual Ice Maker that creates both trapezoidal-shaped ice and slow-melting spherical Craft Ice, perfect for enhancing your festive holiday cocktails and mocktails.

Be a cut above

Every good chef needs high-quality knives, along with the ability to keep them honed. While a professional chef needs a full set and doubtless uses them all, home chefs may only need a small assortment of the most essential knives. Top picks would include a paring knife, chef’s knife, serrated knife and boning knife. You’ll also want a good peeler, and perhaps a slicing/carving knife or a cleaver, if you anticipate needing them. To keep your knives sharp, invest in a quality honing steel, whetstone or knife sharpener — and learn how to use it properly.

While the best quality cooking knives are costly, the good news is that they last a lifetime. Start with the most essential knives for your purposes, then grow your collection as you gain more experience.

Blend right in

If you commonly use a whisk for combining dressings and vinaigrettes and rely on your blender for creaming soups, you’ll appreciate the versatility and effectiveness of an immersion stick blender. You can use it for blending small amounts of dressing and vinaigrettes, as they fit conveniently in a cup or small bowl. While making a cream soup, you can blend right inside the pot, saving you the mess and hassle of pouring soup in and out of the blender — and you don’t need to wait for soup to cool before using it.

Cook like a chef

Ready to take your cooking to the next level? Consider updating your current range to one of Signature Kitchen Suite’s Dual-Fuel Pro Ranges. These top-of-the-line ranges offer both induction and gas cooking, plus the industry’s first built-in sous vide right on the cooktop, making it easier than ever to explore this professional-level cooking technique.

If you’ve heard of sous vide, you probably want to try it. In sous vide cooking, vacuum-sealed foods are cooked in water at a regulated temperature to achieve an even cook throughout. This method helps retain the flavor and nutrients of foods without overcooking, drying out or burning.

Plate like a pro

So you’ve mastered the sauce shmear on the bottom of the plate and always wipe the rims of your plates before serving, but do you struggle with applying final touches like beautiful, delicate garnishes? Sounds like you’re ready for a good pair of 10-inch heavy-duty tweezer tongs. Whether you’re applying edible flowers atop a cake or setting a pile of exquisite microgreens on your latest entree, you’ll appreciate the precision of this tool to make your plate worthy of a chef’s kiss.

A good pair of tweezer tongs also helps you perform tricky tasks like peeling skin off hot tomatoes or other delicate maneuvers where standard tongs are too big and clunky and chopsticks are too slippery.

With any of these tools on hand, you’ll be able to create better culinary masterpieces with ease. Explore all the possibilities for your dream kitchen at SignatureKitchenSuite.com.

2023-11-16T11:01:05

(BPT) – The demand for homes with sustainable features is growing. However, home building companies that are committed to sustainability recognize that how you build a home is just as important as the home itself. Below are three ways that Clayton, a leading national builder of single-family attainable housing, is investing in practices that promote sustainability in their operations.

1. Reducing emissions

According to the Rocky Mountain Institute^®, new home constructions in the U.S. create over 50 million tons of carbon emissions each year. That’s why it’s important for home builders to find ways to reduce or offset their emissions.

To reduce emissions in its operations, Clayton is working to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. The home builder is working toward this goal by transitioning to a hybrid fleet of light-duty pickups for transportation and using electric forklifts and other equipment in its operations.

2. Using renewable energy

Clayton is also continuing to increase its reliance on renewable energy. In December 2019, Clayton Sulphur Springs, a home building facility, installed its first solar carport system (200 kW). This installation allowed the site to offset 30-40% of its electricity usage with renewable energy. Starting this year, Clayton has initiated four new solar projects for systems to be installed at home building facilities in East Tennessee, Arizona and at Clayton’s home office.

3. Reducing waste

Because of all the materials needed to build a home, it’s important that homebuilders focus on identifying ways to reduce waste in their operations. Through careful planning, they can prevent tons of waste from ending up in landfills.

There are a few different ways builders can decrease waste in their operations. For example, Clayton collaborates with its suppliers to reduce inbound building material packaging and waste. As raw building materials are used Clayton uses material reuse programs on the production line to repurpose building supplies for other parts of the home building process.

Continuous improvement

Environmental responsibility in home building goes beyond the design of the home. It’s also about how homes are built. Clayton is an example of a builder who’s driving change through renewable energy usage, focusing on reducing operating emissions and finding ways to enhance waste reduction. To learn more, visit claytonhomes.com/sustainability/

2023-11-07T06:01:00

(BPT) – Is making your house shine with the glow of the holidays at the top of your to-do list this season? Whether it’s your first time decorating your home or you’d like to try something new to make your house stand out, here are some ideas and tips to help you bring an abundance of holiday cheer to your block this year.

1. Get the big picture

Before you grab the ladder and bring out the lights, it’s advisable to create a master plan. Whether you make a sketch of the front of your house or take a picture with your phone, use that image to help you decide what your overall effect will be.

Do you want to simply outline the major features of your home like the roofline, large windows and doorway? Could you create new fun shapes with your lights, or call attention to special parts of your home, like a bay window, front gable or posts? Consider twining your holiday lights with garlands so your doorway or porch will look extra fun and festive. Once your game plan is set, measure everywhere you want to illuminate to ensure that you have enough lights.

2. Safety first

When you’re ready to set up your lights, make sure you have safety measures in place, like a sturdy ladder, protective goggles and gloves, plus an eager assistant or two. Pick a day to work on your lights when the weather is on your side — not too cold or icy — and start early enough so you’ll have plenty of daylight to get the job done. Be sure that any outdoor extension cords you use are heavy-duty, weatherproof and long enough to run from your outlets to the lights.

Before installing your lights, make sure to look for bulbs that aren’t working. It’s a lot easier to replace them when they’re on the ground.

3. Gather your supplies

Make your light installation job even easier with the right tools. For example, the Arrow T25X WireMate Wire Stapler is a handy, ergonomic cable tacker with a compact design and precise control that makes it comfortable and easy to use — especially if you have medium or smaller hands. Its simple loading mechanism and release make loading staples as easy as pushing a button. You can use it for stapling your holiday lights and/or garlands into hard surfaces like fiber cement siding materials and hardwood trim.

The T25X works exclusively with genuine Arrow T25 staples, and can be used to fasten wires up to 1/4-inch in diameter. You may also want to have an Arrow SL24D Staple Lifter on hand, in case you need to reposition any lights — and of course to use after the season is over.

4. Expand your decorating areas

Want to take your holiday lighting to the next level? Consider new areas to brighten up this year. How about the trees and bushes in your yard? Net lighting makes it easy to bring holiday cheer to your shrubbery. If you’re feeling ambitious, why not decorate the sides and back of your home, plus the backyard, too?

If you have a deck, patio, fences or shed, these can be fun areas to light up, especially if you enjoy playing outside in the evening or gathering around a fire pit to roast marshmallows with friends and family. Even when you’re indoors, your whole yard will look pretty as you gaze out the windows from inside your cozy living room or family room on a cold winter night.

5. Switch it up, then switch them on!

Today’s holiday lighting options come in a much wider variety than ever before — including many different bulb shapes, sizes and colors. Consider layering or varying the kinds of lighting you use from one section of your house to another for visual contrast. You can also try the latest smart lighting that’s programmable to change color, blink in different patterns or even in response to holiday music. Switch up your usual options for something new, stand back and see how it looks! Have fun with it, and your home will be the talk of the neighborhood!

Learn more about setting up your holiday lights at ArrowFastener.com.

2023-11-03T02:01:00

(BPT) – It’s time to start prepping for the winter holidays! If you regularly host intimate family gatherings or bustling parties with friends and co-workers, you know that holiday hosting is an art. For the uninitiated, it can seem daunting, but the joy of creating an experience your guests won’t soon forget is worth the effort. Whether you’re a pro or a novice, the following five tips will help you master the art of hospitality just in time for the holidays.

1. Plan ahead

Avoid last-minute stress by starting your holiday event planning a few weeks in advance. Once you’ve chosen a date, create a guest list so you have an idea of how much food and drink you’ll need to prepare for the big day. Send out your invites and adjust your grocery list as needed as the RSVPs roll in.

Next, make a detailed timeline and to-do list to help you stay organized and ensure you don’t forget any important tasks. This will also help you figure out which errands and preparations can be accomplished ahead of time and which need to be completed on the day of the party.

2. Create a cozy ambiance

Embrace the season and decorate accordingly to create a cozy environment for your guests. Seasonal decorations — like flowers, wreaths, twinkling lights and scented candles — can set the mood for the holiday gathering and make your home feel festive and inviting. Don’t overdo it! Simple, elegant decor is more effective and comfortable than an overcrowded space.

Don’t forget the tunes! Pick holiday songs, crowd-pleasing hits or even simple background music to play during your gathering. You can even invite guests to contribute their picks using a collaborative playlist.

3. Prepare an upscale menu

Plan a menu of appetizers, main course, sides and desserts for your holiday dinner. You don’t have to make enough food to feed an army, but make sure you’ll have enough to feed everyone and perhaps have leftovers for guests to take home.

When choosing the main course, pick dishes that are filling and fancy. For example, treat your family and friends to an elevated eating experience by serving premium beef and pork from a purveyor like Creekstone Farms. The Pecan-Crusted Strip Steak recipe is perfect for the holidays, or anytime you want to get together! Also, consider cooking a Reverse Seared Standing Prime Rib, a smoky dish that melts in your mouth. Pair it with creme fraiche horseradish and you’ll have no regrets.

4. Offer a variety of drinks

Once you have dinner planned, think of drinks that complement the dinner menu. Make sure to have a variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic options so everyone can enjoy the festivities. You can even create a signature holiday cocktail for the event to add a memorable touch. After dinner, offer coffee (regular and decaf), tea, cider and hot chocolate to amp up the cozy factor.

5. Organize entertainment

Organize activities your guests can look forward to after dinner when there’s a lull in energy as people digest the delicious meal. This is the time to dig into your board game closet and pull out some childhood favorites or set up a gift exchange. You can also find some interesting card games that help guests get to know each other, which is particularly fun if your holiday gathering is a mix of friends, family and colleagues.

Bonus tip

Hosting can be a lot of work, but don’t forget to enjoy yourself! In the midst of the hustle and bustle, take a moment to savor the event you’ve created.

Prepping ahead should help you get into the festive spirit, but you can also consider saving time by purchasing meal boxes to make decadent, savory holiday meals with minimal fuss. You can check out Creekstone Farms’ online store and peruse their meat boxes that offer convenient yet upscale holiday dinners.

Using these five hosting tips, you can elevate your holiday gathering so everyone can create fond memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t be afraid to put your own personal spin on them so the holiday dinner reflects your special brand of hospitality. Happy hosting!

2023-11-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – Maybe you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of big city life. The sky-high rent, cramped living spaces, constant traffic and crowds are getting to you. You may even be looking for an affordable place to settle down and start a family or launch that business idea you’ve been dreaming about.

Places like Knoxville, Tennessee; Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Greenville, North Carolina offer a lower cost of living, scenic surroundings, and vibrant downtowns with thriving arts and food scenes. That, understandably, makes them an appealing alternative to major metro areas.

And the numbers don’t lie. According to the 2023 Mayflower “Finding Home” study and census data, Americans are flocking to mid-size cities in record numbers — a trend that is only accelerating.

Want to learn more? Check out the top six reasons mid-size cities could be calling your name.

Lower Cost of Living

Tired of paying through the nose for basic necessities? You’re not alone — the cost of living in larger metros has skyrocketed, making homeownership seem out of reach for many. So, it’s no wonder 91% of movers cite cost of living as an important factor when choosing a new city.

With housing costs up to 50% less than in larger cities, you’ll find lower prices on everything from groceries to utilities in mid-size cities. Of course, the secret is out: According to Mayflower data, over 60% of people moved to Indianapolis and Charlotte, for example, for lower costs.

Strong Sense of Community

Mid-size cities are also characterized by having tight-knit communities. Residents report friendlier neighbors, feeling more connected to those around them and an overall warmer, welcoming vibe. Many transplants also say they like how these communities embrace newcomers, unlike the anonymity they experienced in bigger cities.

Access to Arts and Culture

Nearly half of movers cited proximity to arts and culture as an influence. Fortunately, mid-size cities — like Knoxville, Indianapolis, Fayetteville and Santa Fe — brim with museums, live music venues and craft breweries. Many boast local sports teams as well.

Outdoor Recreation and Natural Beauty

Two-thirds of survey respondents indicated weather and access to nature as top reasons for their move. Mid-size cities near natural amenities like beaches, lakes, mountains, and state and national parks are particularly popular destinations. Where outdoor recreation opportunities abound, residents enjoy hiking, biking, fishing and other readily available activities during their free time.

Thriving Job Markets

While mid-size cities may move at a slower pace, their job markets are still buzzing. It turns out, major employers are setting up shop in mid-size cities to take advantage of lower costs and taxes, too. This is creating new opportunities in industries like healthcare, finance, tech and business services, to name a few.

Remote Work

The pandemic allowed many people to work remotely, freeing them up to relocate wherever they please. As companies adopt hybrid or fully remote work models, employees no longer need to live in major cities just for their jobs. This flexibility has opened people’s eyes to the appeal of mid-size cities.

Dreaming of a move to a place where you can slow down, connect with like-minded people and enjoy life’s simple pleasures? Join the growing numbers settling in mid-size cities. The welcome mat is out, and there’s a spot waiting for you.

2023-11-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – With the influx of Proptech and emerging living behaviors following COVID-19, multifamily is changing. Allegion surveyed today’s renters to uncover what they value most, and a few of the findings are below.

2023-11-01T12:01:01

(BPT) – Fire pits are more popular than ever, and for good reason. Not only do they look beautiful, but they provide real warmth, and their flickering flames entice friends and family to gather for storytelling, making s’mores and having a great time together. Fire pits are also a relatively easy DIY project, even for beginners, as long as you have the right materials.

If you’re considering adding a fire pit to enhance your yard, here are some things you’ll want to think about before you begin.

1. Determine your top reasons for building a fire pit

Knowing why you want a fire pit and how you primarily plan to use it can help you make a number of other decisions, such as where to put it, the materials to use, plus what size and shape you want it to be.

For example, are you primarily interested in its decorative value? A well-constructed, attractive fire pit adds visual interest to your outdoor space as well as increasing the value of your home. Do you mostly want to create a warm place to gather, extending the use of your yard into the evening and beyond the warm-weather months? Would you like to grill or cook food on it (beyond the obligatory s’mores, of course!), and do you see it as another way to help keep pests at bay? Fire pits can provide all these benefits, and more.

2. Choose concrete blocks to create your fire pit

Square fire pits can quickly and easily modernize a space, and they are easily created using concrete blocks. Because a square shape mimics the angular lines of your home, it helps to create the visual sense of a natural continuation of your living space, drawing the indoors out.

You can use Ladera Wall Block or the versatile Rumblestone^® Wall System to create your square fire pit, and make sure to get a Pavestone fire insert to create a heat barrier between the fire and the wall blocks.

3. Where should you put it?

Placement is very important. For fire safety, first of all, it’s crucial that your fire pit is not located too close to your home or any other structures, as well as trees, shrubs or other plants. You’ll also want to check with your local municipality for rules and regulations regarding the placement of fire pits, and some areas also require that you apply for a permit.

Beyond safety considerations, you’ll want to decide whether your fire pit will be a central focal point for your outdoor space, or if it will serve as a natural boundary feature. Where you place the fire pit will also help you decide on its size and shape.

4. Don’t be afraid to DIY

While you could hire a professional to build your fire pit for you, it’s actually not that hard to construct a fire pit for less cost — and in minutes — using the right products.

For example, creating a fire pit with Ladera Wall Block is a satisfying weekend project, and can easily be installed using QUIKRETE^® Construction Adhesive. No cuts, special cap or corner blocks are needed to complete your fire pit. The blocks are available in seven different face patterns, allowing varying false joints to mask any pattern repetition, so you can achieve a contemporary look that blends linear lines with subtle, natural textures. Then all you’ll need is a fire pit insert and lava rock to fill the cavity base.

5. Opt for durability

Creating a fire pit using concrete blocks has definite advantages. Your new fire pit will be strong enough to withstand the elements so you’ll be able to enjoy it for a long time. However, you will also be able to pick up and move your firepit elsewhere if your design changes, as long as it is installed on the surface.

Keeping these factors in mind, you should be able to create a beautiful fire pit that will transform your backyard into a cozy spot to gather and make memories with friends and family for years to come.

Visit Pavestone.com/retaining-walls to watch a step-by-step video showing how to construct your fire pit using Ladera Wall Block.