If you’re a grill master, backyard bartender, deck dweller, hot tub enthusiast, or an all-around fan of outdoor living, then this weekend was made just for you! That’s because the inaugural Backyard Living Expo started today, and will run until Sunday, at the International Centre in Mississauga.
This one of a kind home improvement show places the focus on all things to do with the backyard. There are guest speakers, sampling stations, trampolines, and aisle after aisle of outdoor living specialists. Prepare to be inspired!
Here are some of our highlights from the Backyard Living Expo
Guest Speaker Kate Campbell
We confess, we are huge Kate Campbell fans, so hearing her talk was a highlight. She offered some incredibly valuable advice about things to consider when building your backyard oasis. She outlined 5 important details to pay attention to before you start to renovate your outdoor space: how you plan to use the space, decking materials, and … we’re not telling you the rest! Head down to the Backyard Living Expo and take in a first-hand account.
And guess what? If you thought that those gorgeous outdoor kitchens we keep seeing on HGTV were impossible in our colder Canadian climates, you’re wrong! Kate introduced her audience to climate resistant cabinets and countertops by Naturekast Waterproof Cabinetry and Dekton respectively, which will allow Canadian homeowners to fearlessly take their dream kitchens outdoors.
Other speakers include: Outdoor living and landscaping expert –Carson Arthur, Chef Michael P. Clive from Weber, Denis Flanagan from Landscape Ontario, “God Father of the Grill” Chef Ted Reader, and others.
Outdoor Furniture and Décor
Outdoor furniture has come a long way from the old webbed, aluminum lawn chairs of the 1980’s. This weekend at the Backyard Living Expo, you’ll see aisles of vendors presenting beautiful seating and occasional tables, dining sets, outdoor rugs, and artwork. The décor is so incredible that your living room is guaranteed to experience some serious style envy.
Grills, Smokers, and Pizza Ovens
Backyard gourmets will absolutely flip over the outdoor appliances on display. The grilling and smoking experts were out in full force, to treat guests some serious chrome-clad eye-candy. Grills in every shape, size, and complexity are on display to great you at the door, along with a wide array of smokers.
Already have a grill AND a smoker? Then, how about an outdoor pizza oven? Can you just imagine what your backyard would smell like with one of the amazing fully assembled ovens from Outdoor Pizza Ovens? Makes your mouth water just thinking about it, eh? Be sure to check them out.
BBQ and Beverages
You can’t have a backyard living event without plenty to eat and drink. Expect to sample everything from delectable dips, handcrafted cheeses, and tongue-tingling Caribbean sauces, to enjoying savory, fresh-from-the-grill morsels from “God Father of the Grill” Chef Ted Reader.
Feeling thirsty? You won’t be for long, thanks to the Backyard Sips area, sponsored by Raise the Roof. Beer, cider (both hard and sweet), wine, and spirits are all in the house for tasting.
At the end of your visit to the Backyard Living Expo, you’ll be primed and ready for bbq season. In fact, we’re going back for a second visit on Sunday! Maybe we’ll see you there.
The Backyard Living Expo runs From April 21 – April 23 at the International Centre. For directions, show hours, and ticket information, please visit The Backyard Living Expo online.
