Outdoor Living Additions

Grilling, dining al fresco and relaxing in a hammock are favorite Summer pastimes, and having a patio or deck to enjoy them on just makes them better.  We’ve come a long way since the redwood square decks or 8x10 rectangles of concrete of the 1970’s, and if you’re considering a new backyard recreation area, the options are endless. 

 

Playing with a Full Deck 

• - Decks are the most popular outdoor space, because it can be built on virtually any surface, including slopes and rocky ground. 
• - Consider how you will use your space:  grilling and dining, entertaining, maybe enjoying a hot tub soak.  This should determine what size you need, as well as materials to use. 

• - If your yard slopes or is generally uneven, a deck is the easiest route to go, unless you have the budget or DIY tools for ground leveling. 
• - Choosing to build a deck is certainly a possible DIY project if you feel up to the time and energy required to construct it, or you can call on a contractor who specializes in outdoor spaces, as they have plenty of know-how when it comes to a deck, and are up-to-date on all the latest features and available materials. This Old House offers a very thorough guide to building a deck, from materials to designs. 
• - Advantages to building a deck are increased home value, cooler entertaining as air circulates up through the open space underneath, and creativity in designing your outdoor room.  Add a screened area, outdoor kitchen or under-installed hot tub for added personal benefit. 
• - Deck railings don’t sound very exciting, but it you look at the options, they can make a common deck look like a show piece!  Make your style statement with deck railing ideas from Home Stratosphere. 

 

Concrete, Pavers and Bricks, Oh, My 

• - A patio is normally constructed on level ground of some sort of hard surface; brick, pavers, stone or poured concrete.  Installation is a bit labor intensive because of the prep work, but the surfaces are relatively easy to maintain after the job is done. 
• - Patios offer more privacy than a deck, because it’s on ground level, and there’s the advantage of your landscaping to camouflage that area of your yard. 
• - The options for your surface can be overwhelming, and can be bought in many colors and styles.  Landscaping Network has done the homework for you on how to choose your materials based on many different factors.  
• - One interesting advantage of having a patio in your backyard area for those who entertain is if you have enough room on the side of your home, you can create a path from the front approach of your home to your backyard courtyard, keeping outdoor traffic out of the house. 

• - Integrating your landscaping in your patio makes the transition to your green space seamless, giving the illusion of a large open space from your sliding glass doors to the back of the yard. 
• Many homeowners who have in-ground pools opt for a patio for ease of use and maintaining the pool.  Another bonus for the homeowner is that there is less grass to mow! 

 

Whatever option you choose for your outdoor room, don’t waste the time and expense it took to create it by not utilizing it.  Add some seating, a shady spot, grill or firepit, and enjoy downtime with family and friends or a good book.  Not only is it an investment in your home, it’s an investment in yourself. 

 

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