By Vicki O’Neal,
CID, ASID
It’s that time of year again. We can finally get back outside and do more than think about those outdoor projects we
put on the back burner though the winter. Perhaps it’s a simple power washing and clean up. Or you may have grander plans in mind.
Your deck or patio is usually the primary access to your private outdoor space and the connection to relaxation. Maybe you are building a home and want to make the
most of  your site and architectural features. Perhaps you’d like to expand your square footage but aren’t sure how to integrate the
new area. Your deck and/or patio should ideally be located and configured to create a natural flow with convenient and
safe routes from the interior and exteriorof your home. The points of access should connect gracefully with paths linking your driveway, functional areas such as trash disposal, and various features in your yard. Well-planned spaces can enhance your enjoyment of the great outdoors.
WHAT SHAPE IS YOUR DECK IN?
The configuration of your existing deck might be a simple rectangle on the back of your home. The condition may need attention due to warping or splintering of the decking surface, potentially causing a safety hazard. No matter what shape it’s in, your deck probably plays an important part in your outdoor life. Whether you’re thinking about maintenance or considering substantial changes, here are some ideas.
Adding a new deck area, perhaps at a level down one or more steps, creates a fairly simple transition. The elevation of your existing deck will determine if this is a viable option. Any deck addition may present a challenge when trying to keep a matching look. Your existing deck and railing are likely to have weathered to some shade of gray. In contrast, the new decking will have quite a different appearance. Power washing the old deck will improve its appearance, and after the new materials have had time to weather it will be hard to tell old from new. If waiting for nature is not desirable, there are some options. A solid color stain creates a matching finished look, but requires some maintenance down the road. You might choose to install all new surface decking, so that new and old areas match exactly. Installing a patio instead of adding more deck might solve the dilemma. 
Decking materials are available in a wider variety than ever before. In addition to treated decking lumber, redwood, cedar and ipe woods are high-end choices that offer beauty and longevity, as well as reliable decay, insect and mold resistance. Synthetic and composite materials have their own particular characteristics, and research is needed when considering the appropriate choice for your particular setting and needs. Typical railing picket motifs are frequently being upstaged by new offeringssuch as designs in powder-coated aluminum. Contemporary railing options such as cable rails and tempered glass panels create a clean design with less visual obstruction.
The lifespan of your deck will be greatly impacted by the quality of the lumber, construction techniques, and the type of fasteners used. Maintenance is also an important factor. Timely repair of any decking that has warped or loose railings will prevent larger repairs. Removal of leaves and debris will keep the surfaces clean and dry. Attention to the area under your deck is also important. Enclosure of the area under the deck with screening, such as lattice panels, will give a finished appearance and potentially discourage wildlife from making a home there. If your deck elevation is high off the ground, you can take advantage of the area below by adding a screened porch, private spa area, or discreet storage space. If the area underneath your deck is not tall enough to walk under, but higher than two or three feet, it might be more aesthetically appealing to enclose the area with screening. The space can potentially be used to incorporate storage for large ladders, garden pots, or other off-season items.
ON SOLID FOOTING
Installing a patio at ground level is a great option for increasing space and a wonderful way to add interest and new design elements. Patios often lend a nice sense of connection to nature. The extension of paths or walkways can carry the eye to focal points in your landscape and transform the area dramatically while improving safety. If you have a sloping grade, incorporating retaining walls, perhaps with built-in benches, may solve site challenges while creating design integration. There are many options for surface materials. Stamped or stained concrete, natural or cast stone, brick, and precast pavers are some popular choices. Construction methods vary, but one relatively easy technique is to prepare a level rock dust and/or sand bed, and free lay the stone on the ground. This eliminates the cost of pouring concrete, is faster to install, and it offers flexibility for adding on or re-configuring in the future.
For paths, a very simple and naturallooking solution is to free lay stones or pavers right in the sod. Filling with soil and seeding in between the stones or cutting out the sod underneath and setting the stone into the lawn allows for a level surface that can be navigated and mowed easily.
FLOWERS AND FOLIAGE
One of the easiest ways to dress up any outdoor setting and bring color and personality to a scene is with lavish container gardens. “Thrillers, fillers, and spillers” is a formula for sure success in creating beautiful containers. Choose a sizeable and eye-catching specimen for the “thriller” or anchor plant; a “spiller” in the form of some drooping or trailing plants to cascade over the edge of the container; and “fillers,” one or more plants to complement and fill areas in-between. An alternate spin on the “thriller” specimen might be a vine climbing through an obelisk. Have fun experimenting with different varieties of foliage and flowering plants to play up color, texture, and form. Be sure to choose plants for each container needing similar growing conditions such as water and sun exposure, and locate accordingly. If you have a sprinkler system, a separate zone can be installed with watering heads for each container. Otherwise, daily watering will probably be required when the weather turns hot and dry. Fill those containers with beautiful plants and you will get potentially months of enjoyment as they grow into maturity.
Containers come in all shapes, sizes, designs, and a myriad of materials: traditional terra cotta, glazed pottery, metals, concrete, and resin or synthetics. Each has its place, but one may be more suited to a particular setting than another. For very large containers, I use styrofoam peanuts to fill up to 1/3 of the container depth, reducing soil quantity and weight, as well as improving drainage. Used dryer sheets may be placed on top of the peanuts to allow water to pass through but prevent the soil from washing into the peanuts. Appropriately store the containers for the cold season and they should last many years.
FINISHING TOUCHES
If you are exposed to hot, Southern sun, consider installing an arbor overhead. Oversized, freestanding, adjustable umbrellas are an alternative for serious sun protection. Outdoor lighting and ornamentation such as beautiful fountains, statuary, and fireplaces can add to the ambience. Wind chimes create a lovely audible addition and sense of animation. A birdbath and bird feeders can enhance your setting by bringing nature a little closer. Birds are amazing to watch, and are present year-round when a favorable habitat is created. The opportunity to decorate outdoors is never out of season, and extends a visual welcome mat to friends and family.
_______________________________
Vicki O’Neal, owner of FORM & FUNCTION, provides
commercial and residential interior and landscape
design. She is a professional member of ASID, VA Certified
Interior Designer (CID), Master Gardener, and a
VA Certified Landscape Designer and Horticulturist.
(804) 897-8558 | www.form-and-function.us
The material contained in articles written by Vicki O’Neal is
intended for general information only. |
