Landscape Design

November 6, 2025

Protecting Outdoor Structures During Snow Season

Jenna Composite Decking, General, Landscape Design, Outdoor Living, Patio, Snow & Ice Management awning snow load prevention, deck winter maintenance, eco-friendly ice melt, Greater Toronto Area winter property care, gutter and downspout cleaning, pergola and fence protection, winterizing outdoor structures, wood sealing and waterproofing

Winter in the Greater Toronto Area brings heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and icy winds. For homeowners and businesses, outdoor structures like decks, pergolas, fences, sheds, and awnings are at risk of damage if not properly prepared for the season. Taking the right steps to protect these structures can save you time, money, and headaches later.

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Why Outdoor Structures Are at Risk

Snow and ice are heavy. When they accumulate on roofs, decks, or awnings, they can cause sagging, cracking, or even collapse. Freezing and thawing cycles can also weaken wood, metal, and concrete, leading to long-term damage. Structures that are not well-maintained may also create safety hazards for people using the property.

Key Steps to Protect Outdoor Structures

Remove Snow Regularly

Don’t let snow sit on decks, pergolas, or flat-roofed structures for long periods. Use a roof rake or a soft broom to carefully remove snow, working from the top down. Avoid using sharp tools that can damage surfaces.

Inspect and Repair

Before snow falls, check structures for loose boards, broken supports, or weak joints. Repairing small issues now prevents bigger problems when snow accumulates.

Clear Gutters and Drains

Ice buildup can damage gutters and roofs. Ensure gutters, downspouts, and drainage paths are clear so melting snow can flow away from structures.

Protect Wood and Metal

Apply sealant to wooden decks or structures to prevent water penetration. For metal components, check for rust and apply protective coatings if needed. This simple step reduces corrosion and prolongs the life of your structures.

Secure Loose Items

Outdoor furniture, planters, and decorative items should be moved or secured. Heavy snow and wind can turn unsecured items into hazards that damage structures or cause injury.

Use Caution with Ice

Avoid applying salt or chemicals near wooden or painted surfaces, as this can cause damage. Sand or environmentally safe ice melt products are safer alternatives.

Plan for Heavy Snow Loads

If your property is prone to heavy snowfall, consider temporary supports for vulnerable structures or consult a professional to assess risk areas.

Conclusion

Protecting outdoor structures during the snow season is essential to maintain safety and prevent costly repairs. Simple steps like removing snow, inspecting for damage, and preparing materials can make a big difference.

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July 23, 2025

Decking Options for Small Urban Backyards

Jenna General, Landscape Design, Patio built in deck seating, composite decking, MPS Outdoor Services, pressure treated wood deck, PVC vinyl decking, small backyard deck ideas, space saving outdoor furniture, urban deck design

City living often means limited outdoor space, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a stylish and functional backyard. With the right design, even the smallest yard can become a cozy retreat or a great spot for entertaining. It all comes down to smart planning, choosing the right materials, and making the most of your space.

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Here’s a guide to decking materials, space-saving ideas, and cost-smart planning to get you started.

Material Comparisons: Choosing the Right Fit

Your deck’s material impacts its appearance, lifespan, maintenance needs, and overall investment.

Here’s how a few popular options compare:

Pressure-Treated Wood:

A widely used choice with a natural look. It’s relatively affordable and can last for years with routine upkeep like sealing or staining. Keep in mind it may require more maintenance over time.

Cedar or Redwood:

Naturally beautiful and resistant to insects and rot. These materials offer long-term durability with less upkeep than standard lumber.

Composite Decking:

Made from recycled materials, it’s low-maintenance, durable, and comes in a range of colours. While the upfront investment is higher, it can pay off through reduced maintenance.

PVC or Vinyl:

Fully synthetic and highly moisture resistant. It’s ideal for small spaces where water might collect and requires minimal care.

Space-Saving Tips for Small Decks

Maximizing a compact space starts with thoughtful design. Try these ideas to get the most out of every square foot:

Built-in Seating:

Replace bulky furniture with benches that double as storage. They help reduce clutter and streamline the space.

Go Vertical:

Add planters, trellises, or privacy screens that grow up instead of out. It’s a great way to add greenery and style without sacrificing floor space.

Multi-Functional Features:

Fold-down tables, built-in planters, or convertible benches keep things flexible and functional.

Light Colours & Clean Lines:

Brighter finishes and simple designs make small areas feel more open and airy.

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Smart Budgeting Without Sacrificing Quality

Smaller decks often require fewer materials, which can help you stay within your budget. That also means you may be able to invest in higher-end materials or custom design features without significantly increasing your overall spend. It’s all about balancing function, durability, and style in a way that fits your goals.

Let’s Design Something Great Together

Your dream deck doesn’t have to stay in your imagination. Whether you have ideas in mind or need guidance from the ground up, the team at MPS can help you create a stunning outdoor space, from concept to completion.

Reach out to us today and let’s start building something beautiful.

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July 10, 2025

Using Aggregates to Improve Drainage in Your Landscape

Jenna General, Landscape Design, Residential News aggregates, crushed gravel landscaping, drainage, drainage aggregates, dry well installation, gravel for drainage, improve yard drainage, landscape drainage solutions, river rock drainage, trench drain solutions

If you’ve ever stepped outside after a big rainstorm and found puddles hanging around your yard or worse, near your house, you’re not alone. Poor drainage is a common problem for homeowners. It can lead to muddy lawns, dying plants, foundation issues, and even water in your basement. But the good news? There’s an easy and affordable fix: aggregates!

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What are Aggregates?

Aggregates are just different types of rock and gravel that help water move through the soil instead of sitting on top of it. Materials like crushed gravel, river rock, trench fill, and dry wells can all make a big difference in how water drains around your home. Let’s break it down.

Why Good Drainage Matters

When water doesn’t drain properly, it creates soggy patches in your lawn, damages plants, and erodes the soil. Over time, it can even cause cracks in your foundation. Taking steps to improve drainage early on can save you a ton of time, stress, and money in the future.

Crushed Gravel: A Solid Start

Crushed gravel is one of the best options for improving drainage. It’s made by crushing big rocks into small, jagged pieces. Those gaps between the pieces give water plenty of space to flow through. Crushed gravel works great under walkways, patios, or around the base of your house to move water away from problem spots.

River Rock: Looks Good, Works Hard

River rock is another great option. These stones are smooth, round, and often used in decorative areas. But they’re not just pretty, they’re functional too. River rock helps water drain while reducing erosion. A dry creek bed lined with river rock not only looks amazing but also keeps water flowing in the right direction.

Fixing Trouble Spots with Trench Fill

Got an area where water always collects? A simple trench filled with trench fill, usually a coarse mix of gravel or stone can redirect that water away from your home or low-lying areas. It’s easy to install and you can even cover it with grass or mulch, so it blends right in.

Add a Dry Well for Heavy Rain

If your yard deals with a lot of runoff or heavy rainfall, consider installing a dry well. It’s essentially a hole filled with gravel that collects excess water and slowly allows it to soak into the ground. This is a great way to manage runoff without turning your yard into a swamp.

Ready to get started?

Contact us at MPS and we’ll help you choose the right aggregate materials for your yard. Whether it’s crushed gravel, river rock, trench fill, or a dry well solution, we’re here to make drainage easy. Let’s protect your landscape together.

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June 24, 2024

Should I Install Artificial Turf or Natural Grass for My Backyard Putting Green?

MPS Team General, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Outdoor Living, Residential News artificial turf, backyard landscape, Backyard putting greens, benefits, cost, environmental benefits, Environmental Impact, golf, maintenance, Markham, materials, Performance, pet owners, pros and cons, putting greens, real grass, Residential putting greens, synthetic materials, Toronto, turf, Versatility

Backyard putting greens are quickly becoming a very popular backyard landscape feature we’re seeing being requested in the Markham and greater Toronto area. Residential putting greens look great, provide a fun outdoor activity and might even help with your golf game! When contacting a landscape contractor to design and build your backyard putting green, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether artificial turf or real grass is a better choice for you. There are pros and cons to both materials, so we’ve broken it down to make your decision easier!

Cost

Either option will run you about $10-20 per sq ft depending on the choice of turf and size. Artificial turf will have a larger upfront cost, but it is essentially maintenance-free. While the initial investment for artificial turf can be steep, the long-term savings on maintenance costs might make it more economical in the long run.

Maintenance

Artificial turf is low maintenance. It doesn’t require watering, cutting, fertilizing, or weeding. A quick sweep or power wash is all it needs to stay in top condition. This makes artificial turf an attractive option for those who prefer a hassle-free solution.

On the other hand, real grass requires a significant commitment to upkeep. You’ll need to invest in a special lawn mower and dedicate time to everyday maintenance for your putting green. This includes regular watering, mowing, fertilizing, and weeding. The everyday maintenance can be time-consuming and may require professional help to keep the grass in optimal condition for putting.

Performance

When it comes to performance, both artificial turf and real grass have their own benefits. Artificial turf provides a consistently smooth and fast playing surface, which is ideal for practicing your golf game. It remains green and playable year-round, regardless of weather conditions.

Real grass, particularly the Creeping bentgrass, is widely considered the best for premium putting greens. Its finely textured blades allow balls to roll easily, with less resistance, for smooth, fast play. However, maintaining this high-quality surface requires diligent care and attention.

Versatility

Artificial turf is highly versatile and can be installed in areas where natural grass might struggle to grow, such as shaded spots or areas with poor soil quality. It’s also an excellent option for smaller backyards and dog runs, where constant use might damage real grass.

Real grass offers a natural look and feel that many homeowners prefer. It also contributes to a healthier environment by producing oxygen, filtering pollutants, and providing a habitat for wildlife. However, achieving a lush, healthy lawn requires favorable growing conditions and regular maintenance.

Ease of Cleaning

Artificial turf is easy to clean. A quick sweep or hose down is usually enough to keep it looking pristine. For pet owners, artificial turf is particularly advantageous as it can be easily sanitized to remove pet waste.

Maintaining the cleanliness of real grass can be more challenging, especially if you have pets. Pet waste can damage the grass and create unsightly spots. Additionally, fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris require regular removal to keep the grass looking neat.

Environmental Impact

Artificial turf does not require water, which is a significant advantage in regions with water restrictions or during drought periods. However, it is made from synthetic materials, which may not be as environmentally friendly as natural grass. Additionally, artificial turf can become very hot in direct sunlight, potentially affecting the usability during summer months.

Real grass, while requiring substantial water and chemical inputs, offers environmental benefits such as carbon sequestration, natural cooling, and supporting biodiversity. The choice between the two often comes down to weighing these environmental impacts against each other.

Learn about our commitment to the environment.

Conclusion

Choosing between artificial turf and real grass for your backyard putting green depends on your priorities and lifestyle. If you prefer a low-maintenance, consistently high-performing surface, artificial turf might be the best option for you. It’s particularly suitable for those with smaller backyards, dog runs, or areas where natural grass struggles to thrive.

However, if you value the natural aesthetic and environmental benefits of real grass and are willing to invest the time and effort required for maintenance, a real grass putting green could be the perfect choice. Creeping bentgrass, with its smooth, fast-playing surface, is an excellent option for those who want a premium golf experience at home.

Ultimately, both artificial turf and real grass have their own set of advantages and challenges. Consider your budget, maintenance preferences, and environmental impact when making your decision. Whatever you choose, a backyard putting green can be a beautiful and enjoyable addition to your home.

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July 15, 2022

Sloped Yard Landscape DesignSloped Yard Landscape Design

MPS Team Landscape Design

Do you have a large hill or slope in your yard? You may be thinking “how do I design a landscape for a sloped yard?”. It’s very common for homes to have changing grades and elevations on their lot, also known as slopes, in the front yard or backyard. Having a sloped yard isn’t a bad thing; it typically means your house has a higher elevation or you have a walkout basement. However, it can be tricky deciding how to landscape your yard if you have a significant slope. Working with a team of professional landscape designers can help you turn your sloped yard into a useable outdoor space.

Some common challenges with a sloped yard are decreased flat areas for seating or playing, it’s harder to walk on and more difficult to maintain the grass. If your yard has a significant slope, you may also struggle with proper drainage and the risk of erosion! Another common issue with slopes is water drainage, your neighbours around you may have varying slopes that create drainage issues in your yard.

How To Create Useable Space In A Sloped Yard

Based on the grades in your yard, here are a few ideas for creating more useable space with a sloped property:

If your yard slopes away from your house drastically, retaining walls can be built and backfilled behind to raise and/or level the area. However, based on the degree of the slope and location, further engineering may be required to ensure the walls stability. Decks and landings can also be built to cantilever over the sloped area, essentially maintaining the existing slope below while also creating single to multiple tiers of living space. Again, based on the degree of the slope, further engineering and building permits may be required to achieve this.
If your yard slopes towards your home, retaining walls can be built to cut the earth back to create a more level living area, as well as ensure proper drainage away from the home. Other options for homes with slopes include utilizing existing grades – as long as water still drains away from the home – to create tiered living areas and various “destinations’ throughout the yard.

Landscape Features For A Sloped Yard

Some landscape-feature ideas for sloped yards include:

Decks
Landscaping tiers
Stairs
Destination at the bottom
Versatile vantage point

Contact an MPS designer today to design a landscape for your sloped yard!

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December 2, 2021

How to Compost at Home | Step by Step Guide for Beginners

MPS Team Landscape Design

As the subject of sustainability gains popularity across Canada, more Canadians are learning how to compost at home.

Working with as many plants as we do, we’ve come to recognize that the composting process at home doesn’t need to be stressful. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that there are plenty of compostable materials growing in your garden.

Here, we’ll discuss some home composting tips and explain how to make compost soil at home.

At Home Composting Made Easy

Composting is the simple process of turning biodegradable matter into nutrient-rich food for your plants. Whether you’re learning how to make compost from kitchen waste or garden clippings, the result is the same – nourished plants.

When starting to compost, the most important rules to follow are:

Rotate compostable materials, adding kitchen waste one day and yard waste the next, etc.
Mix compost once a week to stir the bottom layer into the new ones. This helps it break down more quickly and reduces the smell.
Compost should remain about the consistency of a damp sponge. If it’s too wet, add dry material and vice versa.
When your compost is ready to use, it will be dark in colour and crumbly inconsistency.

Have questions about at-home composting? Contact our team today!

List of Compostable Items You Might Find at Home

Learning how to compost at home isn’t as complex as one might think. Once you can answer the question, “How does composting work?”, all you need are the compostable materials.

In Ontario, the list of compostable items includes:

Bread and baked treats
Nuts and shells
Teabags
Paper takeout trays and plates
Paper bags
Pasta
Rice
Flour
Paper towels, tissue, and napkins (unless contaminated with chemicals)
Coffee grounds
Cereal
Vegetables (including peels, husks, and seeds)
Soil
Flowers and plants
Meat, fish, and poultry (including bones)
Other non-toxic biodegradable items

As you use these products naturally throughout your daily life, simply toss your compost in a tumbler or green bin. Store the bin away from your home to detract pests from getting curious about your house.

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Make DIY Compost Tea at Home

With a basic recipe for DIY compost, you can begin experimenting with different ways to use the composted matter, such as compost tea.

According to the Compost Council of Canada, compost tea can be made by following these steps:

Scoop compost into a tight mesh or cloth bag.
Fill a bucket or barrel with water (5-parts water for every 1-part compost).
Place compost sachet into the water.
Steep compost sachet for 1-week.
Remove sachet, disposing of compost back into your composter.
Use water to nourish your garden and lawn.

Learning how to compost at home is a great way to promote sustainable living right here in Ontario. Join the movement and have some fun experimenting with new ways to use your compost matter.

Contact MPS Property Services

Interested in learning more about our residential landscaping services and how we can help you create a more sustainable landscape design? We invite you to give us a call today.

July 23, 2021

Landscape Terminology

MPS Team General, Landscape Design

If you’re unfamiliar with the landscape industry, you might not be using the proper words or landscape terminology when discussing your future project. It’s a great idea to familiarize yourself with landscape terminology before consulting with a landscape designer to make sure you’re accurately describing the work you’d like done!

Landscaping is a general term meaning the activity of designing or improving gardens and the surroundings of buildings to make them more attractive. Landscaping is used to describe many different activities from weekly lawn maintenance, gardening, planter or container gardens to the construction of hardscape features.

MPS provides landscape design and build services to residential and commercial customers in the GTA area, we also provide weekly grounds maintenance services to commercial customers.

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Here are some of the most common landscape terms:

Softscape landscaping – the plants, soil and mulch, generally any lighter duty work that can be done manually.
Hardscape landscaping – the construction of structural components such as interlock paving stones, stone retaining walls, decks or fencing that define the shape of outdoor space.
Poolscape – the softscape and hardscaping around a pool
Paving stone – also known as interlock stones or pavers, they are the flat stones made from coloured cement or concrete that are installed to create walkways or patios.
Retaining walls – stone or wood walls that are used to restrain soil, creating different elevations. They’re also used to build raised gardens or seat walls.
Natural stone steps – solid pieces of stone with rock face that are installed to create a natural stairway, the steps come in a wide variety of colors, textures and sizes
Armour stone – is a natural quarry stone used to create landscape accents, walls and steps
River rock – a type of large, round and smooth washed gravel, used in gardens or along perimeters of landscape features
Turf or sod – also known as grass
Composite Decking – a wood alternative that is made from recycled wood fibre, plastic and binding agents. Read our blog for more information about composite decking.
Pressure Treated Lumber (P.T.) – P.T. is wood that has been processed with chemical preservatives to protect it from insects and prevent rotting. It is commonly used for decks, fences and outdoor structures.
Limestone screenings or aggregate – a finely crushed limestone gravel that is used for trails, walkways and driveways. When it’s compacted it provides a solid surface that drains water but prevents weeds from growing through.
Brickstop edging – A metal or plastic stripping that is installed and lines the outer perimeter of stone walkways or patios. Brickstop edging prevents the pavers from spreading or sinking over time.
Polymeric Sand – a material used to fill in the paving stone joins, it creates an impenetrable seal between the stones. It resists being washed away and prevents weed growth.

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July 15, 2021

Benefits of Artificial Turf

MPS Team Landscape Design, MPS Updates, Residential News

There is nothing like the feeling of well-maintained grass under your feet, however, we know the amount of maintenance required for a perfectly manicured lawn! A great alternative to traditional grass is artificial turf. Artificial turf has come a long way in the past 10 years, with the newest generations available in an array of textures, colours and blade length. You’d never believe it was artificial! Although as landscapers we’ll always prefer real turf, there are some great benefits to artificial turf:

No maintenance! Artificial turf doesn’t require any cutting, fertilizing, aeriation or top-dressing
No watering is necessary, some brands even claim that artificial turf will help with drainage issues
Always green, artificial turf will be green year-round. No more brown grass in the spring, winter or drought season
Highly durable – artificial turf is highly durable and will stand up against foot traffic, kids, pets and even overexposed or highly shaded areas.

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Homeowners are embracing artificial turf more and more these days, and we agree that it makes sense in certain applications. Traditional grass requires a lot of maintenance, and in certain locations, it is nearly impossible to grow grass. Here are some applications that are perfect for artificial turf:

Shaded areas
Kids playgrounds
Pet areas
Balconies
Extremely small spaces
Residential putting greens
Outdoor workout areas

If you’re interested in integrating artificial turf into your landscape design, speak with one of MPS’ professionals today!

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July 9, 2021

10 Landscaping issues that DECREASE Your Home’s Value

MPS Team Landscape Design, Landscaping

Professional landscaping increases the curb appeal of your home, adding 5-15% to your home’s value! In general, you should spend around 10% of your home’s value on the landscaping, for more information click here!

Although landscaping can increase your home’s value, if it’s not built or maintained properly it can also DECREASE the value of your home. So, whether you are planning to sell your home or not, we have got some great tips to help ensure your landscape isn’t decreasing your home’s value.

Poor planning of a landscape project is the beginning of much larger problems. Always make sure you have a professional landscape company design and install your landscape.
Wrong material choices (stone, wood or composite) can affect the integrity and esthetic of your project. Make sure you consult professionals before investing in your landscape materials.
Lack of cohesive landscape throughout your property will make it feel mismatched and unappealing. Landscape projects can be completed in phases, however, using the same materials and styles are important or your landscape will lack a cohesive esthetic.
A landscape that doesn’t compliment the style of your home will stand out and look “off”. For example, if you have a modern home, don’t design a Mediterranean or more traditional style of landscape. Your landscape should be an extension of your home’s style and flow cohesively.
Without proper maintenance, weeds and overgrowth will make your home appear unkempt and lead buyers to believe that that home is not well maintained. If you’ve spent money to design and build a beautiful landscape, make sure you’re maintaining it.
The slope of your property is important, if you have a backyard with a large elevation change, consider leveling it out or installing retaining walls to create a level, usable space. Buyers will be looking for a level yard that is move-in ready.
Although trees add to your home’s value, too many trees will decrease it by, raising the risk of damage to your home’s foundation, creating too much shade and maintenance, or hiding the front of your home.
Rotting or failing decks and patios decrease your home’s value since they are a hazard and something the new homeowner will need to fix immediately, lowering their potential offer.
Leaking or outdated pools will also decrease your home’s value as it will be an item the new homeowner will need to renovate. Outdated pools and landscapes are easily updated, click here to read more.
Poor drainage can wreak havoc on a home’s foundation and basement, therefore poor drainage indicates a major red flag to potential buyers. Make sure your home’s landscape has proper drainage.

Ready to increase your home’s value? Contact one of our designers today to book your consultation

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June 24, 2021

Designing and Building an Outdoor Kitchen

MPS Team Landscape Design, Outdoor Living

As Canadians, we don’t want to waste a second of the short-lived summer weather we receive. The desire to entertain and spend time outside became even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to an increase in requests for backyard landscape designs which include outdoor kitchens or BBQ stations. Designing and building an outdoor kitchen or BBQ station is a great way to make summer entertaining easier and more inclusive for the cook! Not to mention that on those hot summer days, cooking outside is enjoyable and helps keep your house cool.

The most important part about designing an outdoor kitchen is defining the intended function of the space; are you looking for a simple BBQ station or extravagant fully functioning outdoor kitchen? As the complexity of the design increases, so will the cost and the number of contractors required to install your cooking area (think electricians and plumbers). Choosing the location of your outdoor kitchen or BBQ station is important too, it should be somewhere convenient, close to the house, fits into the flow of your outdoor space, and be in a protected area. Designing and building an outdoor kitchen in Ontario is a lot different than somewhere with year-round warm weather. In Ontario you will need to factor the extreme seasonal weather changes into your design, and be realistic towards how many months you’ll be able to use this cooking space.

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Outdoor kitchens and BBQ stations in Canada will require winterization, this is important to remember when you’re planning the design. The more complex your kitchen is, the more work it will require to open/close for the season.

Once you’ve decided what function your outdoor kitchen or BBQ stand is going to serve, you can start choosing the design materials and appliances. Due to the harsh elements, choosing durable materials, that are specifically designed for Canada’s climate, are imperative. Choosing outdoor cabinetry and outdoor countertops to withstand stains, heat, scratches & abrasions, UV light, and additional weight of snow in the winters is also an important factor in your decision. Fortunately, there are lots of products on the market to choose from!

Here are some appliances to consider for your outdoor Kitchen or BBQ Station:

BBQs and Grills
Refrigeration
Side burners
Outdoor oven
Beverage center
Warming units
Ice Machine
Dishwasher