“Brendan loves to cook and we enjoy entertaining,� says Leah, so an open-air kitchen was a must. Theirs is complete with built-in gas barbecue, a cast-iron smoker, an under-counter fridge and a roll-out garbage container.
Rather than have a dedicated outdoor dining table and chairs, the Fitzgeralds opted for a pivotal rolling counter that can be placed at 90 degrees to the rest of the counter when used for eating or as a bar. It then rolls back into place to extend the counter, offering plenty of space for food prep and presentation. The pivotal counter, which was designed with the help of Joey Ricalton of Creative Steel Concepts, rolls on a wheel made with hospital-grade neoprene, so it won’t mark the deck.
Opposite the outdoor kitchen is a roof-covered area up against the house, with sheltered seating around a smoke-free fire table. Gentle flames lick up through polished glass stones at the centre of the low table, providing heat for relaxing use almost year-round. Next to this is the hot tub, with easy access from the house.
Framing the deck area are custom privacy panels made of boards that were individually ripped on a table saw. The panels are finished above with a pergola-style design. Both functional and esthetically pleasing, the panels were Brad’s idea, says Leah. “He and his dad David (who works with Brad doing carpentry) were great at finding solutions.�
The entire family had input into the design and colours, says Brendan. There’s even a special area for Stella, the dog. Since their small patch of lawn had been removed for the patio, the Fitzgeralds had a section of pet-grade artificial turf installed at the side of the deck.
Sheltering the patio area is a leafy canopy stretching high above the rooftop. “(Having mature trees) is one of the benefits of building a new deck in an old neighbourhood,� says Brendan. And with the discreet low-voltage lighting at the steps and framing the different “room� areas, “It’s a great reason to stay up late,� he adds.
Despite the urban setting, there’s lots of wildlife. Within 24 hours of the deck’s roof overhang being assembled, a family of robins built their nest in the eaves. “We brought four robins into the world while the deck was still under construction,� Brendan beams proudly. Meanwhile squirrels catapulting overhead from tree limb to limb provide “cheap entertainment� almost year-round.
For the busy family of five, it’s become a great place to relax, unwind and socialize. Their California dream works better here than they could have imagined. “It allows us to make use of the backyard in as many months of the year as possible,� says Brendan.
Cost of the overall project, excluding the hot tub, which was already there, will come in around $100,000. For Brendan and Leah, it’s money well spent. “We think of it as an investment in our family,� says Brendan. “Better that than spending it on a luxury car.�
Chris Standring is a freelance writer and former editor of the Journal’s Homes and Gardening sections.
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