Deck or Patio: Which to Recommend?

Many homeowners today see outdoor living space as a must-have amenity, as a well-planned deck or patio can add a lot of enjoyment to their home. But the wrong deck or patio can become unused dead space. In the end, a dream of relaxation can become a negative experience and can produce new stress for the homeowner.

Sometimes, local building codes or the terrain of the site dictate whether you build a deck or patio. In addition to code and topography consideration, builders often must assist clients in deciding if a deck or patio is what they want and need. In those cases, builders need to know how their clients plan to use the new space.

Your builder may ask lots of questions. Be upfront with them about your budget, how you plan to use the space, and how you feel about doing maintenance.

A deck is usually the most affordable option, and concrete is often the most durable and lowest maintenance. With all the different material and design options out there now, it shouldn't be hard to settle on something you will love.

Certain factors can help determine if a deck is more suitable than a patio:

    * Capacity - How much weight will the deck need to hold? A deck can be reinforced to hold a huge spa, but might sacrifice the aesthetic the homeowner wants.

    * Climate - Will the deck become too hot to walk on? Will snow and rain runoff create a problem on a patio surface?

    * Site - Rough, sloping terrain almost always dictates a deck. Will your budget allow for the extra excavation to provide a patio surface?

Beyond building codes, terrain and engineering issues, there are issues with each individual material of which homeowners should be made aware:

Composite and vinyl decking. These materials require less maintenance than wood and are more resistant to insects, warping and splintering. Although many don't shrink or swell like wood, some varieties can swell in hot, sunny climates. They can be more expensive than wood, especially if coordinating railing and balustrade systems are used.

Wood decking. The low cost, availability and rot resistance makes pressure-treated pine a popular decking choice. Even with the periodic maintenance that is absolutely necessary, warping, twisting, shrinking and swelling will still occur. Other species such as red cedar, redwood, and tropical hardwoods are more durable and have no chemical treatments, but maintenance is still required and those options can be pricey.

Pavers. Brick, stone and concrete pavers are available in a range of styles and colors and are extremely durable. Very little maintenance is required from the homeowner, but significant site preparation may be needed to ensure proper placement, grade and drainage.

Source: hgtvpro.com

Hot Tubs: The Sofa in Outdoor Living Rooms

The popularity of outdoor living has grown in recent years and hot tubs are becoming a huge part of that trend. Even if your current remodeling project doesn’t include a hot tub, you may want to consider adding one in the future which would make it wise to consider options to prepare for it now.

Hot tubs have their roots in California. Even though many homeowners think hot tubs are only for southern climates, locations or resorts, they can be found across the country, in the Northeast, Midwest and many other places where cooler temps are the norm.

Many people are drawn to hot tubs for the therapeutic and relaxation aspects it provides, but they end up enjoying it with the family or guests. Contractors should be sure to put the hot tub in a location within easy access so that all benefits can be enjoyed.

Most families opt for a 7- or 8-foot square model, which comfortably seats five to six people, providing room for most family members or a few guests. Keeping out other "guests" requires a cover, notably an ASTM-approved version with locks for security and accident prevention. A cover also will help insulate the water, both to hold in heat so it warms up more quickly when in use and to avoid evaporation, which occurs faster when there is a bigger discrepancy between the air temperature and water temperature.

Hot tubs overall are energy-efficient, particularly the portable types that feature insulation on the sides and bottom. Temperatures typically are set between 100 degrees F and 104 degrees F, the highest allowed by law. Some energy can be saved if the temperature is set at 100 degrees and then brought up to 104 degrees when needed, but it costs little to heat a tub on an on-going basis.

Maintenance also has gotten easier in recent years. Hot tubs require about 10 minutes of maintenance per week. A key reason is the commonly used 24-hour, 1/3-hp circulation pump, which continually cleans the water while using little energy. A typical hot tub costs $15 to $25 per month to operate.

About 1/2 ounce of chlorinated "shock" added to the water just before getting in each time is a good idea. Also, test the water once per week to check the sanitizer's efficiency, pH balance, alkalinity, calcium level and other chemical balances. Every three to four months, drain the tub, wipe down the sides and refill it. Bringing the water up to the proper temperature again takes about 24 hours, he estimates.

It’s best to consider professional installation for two key reasons: the tubs can be difficult to maneuver after delivery, and not all decks can support the added weight. A deck may need to be reinforced, unless it was designed for the addition of the tub during its construction. A filled 7x7-foot tub can weigh 3,500 pounds — not counting the occupants. Always ensure that the deck will support the weight by having permits pulled and the deck inspected, especially if you were not the homeowner when the deck was constructed.

Hot tubs create a great add-on amenity for projects that involve a patio, deck or addition. Builders who discuss them with their clients gain an advantage not only in considering every aspect of the homeowners' comfort but in creating a more versatile project — and adding another way the homeowner can show off their home to potential future buyers.

We understand the value of one-stop shopping, but it is rare to find one contractor that can provide it all. Always be sure to tell your sales associate the full nature of your remodel, including all future known wants and desires. Proper planning now can really make a difference down the road, such as building a deck now to accommodate a hot tub added later. Also, we may be able to help with recommendations or ways we can help you realize your dream backyard. We've been in business for over 60 years, so feel free to ask questions, pick our brains and borrow from our experience.