Patios...

http://www.renovatorsplace.com/dsp_articles.cfm?l_article_id=437

As you plan your backyard landscape, you might be wondering whether a deck or patio is the best option. Here's how to decide.

Benefits of a Backyard Deck

As family activities have migrated to the backyard, decks have become a popular home improvement option. The extra space is ideal for a wide range of activities, from evening dinner parties to weekend sunbathing and family barbeques.

A Patio is Another Backyard Option

An alternative to a backyard deck is a patio, which is flush with the ground instead of being raised in the air like a deck. Depending on the terrain and layout of the backyard, this can be a practical option. Patios typically are made from bricks, concrete pavers, concrete slabs, or stone, such as slate or bluestone.

Deck Material Options

Backyard decks typically are made from wood or a composite material. A wooden deck is a perennial favorite, as it provides a classic, natural look. Among the woods to consider are pine, cedar, and redwood. These deck woods then can be finished to protect them from the elements and change the color tones, if desired.

The one disadvantage to wood is that it requires periodic sealing. It also can warp if not properly installed and sealed. Composite deck material offers a low-maintenance alternative, as it is a man-made product.

Decks and Patios Come in All Shapes

A deck or patio can be built to fit almost any backyard landscape. The size and shape will vary based on the terrain of your backyard, the amount of space you have, and how you plan to use the structure. When deciding on a deck or patio, consider whether you plan to have large parties, want a deck or patio for casual dining, or plan to add a grill, lawn chairs, or table.

Ask Your Remodeling Contractor for Advice

As you debate which type of backyard structure to build, ask your contractor about:
The backyard terrain and how it lends itself to a deck or patio
The cost of deck and patio materials in your area
The time involved in planning and building each structure
What size structure would fit with your backyard and house style
How to design the deck or patio to fit your home's architecture

Co-CL for "The Stitcher's Niche" and CL for "Remodel & Renovate"

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from http://www.homeadditionplus.com/How%20to%20Build%20a%20Deck%20-%205%20Considerations%20For%20Building%20a%20Wood%20Deck.htm

Building a Deck for Your Home First Requires Planning

How to build a deck? Building a wood deck correctly can create the perfect transition between your home and your backyard. With proper planning building a deck should result in a wonderful place to go to relax and unwind after a hectic day. Whether you are going to have your deck built by a professional or do it yourself, building a deck correctly requires proper planning and design.

Five considerations for Building a Deck

1. Choose Your Deck Type

There are several types of decks you can have for your home. An outdoor patio deck can be attached to your home. A convenient location for your outdoor patio deck is off of a family room or kitchen.

Building a deck that is a Destination Deck?
A destination deck, is another deck alternative. A destination deck is typically located in a special place with a view and is not connected to your home. You might have a winding path, for example, that would lead to the destination deck.

Building deck that is a Connector Deck?
A connector deck is several smaller decks of any shape or size connected to each other with pathways.

2. Consider Your Deck Activities

When building a deck from wood, you need to consider items such as: will your deck be a place to grill and barbecue? Are you going to have parties and entertain family and friends? Or on the other hand, is your deck going to be a quiet place for lounging reading or enjoying your favorite beverage? Will you have a luxurious hot tub on your deck?

To increase privacy, will you have landscaping, plants or trees around your deck? Take some time and think through how to build a deck that will perform the way you want. Go online and buy a good book on planning and building a wood deck.

3. Decide Your Deck Size

if your house and backyard is smaller and you won't entertain large groups, you likely don't need to build a large deck. Too large of a deck can actually make the house appear smaller. Keep it simple, but add an angle or two to the deck design if you want. When building a deck from wood, you can divide the deck into two areas - one area for lounging and sunning and another section for cooking and dining.

4. What Deck Materials Will You Use?

If you will be building a deck, there are several structural parts. Your deck may need concrete footings that extend below the frostline if you'll have freezing winters. If your deck will be on sandy soil, you may need to build larger footings that will support the deck posts or beams.

The posts can be 4"x4" lumber which is generally strong enough to support the deck. If your deck is above ground, you may be required to use 6"x6" structural posts. The deck beams will rest horizontally on the posts and will support the deck joists. Deck joists will be spaced horizontally every 12", 16" or 24" and will support the decking boards. The decking boards are the floor of your deck that span from joist to joist.

5. Design and Build It Yourself or Hire a Professional

Unless you live in a very rural area, there will probably be building code requirements, permits and inspections needed when building a deck. Contact your local building official to see what is required in your area. One major advantage to having qualified professionals help is that they understand the legal side of how to build a deck and can help ensure building code requirements are met.

One of the best ways to understand how to build a deck is to view wood deck plans that have been built many times. Seeing attractive deck plans can give you deck building ideas that will simplify your planning and design.

Co-CL for "The Stitcher's Niche" and CL for "Remodel & Renovate"

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Stitchery WIPs: "Bath 5¢", "Walking to Town", a selection of 8 San Man snowman charts, 2 sets of curtain tie-backs using a DMC freebie chart and the DMC linen threads, a Kooler Design Studio chart form JanLynn called "Needlework Shop", "Tsunami Charity Sampler" from the fall 2007 Sampler & Needlework Quarterly, and "Autumn Leaves" from the December 2006 New Stitches

from http://homegardenyard.com/decking/

The Right Material for Your Patio Decking

So you’ve made the big decision, and the next home improvement project will be a deck large enough to double as a patio. It will help you take advantage of that yard you rarely use and make your home the site of your families best summer parties. It will provide a good view of the garden/ sports area/ pool that will be going in next year, not to mention, adding value to your home.

You know where you want it, how big you want it, how high you want it. The next question is, what kind of material will you choose for the patio decking?

Traditional Patio Decking

There are a lot of conditions to take into consideration before you choose your material. You want it to last a long time with little maintenance and, of course, there’s the cost to consider. You want it to look good and provide a comfortable, safe surface while considering the local building codes and the environment, too.

The traditional material for patio decking is pressure-treated wood. Statistics show that there are about 30,000,000 wood decks in America, with more being built all the time. Pressure-treated wood patio decking resists termites and rot and is usually made from pine or fir. Because of its popularity, the wood and its related materials are easy to find at competitive prices. It offers a familiar and attractive appearance along with its easy care.

Other kinds of wood are available, traditional and quite attractive; red cedar, redwood and tropical hardwoods are popular for patio decking. Since they are not pressure-treated, they require more care and maintenance, but for the homeowner who has the time and money, they offer a great appearance.

Other Patio Decking Materials

All woods have to be protected from the dangers of direct contact with the ground. If your deck is to be even partly at ground level, other, more resilient types of patio decking are available.

Concrete is a popular and versatile decking material, and it requires very little maintenance, can be used in the front, back or side of the home, and is remarkably attractive. Instead of concrete slabs, stamped concrete can add a dazzling effect to your home. The fresh concrete is imprinted with texture and pattern resembling stone, brick, tile, or almost anything you can imagine. Bits of gravel, granite, quartz, river stones, or the like can be added for sparkle or texture. The concrete can be dyed or painted for the splash of color you crave. Even old concrete patio decking can be updated by adding engraving and/or a colorful textured overlay.

Another choice for the ground-level patio decking is pavers of brick, stone, or concrete. Although ground preparation is required to ensure a proper placement and drainage in these waterproof materials, maintenance is minimal.

Co-CL for "The Stitcher's Niche" and CL for "Remodel & Renovate"

Visit me at That Yank In... and Traveling with That Yank

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Stitchery WIPs: "Bath 5¢", "Walking to Town", a selection of 8 San Man snowman charts, 2 sets of curtain tie-backs using a DMC freebie chart and the DMC linen threads, a Kooler Design Studio chart form JanLynn called "Needlework Shop", "Tsunami Charity Sampler" from the fall 2007 Sampler & Needlework Quarterly, and "Autumn Leaves" from the December 2006 New Stitches

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Co-CL for "The Stitcher's Niche" and CL for "Remodel & Renovate"

Visit me at That Yank In... and Traveling with That Yank

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Stitchery WIPs: "Bath 5¢", "Walking to Town", a selection of 8 San Man snowman charts, 2 sets of curtain tie-backs using a DMC freebie chart and the DMC linen threads, a Kooler Design Studio chart form JanLynn called "Needlework Shop", "Tsunami Charity Sampler" from the fall 2007 Sampler & Needlework Quarterly, and "Autumn Leaves" from the December 2006 New Stitches