Landscape Design - Decks & Patios

Decks are a common feature of homes today. They provide nice views of the property and are great for entertaining friends in the summer. Decks are all about good food, relaxation and good company. But decks don't have to be sky high in the air. They can sit just above the ground to provide a clean area for tables and chairs or serve as a step landing area or a poolside patio. Air circulates beneath the floor and keeps feet warm on cool days. Beautiful cedar decking, when well designed and constructed, can extend the living space outside the house and create pleasant transitions between different levels of terrain on the landscape.

Patios are often unused because people are sometimes uncomfortable with ground level spaces where wet grass and dirt are common. But with the new patio stones available, you can create a whole new living space that is both comfortable and easy to walk on. One attractive spot to have patio stones is outside a ground floor room with lots of window space. If a deck isn't right for your property, then a patio is the next best thing.

Likewise, many decks don’t get the use they should. Why? Some are positioned in direct sunlight with no protection from wind. Others often divide the living space vertically and make it less useful. For many homes, the deck is merely an expensive wooden barbecue stand. The appearance of the deck is defined by its construction and design, including the complexity of the layout and the types of joints joining boards. Some types of wood, such as cedar, are heartier and more weather resistant and make a better choice than pine or spruce.

Decks and patios can be built to complement and even enhance one another. Decks are often built above patio areas. Poolside patios have great functionality and add to the property value and can incorporate pleasing, creative designs using brick patterns. Working with stone requires exact planning and mortar work to get it right.

Modern manufactured materials include pressed concrete slabs, interlocking bricks, and ceramic bricks with colorful designs. Natural materials include granite, slate and exotic stone types from around the world. Flagstones are textured flat stones that provide slip resistance in damp conditions and are widely used in landscape projects.

Get creative with your deck and patio design. With trellises and personalized paving stones, you can have some great fun with it. Let SLDA guide your selection of decks, patios and other landscaping features. We want to be your preferred Massachusetts landscape design company.

 

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