| When contemplating your backyard deck or patio | | | | better add-ons in the future, plan for them now. |
| design, you will consider which material to use, shape | | | | Make the backyard patio design large enough to |
| and size of the deck or patio, and best way to | | | | include the desired features when you can afford |
| transition off the deck or patio (into the house, or | | | | them. |
| onto the rest of the backyard). For our purposed | | | | |
| here, let's agree that patios are made of bricks, | | | | I'm not telling you how to design your deck or patio, |
| stone or cement, while decks are made of wood or | | | | but I want to give you things to think about during |
| simulated wood products. | | | | your decision-making process. Then you design it - |
| | | | | you know what you will enjoy. |
| Although I've seen it done, I don't think you want to | | | | |
| be carrying trays of drinks down several steps. One | | | | If it's more than a grill and a place to eat, draw it (or |
| step down to the patio, and another step or two | | | | have it drawn) on paper, using accurate scale of the |
| from the patio to the backyard, is acceptable. Any | | | | various components to be sure they will fit. |
| more than that, and you should build a deck, or build | | | | |
| a platform under the patio, because you will then | | | | One way to play with this is to have the deck area |
| have the ability to adjust the height of the deck or | | | | drawn, then cut out pieces of paper which accurately |
| patio to the conditions. | | | | represent the various items you'll be placing in and |
| | | | | around that area, and move them around until you |
| I think patios are a better choice than decks. | | | | achieve the layout you love. |
| Patios last longer, require less maintenance, and allow | | | | |
| greater design options than decks. Concrete is the | | | | So here are a few issues (in addition to those already |
| most common material used for patios. Probably | | | | mentioned) to consider: |
| because it's relatively inexpensive, and builders use it | | | | |
| extensively (because they won't be living in the | | | | 1. What kind of weather do you typically have and |
| house themselves). | | | | how does the sun move over your proposed patio? |
| | | | | Do any nearby trees provide shade? If not, an |
| The drawbacks of concrete include lack of beauty, | | | | awning could be a serious option. Then again, a pair |
| and long term maintenance costs. The only type of | | | | of umbrellas might do (much cheaper). |
| decking that requires more maintenance than | | | | |
| concrete is wood. Pavers, bricks, and other stones | | | | 2. Make sure the rain water drains away from the |
| are the flip side of that coin - pretty, and low | | | | house. |
| maintenance, but initially more costly. | | | | |
| | | | | 3. How much storage capacity do you need and |
| You've got about 1,000 decisions to make regarding | | | | where will it be located? |
| the design of your patio or deck. So take your time | | | | |
| during the planning phase and get it right. You'll | | | | 4. Where will the lighting come from? |
| know when that is - you'll feel it, and you'll be smiling | | | | |
| a lot. But don't just go for the obvious square or | | | | 5. Is there enough privacy now, or should we do |
| rectangle because it's easy. People spend a lot of | | | | something to make the patio more private? This |
| time sitting on their decks, so they should feel good | | | | could include fencing, or planting a hedge. |
| about what they built. | | | | |
| | | | | My son and his wife recently expanded a 250 square |
| Here's what to think about: overall size of the yard; | | | | foot deck to 432 square feet. In doing this, they |
| how do you use the yard; contour of the landscape; | | | | added another level, and created an enjoyable area |
| what functions need to be accommodated on the | | | | for entertaining, with lots of storage, plants and |
| deck or patio; will you hang out just with the family, | | | | seating that didn't exist before. |
| or will you entertain often; which other backyard | | | | |
| features will be integrated into the immediate area | | | | They did it right. Lots of photos from magazines |
| (i.e. awnings, hot tubs, pools, backyard kitchens, | | | | made them realize what they liked. And they |
| plants, seating, railings, etc.). Of course, your budget | | | | thought about how much of their backyard would be |
| has something to do with your choices. | | | | better used as a deck. Everyone who sees it |
| | | | | complements them on the improvement. That's |
| If the space is small, and all you intend is a grill and a | | | | what you want. |
| place to eat, you're practically done. If you can only | | | | Good luck and I hope you have many good times on |
| do the basics now, but have intentions of bigger and | | | | your deck or patio. |