Planning
Creating a Complete Patio or Deck Project Scope
Start with Perspective
As you begin planning, it’s important to remember that today's outdoor living spaces involve so much more than just a patio or deck. These spaces are often the outdoor equivalent of multiple rooms of your home and include many (if not all) of the same features and utilities.
Get Started by Building
A Complete Scope
Your first step in planning an outdoor remodeling project should be to create a complete scope. Along with deciding on what features to include, you must also identify all of the additional construction items required to have those features built and functioning properly.
Getting Organized
To organize the many components and trades required for your project, we find it helpful to divide the project scope into the following categories:
Includes structures like the patio, walls, pillars, walkways, outdoor kitchen, fire features, and steps down from the house.
Includes features such as a deck, porch, pavilion, pergola, arbor, and decorative screens.
Includes landscaping, lighting, water features, and lawn repair after construction.
Do not forget to plan and budget for appliances and technology. These items often cost as much as (or more than) the structures that hold them.
Electrical, gas, and plumbing are required for appliances and technology. Irrigation usually must be adjusted and expanded.
Includes demolition, tree removal, excavation, soil hauling, rough & final grading, and drainage.
Consider This Example
At first glance, this elegant space may not seem too involved, but its detailed scope reveals a complex project with 16 components.
Natural Stone Patio
Sitting Walls
Fireplace
Firewood Boxes
Fire Pit Structure
Fire Pit Gas Burner, Vents and Logs
Outdoor Kitchen
Grill and Cabinetry
Gas Line (Grill & Fire Pit)
Electrical (Kitchen & Additional)
Landscaping & Boulders
Irrigation
Stepping Stone Walkway
Low Voltage Lighting
Grading & Drainage
Sod Finish
Holiday Decorating Tips for your Patio or Deck
Holiday Decorating Tips for your Patio or Deck
Whether you're incorporating your outdoor living space into your holiday gatherings or you simply want to see something festive when you look out your back windows, our tips will help you to create a beautiful holiday scene on your patio, deck, or porch.
Tips for Grilled and Smoked Chili
Tips for Grilled and Smoked Chili
Whether it's for a game day party, a chili cook off, or just a run of the mill Tuesday, we recommend kicking your chili up a notch by making it outdoors. In this article we provide all of the tips you need to prepare chili on your grill or smoker.
Landscape Plants That Create Stunning Bouquets
Landscape Plants That Create Stunning Bouquets
In this article, we suggest a wide variety of landscape plants that can be used to make wonderful and unique flower arrangements. We hope that this comprehensive list inspires you to start clipping the garden and bringing it inside!