Outdoor Upgrades Made Easy
DIY Tips & Pro Picks + Update on The Perch
Construction at The Perch is well underway, and it’s an exciting time as progress picks up with the warmer weather! With two of the three luxury treehouses nearly dried in, the vision for this mountain retreat is quickly coming to life. Our friends at Fox asked Chip to share some DIY tips and product picks from the project that can inspire your own outdoor upgrades this spring. Here’s what we’ve got!
Strong, durable and stylish, Hardie® fiber cement siding provides distinctive design that’s engineered for lasting protection. With styles to suit every home, from historic to modern, this siding can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal this spring. Hardie® siding stands as the pinnacle of exterior design solutions for your home, offering superior quality and durability. Hardie® products are Engineered for Climate®, designed specifically with your climate zone in mind for optimal performance, and offer trusted protection and low maintenance for the long haul, and even come with a transferable 30-year non-prorated warranty – making it one of the ultimate outdoor upgrades.
At The Perch, we will be using Hardie® Artisan® Siding and Trim on both “The Tom” and “The Jake” to create a refined, high-end look that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The 5/8-inch-thick Hardie® Artisan Lap Siding delivers deep shadow lines and a precise fit and finish, offering the craftsmanship of traditional wood with the durability of fiber cement. The Hardie® Artisan® flat wall profiles—including V-Groove, Square Channel, and Shiplap—give us the freedom to install vertically, horizontally, or even as soffit, adding dynamic design flexibility. Paired with 1.5-inch-thick Hardie® Artisan® Trim, the extra-thick boards create bold, defined architectural details that set the structure apart.
For “The Jenny”, we will be using a white Hardie® Shingle Straight Edge Panel to create a timeless exterior with elegant texture and charm. The crisp, uniform design enhances its aesthetic while ensuring long-lasting durability and protection.
🎨🏡 Discover durable, stylish siding options at JamesHardie.com!
We are also teaming up with Rheem to equip all three luxury treehouses at The Perch with a whisper-quiet, space-saving heat pump that was recently certified as 2025 ENERGY STAR Most Efficient Product! The Rheem Endeavor Line, Prestige Series, Side-Discharge Universal Heat Pump Universal Heat Pump is a game-changer in energy-efficient home comfort, offering 19 SEER2 cooling and 10 HSPF2 heating for year-round efficiency.
Designed as part of Rheem’s Sound & Space Constraint Solution, the RD18AY Endeavor Line Prestige Series Side-Discharge Universal Heat Pump operates as low as 50 dBA, comparable to a household refrigerator, making it one of the quietest options available. Its small footprint—as compact as 40.2 inches wide, 16.4 inches deep, and 36.6 inches tall—allows it to fit seamlessly into tight spaces without compromising performance, ensuring it enhances your outdoor upgrades without becoming an eyesore.
With universal install compatibility, this heat pump works with nearly any R-454B HVAC system, including both EcoNet-enabled and non-communicating systems, ensuring a hassle-free installation. Plus, built-in Bluetooth technology makes servicing and adjustments easier, helping homeowners save on maintenance costs.
🏡💨 Discover how Rheem can transform your home’s comfort at Rheem.com
Longer, warmer days mean more time spent outside, and there’s nothing better than gathering around the grill for a great meal. But before your first cookout, take a moment to inspect your grilling station. Check for built-up grease, rust, or wear on your existing grill, and make sure your fuel lines and burners are in top shape. If your grill isn’t delivering the performance you want, it may be time for an upgrade.
Summerset Grills bring professional-grade quality, durability, and style to outdoor cooking, making them the perfect choice for backyard chefs and grilling enthusiasts. Designed for both built-in or freestanding setups, these high-performance grills fit seamlessly into any outdoor kitchen design. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or perfecting your steak game, Summerset takes your grilling to the next level.
The ultimate all-in-one outdoor cooking system, the Quest Series combines a grill, griddle, and smoker into one sleek, high-performance unit. Crafted with commercial-grade stainless steel, it delivers durability, even heat distribution, and a high-end look that enhances any outdoor space. Available as a built-in, as seen on the segment, or freestanding models like we will be using at The Perch, it offers flexibility to fit your grilling needs!
The Quest Grill isn’t just about grilling—it’s about cooking without limits:
🔥 Grill Grates – Perfect for steaks, burgers, and classic barbecue.
🔥 Griddle – Great for smash burgers, breakfast, and stir-fry.
🔥 Smoker – Infuses rich, smoky flavor for next-level BBQ.
🔥 Rotisserie Kit – For roasting the perfect chicken.
🔥 Multiple Heat Zones – Cook at different temperatures for ultimate control.
With thoughtful engineering and superior materials, Summerset Grills ensure performance-driven cooking for every outdoor space, making mealtime easier, more enjoyable, and full of flavor year-round.
🍔🌭Upgrade your backyard cooking experience at: SummersetGrills.com
At The Perch, each treehouse is designed with elevated outdoor living areas, creating the perfect blend of nature and comfort. To keep these spaces cozy, functional, and inviting year-round, we’re incorporating East Oak’s thoughtfully designed outdoor products.
When the temperature drops, East Oak offers multiple ways to stay warm and comfortable, including sleek fire pits, fire pit tables, and powerful patio heaters. Whether you’re gathering around a glowing fire pit for a relaxed evening, adding warmth with a modern fire pit table, or using a high-BTU patio heater to extend outdoor enjoyment, East Oak has a solution to keep you cozy on chilly nights.
Their weather-resistant Storage Deck Boxes keep cushions, tools, and outdoor gear safe and dry while maintaining a clutter-free patio. And to complete the space, East Oak’s Patio Furniture blends comfort and durability, offering beautifully crafted seating and dining sets designed to withstand the elements season after season. Whether you’re hosting, relaxing, or upgrading your outdoor setup, East Oak has everything you need to make the most of your space.
🛋️🪑 Explore premium outdoor essentials at EastOak.com!
On new construction projects like The Perch, having reliable, heavy-duty tape on hand is a must for quick fixes, sealing, and reinforcement. Whether you’re patching a leak, securing materials, or protecting surfaces from the elements, T-Rex® Waterproof and Repair Tape is an essential part of your toolkit for your outdoor upgrades!
T-Rex Ferociously Strong Tape delivers instant, watertight sealing power for home, automotive, plumbing, and outdoor needs. With Flex-to-Fit Technology™, this tape conforms to uneven surfaces, providing a fiercely tight seal. It instantly blocks out water, air, and moisture—even when applied underwater! Engineered for extreme weather performance, this tape is UV-resistant and performs in temperatures ranging from -40°F to 240°F. Whether fixing leaks, reinforcing surfaces, or sealing cracks, T-Rex® Waterproof and Repair Tape is the go-to solution for DIYers and pros alike.
🦖💪 Get tough, all-weather sealing power at trextape.com or find it at major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Amazon!
Nestled in the North Georgia mountains, The Perch is surrounded by breathtaking scenery—but with spring comes the inevitable blanket of yellow pollen that coats every outdoor surface. From furniture and decks to siding and patios, keeping everything clean can feel like an endless battle. That’s why we need a fast, effective solution to wash away the mess and get back to enjoying our outdoor upgrades.
30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner offers a powerful, easy-to-use solution designed to remove stains caused by algae, mold, mildew, dirt, and grime on various outdoor surfaces. Proudly made in the USA, this cleaner is formulated for quick, hassle-free results.
This formula delivers instant results without pressure washing, making outdoor maintenance effortless. Safe around plants and landscaping when used as directed, 30 SECONDS products break down after rinsing, reflecting the brand’s commitment to eco-friendly cleaning. Whether tackling deep-set grime or preventing buildup over time, 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner helps homeowners keep outdoor spaces looking their best with minimal effort.
🧼⏳ Refresh your outdoor upgrades in a flash—find it at 30SecondsCleaners.com, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Amazon!
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*Housekeeping Note: The products featured above are compensated placements and this post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through one of our links at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we have personally used and while some of the pics and stats may come from the manufacturer, all of the tips and opinions are our own.
