-3.4 C
Niagara Falls
Friday, February 7, 2025
Growing Together: How to transform your outdoor living space
Consider what kind of style you want for your outdoor space: If contemporary is your look, larger rectangular pavers would complement your style. JOANNE YOUNG

If you look through any gardening magazine or follow any of the top gardening blogs, you will be familiar with the term “outdoor living spaces.”  

In the busy world we live in and with our hectic schedules, we are all looking to have that little oasis where we can spend some time relaxing and destressing. 

What better place to go to than your very own backyard? With outdoor fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, and even outdoor TVs, what more do you need?

The properly designed patio or deck, or combination of both patio and deck, acts as an extension of your home. It is that extra space that is often under-used.

I have been to so many homes where you walk into their backyards and there is absolutely nothing there. No gardens, no trees and nowhere to sit and relax. 

When I ask them what they use the backyard for, the answer is often, “Well, we really don’t use it for anything.”

What a shame it is to have a space to enjoy the great outdoors and not make use of it.

Before adding a deck or patio, certain things need to be considered. Here are just a few of those things to think about.

The first consideration is what you want to use that space for. Do you want just a couple of comfortable chairs or are you looking for an outdoor kitchen complete with a smoker and pizza oven? 

Do you want just a dining area and barbeque area or do you like the idea of a dining and living room area?

Deciding on these details ahead of time is essential. I find that most people make their living spaces too small for their wish list. 

I can’t tell you how many people I have spoken with who installed a 10-by-10-foot patio or deck but soon regretted their decision. 

The scale of outdoor furniture and barbeques has gotten larger and larger over the years. Careful planning is needed to make sure that you have adequate space. 

This is where a scaled drawing (either by hand or by computer) comes in handy. A possible scale to use would be: One-quarter inch equals one foot or half an inch equals one foot. 

Draw on the outline of the house, including windows and doors and any other features such as air conditioner, meters, vents and window wells. If you already have all of your furniture pieces, take their measurements and cut out scaled templates for each piece. 

If you don’t have your outdoor kitchen yet, spend some time researching, get an idea of what is available and include it in your plans. You don’t want to go to all that expense to find out that your deck or patio is too small to meet your needs.

We all have a need for a sense of enclosure. We all have a need to feel secure and not exposed. So, another consideration for your deck or patio area is privacy. 

No one wants to be sitting out in their little oasis and be in the direct view of all the neighbours. We don’t mind speaking to our neighbours in the front yard, but we prefer a bit more privacy in the backyard to sit and read our book. 

Remember, with decks, they are typically a minimum of one to two feet above grade. Therefore, when you are out standing on your deck you are looking over the fence at your neighbours. 

If this is an issue, you may want to consider installing a patio instead, bringing you back down to ground level. Or, you can build screens or use plant material to provide the privacy that you require.

Just make sure that you leave the space required to give you the privacy you desire.

The last consideration for this article is style. A deck or patio should echo the style of your home and/or the style that you wish to express.

Just like you decorate the rooms inside your home to convey a certain style, the same applies to your outdoor spaces.

If your style is more rustic, maybe flagstone is a suitable look. If contemporary is more your look, larger rectangular pavers would complement your style.

The biggest piece of advice that I can give you is to do your homework. It pays to invest in a designer who will take all of your wishes and needs and fit them into your space. 

Patios and decks are one of the largest expenses you will have outside your home.  When looking for a contractor, get more than one quote. 

Do your homework and ask for references. Make sure that you are comfortable with who you hire. As my dad would say, “Do it right and do it once.”  

Happy planning!

Joanne Young is a Niagara-on-the-Lake garden expert and coach. See her website at joanneyoung.ca

Subscribe to our mailing list