Advice for a Backyard Patio?

Question:

I am starting to get my back yard cleared out. About 15 trees will be removed, grass seed will be planted and I would like a small patio area to be exposed from the French Doors I hope to have installed.

Are there any websites or ideas you can think of? I am thinking of just an area big enough for a grill, table and chairs, to enjoy watching my child play in the yard. I so appreciate your input.

Amy from NJ

Answer:

Amy, There are LOT of great web sites to assist you in designing your new outdoor living space. A great way to start the planning process is to sit down with pen, paper, and list the following:

Who is going to build it? Are you going to do the work yourself, or are you planning to hire a professional?
What types of materials do you want to use (brick, stone, tile, etc.)?
Do you want to relax in the shade? (e.g. pergola, gazebo, table with umbrella, awning, trees, etc.)?
What type of furniture do you want in the design?
What types of features do you want to include in the area (e.g. grilling, hot tub, fountain, etc.)?
What is your budget?

To get started with your patio design you need some inspiration. Start a folder on your computer labeled "patio ideas". Google "pictures of great patios" and see what you find. Jot down ideas that appeal to you and print off pictures you can take with you when shopping.

I also like this link from Sunset Home. It contains many pictures for and ideas suitable for a variety of backyard spaces.

http://designassistant.sunset.com/browse/sunset/spcSearch?tab=Rooms&of...

You'll find more great ideas on Home and Garden Television site here:

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/pac_ctnt_988/text/0,,HGTV_22056_33790,00.html

Here is a link to some free downloadable do-it-yourself software for designing landscape patios.

http://www.hotspring.com/Patio_Planner/index_spa_patio_planner.html

Good luck!

Ellen Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com

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Nancy in NC

July 3, 20080 found this helpful

Hi, Amy!
This is going to be a project that will give you pleasure for many years, so draw yourself some plans and give yourself time to decide where you want things to go. Do you really have to remove so many trees? You might wish you had them during the hot weather, and birds will be more plentiful if you have trees for them to nest in and fly to. Your child might have some creative ideas for playing among the trees, also. And the shade they create is perfect for many kinds of shade-loving plants (which are easier to work on in the shade!) What will you use for the surface of your patio?

There are lots of materials; be sure it is an easily-cleanable area that water (and snow) will drain off, large enough to move your furniture and grill around for a little change, and maybe even expandable, in case you want a bigger area. There is a lot of how-to information on the internet and in the library; your local home-projects store might even have some classes on how to do it yourself. Good luck, and please let us know how your project progresses -- take pictures as you go along.

Nancy in NC

By Megan (Guest Post)

August 3, 20080 found this helpful

We just did exactly that! We spent about 400 dollars on some natural flagging and made a rock patio. We put some Irish moss in between the rocks to keep down weeds and prevent erosion.Home depots website actually had a lot of DIY ideas for features.

A simple pergola and some nice vines are good ways to make the area seem more like an outdoor "room". Have fun!

Kathy Klahn

September 19, 20080 found this helpful

I agree with Nancy, please reconsider taking down all those trees! you can build decks around them, hostas are wonderful plants for shaded areas and there are a million varieties. also the shade will help cool your home and provide wonderful habitat for wildlife. try to go green with your decking material there are a lot of choices out there. have fun!

PENNY K
Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 107 Feedbacks

September 19, 20080 found this helpful

In view of recent events, one thing I would definitely go overboard on is edibles. Dwarf fruit trees every 5 feet, berry canes, cooking herbs, medicinal herbs, room for a nice deep raised bed vegetable garden. Possibly room for a small chicken coop.

I am not kidding. All of these things are lovely and charming. An outdoor baking oven, cooking area would be wise as well. Be the first in your neighborhood to show common sense.

Allison
Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 231 Feedbacks

September 22, 20080 found this helpful

We planned our patio around an old linden tree and it is the centerpiece of the yard with a nice shade garden around it, so do look for ways to plan around the trees. I'd look for a landscaper who will draw a plan -- you need a plan so you can work it on paper first. Here's a good link I found for patios:

www.selfhelpandmore.com/.../install-a-brick-patio.php

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