New Project Introduction

19 years ago

Hi Everyone!

After having a reputable landscape architect flake out on us, we have decided to go it alone for our backyard redo. I mean will will hire someone to do the work, but we want to have a pretty complete idea of what we want before hiring them.

We know pretty well what our needs/wants are--but just aren't sure how to get there with the design.

We want to install a new patio/deck that abuts a screen porch and breezeway. The breezeway is underoof and connects our detached garage and our house. The breezeway and screen porch are at right angles to one another. The side of the breezeway that doesn't open into the yard (or back or garage door) abuts the house--sharing the roof and foundation.

We want the new patio to fit to seem like it was always there, connecting the breezeway and porch spaces. We want it to be a place to read a book, grill, and entertain friends. Our kitchen, familyroom and formal living room all can see out into this space so aesthetics are really important too.

The breezeway and porch are about 2ft off the ground and the new patio will need to be too. There are no grading/tree/site prep issues.

I think the first thing I really need to think about is scale/size. Where is a good starting point?

Are there any pictures/idea resources to look at that show measurements?

What next?

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Comments (3)

fnmroberts
19 years ago
Are you a DIY'er? I ask, knowing you plan to have the work done, but thinking of options you might like and how to integrate them is part of what an architect does - or a DIY'er must be self-reliant to accomplish. That includes compliance with building codes, plantings for the site/soil conditions, gas lines for your grill, sub-terranian electrical, drainage and footings, etc., etc., etc.

We took a slightly different approach. We planned and built our patio - sized to our wants. Then we hired a local nursery to design the flanking gardens and specify plantings for them. We then built the gardens in phases from the nursery design and followed the planting diagram reasonably close.

As for space, imagine the patio as being a room. What areas will it have and how many to seat at each? There are many design books available at the home centers. We looked some over, then drove stakes with string to imagine the space. Drew it onto paper and built. Ours is 26 x 24 plus separate grilling and hot-tub areas. We can dine, or sit/relax in different portions and have entertained more than 20 with the addition of lawn chairs.

This summer, the long overdue pergola will go over the table (footings set when building the patio). This will have been a 9-year process, though no additions during many of those years. Photos are linked from "My Page." Hope this helps - just hope you are not unrealistic on your wanting to look as if it has always been there. That takes its own time.
beachbum
Original Author
19 years ago
Thanks so much for sharing. I enjoyed looking at your pics. Just lovely!

I think we will have a combo approach for DIY. I've had too many architects flake on me to have any confidence in using them for a project like this. I don't think it is going to be *that* complicated.
Originally we did want to use an architect, but the process has just left a sour taste in our mouth.
DH and I sat down earlier this week and came up with some new/fresh ideas we need to hash out.
I'm feeling a lot better than I did when I first posted.
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kenstl
19 years ago
Thought I would share a layout with you, there are some photos at the site below. We uses an architect and had a good experience as he brought out a lot of good ideas. Our biggest want was to have a screened in porch without giving up natural light in to the rear windows of the house. Hopefully I will finish this up this summer with the screened in portion. good luck on your project!

http://wedman.smugmug.com/gallery/2116403#126952210