Thursday, October 27, 2011

Patio Additions


Patio Additions
The beautiful fall weather has many home owners wishing for a space that allows them to enjoy the outdoors, have a meal, and engage in conversation with company.  A patio is an excellent option for homeowners who wish to make an exterior addition to their home at a reasonable price.  Adding a patio to your landscape allows for entertainment and relaxation with very low maintenance.  Whether you plan on hiring a professional to assist you in creating the perfect outdoor space or taking on the task yourself, Mr. Handyman has a few tips to consider during preparation.



Location
Begin the process with choosing a location.  Consider all of the space available.  Do you want the patio to be easily accessible or close to the house? Do you prefer an enclosed space directly adjacent to the house or would you rather have a quiet area in the corner of the yard? Would you like the area to be sunny or shaded most of the time? Remember, patios that never receive sunlight will usually stay damp for quite some time after it rains.  If you live in a particularly damp environment the excessive moisture may lead to algae development. What are your other plans for landscaping your outdoor space?  How does the patio fit in with these plans?
Once you have determined the perfect location, plot the shape and size of the patio.  It may be helpful to use sticks or other makeshift markers to outline the space and visualize the actual size.  When you have decided on a size, take measurements and write them down.  They will  come in handy when you are purchasing your materials.


Materials
There are many options when it comes to choosing the materials for your patio.  Manufacturers offer a wide range of durable products in various colors and textures.  The abundance of options will allow you to choose materials that are cohesive with the current design of your backyard.  Whether you want the patio to pop or blend in, the pavers and stones available will allow you to accomplish your design goals.  Keep in mind that some products may be more difficult or expensive to install.  Also remember that you will need gravel, sand, concrete, or mortar to install the materials – these costs should be included in your reasoning when you make a final decision.

While concrete is a bit more durable than brick pavers, the pavers are perhaps the easiest to install and still offer many color, shape, and texture options.  If you live in a cold climate, consider using brick pavers instead of regular bricks.  The holes in real bricks absorb moisture when laid in the ground.  The accumulated moisture can enter a cycle of freezing and thawing, which may crack the brick.  Concrete pavers are incredibly durable and can take more pressure than brick pavers.  In fact, concrete pavers are so strong that they are used for road and even runways.  For the purposes of a backyard patio, the brick pavers will be more than sufficient.

After choosing the location and selecting the materials, it’s time for installation!  If you are unfamiliar with outdoor landscaping, it will be beneficial to hire a professional to complete the patio installation.  The task will be fairly quick and inexpensive, and the use of a professional ensures that the final product comes out the way you want it to!  Mr. Handyman can help you choose a location, select materials, and install a patio in your own backyard!  Beautify any outdoor space with this cost-efficient and quick solution.  Mr. Handyman of Gilbert promises that the job will be on time and done right, every time!  Give us a call today!

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