 | There is no better place to enjoy your garden and landscape in bloom than from a new patio and deck where you can sit back and revel in the fruits of your gardening labors. Designs for patios and decks abound, but incorporating the right style for your garden is important both functionally and aesthetically. The following article discusses patio and deck installation with consideration for design and other practicalities surrounding these delightful garden structures.
When considering adding a deck or patio to your front or backyard, you must not only consider cost, but also building code regulations and possibly zoning restrictions if these things apply in your area. Certainly, no matter where you live, safety of the structure will be an issue so all the research you perform in this area will not be wasted. Whether you hire professional builders or plan to build yourself, be sure to become familiar with safety standards before beginning. Laying out a budget is also important—this will influence your choice of construction materials but may also impact how you ornament your new structure. You may want patio furniture, out-door grill, additional features like a pergola or fountain, and probably planters. Perhaps you may want to install a sunken hot tub for guests to enjoy. All of these elements should be reasonably outlined in your overall design and budget plans.
Once you have a handle on the money department, consider your house and what style of patio or deck would be most appropriate for the design of your home and also what your will be using the patio or deck for. Decide where your deck will be built—off the ground level back door or perhaps off the upstairs master bedroom with an outdoor staircase that leads to the garden. Material choice is also important; will your deck be made of wood, stone or some other material? Finally, consider the size and style of your deck. Will it be a small kitchen patio or will it span the entire length of the house? Will it be a rustic platform perfect for backyard barbeques or will it be a formal multilevel structure built for evening entertainments?
Traditionally, decks are usually more a part of the house while patios are associated more with the garden. This may be true for your landscape, but you could certainly build a deck further out from the house on your property to surround a pool or some other water feature like a garden pond. Whatever you decide, allow your choice of style to compliment its surroundings and be sure it will meet your needs. Also, select material that will endure the elements especially in climates with harsh winters. Finally, consider whether your deck will be open to the elements or have additional shelter from overhangs and screens. A deck built out in the open may not be enjoyable during the hot afternoon sun; sunshades may be a solution for you.
Ornamental concerns are generally the last thing to consider, but they may be enjoyable features to incorporate into your plan. Railings, flooring, built-in planters and benches are important considerations as well as the style of furniture you will use. Water features are always enjoyable elements to install near patios and decks. Consider a wall mounted fountain or perhaps a small basin filled with goldfish. Even container placement can be important to note in your layout plan. Space for young children, dining, cooking, relaxation features like hammocks or additional seating areas will have to be mapped out well beforehand in order to create the patio or deck to truly fit your needs.
A few ideas to get you thinking about specific design features are outlined in the subsequent text. For a small city lot yard, consider an upper level deck off a bedroom or upper family room. This will allow for a storage area below and will not take up needed garden space on the ground level. Of course, if you choose a ground level patio or deck, consider a simple stone deck that looks out into the back of the yard. Choose stone planters to provide a barrier between the two areas. A corner pergola may provide additional elegance and offer a surprising bit of privacy from neighboring yards.
For cottage patios and decks consider a simple wood structure or use brick for a bit of old-world charm. If you choose brick—a more expensive, but more durable choice—consider a built-in grill for out-door entertainment. Choose country-style fabric to outfit patio furniture and a large umbrella for shade. Leave space for an adirondack chair or glider. Incorporate a series of trellises for some quaint climbing vines like tea roses or trumpet vines. Consider flea market finds for your planters—mismatched pottery, milk cans, decorative tins, etc…
A deck that features and an attached gazebo may greatly enhance a formal Victorian home. Painted wood with decorative railings and balustrades make for an elegant touch. A small fountain may provide an attractive focal point and wrought iron furniture is the perfect compliment for such a deck setting. Top the design off with antique lighting fixtures transformed into planters and a few strategically placed topiaries for an overall Victorian effect.
No matter what style you choose from simple rustic to highly formalized, there is a deck deign that is uniquely suited for your setting—it may take some work to find all the ideal elements, but the more you can include on a paper plan may save time and expense when it comes to the actual installation.
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