Downsized Decks: A Perfect Fit for Home and Budget!

A deck doesn't have to be big to work its magic. Even a small deck can give you the benefits of having your own outdoor space. Whether you are thinking of adding a small deck to your home, or if you already have a small deck, here are some ideas for getting the most enjoyment out of it.

Building a Small Deck

Deciding to build a small deck may be right for you if:

·       A small deck is proportionately appropriate for your site.

·       You want to conserve on materials and costs.

·       You need to stay within specific size code requirements

Making the Most of a Small Deck

There are many ways you can add visual impact and enjoyment to a small deck. 

·       Keep decking patterns simple and streamlined.

·       Create the illusion of size by placing furnishings on the sides of the deck to open up the central space and allow for easier access and traffic flow on and off the deck.

·       Use plants with interesting textures in containers on the deck or in flower beds that border the deck, focusing attention on the deck instead of the surrounding landscape.

·       If there are steps that link the deck with the yard, use container plants on the sides of the steps to further direct attention toward the deck surface.

·       Create colorful flower beds on one or more sides of the deck to help it become an integral part of the backyard landscape.

·       When possible, emphasize views adjacent to the deck. If there is a water feature, a stand of trees or garden area nearby, make sure to leave that view open and accessible from the deck.

·       A trellis or vertical sections of latticework can provide support for dense greenery which can  filter out unwelcome sites and sound.

·       Install built-in seating on the outside edges of the deck. It takes up less room than furniture. Also, a round table takes up less room than rectangular types and allows the seating of additional people for dining or entertaining.

·       Add a patio off the edge of the deck to enlarge the amount of usable space. Link these two areas by using container plants or planter boxes, similar colors in plants or decor or by installing an arbor or pergola to provide shade protection for parts of both.

Source: www.articlesbase.com

To the Door and More: Walkways and Pathways

If foot traffic across a portion of your lawn is causing unsightly wear marks on your grass, including a walkway or pathway in your landscape design could be just the answer to solve this problem. 

Pathways tend to meander and are often used in more natural settings, while walkways are more permanent additions that often serve a particular purpose. Many times, walkways lead to a place, such as a door, while pathways are used for less formal settings as a way to enjoy the atmosphere. Pathways and walkways are commonly constructed using different types of materials. Natural materials such as loose gravel or mulch are common choices in pathways, whereas walkways are usually constructed from stable materials like poured concrete, slabs of stone, or pavers. A final foundational difference between walkways and pathways is their width. Walkways are usually 4  to 6 feet wide to allow for side-by-side walking while pathways are usually 2 to 3 feet wide.

As for structure, try to keep walkway design consistent. If you have a very formal home, a walkway with symmetric lines may be best. Or, if you have a country-style home, consider using large flagstones for a more natural look. Homeowners need to keep in mind such details as weather conditions and potential uses for the path when discussing a project with their landscaper, as this may help determine what design principles are best for their spaces.

The budget a homeowner has set aside for the project is the largest factor when selecting a material, as cost can limit what materials are available to use. The amount of shade is another determining factor when deciding which materials to use in walkways and pathways. Moss and mildew will accumulate on stone and concrete, causing a slippery, hazardous condition. Trail mix, a natural mixture of aggregates, is the recommendation in shady areas for pathways. For walkways, pavers are recommended. Pavers are more durable than concrete and have a more authentic look. Walkway pavers can be tumbled, giving them more natural edges, and are easier to replace.

When designing a walkway, try to select a color that complements existing structures. For example, if your home is brick, select one tint from the brick with which to build. This is why earth tones are so popular, because they often complement traditional building materials.

If done correctly, a pathway or walkway project is a good investment. Pathways and walkways create an extension of the home by making unusable places usable. These projects not only increase real estate value, they also provide daily outdoor living value.

Depending on the materials used, installing pathways is a viable DIY project because they are usually a lot less labor intensive. Walkways are often much larger than pathways and can involve extensive knowledge of pouring concrete and laying pavers. These projects require quite a bit more time and effort, and they often require teamwork, so walkways are generally considered a good job for consulting a landscape designer.

Source: popslandscaping.com

Long® Fence will remove all old fencing and dispose of it for a nominal charge. If necessary, our designers will cover this topic with the homeowner at the time of the free estimate.