Backyard Deck and Patio Combinations: Planning Your Space, Getting Ideas and Working With a Landscaping Contractor

Ask a Deck and Patio Landscaping Contractor For Ideas

Your backyard is an oasis where the family can gather and escape from the world. It's a place to relax after a long day, watch the kids play tag, or host a summer barbecue. A patio or deck can enhance your ability to enjoy your backyard. Do you have to choose just one, though? Not necessarily. Your landscaping contractor can advise you on creating a patio and deck combination.

Ask Your Landscaping Contractor for Patio and Deck Ideas

Having both a deck and patio helps you maximize your backyard space. Do you have a two-story home, or does your backyard slope downhill? An upper-level deck over a patio adds more surface area, creating additional square footage to enjoy.

Perhaps you can use your deck as a seating and dining area while the patio leads to a swimming pool. An upper-level deck can extend a second-story bedroom, giving you a place to drink your morning coffee while you overlook the patio below. If your backyard has no steep grade, you can opt for a deck attached to the house that leads to a patio area. How you decide to use your patio and deck space is up to you; your landscaping contractor can help you brainstorm ideas and draw plans.

Visualizing the Space As a Whole

Creating a master plan is crucial when you're making major home improvements. It prevents key elements from becoming an afterthought. Say, for example, you completed the patio and deck project in phases. If you went ahead and installed the patio without planning for the deck, you may have to backtrack later. The landscaping contractor may need to tear into your new patio to install footers for your deck.

A master plan allows you to visualize the whole design and incorporate all the elements. It saves you from backtracking or redoing things. Say, for example, you install a deck staircase leading down to the patio. You don't want it blocking the view of your yard, but it also needs to go in a suitable location. Planning with your landscaping contractor can help you avoid these types of problems.

Patio or Deck: Where To Start

If you don't have a patio or deck already in place, you may be wondering which should come first. Starting with the patio is preferable. It serves as the base for your deck. Building the patio first is also most practical from an excavation standpoint.

You may already have a deck in place. In that case, where to start depends on your master plan and the condition of your existing structures. If your deck is beginning to splinter and rot, it may be best to completely rebuild it rather than put a new patio under it. That may also be the case if your plan includes significant changes to your deck's design and layout. However, if your deck is in good condition and you don't plan to change the design much, your landscaping contractor might not need to overhaul it.

Patio and Deck Inspiration

Whether your space is large and unencumbered or small and constrained, you can be creative with your deck and patio.

Decking Material Choices

Many people are choosing alternative deck materials in place of treated lumber. Composite decking combines several materials to create sturdier boards and is more weather-resistant than wood. It may include low-density polyethylene, rice hulls, wood fiber and other materials. PVC and aluminum decking are other choices.

Railing Options

Aluminum railing is a popular alternative to wood. You can choose from many patterns, colors and styles. Cable rails are another sleek and modern railing option. You can combine cable rails with wood or aluminum to incorporate a variety of textures. Ask your landscaping contractor for ideas.

Interesting Patios

You have many choices of patio materials. Concrete is a classic option, and if you want to go beyond the basics, consider adding interest with a brushed, inlaid or patterned surface. You can also paint or stain concrete to create a custom look.

Brick is another good choice. You can arrange brick in the traditional pattern or choose something different, such as herringbone.

Flagstones are popular patio materials. They add natural texture and improve water absorption. Ask your landscaping contractor what varieties are available.

Pro Construction Tip: Choose One Company

While talking to contractors and getting bids on your patio and deck projects, you may be tempted to work with different companies. However, working with a single contractor can make your landscaping project much smoother than coordinating with more than one business. It prevents any potential disagreements on technique or building materials.

Talk to a Pro Landscaping Contractor at Canepa Landscaping

Canepa Landscaping is a fully licensed and insured contractor that can work with you to design and build the patio and deck of your dreams. Call (707) 322-7007 or complete the online form today to learn how a Canepa landscaping contractor can create the backyard you've always wanted.