Official Outdoor Living Blog

The Perfect Father’s Day Gift

Hilary — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:11:03 +0000

by Renee Schmitz

Father’s Day is around the corner, are you ready? We know sometimes it can be hard shopping for that special father figure in your life. Make it easy this year by getting dad a HD Gallery Electric Fireplace from GreatCo., a division of the Outdoor GreatRoom Company!

Top 5 Reason’s it’s the perfect gift for your dad:

5. Easy Installation – We understand not every dad is a handyman, but the Gallery electric linear fireplace is easy to install and can be ready to use within 30 minutes.

4. Unlike a gas fireplace, the electric fireplace has a room controlled heater with an on/off feature. Because of this, you are able to enjoy your electric fireplace year
round and you don’t have to wait for cool weather. When the heat is on, it is cool to the touch for safe use. Plus, it is low cost to operate at about 1 penny per hour when the heat-element isn’t on!

3. For the mom that needs to buy the Father’s Day gift for your kids – you can purchase a gift that you will fall in love with too!

2. Because it’s all about H.D! Now dad can brag that he has a high-definition TV and electric linear fireplace. With 13 colors of back lighting and options to change the flame, dad will have one more toy to show off!

And finally the number 1 reason…

1. It comes with a remote! Isn’t it every man’s dream to have another appliance to control by remote? You would be up for child of the year with this purchase.

ABOUT THE OUTDOOR GREATROOM COMPANY
Founded by industry veteran Dan Shimek, co-founder of Heat-N-Glo Fireplaces, The Outdoor GreatRoom Company (OGC) manufactures unique, upscale products for the indoor and outdoor living spaces. Products include grills (gas and electric), outdoor kitchen islands, indoor/outdoor fireplaces (gas, electric, gel), outdoor fire pits and fire pit tables, outdoor heaters, outdoor lighting (gas, solar), outdoor patio furniture, pergolas and accessories.

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Gas Fire Pit Burners: What to look for

Hilary — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:21:50 +0000

by Dan Shimek

There are many factors that go into selecting an outdoor gas fire pit; one of the most central features is the burner. There are several key items to look for in your burner selection, one of the most important is that it is UL Listed and safety tested. This helps to ensure that the burner will light properly, burn cleanly and be safe to operate. Additionally, it is important to select a burner that is a high-grade stainless steel. This helps for operation and longevity and minimizes any rust options—something you definitely want to do on a gas burner that is exposed to the outside elements. The third item is to have an ignition system that is dependable and easy to operate.

While the above are some of the primary things to look for, there are also some secondary but still very important items to consider. Having a recessed or sunken burner can provide some significant advantages. This helps to protect the fire from the wind while providing some extra safety distance from the fire. To keep the edges of the pan from overheating, having a tapered pan design can significantly help. Additionally, if the metal is a high gloss stainless steel, the mirror affect creates multiple fires and can really enhance the flame, especially after dusk. For some added safety and reflectivity, it is recommended that the optional tempered glass guards be considered. They not only help with protection from wind, but also really increase the reflectivity of the flame.

One final thought, for clean burning, the best choice for material on top of the burner is the tempered glass beads. It is suggested to only use the recommended amount, as piling up this material will likely cause soot to occur and also make ignition more difficult. The tempered glass beads also look beautiful and can add to the ambience of your fire pit table.

While there may be several burners that meet the above criteria, The Outdoor GreatRoom Company guarantees our Crystal Fire Burners to be safe, burn clean, and look great.

It is worth the time to select the right product as you will get many years of gathering around the fire and creating memories with family and friends in your outdoor room—not to mention warmth!

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Pergolas: the Foundation of Your Outdoor Living Space

Hilary — Thu, 30 May 2013 13:02:06 +0000

by Hilary Mays

When designing your outdoor living area, it is just as important to define spaces outside as it is inside your home. A pergola can be a great way to define either an outdoor living or dining space, as well as add that extra “wow” to your home. Pergolas are the foundation for your outdoor greatroom and can be that one piece that pulls everything together.

Many people confuse a pergola with a gazebo or arbor. While they all share similar qualities and can function in many of the same ways, there is a difference. Gazebos are often round or octagonal shaped with a turret for the top. They are generally free standing and have a solid roof.

An arbor is most like a pergola in that it provides shade and can be used for walkways. Arbors also often have open lattice where flowers and plants can grow during the warmer months.

A pergola can be used attached to a home or as a freestanding structure and has open sides and a semi-covered or shaded roof. Pergolas allow light sun and breeze to pass through, and are great for sitting areas to relax outdoors. Adding a fire pit, fireplace, grill, or outdoor kitchen to a pergola is great for every season, and can extend the use and functionality of your outdoor living space. The Outdoor Greatroom Company offers both wood pergolas and fiberglass pergolas to help get your vision started.

Look through the gallery below to view our pergola products and get inspiration for your own outdoor living space!

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Memorial Weekend – Spend it outside!

Renee — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:18:13 +0000

One day closer to Memorial Weekend, the unofficial start of summer. A great way to enjoy your weekend is spending time outside. A time to share with friends and family, and sitting by a fire pit table is a great way to catch up and relax. And at the end of the evening, when everyone is staring at the fire remember how lucky we are to be together. We thank all of those who have served or are serving our country.

10 Steps for Creating the Ultimate Outdoor Room

Outdoor Living Expert - Jessica — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:51:56 +0000

Eagan, MN (April 8th,2013)– American society has changed tremendously over the past few years and consumer spending habits have shifted to accommodate the economic ups and downs. There has been a sizable shift to more home-based activities, and many homeowners are opting to expand or remodel. In place of a $5,000 vacation, it’s possible to create an exterior living space with full amenities like a patio, all-weather furniture, outdoor lighting, fireplaces, pergolas and outdoor kitchens. This not only allows for long-lasting enjoyment in the comfort of home, it also increases the utility and value of the property. In many cases, products such as pergolas or outdoor kitchens which are anchored can be considered a permanent part of the home. That means a home with an outdoor room may be appraised at a higher value and the cost of the outdoor upgrade can be rolled into a home mortgage. It also means proper planning and professional installation may be required.In keeping up with this growing trend, industry manufacturers and retailers are ensuring that a wide variety of product options are readily available. An increasing number of indoor retailers have added outdoor collections to their product mix and manufacturers have expanded their collections to meet demand for high quality outdoor goods at a variety of price points and designs. This means that it is easier than ever for consumers, buyers and professionals to find unique outdoor products with great value.

Dan Shimek, founder of The Outdoor GreatRoom® Company, says that when he retired from the indoor hearth business, “I saw potential for production of outdoor living products as collections from a single source. At that time no one was using the term outdoor room – our business was built to help develop a new channel and over the years this concept has taken off.” When started in 2003, The Outdoor GreatRoom Company manufactured 20 outdoor products, the business has snowballed to more than 150 products, including outdoor kitchens, pergolas, grills, fireplaces, fire pits, lighting, heating, and accessories. To create the perfect outdoor space that will last for years, there are number of factors to consider, and each homeowner has a unique vision for his or her individual landscape. These simple steps will help guide your plans:10 Steps to Create an Ideal Outdoor Living Room

Good design is the key to creating an outdoor room. By embracing the following steps, you will be on the way to attaining the yard of your dreams. Adding personals touches will help claim an outside space as an extension to the home, and defining the space will truly make it a room.

1. Determine the purpose of the room.
Step one in the design process is to create a list of needs and wants for all residents, then prioritize. How will it be used most? Maybe as an outdoor kitchen, a cozy nook for two, an al fresco dining room, a gathering place for friends and family, a quiet place to read and write, an entertainment center or outdoor theatre, gardening, swimming, lawn games or jungle gyms.
Tip – Make use of free online resources that help gather and organize ideas; Evernote, Pinterest, and more recently Olioboard, a service geared towards designers.

2. See it as a room.
Don’t set limits while envisioning a room without walls – consider any option and think big. Some people have difficulty seeing how a room without walls can be decorated, but as soon as they picture a pergola or outdoor structure, it’s easier to define the space. This may include simple pillars for stringing lights or hanging ivy on full-size structures to create privacy walls.

3. Create a Landscape Plan
Make efficient use of space and time by working with a professional designer or landscape architect who will analyze the site, provide solutions and develop a scaled plan that includes all of the desired elements. Besides offering valuable building and layout ideas, a professional will be able to provide a rough estimate on project costs.
American society has changed tremendously over the past few years and consumer spending habits have shifted to accommodate the economic ups and downs. There has been a sizable shift to more home-based activities, and many homeowners are opting to expand or remodel. In place of a $5,000 vacation, it’s possible to create an exterior living space with full amenities like a patio, all-weather furniture, outdoor lighting, fireplaces, pergolas and outdoor kitchens. This not only allows for long-lasting enjoyment in the comfort of home, it also increases the utility and value of the property. In many cases, products such as pergolas or outdoor kitchens which are anchored can be considered a permanent part of the home. That means a home with an outdoor room may be appraised at a higher value and the cost of the outdoor upgrade can be rolled into a home mortgage. It also means proper planning and professional installation may be required.In keeping up with this growing trend, industry manufacturers and retailers are ensuring that a wide variety of product options are readily available. An increasing number of indoor retailers have added outdoor collections to their product mix and manufacturers have expanded their collections to meet demand for high quality outdoor goods at a variety of price points and designs. This means that it is easier than ever for consumers, buyers and professionals to find unique outdoor products with great value.

4. Prepare a Timeline and Stick to the Budget.
Be sure that a savings plan and budget are in place to cover the cost for new items, renovations, and professional services. Determine which parts of the project can be done in phases to meet budgeting needs. With a structured plan, it is much easier to work in phases and not end up with a mismatched or unfinished looking final result. Begin with the essentials and then move forward with intent towards completion of the project as a wh5. Take Inventory. There may be salvageable items for use which are currently available in a garage or storage space. What needs to be replaced or refurbished? Consider each component for the outdoor space in this inventory: outdoor structures (pergolas, shades, gazebos, patios/decks), grills (gas, electric, charcoal, pellet), outdoor kitchens and outdoor entertainment areas (outdoor televisions, lawn games, sinks, refrigerators, side buers, kegerators, spas, etc), lighting and heating (consider solar lights, infrared heating options), campfires/fire pits (prefab surrounds, built in, custom finishing options), fireplaces (gas, wood, gel fueled), landscaping (plants, water features, pathways), hardscaping (pavers, pizza ovens), etc.

6. Do Your Homework.
As a rule, cities have adapted from the Uniform building Code, which was written to enhance public safety and protect property owners from unsafe construction. Local codes take precedence, so it’s important to check with planning and zoning boards. For some landscape projects and outdoor rooms, a city permit may be needed. Also consider any foundation work such as laying pavement, staining, landscaping, gas lines, or installation that may need to be done by contract workers. Be sure you know the lay of the land – some items that require installation may need a flat area. Also consider the climate, the direction of the sun, shading, noise and privacy factors.

7. Save Time and Money.
Find local talent to help with set up, assembly and manual labor – especially the heavy lifting. Contact local dealers, retail locations, and ask around to get recommendations for experienced, reliable worker. It may take time up front, but will save you time and effort in the long run. Another idea to consider is DIY options (Do it yourself). Everyone wants to save a buck, and while working on various phases, there may be elements homeowners wants to manage by themselves. This means more money to spend on plants, furnishings and accessories. Example: finishing of custom surfaces on pre-fab unfinished islands or fire pit surrounds.

8. Entertainment Outdoors.
Outdoor kitchens are the heart of the home indoor and they are becoming an equally essential element outside of the home. Grilling islands now offer everything from storage space to refrigeration, sinks, even outdoor TV’s. Remember to check restrictions or codes related to use of open flames or any requirements for natural gas lines.

9. Light up the Night, Turn on the Heat and Pull up a Chair.
People are naturally attracted to flame. Think of fire either as an anchor or centerpiece for the room. Setting a fire pit in the middle of the spacecreates a cozy focal point, while a fireplace just outside the perimeter brings natural warmth to the whole room and allows for maximum square footage for decorating. Lanterns, solar lights, infrared heaters, or hanging lights add ambience, warmth, and an outdoorsy glow to the whole yard Outdoor furniture is generally a high priority. By committing to purchase products with high quality and design, they will withstand the outdoor elements far longer than similar looking, less expensive options.

10. Pay Attention to Design and Detail.
Strategically placed plants and accessories add the finishing touches to an outdoor room. Now it’s all about aesthetics: hanging plants, outdoor rugs, art, lawn games, potted plants, candles, etc. Pull in colors and textures from the home architecture to create a seamless transition from indoors to out.Like the multi-car garage, the outdoor room is not a passing fad. It’s a relaxing and enjoyable home investment, an upgrade that can be added at a fraction of the cost of indoor construction, in a fraction of the time. By knowing the right steps to take, it’s possible to turn an outdoor space that’s been a dream and turn it into a reality.

ABOUT THE OUTDOOR GREATROOM COMPANY
Founded by industry veteran Dan Shimek, co-founder of Heat-N-Glo Fireplaces, The Outdoor GreatRoom Company (OGC) manufactures unique, upscale products for the indoor and outdoor living spaces. Products include grills (gas and electric), outdoor kitchen islands, indoor/outdoor fireplaces (gas, electric, gel), outdoor fire pits and fire pit tables, outdoor heaters, outdoor lighting (gas, solar), outdoor patio furniture, pergolas and accessories.

Build an Outdoor Fire Pit with a DIY Gas Fire Pit Kit

Outdoor Living Expert - Jessica — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 17:40:42 +0000

The spring and summer seasons are a busy time for homeowners interested in remodeling and home improvement projects. Whether the purpose is to add value to a home, create an ideal space for entertaining or to spruce up an old look, launching a home improvement project can be a daunting task. The Outdoor GreatRoom® Company, an innovator in gas fire pit designs and technology, now offers a DIY “Do it Yourself” solution for those looking to build a unique space outside of the home. OGC’s new line of Hardscape Gas Fire Pit Kits makes creating a uniquely designed custom fire pit table easy, fast, and affordable.

Hardscape Fire Pit Kits accommodate virtually every design criteria and are available in round, rectangular, square, and linear. Fueled by Crystal Fire™ Technology, the stainless steel burner units run on either an LP tank or a natural gas line and generate a safe, clean-burning fire with an adjustable flame for a beautiful finished result. All OGC DIY fire pit kits are created with flexibility in mind to meet specific, personalized needs such as size, color, shape and budget. Products are available now for shipment throughout North America.

Features of Hardscape DIY Fire Pit Kits

Burner Assembly, Battery Electronic Ignition, Flex Line Control Panel
Ball valve, DIY burner support collar
Burner unit for either natural gas (NP) or propane (LP) orifices at 90k BTU output
Safety tested and UL listed
Step by step instructions included
Delivered in a UPS-able box
Assembles in minutes
Made in the USA and built to last! (Eagan, MN)
Limited lifetime warranty on all stainless steel parts

Design your own Living Space Outdoors

Outdoor Living Expert - Jessica — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 14:55:24 +0000

[Show as slideshow]

A grill, beautiful patio furniture, glowing fireplace, pergola, and outdoor kitchen are the key ingredients to the perfect outdoor room. Just ask Dan Shimek, CEO of Outdoor GreatRoom Company, “The era of mismatched tables, grills, and lawn chairs is over. With our products you can quickly and easily create a personalized outdoor space.”

Practice designing your own Outdoor GreatRoom with Google Sketchup.

Featured Product Post-CNG Traveler 20” Gas Grill

Outdoor Living Expert - Jessica — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 22:26:39 +0000

Portable Grilling – Cook Number Style

No tailgate is complete without a hot dog or a hamburger right? The Outdoor GreatRoom offers portable gas grills that are perfect for tailgating. They’re lightweight and durable but most importantly they cook with the power of a big grill to get your food done just the way you like it. Another great idea is to bring one along on a camping trip because – it’s very easy to keep clean and it runs on a 1lb propane tank. Check one out and let the grill tell you exactly when your food is done so you can spend more time having fun!

Weatherproof Furniture for Minnesota Winters

Outdoor Living Expert - Jessica — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:09:06 +0000

Are you dreading being inside for the long months of Minnesota winters? Wouldn’t it be great if you could be outside and stay warm in winter? Well when the weather drops you can look forward to being outside and staying warm. The Outdoor GreatRoom Company provides furniture that will make your winter season enjoyable. The weatherproof furniture includes items such as table fire pits and infrared heaters.

The Outdoor GreatRoom heaters include the Solair heater and the IRH1500A heater. These products are easy to use and very inexpensive. Once they are plugged in they give off instant heat and will be a sure way to keep you from freezing all winter season. The Outdoor GreatRoom has a wide range of table fire pits that are comfortable and will also make your outdoor room look great. Whether the tables are circular, rectangular, or square there is sure a fit that will work for your outdoor room.

Small Outdoor Living Spaces Can be Luxurious Too

Outdoor Living Expert - Jessica — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 15:37:00 +0000

Outdoor living spaces are made for your comfort and luxury. The luxury of your room does not depend on the size but on what style fits for you. You can create a small intimate space that fit perfectly for your lifestyle. Making outdoor living spaces enjoyable with any size or space is easy. The Outdoor GreatRoom accommodates furniture that creates comfortable cozy living.

The Outdoor GreatRooms electric grills such as the stainless steel, black porcelain, and the charcoal grey are all 20” inch grills that fit great in a limited space. The Regents collection patio furniture is meant for small outdoor spaces. It goes very well with a small portable grill and makes an extraordinary touch for an outdoor living space to relax in or entertain friends.