Are you ready to increase your living space, add value to your home and discover the perfect spot to enjoy some backyard fun with family and friends? Adding a deck or patio might be the perfect renovation for you to consider.
Outdoor living spaces are all the rage in Lawrence Park and across the country, topping the list for both current and prospective homeowners. The demand for them shows no signs of slowing, making this a great renovation to consider for any Toronto home.
If you’re ready to think about creating your Lawrence Park outdoor living space, there are a few things to consider first. Taking the time to think through your project gives it the best chance at being successful and something you’ll feel proud of.
First, consider the size of your home. If you have a large lot and especially if your home sits higher off the ground, a deck is probably the right choice.
Decks are made of decking material like wood or composites that sit above the ground on posts. Decks can provide a place for sitting, or they can be multi-purpose, including a cooking space, area for a hot tub and even seating around a fire pit. They are available in many different shapes and sizes, with the potential to add steps, gates and railing to fit the home and owner’s needs.
If your lot is smaller and flat, and if your home sits very close to the ground and your door opens at ground level, a patio might be the best choice.
Patios are constructed at ground level using concrete, paver stones or other similar materials. They are easiest to create on flat surfaces but can be built on sloped land with the addition of retaining walls and other costly land improvements.
Some homes combine patios and decks, with steps coming down off the deck to a patio level. This is a beautiful way to transition to the ground, and it offers a lot of usable outdoor living space.
When deciding on a deck or patio or both, it is also helpful to have a clear understanding of how you plan to use your outdoor living space. If you’re planning to entertain, have space for children to play or build an elaborate outdoor kitchen, you’ll need to plan for a larger space and larger budget. If your home lacks privacy, adding it will involve incorporating latticework, an arbor, a pergola or another type of covering.
Another thing to consider is the current architecture of your Lawrence Park home. If your home is modern, a rustic deck might not be the right choice. If it’s more cottage style, then elaborate paver stones probably won’t blend well with the existing look and feel of your space. If you’re unsure, talk to a qualified general contractor for design advice and assistance with your outdoor living space.
Once your deck is built, finish the space with the addition of furniture, lighting, a grill or cook top, a fire pit or other accessories to meet your lifestyle needs. After that, all that’s left to do is invite over some friends and enjoy your beautiful new outdoor living space.