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Ultimate Deck And Patio Retreat For Easy Living

Ultimate Deck And Patio Retreat For Easy Living

You can create a stress-free outdoor space that is comfortable, convenient and low-maintenance. It's easier than you may think. TV home improvement expert Ron Hazelton, a regular correspondent on "Good Morning America" and host of his own syndicated series, "Ron Hazelton's HouseCalls," has several easy ideas to create a relaxing, luxurious get-away, right in your own backyard.

Set the Stage

Start with a focal point, such as a patio or deck, saving labor and time with a low-maintenance composite that looks like the real thing.

Made with recycled plastic and reclaimed wood, it protects against splinters, moisture and insect damage.

Decking and railing manufacturers such as Trex Co. (www.trex.com) offer rich textures, colors and railing designs. Choose from realistic wood grain, smooth, or a rainforest-look surface, with the ability to curve the decking into unique shapes. For a lower-cost makeover, replace the wooden deck planks and railings with composite material, provided the deck's support is structurally sound. Now the stage is set.

Entertain in Your Hot Tub

Make your backyard one of the most comfortable and relaxing places in your home with the addition of some alfresco entertainment. Need to unwind? Try a therapeutic spa with a wave lounger that will massage your body in a wavelike motion from head to toe. Prefer the relaxation that only comes by watching your favorite show? For what many consider the ultimate luxury, ThermoSpas All Weather Entertainment Center features a no-glare, waterproof TV, a built-in stereo with surround sound, a radio/CD/DVD player, a bar top and stools, a minifridge or wine cooler and a cigar humidor (www.thermospas.com).

Effortless Awnings

Motorized retractable awnings provide an elegant solution for enhancing backyard enjoyment and offer a number of benefits. In addition to coming in a wide variety of sizes and colors, awnings, like those from SunSetter powered by Somfy motors, can make any deck or patio cooler and more comfortable while increasing a home's energy efficiency. Awnings provide a protected outdoor living space that's comfortable and affordable. The awnings can reduce the temperature of decks or patios by up to 20 degrees, protect from harmful UV rays and expand your outdoor living area, all at the push of a button. (www.sunsetter.com--www.somfysystems.com.)

Stress-Free Garden Hose

Your gardening and outdoor chores keep you active enough-why deal with the hassle of a tangled, heavy garden hose? One example of a device that makes this job much easier relies on water power, rather than electricity or batteries. ReelSmart, from Hydro Industries (www.hydro- industries.com), is a water-powered, auto-rewind hose reel that automatically rewinds your garden hose with the flip of a lever. The company offers different models, including an outdoor sink and hose reel combo for watering, potting plants, BBQ food prep, and pet and car cleaning. There is a number of auto-rewind hose reel styles that will keep your garden hose organized and protected from the sun.

Now you can enjoy the splinter-free, easy-care style of a beautiful composite deck, the relaxing jets of a soothing spa that truly entertains, the sun protection and ease of a motorized awning, and the simplicity of an auto-rewind hose reel. For more information, visit the Web sites.