Column: Celebrating the 2018 patio season

0

IO 0515 Randy Sorrell

This edgy Westfield project has it all! Shade, privacy and low-maintenance living, accomplished with many of our preferred products, too. Preferred because they are cost-effective, often perform multiple functions and speak to elegance and custom outdoor living spaces — and perfect for the 2018 patio season.

Back door egress

Check out the oversized Trex deck landing that ambitiously opens to the paver patio. The cedar safety rail has black aluminum spindles and pulls in the shade and privacy-driven cedar pergola. Of importance, the steps’ treads are three-boards deep, offering a 17-inch step (opposed to the standard 11 inch) and compels easy living strategies. We often say that the most important strategy of outdoor living spaces is the transition from the back door to the patio/deck. If it’s easy and inviting, the space will be compelling to enjoy. The opposite also is true.

Recessed blinds between the 2-inch by 12-inch pergola beams easily pull down to drive away late afternoon sun and answer the privacy issue as well. I suppose that’s one of the many reasons we dig pergolas — they have so many functions beside shade. Notice the stone columns at the base of the pergola posts?

Low maintenance

An irregular flagstone stepper off the patio guides guests through the low-maintenance landscape that screams four seasons of interest. The tans and browns in the flagstone picks up the brick tones on the house and marries well with the chocolate clay paver edge.

It’s always a thrill to mix materials! It elevates the entertaining experience and certainly provides a sense of custom. Perhaps that’s why we embrace most surfaces from concrete, crushed stone, decking, all sorts of pavers and natural stone.

Enjoy the patio season!


Current Morning Briefing Logo

Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to



By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
Share.

Current Morning Briefing Logo

Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to



By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact