Outdoor Living Advice & Ideas

Real-world guidance for planning and building better outdoor spaces.

Are Motorized Screens Worth It? What Homeowners Should Know Before Installing Them

Are Motorized Screens Worth It? What Homeowners Should Know Before Installing Them

Wes Priddy
Published on: 11/08/2026

Are motorized screens worth it? Learn how insect, solar and clear vinyl screens can add comfort, shade, privacy and flexibility to covered outdoor spaces.

Motorized Screens
Outdoor Fireplace vs. Fire Pit: Which Is Better for Your Backyard?

Outdoor Fireplace vs. Fire Pit: Which Is Better for Your Backyard?

Wes Priddy
Published on: 11/08/2026

Compare outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, including wood vs. gas, entertaining, ambiance, smoke, cost and convenience, to choose the right fire feature for your backyard.

Fire & Outdoor Kitchens
Traditional vs. Motorized Pergolas: Which Is Right for Your Outdoor Space?

Traditional vs. Motorized Pergolas: Which Is Right for Your Outdoor Space?

Wes Priddy
Published on: 11/08/2026

Compare traditional and motorized pergolas, including shade, polycarbonate covers, rain protection, cost, lighting and screens, to find the right option for your backyard.

Pergolas & Structures
Aluminum vs. Cable vs. Composite Deck Railing: Which Is Right for Your Home?

Aluminum vs. Cable vs. Composite Deck Railing: Which Is Right for Your Home?

Wes Priddy
Published on: 11/08/2026

Compare aluminum, cable, composite, rod and glass deck railing to choose the right look, view and investment for your Lake Norman home.

Decks
Should You Resurface Your Existing Deck or Tear It Down and Rebuild It?

Should You Resurface Your Existing Deck or Tear It Down and Rebuild It?

Wes Priddy
Published on: 11/08/2026

Learn when resurfacing an existing deck makes sense, when rebuilding is smarter, and what Higher Ground evaluates before installing new composite or PVC decking.

Decks
What Is the Best Composite Decking? How to Choose the Right Board for Your Home

What Is the Best Composite Decking? How to Choose the Right Board for Your Home

Wes Priddy
Published on: 11/08/2026

Compare composite, Surestone and PVC decking and learn how Higher Ground evaluates Deckorators, Trex, TimberTech, Wolf, Millboard and Eva-Last.

Decks