Backyard patios have come a long way from the old-school model of a table and chairs plus barbecue grill. Today, a patio is viewed as an extension of our living space, complete with things like an outdoor TV, a fireplace, sophisticated and strategic lighting and more.
Every year, more and more people are updating and “remodeling” their Kansas City decks and patios. They recognize its value as a series of outdoor rooms where families and friends gather throughout the spring, summer and fall — and even into the winter in parts of the country where winters don’t mean ice, snow and freezing temperatures.
If you’re one of those people who’s planning to update your patio this year, Fusion Electric would like to suggest some amped-up add-ons for the ultimate patio remodel:
Outdoor Entertainment
Ever had one of those days when you’re torn between watching the big game on TV or spending time outside on a gorgeous day? More and more folks are solving that dilemma once and for all by installing an outdoor TV on their covered patio or in their pool cabana. Try taking it a step further with these step-by-step directions to build your own outdoor theater.
It’s the best of both worlds — you get to watch the game or a movie you’ve been dying to see while lounging on the patio with a cold beer or a tall lemonade! (Outdoor TVs are built to withstand the elements — never use an indoor TV outdoors!) Of course, you’ll need a place to plug it in, which means you need an outdoor conduit with HDMI cable and an outdoor-rated (GFCI), covered outlet. (A tip from the electrical experts: Be sure to ask your electrician about including low voltage power to protect things like an outdoor TV or speakers.)
Related Read: The Electrical Necessities of a Home Theater
Keep Warm & Make Some S’mores
Nothing ups your enjoyment of your patio on a starry summer evening (or a cool fall one) like an outdoor fireplace. Today’s outdoor fireplaces are a far cry from the stone stand-alone structures of yore. Now, we’re talking a gas or electric model with a remote control to control the flame size and eliminate clean up and tending. Because you’ll also need wiring for your outdoor fireplace, it’s best to have your electrician run wiring before your renovation gets underway.
A Wet Bar by the Pool
Amp up your outdoor space by making it a one-stop shop for outdoor entertaining. Even if you don’t have a full-on outdoor kitchen, a mini wet bar is great for eliminating the need to tramp in and out of the kitchen every time you want a cold drink.
Related Read: 5 Electrical Items You Didn’t Think of Installing in Your Patio Kitchen
Year-Round Entertainment
These days, people use their patios day and night, which makes good lighting for performing tasks like cooking essential. Great accent lighting isn’t mandatory, but it sure helps set the mood for a beautiful evening get-together with friends and family! Installing some basic lighting makes your outdoor space usable any time of day or night. Before you get started, read up on how you can avoid some of the most common outdoor lighting mistakes.
Along with this, if you don’t already have a fire pit or outdoor fireplace, consider adding some simple heating elements. This will allow your friends and family to utilize your outdoor space year-round.
Related Read: Space Heater Safety Tips
Don’t Short Yourself on Electricity
Along with amping up your outdoor space with top of the line Kansas City building supplies, comes the need for more outlets for your new lighting, heating element, or tv projector. Just as it’s true for the inside of your house, it’s always good to make sure you’ll have enough outlets for whatever comes, which is why it’s a good idea to have a few extra outdoor outlets installed when your electrician is running conduit for your remodel.
While you’re at it, think ahead and have your electrician run a spare conduit to cover the possibility of future add-ons for your patio or your yard. (Think pathway lighting, a sprinkler system, etc.) You’ll never regret it!
Related Read: How to Prep Outdoor Electrical Outlets for Patio Season
If you’re planning a remodel for your Kansas City area patio, contact us at Fusion Electric. We’re fully licensed and insured and ready to provide everything from expert repairs, to upgrades to installations! Give us a call today at 913-648-8487.
*photos courtesy of houzz*
