The Pros and Cons of Creating an Outdoor Space

With all this snow, giving your outdoor space a spruce-up is probably the last thing on your mind. But believe it or not, the warmer weather is on its way, and taking advantage of it should be high on your priority list.

If you’re thinking about making your backyard a summer oasis, there are some things to consider. Is it better to install a patio or lay a deck? Which will look best, last the longest, and be the most cost effective? Let’s go through the pros and cons of a deck versus a patio to give you some ideas.

Decks are generally laid above the ground, so if your property slopes or if you have a lot of tree roots or stone jutting out of the yard, a deck will probably be the easiest choice. Most decks are made from wood, but there are also vinyl and composite materials available which mimic the look of wood but offer the benefit of less maintenance and a longer life span. Decks look great and offer a significant resale value, but there are a few cons too. Wood decks require regular cleaning and staining to keep them looking new, and they will fade and can rot without upkeep. Some people say that a deck will only last 10 years, but with regular upkeep, they will easily double that lifespan. In terms of cost, a deck made of pine will cost somewhere between $15 to $25 per square foot while a sturdier wood such as cedar will come with a price tag of $25 to $30 per square foot. If you’re looking for a composite or vinyl option, this will be the most expensive at roughly $30 to $45 per square foot. As a rough guide, an average 16x20 foot deck could cost you anywhere between $4,800 to $14,400 depending on the type of material you use.

This brings us to patios. If you have a flat yard, a patio might be a great choice because they are easy to install, require minimal maintenance, and are generally the less expensive option. There are also tons of aesthetic choices, from plain and stamped concrete to brick, pavers, stone, and more. With so many options, you can definitely make a patio stand out, but just like wood, the material that you use will directly affect the price. There are a few cons to think about too. Cheaper options such as plain concrete will be prone to cracking and any material that is joined together will likely require regular weeding or the application of weed repellent. While patios tend to require less maintenance than a deck, a bi-annual application of sealant will help to maintain its durability. Looking at patios from a cost perspective, regular concrete might run you around $5 per square foot, while stamped concrete might cost between $8 and $12 per square foot. Brick is an affordable option at around $7 to $8 per square foot while pavers jump up to roughly $10 to $20 per square foot. The most expensive option will be natural stone, which can be anywhere from $15 to north of $30 per square foot. For a 16x20 foot patio, you’d be looking at anywhere from $1,600 to $9,000 depending on what material you choose to lay.

Remember, these prices are just an estimate and costs will always depend on your choice of product, the size of the space, and the uniqueness of your yard.

Have you recently built a deck or laid a patio? Are you thinking about giving your backyard a new look for summer? I’d love to hear from you. Send me a message on Facebook at facebook.com/odonnellbros

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Enjoy a Summer of Solitude with a Privacy Fence

With summer creeping up on us, I’m sure you’re looking forward to spending time swimming in the pool, enjoying a barbecue with the family, and relaxing on weekend afternoons in the privacy of our own backyard. With all of these activities to look forward to, now might be a great time to make your outdoor domain a bit more intimate with the installation of a privacy fence.

Building a fence might seem like a tough task, but with a little bit of pre-planning and some help, it can be a fairly easy project to tackle. So let’s get to it.

The first thing you’ll need to do is apply for a permit, which can be done at Bristol City Hall. You can find everything you need to know on the City of Bristol website under the Building Department tab. There are specific height regulations that you’ll need to be aware of as well as rules for where your fence can be installed in relation to your property borders. Materials and colors are also enforced; so make sure you review the documentation before you start your project. If your fence doesn’t follow city code, you’ll be forced to take it down and you could get fined.  

Once your permit has been issued, it’s time to start planning and getting your materials in order. I suggest starting by ensuring that your new fence will deliver the privacy you’re after. Cut a cardboard or thin wood screen to the height of your future fence and get a friend or family member to help you assess the fence’s privacy potential in both sitting and standing positions. Because fence heights are regulated, you want to make sure yours gives you the result you’re after without breaking any building codes. If the fence doesn’t do the job, you might want to look at bushes or other landscaping solutions.

Once you’ve confirmed that your fence height offers the privacy you desire you can begin to take your measurements and gather your materials. Be sure to clearly mark the border where the fence will eventually stand using stakes and string, and don’t forget to review the city placement codes before driving in your posts. Also, be aware of any shallow pipes or wires that could be damaged as you begin to dig. 

There are a few things to consider when you’re getting your materials, including style, size and durability. Generally, fence panels come in six or eight-foot lengths, and you’ll want to ensure that you’re installing them in a way that will maximize their durability. The number of vertical posts you’ll need is pretty simple, as it will depend on the length of the panels and the size of the area you’re looking to border. However, you have some choices in terms of the horizontal rails you’ll need to support the fence. For some people, two 2x4’s will do the trick, but if your fence is in a place that’s more susceptible to our sometimes brutal weather conditions, installing three horizontal rails will help to stabilize the structure and decrease the potential for future sagging or wind damage.

Finally, you’ll need to think about your gates. I always like to have two gates, which are required to open inward on the property. Have a good think about what the gates will be used for when you choose their placement and width. Gates that need to allow lawn equipment and machinery to pass through will need to be wider than those that just let people in and out of the area.

With your fence materials chosen, you’re almost ready to build! Next week I’ll share some of my top tips on how to install your fence with ease. Stay tuned.

Image courtesy of Bullard Fence