Volume 1, Issue 3 July, 2021 - Presented By
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Volume 1, Issue 3
CULPEPER July, 2021
Presented By:
Inside this Issue 2 New Deck in NOVA 4 Keep Your Backyard Cool in the Summer photos: Northern Neck Building Supply
6 HOW TO: Build an Outdoor Fireplace
8 The Right Tools for Outdoor Projects
10 FEATURED PRODUCT: Culpeper Plus 6
12 EDUCATION: How to Read an End Tag
14 OUTDOOR LIVING: Battle of the BBQ: Smokers vs Grills
15
8
DIY Corner: Cornhole Boards
16 Culpeper Online: Helpful Hints
17
Recipes: • Chipotle Mango Quesadilla
• Grilled Mexican Street Corn 12
1
NOVA Deck Project
2
On a recent deck reconstruction in Northern Virginia, Northern Neck Building Supply
recommend the contractor use Culpeper Select decking and both the homeowners and
builders could not have been happier with that choice.
Being a #1 Grade decking that is wane free and containing small, sound, tight knots, the
visual appeal is spectacular for the homeowners. The builders found Culpeper Select
especially easy to install because of the four usable edges.
Culpeper Select is the top selling grade of decking, and this project is the perfect example of
why that is.
3
Keep Your Backyard Cool in the Summer
Let’s face it! When summertime comes around, everyone is eager to plans to entertain or relax in your backyard. Not to worry, though. There
enjoy the outdoors and everything it has to offer. Yet, we all know that are a few options that can be incorporated into most backyards. These will
with this season comes a major inconvenience – the heat. Scorching keep everyone cool while making the most of the space throughout the
temperatures combined with the sun’s harsh UV rays can easily deter any seasons.
Build a Pergola
You can’t dispute the benefits of a pergola.
Whether you want to define a portion of
your yard, add shade, or create a beautiful
attraction full of climbing plants and
flowers, you can rely on a pergola.
Pergolas come prefabricated in an
abundance of sizes and materials, or you
can easily build a structure to perfectly fit
the space you have available.
4
Add a Retractable Awning or Canopy
Awnings and canopies are a wonderful addition to your home and can help reduce heat, make a livable
outdoor space, and add visual interest. And a retractable canopy or awning can help make for a beautiful
addition to your home and can do wonders without the bulk.
Many modern designs include electric motors with sensors that can automatically expand or contract the
awning depending on time of day and weather conditions.
Consider a Pool
Instead of hiding out indoors with the air
conditioning, you can beat the summer heat
by lounging in the cool waters of your own
pool. And save on the air conditioning bill too!
Outdoor Shades or Curtains
Sometimes it isn’t the overhead sunlight that is
the problem. Enjoying your outdoor space in the
evenings may require the addition of shades or
curtains to block the sun at lower angles.
There are many outdoor fabrics on the market that
will stay vibrant for years to come, even in harsh
sunlight conditions. Add some color to your space,
and change it as often as you like!
5
One of the best ways to turn your backyard from
great to even greater is to build an outdoor fireplace.
Creating an area where people love to gather
transforms your backyard into a favored spot for family
and visitors. Backyard features like barbeques, pools,
How to:Build an Outdoor Fireplace
hot tubs, pergolas, decks, and outdoor kitchens are
important anchors for drawing people together—the
same holds true for outdoor fireplaces.
Basics of Your Outdoor Fireplace
A fireplace may look like it’s made of stacked
ledgestone, river rock, fieldstone, or any other
decorative stone of your choice. But the real secret is
that its super-structure is constructed of inexpensive
16-inch and 8-inch concrete cinder blocks. So, the
cinder block is the structure of the fireplace, and the
veneer stone is the look of it.
A poured concrete slab provides a sturdy, level pad for
the fireplace. Atop this base is an open-front box made
of cinder blocks for storing firewood. On top of this
box are hearth blocks. This is where a second box—the
firebox—is located. Besides providing room for the
wood, this arrangement elevates the fire so that it is
easier to maintain. Plus, it raises the fire to a more
comfortable viewing height for those sitting around it.
Quarter-inch-thick cement board faces the concrete
cinder blocks. Light-weight manufactured veneer store
then faces the cement board.
Codes and Restrictions
It is important to check with your local permitting
office for any codes and restrictions relating to
outdoor fireplaces. Your community may require a
building permit. Air quality measures may prohibit
wood-burning fireplaces in your area when air quality
6 conditions are poor.
What You’ll Need Instructions blocks onto the concrete pad. This is the bottom
1
course of blocks in a three-block level box.
Equipment & Tools Location of the Outdoor Fireplace
• Protective gloves Outdoor fireplaces should be close enough to the For the second course, alternate the blocks. The
home for easy access, but not so close that it’s a seams from the bottom course should straddle
• Tamper
safety hazard or a nuisance. Depending on local the middle of the blocks on the upper course.
• Tape measure
• Masonry hammer codes, you may want to locate the fireplace at The third course is a duplicate of the first,
least 20 feet away from the house. Nearby patio bottom course.
6 Create
• Hammer
covers can trap smoke. The area underneath
• Concrete trowel the fireplace should be strong. Water in the the Lintel
• Shovel area should drain away from the fireplace. If With the hacksaw, cut the steel angle to 68
• Bubble level water collects around or under the fireplace, the inches. Place it across the front of the wood box
concrete pad will eventually crack.
2 Clear and Level the Area For the Pad
as a lintel for support.
7
• Circular saw
• Square Lay the Hearth Blocks
• Hacksaw Clear and excavate a section in the ground 70 Securely mortar down the two hearth blocks on
• Hoe inches long by 56 inches. Flatten the ground and top of the wood box. Mortar the seam between
• Mortar mixing pan level it. Tamp the soil down with the tamper. the two hearth blocks.
8 Build the Fire Box
Spread about 2 inches of gravel and flatten
Materials the gravel.
3
• 33 full concrete cinder blocks, 8-inch The fire box will be built on top of the hearth
by 8-inch by 16-inch Build the Fireplace Pad Form blocks and is a smaller version of the wood box.
• 12 half concrete cinder blocks, Cut the two-by-sixes into two sections that Use two full-size blocks across the back, one full-
8-inch by 8-inch by 8-inch each are 68 inches long and two sections each size block on each side, and one half-size block
• Manufactured veneer stone 40 inches long. Use the hammer and nails to on each side. Build three courses, duplicating the
construct the concrete form. Place the form on method used for the wood box.
• 6 cement backer boards the gravel. Use the square to make sure that the
• 2 metal flue caps, 24-inch by 24-inch form is squared off and perfectly rectangular. Cut With the hacksaw, cut the steel angle to 48
• Mortar the rebar to size. inches. Place it across the front of the fire box as a
4
lintel for support.
9 Add the Chimney Caps
• 26 bags of 80 lb. quick-set concrete
Pour the Fireplace Pad Concrete
• 6 bags of 50 lb. gravel
Mix the quick-set concrete with the hoe in the
• Nails, 2 1/2-inch mixing pan. Pour half of the concrete in the Add the two chimney caps side-by-side on top of
• 2 two-by-sixes the fire box.
10Lay
form, place the rebar, then pour the rest of the
• Rebar, 42 inches by 6 feet concrete. Allow the concrete to fully cure.
5 Lay
the Veneer Stone
• 2 steel angle, 1 1/2-inch by 72-inch Cut and lay the cement board across all areas
the Fireplace’s Wood Box
• 2 hearth blocks, each 42-inch by of the fireplace that will receive veneer stone.
Lay seven of the full-size blocks in a U-shape:
32-inch Mortar down the board and follow by nailing into
three in back, two on the sides. Lay the two half-
• Masonry nails size blocks at the ends of the U-shape. Mortar the place with masonry nails. Mortar and add the
veneer stone to the cement board.
7
The Right Tools for Outdoor Projects
So you’ve got some basic construction skills and have decided to tackle Of course, patience, persistence, and planning are the three most important
building an outdoor living space yourself. Have the necessary tools on tools for outdoor projects, but here are some other tools you’ll need for your
hand and you’ll save time and frustration. This article will serve as a outdoor building ideas.
general guideline to help remind you of some basic tools you’ll need for
various outdoor projects.
Tools Needed to Build a Patio
with Pavers
Besides your standard tools
that include a shovel, spade,
wheelbarrow, measuring tape,
string line, rake, utility knife,
safety goggles, knee pads, and
work gloves, you’ll need a few
other items to complete this
job. A wet saw with a diamond-
tip blade is ideal for cutting
pavers and can be rented. To
compact the crushed stone
and sand, you’ll need a hand
tamper or you may want to
rent a compactor. You’ll also
need a level to check for
flatness and a rubber mallet to
knock down any high pavers.
8Tools Needed to Build a Deck Aside from choosing the proper deck materials, you also need to choose right tools. To dig the footing holes, you’ll need a posthole digger as well as a mixing trough for the cement. Add a circular saw, hand saw, and a power miter saw for cutting the posts, beams, joists, and decking. A chisel is useful for straightening out crooked boards. A quality cordless electric drill is essential for everything from drilling small pilot holes for screws in deck boards (to prevent splits) to larger holes for installing lag bolts. Add to that standard tools such as a shovel, measuring tools, chalk line, a hammer, wheelbarrow, utility knife, framing square, level, pry bar, ratchet and sockets, socket wrench, gloves, and safety glasses. Tools Needed to Build an Outdoor Room or Other Structures (Pergola, Gazebo, Trellis etc.) There are many steps you need to take before building your pergola, sourcing the right tools is one of them. The tools for outdoor structures are similar to the ones necessary to build a deck. Once again, you’ll need a post-hole digger and a mixing trough for the footing holes. Measuring tools such as a tape rule and chalk line along with level and framing square will ensure a successful project. A circular saw, hand saw, jig saw and a power miter will be needed for cutting. Other tools to have on hand are a trenching shovel, hammer, brad nail gun, cordless drill, socket/ratchet set, ratchet driver, screwdriver, wheelbarrow, step ladder, and safety glasses. Tools Needed to Build an Outdoor Kitchen, Outdoor Fireplace, or Other Masonry Projects The ultimate outdoor experience starts with a blank canvas. To build the frame and panels for an outdoor kitchen or fireplace, you’ll need a circular saw, a drill/driver, and tin snips to trim the top of the lath. A masonry hoe and a mixing trough will help you mix up bags of mortar. You’ll also need a finishing trowel to spread layer of mortars over the lath and a ½-inch notched trowel to score the surface. A grinder fitted with a diamond blade will shape the stone. If a stone is uneven along a top or bottom edge you can cut away the protruding parts using a miter box fitted with a diamond blade. Use this list as a general guideline. You can also consult with staff at home improvement stores for more information about needed tools for specific projects. 9
Product Highlight: Culpeper Plus
Dress up your deck with Culpeper plus. We run your deck
boards through a state of the art moulder to add a 1/4”
RADIUS EDGE on all 4 corners and at the same
time we give it AN EXTRA SMOOTH SURFACE
for that extra level of refinement you
demand for your home.
Regular
Extra Smooth
Surface
Noticeable 1/4”
Radius Edge
Plus
10DIY Corner: Cornhole Board
Cornhole has become a staple at outdoor
gatherings. It’s easy to play, yet difficult
to master. Use the custom plans from
Culpeper to make a custom set of
cornhole boards of your own.
Culpeperwood.com/outdoor-living/plans/
has a complete breakdown of how to
make your own. Including a supply list and
detailed instructions
11Education: How to Read an End Tag
End tags on CULPEPER pressure treated lumber are a vital source of
information, as well as trust and peace of mind. With information on the
front a back of the tag, a wealth of knowledge can be gained by this tag
attached directly to the product, for your convenience, including:
12Intended Use Statement
Front
Culpeper Brand and Grade
Front Industry Standards/
Use Category System
Intended Use Statement
SPIB Mark (3rd Party Inspection Agency) Front
SPIB Mark (3rd Party Inspection Agency)
Industry Standards/ Front
Use Category
Culpeper Brand andSystem
Grade AWPA Standard, Preservative Retention & Type
SPIB Mark (3rd Party Inspection
Above Ground, Ground Contact, Marine
Agency)
CulpeperIntended
Brand and
UseGrade
(AWPA or ICC-ESR):
Intended
Statement
The AWPA Use Category System (AWPA
Use Statement
Back
Standard U1) designates what preservative systems and
Culpeper Brand andretentions
Grade have been determined Warranty to be effective Statement in specified Treating Plant Location
AWPA Standard, Preservative Retention & Type
Industry Standards/ exposure conditions. There areIMPORTANT five PROPER major USE INFORMATION Use Categories that IMPORTANT PROPER USE INFORMATION
Intended Use Statement
CULPEPER WOOD PRESERVERS
Use Category System clearly describe these exposure conditions: UC1, that are difficult to maintaiUC2,
This treated wood product is for ABOVE GROUND CONTACT applications. Suitable uses DO NOT include: in ground contact; within 6”
UC3, This treated wood product is for ABOVE GROUND CONTACT applications. Suitable uses DO NOT include: in ground contact; within 6”
Back
of the ground and in or around fresh water; above ground exterior use including deck joists and beams n, of the ground and in or around fresh water; above ground exterior use including deck joists and beams that are difficult to maintain,
Industry Standards/
Culpeper, VA
repair or replace and are critical to the performance and safety of the structure; areas frequently wetted and/or with poor ventilation. repair or replace and are critical to the performance and safety of the structure; areas frequently wetted and/or with poor ventilation.
UC4, UC5. These categories THICHOOSE
are
S LIST IS FOR EXAMPLEfurther
PURPOSES ONLY. SEE LIMITED WARRANTYbroken FOR MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION ONdown WHEN TO into sub- THIS LIST IS FOR EXAMPLE PURPOSES ONLY. SEE LIMITED WARRANTY FOR MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION ON WHEN TO
Use Category System
ABOVE GROUND CONTACT WOOD PRODUCT. IMPROPERLY USED WOOD PRODUCT MAY NOT BE WARRANTED. CHOOSE ABOVE GROUND CONTACT WOOD PRODUCT. IMPROPERLY USED WOOD PRODUCT MAY NOT BE WARRANTED.
categories to define the degreeFOR MOREofDETAILEDexposure
Do not burn treated wood. Wear NIOSH N95 dust mask when sawing and gloves when handling.
INFORMATION REGARDING SAFETY, HANDLING hazards.
AND USE,
Do not burn treated wood. Wear NIOSH N95 dust mask when sawing and gloves when handling.
FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION REGARDING SAFETY, HANDLING AND USE,
FASTENERS AND DISPOSAL, AND THE LIMITED WARRANTY, VISIT WWW.KOPPERSPC.COM FASTENERS AND DISPOSAL, AND THE LIMITED WARRANTY, VISIT WWW.KOPPERSPC.COM
Warranty Statement Industry Standards/
IMPORTANT PROPER USE INFORMATION
Treating Plant Location
Use Category System
IMPORTANT PROPER USE INFORMATION
Front
CULPEPER WOOD PRESERVERS
CULPEPER WOOD PRESERVERS
On treated wood products the SPIB Mark has long been accepted in the marketplace as a symbol of quality. This
This treated wood product is for ABOVE GROUND CONTACT applications. Suitable uses DO NOT include: in ground contact; within 6” This treated wood product is for ABOVE GROUND CONTACT applications. Suitable uses DO NOT include: in ground contact; within 6”
SPIB Mark (3rd Party Inspection Agency)
AWPA Standard, Preservative Retention & Type standards of quality for over five decades and is
of the ground and in or around fresh water; above ground exterior use including deck joists and beams that are difficult to maintain, of the ground and in or around fresh water; above ground exterior use including deck joists and beams that are difficult to maintain,
Culpeper, VA
Culpeper, VA
mark has signified voluntary producer adherence to the Bureau’s
repair or replace and are critical to the performance and safety of the structure; areas frequently wetted and/or with poor ventilation. repair or replace and are critical to the performance and safety of the structure; areas frequently wetted and/or with poor ventilation.
THIS LIST IS FOR EXAMPLE PURPOSES ONLY. SEE LIMITED WARRANTY FOR MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION ON WHEN TO THIS LIST IS FOR EXAMPLE PURPOSES ONLY. SEE LIMITED WARRANTY FOR MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION ON WHEN TO
CHOOSE ABOVE GROUND CONTACT WOOD PRODUCT. IMPROPERLY USED WOOD PRODUCT MAY NOT BE WARRANTED. CHOOSE ABOVE GROUND CONTACT WOOD PRODUCT. IMPROPERLY USED WOOD PRODUCT MAY NOT BE WARRANTED.
widely recognized and accepted by specifiers,
AWPAusers, and code
Standard, enforcement
Preservative personnel.
Retention Producers in good standing
& Type
Do not burn treated wood. Wear NIOSH N95 dust mask when sawing and gloves when handling. Do not burn treated wood. Wear NIOSH N95 dust mask when sawing and gloves when handling.
Back
FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION REGARDING SAFETY, HANDLING AND USE, FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION REGARDING SAFETY, HANDLING AND USE,
under our Third-Party Quality Audit Program may use the SPIB mark in association with the WWPI Checkmark for
FASTENERS AND DISPOSAL, AND THE LIMITED WARRANTY, VISIT WWW.KOPPERSPC.COM FASTENERS AND DISPOSAL, AND THE LIMITED WARRANTY, VISIT WWW.KOPPERSPC.COM
products treated according to AWPA Standards or the ICC-ES Global Logo for products treated according to ICC
Evaluation Service Reports.
Warranty Statement
Culpeper Brand and Grade
TreatingAWPA
Plant Standard,
Location Preservative Retention & Type
Back
Intended Use Statement
Warranty Statement
Back
Treating Plant Location
Back
IMPORTANT PROPER USE INFORMATION IMPORTANT PROPER USE INFORMATION
CULPEPER WOOD PRESERVERS
CULPEPER WOOD PRESERVERS
This treated wood product is for ABOVE GROUND CONTACT applications. Suitable uses DO NOT include: in ground contact; within 6” This treated wood product is for ABOVE GROUND CONTACT applications. Suitable uses DO NOT include: in ground contact; within 6”
of the ground and in or around fresh water; above ground exterior use including deck joists and beams that are difficult to maintain, of the ground and in or around fresh water; above ground exterior use including deck joists and beams that are difficult to maintain,
Culpeper, VA
Culpeper, VA
repair or replace and are critical to the performance and safety of the structure; areas frequently wetted and/or with poor ventilation. repair or replace and are critical to the performance and safety of the structure; areas frequently wetted and/or with poor ventilation.
THIS LIST IS FOR EXAMPLE PURPOSES ONLY. SEE LIMITED WARRANTY FOR MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION ON WHEN TO IMPORTANT PROPER USE INFORMATION THIS LIST IS FOR EXAMPLE PURPOSES ONLY. SEE LIMITED WARRANTY FOR MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION ON WHEN TO IMPORTANT PROPER USE INFORMATION
CULPEPER WOOD PRESERVERS
CULPEPER WOOD PRESERVERS
CHOOSE ABOVE GROUND CONTACT WOOD PRODUCT. IMPROPERLY USED WOOD PRODUCT MAY NOT BE WARRANTED. This treated wood product is for ABOVE GROUND CONTACT applications. Suitable uses DO NOT include:CHOOSE in groundABOVE
contact;GROUND
withinCONTACT
6” WOOD PRODUCT. IMPROPERLY USED WOOD PRODUCT MAY NOT BE WARRANTED. This treated wood product is for ABOVE GROUND CONTACT applications. Suitable uses DO NOT include: in ground contact; within 6”
Do not burn treated wood. Wear NIOSH N95 dust mask when sawing and gloves when handling. of the ground and in or around fresh water; above ground exterior use including deck joists and beams thatDoarenotdiffiburn
cult totreated
maintainwood.
, Wear NIOSH N95 dust mask when sawing and gloves when handling. of the ground and in or around fresh water; above ground exterior use including deck joists and beams that are difficult to maintain,
Culpeper, VA
Culpeper, VA
FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION REGARDING SAFETY, HANDLING AND USE, repair or replace and are critical to the performance and safety of the structure; areas frequently wetted and/or with poor
FORventilation.
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION REGARDING SAFETY, HANDLING AND USE, repair or replace and are critical to the performance and safety of the structure; areas frequently wetted and/or with poor ventilation.
FASTENERS AND DISPOSAL, AND THE LIMITED WARRANTY, VISIT WWW.KOPPERSPC.COM THIS LIST IS FOR EXAMPLE PURPOSES ONLY. SEE LIMITED WARRANTY FOR MORE COMPLETE INFORMATI
Warranty Statement
CHOOSE ABOVE GROUND CONTACT WOOD PRODUCT. IMPROPERLY USED WOOD PRODUCT MAY NOT BE WARRANTED.
ON ON WHENANDTO DISPOSAL, AND THE LIMITED WARRANTY, VISIT WWW.KOPPERSPC.COM
FASTENERS
Treating Plant Location
THIS LIST IS FOR EXAMPLE PURPOSES ONLY. SEE LIMITED WARRANTY FOR MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION ON WHEN TO
CHOOSE ABOVE GROUND CONTACT WOOD PRODUCT. IMPROPERLY USED WOOD PRODUCT MAY NOT BE WARRANTED.
Do not burn treated wood. Wear NIOSH N95 dust mask when sawing and gloves when handling.
FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION REGARDING SAFETY, HANDLING AND USE, Industry Standards/
Do not burn treated wood. Wear NIOSH N95 dust mask when sawing and gloves when handling.
FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION REGARDING SAFETY, HANDLING AND USE,
FASTENERS AND DISPOSAL, AND THE LIMITED WARRANTY, VISITIMPORTANT WWW.KOPPERSPC.COMPROPER USE INFORMATION
Use Category System
FASTENERS AND DISPOSAL, AND THE LIMITED WARRANTY, VISITIMPORTANT WWW.KOPPERSPC.COMPROPER USE INFORMATION
CULPEPER WOOD PRESERVERS
CULPEPER WOOD PRESERVERS
This treated wood product is for ABOVE GROUND CONTACT applications. Suitable uses DO NOT include: in ground contact; within 6” This treated wood product is for ABOVE GROUND CONTACT applications. Suitable uses DO NOT include: in ground contact; within 6”
of the ground and in or around fresh water; above ground exterior use including deck joists and beams that are difficult to maintain, of the ground and in or around fresh water; above ground exterior use including deck joists and beams that are difficult to maintain,
Culpeper, VA
Culpeper, VA
repair or replace and are critical to the performance and safety of the structure; areas frequently wetted and/or with poor ventilation. repair or replace and are critical to the performance and safety of the structure; areas frequently wetted and/or with poor ventilation.
THIS LIST IS FOR EXAMPLE PURPOSES ONLY. SEE LIMITED WARRANTY FOR MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION ON WHEN TO THIS LIST IS FOR EXAMPLE PURPOSES ONLY. SEE LIMITED WARRANTY FOR MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION ON WHEN TO
CHOOSE ABOVE GROUND CONTACT WOOD PRODUCT. IMPROPERLY USED WOOD PRODUCT MAY NOT BE WARRANTED. CHOOSE ABOVE GROUND CONTACT WOOD PRODUCT. IMPROPERLY USED WOOD PRODUCT MAY NOT BE WARRANTED.
Do not burn treated wood. Wear NIOSH N95 dust mask when sawing and gloves when handling. Do not burn treated wood. Wear NIOSH N95 dust mask when sawing and gloves when handling.
FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION REGARDING SAFETY, HANDLING AND USE, FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION REGARDING SAFETY, HANDLING AND USE,
FASTENERS AND DISPOSAL, AND THE LIMITED WARRANTY, VISIT WWW.KOPPERSPC.COM FASTENERS AND DISPOSAL, AND THE LIMITED WARRANTY, VISIT WWW.KOPPERSPC.COMOutdoor Living
BATTLE OF THE BBQ: SMOKERS VS. GRILLS option for cooking outdoors, a gas grill is definitely the way to go.
You like the idea of cooking outdoors, but should you use a grill or a Back in the day charcoal grills used to be the only game in town, and
smoker? The differences come down to more than just taste. Cooking there are still some people who swear by their charcoal grill. Why? Flavor,
outdoors is one of the best ways to enjoy great food and great times mostly. A charcoal grill uses ready-made hardwood lump charcoal or
with family and friends. Choosing between a grill or a smoker has a big briquettes under the cooking grill for a heat source. This delivers smokier
influence on how this fun unfolds. Learn the differences between grills flavor to food, but long startup time is one drawback. It can take a
and smokers, and equip yourself with the best possible choice for your charcoal grill 30 minutes to get as hot as a gas grill gets in 30 seconds. It’s
backyard gatherings and tailgating feasts. also much easier to control the heat on a gas grill versus a charcoal grill.
Over the years I’ve tested dozens of grills and produced training videos
Grill vs. Smoker: What’s the Difference? for grill repair technicians, and my all-time favorite gas grill is the Weber
Grills are mostly about heat, and smokers are mostly about flavor- Summit series. For a while I had 10 grills sitting on my deck, and I’d always
enhancing wood smoke. We say “mostly” because grilling food does use the Weber Summit if I had a choice.
involve some smoke, and smokers do generate heat. It’s all a matter of
emphasis, the design of the grill, or the smoker you choose and the way
you use it.
Pros and Cons of Different Smokers
If you’re a connoisseur looking for the ultimate in taste, a smoker is
probably for you. Food takes longer to prepare in a smoker than on a grill
Pros and Cons of Different Grills
because smoking temperatures are always lower than grilling temperatures,
The most popular kind of grill uses propane or natural gas for a heat allowing more time for the smoke flavor to penetrate the food.
source, providing fast cooking with no need to start a fire the old-
fashioned way. Turn on the gas, hit the igniter button and you’ve got lots As with grills, there are simpler smokers and more skill-demanding options.
of heat right way. If you’re interested in the simplest and most convenient One of the simplest smokers to operate uses ready-made wood pellets.
14Fill the hopper with the pellet of choice (hickory, maple, applewood or
mesquite, among others), hit the ON button and let the machine handle Charcoal
the process. Traeger makes some of the world’s best pellet smokers. PROS CONS
At the other end of the convenience spectrum are charcoal smokers. • Traditional BBQ taste • Can take a while to light
These use the same kind of fuel that charcoal grills burn, but the distance and get to temperature
• Easy to find fuel Source
between the combustion and food is greater, allowing for that all-
• Needs to be monitored
important increased smoking time and lower cooking temperatures. The • Burns for long periods of time regularly
Weber Smoky Mountain Cooker is so good it has a cult-like following
among smoked meat enthusiasts. • Often less expensive initial • Lots of clean up after fire
investment goes out
Smoking food has been around since before recorded history. The truly
traditional approach involves burning wood that gets piped into a small
building where food is hung or placed on racks. The modern equivalent
is gas- or electric-fired smoker cabinets that use real wood or purchased
Propane
wood chips. The heat burns the wood, making smoke that flavors your
food. The best electric wood smokers are easy to control and operate
pretty much on autopilot.
PROS CONS
Grill vs. Smoker vs. Hybrid • Easy to start • Price
The easiest way to decide which is best for you comes down to several • Great for impromptu cooking • Expensive to repair
basic questions. Do you fancy yourself a crafter of fine food? Do you mind
• Adjustable heat • Doesn’t have traditional
investing a few extra hours to make top-grade beef taste even better? If
BBQ taste
you answer yes to these questions, a smoker is probably your best bet. • Relatively easy to clean
• Fuel can run out in the
On the other hand, if you want quick cooking results and are willing to
middle of cooking
sacrifice some smoky flavor in exchange for less time waiting to eat,
you’re a gas-grill kind of outdoor cook.
As with many things in life, the difference between grills and smokers
is not black-and-white. There is some overlap. Choose a gas grill with a
smoke box that you fill with wood shavings, and the enhanced smoke Smoker
flavor will up your grilling game considerably.
PROS CONS
Want something a little closer to smoker performance without spending • Best traditional BBQ taste • Very slow cooking, requires
hours waiting for that beef brisket? A charcoal grill with a tightly sealable lots of preparation
lid gets even closer to smoker performance, while still grilling food at a • Many options for fuel
hotter temperature when you want faster cook times. • Lots of clean up after
• Can change flavor with each cook
You could always get a dedicated smoker when you’ve got the time and different wood
inclination to let meat slow-smoke for hours, but then fire up the gas grill
when unexpected visitors turn into dinner guests. 15Culpeper Helpful Hints
Visit culpeperwood.com/outdoor-living/helpful-hints-from-culpeper-
wood-preservers/ for thoughtfully curated videos, articles, and tips to
make your next outdoor project a success.
16Chipotle Mango Quesadillas
1. Make Pico de Gallo: Combine all the ingredients in a glass bowl and
mix well. It is best to let this stand for at least 1 hour to allow the
flavors to marry. Drain the salsa of excess liquid and refrigerate until
by Bobby Flay ready to use.
Quesadilla Ingredients: Chipotle Mango Pico de Gallo 2. Preheat the grill to medium.
Ingredients:
• 4 fresh pasilla chiles, stems & 3. Arrange the peppers on the hot grill, turning them when the skin
seeds removed • 6 large tomatoes, diced is charred and blistered, and all sides have been roasted. Remove
• 4 fresh Anaheim chiles, stems & • 4 green onions, white and green the peppers to a bowl and set aside to cool. Scrape the flaking skins
seeds removed parts, diced from the chiles and dice. Grill the green onions in the same way until
• 2 bunches fresh green onions • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, minced lightly charred and wilted. Remove them from the grill to a cutting
• 1 pound Cotija cheese, • 1 large jalapeno pepper, diced board and finely chop. Add the chiles, onion and the shredded
crumbled • 1 large ripe mango, peeled, cheeses to a medium bowl and mix well. Put 1 tortilla on top of well
• 1 pound sharp diced seasoned comal and spread it with some of the cheese mixture. Top
Cheddar, shredded • 2 garlic cloves, minced with some Chipotle Pico de Gallo and cover with a second tortilla.
• 1/2 pound Parmesan • 2 or 3 chipotle peppers in After about 2 minutes carefully flip and toast the other side, about
• 1 cup Chipotle adobo sauce, drained and diced 2 to 3 minutes. The tortillas should be golden brown and the cheese
Mango Pico de Gallo, • 1 lime, juiced, about 2 Tbsp should be thoroughly melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas and
recipe follows • Pinch salt and freshly ground filling. Cut the quesadillas into quarters for single servings or into
• 16 flour tortillas black pepper eighths for appetizers.
Instructions
Grilled Mexican Street Corn 1. Preheat grill to medium. On a sheet pan, toss the corn with the oil,
then season with salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, stir together 2/3 cup of the cotija cheese with the
mayo, sour cream, cilantro, lime zest and chile powder to combine.
Ingredients
• 8 ears corn, shucked • 1/2 cup sour cream 3. Place the corn on the hottest part of the grill and cook, turning as
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1/2 cup cilantro needed, until cooked through and charred, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Kosher salt and freshly leaves, minced, plus
4. Remove the corn from the grill and immediately brush each cob
ground black pepper, to more for garnish
liberally with the cheese mixture and transfer to a platter. Garnish
taste • 2 teaspoons lime zest
each cob with a sprinkle of the remaining 1/3 cup of cheese and
• 1 cup crumbled cotija • 1 teaspoon ancho
more cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
cheese, divided chile powder
• 1/2 cup mayo • Lime wedges, for
serving
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