Ever get tired of watching every Chiefs game from the same couch inside? With the college football season just kicking off this past weekend and the NFL one about ready to get started, it’s safe to say a lot of people have been thinking about the gridiron. Wouldn’t it be nice to be the person that hosts the big gameday parties each weekend? With the help of Hinkle Hardscapes, you can be the one that everyone wants to hang out with to catch the game. Throughout this article, I’ll attempt to give you a general playbook on creating this backyard experience. With this said, as we all know, not everyone likes the same team, so don’t hesitate to let your fanhood show with some of the accessory elements!
First Quarter – Setting the Foundation
Before getting to all the unique tidbits, you must first take a hard look at the patio. While regular concrete was once widely used, recent years have seen an uptick in the trends of stamped concrete and pavers. Both allow for a durable base that is sure to last for years to come. Don’t get worried if you’re overwhelmed with the variety of options available, as Hinkle Hardscapes will set you up with one of our designers to ensure the patio can bring your idea to life.
Second Quarter – Instilling Fire Elements
While the fall season in Kansas City might be warm at times, don’t forget about the possibility of some cold weather, particularly in the evenings. Our custom fire-pits and fireplaces are perfect for keeping you warm while watching those night games. The key to remember with each of these is the customization aspect, as well as the difference between a fireplace and fire-pit. To give you a quick synopsis, fire-pits are generally going to be cheaper and much smaller. However, if you’re looking for one extra element, they can mesh nicely on nearly any patio.
Third Quarter – Outdoor Kitchen is a MUST
Now that you’ve got the base for your project mostly planned out, it’s time to start thinking about how you can throw the best gameday party. A large part of this entertainment factor is getting the grill started and cooking up some food for everyone. After all, does anyone do barbeque better than Kansas City?
Nevertheless, you still have to be smart when planning this out. More often than not, people will find more joy in their investment if it doesn’t require significant maintenance. One of those areas that could turn into a pain (if not managed properly) is the outdoor kitchen. Some of this boils down to the amount of shade over the grill station (a possible solution for this could be a pergola), while it can also be related to the quality of products implemented. Luckily, outdoor kitchens aren’t anything new for us and your designer will confirm everything is installed in the appropriate place to negate any future concerns.
Fourth Quarter – All the Extras
Each of the above elements provide their own added benefits to setting the stage to host the ultimate gameday gathering. However, before you send out the invitations, don’t forget about the TV and other added components that are sure to set you apart from the rest.
Let’s start with the TV. Of course, this is a must for any watch party, but don’t underestimate the many uses this could have for any type of event! For example, since a common topic in this article is football, why not utilize the TV to hold a live fantasy football draft next fall? You can connect a laptop or tablet with the TV and broadcast the screen while enjoying the company of the fellow members of your league.
Need some more ideas for accessories? Try adding bar stools, regular tables and chairs, water features or even some architectural lighting. In the end, the possibilities are seemingly endless.
Proving its Worth!
One of the most gratifying facets of constructing a new backyard retreat is the fact that it holds its value. In football, the players that get those long-term contracts are the ones who have displayed consistent success for more than one season. After all, why would anyone invest in something that doesn’t yield a high return? The same goes for an outdoor living environment and can be witnessed in greater detail in this post.
If you are interested in getting a project started to create a space to relax and cheer on your favorite teams, click here or call (816) 608-8870 to set up a design consultation with Hinkle Hardscapes.
Written by: Brandon Ogle
