Outdoor patios in Canada used to be a seasonal refuge where outdoor cooking and relaxation were the two main activities. Unlike decks, patios are at ground level and usually made from concrete, stone or concrete stonepavers. They work beside gas covers to help produce this refuge. In addition, patios can be a natural border for swimming pools and ponds and the larger ones can be spotted with shrubs and other landscape features like fountains. They can take up the whole backyard or be as small as a four-foot square. Whatever the size they spell relaxation.
Lawns Are Getting Smaller
Larger homes with less outdoor space has been the trend. Green lawns are being replaced by pools, stones, landscaped areas, decks and patios. New laws have been put in place to conserve water and this puts lawns on the bottom of the scale of importance. As well, many areas have also passed laws prohibiting pesticides and chemical fertilizers. The result of these laws is that lawn is steadily shrinking as a backyard staple giving way to other features such as larger decks and patios. In some cases the whole backyard is a patio containing shrubs and small trees.
Outdoor Patios Begin With Planning
Just like almost every part of the Canadian home building a patio requires planning.
1. Patio Function
Many people build a patio for extended, outdoor living space but there are those who design a patio just to look at. In other words a patio can be used to play basketball or simply to meditate. So one of the first questions to ask is: “What is the main function of the patio?” This will decide some important items that have to be considered before building the patio: budget, materials and location. So before picking out any designs decide what is the best-use for the patio.
2. Patio Placement
A patio should provide:
*Comfort*Great aesthetics*optimum function.
To attain the perfect patio consider these points:
Location of the Patio: Most Canadian patios are located in the backyard, mostly for privacy concerns and to keep the home between the occupants and the street noise. The backyard also provides easy access from the home through the back door. This is especially important when bringing food and beverages from the home to the patio as the kitchen is usually at the back of the home.
The Sun: Few Canadians can say that they get too much sun. So, for extended use before and after the summer season, the patio should be located in an area where the sun can be felt on cool days, However, for those areas where the sun can really get hot it is advantageous to have a few shade trees and large shrubs for relief from the heat. Multi-Levels: For homes built on the side of a hill building the patio in two or three levels could be the answer. Each level could be designated for a different use: fire pit, dining area; outdoor kitchen; and spa tub area. Each level could be designed and made level using retaining wall blocks.
Patio Materials
Natural stone, concrete, concrete pavers and stamped concrete are the most common patio materials. Whenever choosing patio materials look at how well they go with the appearance of the present landscape and home exterior. Also look at details like drainage and frost.
1. Stone: One of the most common stones for landscaping is slate although any flat paving stones can be found in Canadian patios. The great thing about Canadian stone is that there are many types and colours from which to choose. However, although each stone genre comes in many shapes and sizes making them more difficult to sort and install. The crushed-rock base of the patio must be altered to fit the various shapes because many of them have an irregular backing. In addition, fitting the ishapes together can be like putting a jig-saw puzzle together and twice as tedious. However, once installed natural stone is extremely durable and these patios can be found that are centuries old. Another bonus for choosing both natural stone and concrete pavers over concrete is that the pieces can be easily replaced if cracked or broeken..
2. Concrete Pavers: Pressure-formed concrete pavers are extremely durable and are available in a variety of colors, finishes and shapes. They are reasonably priced and can make almost any type of patio design.
3. Stamped Concrete: A poured concrete product, stamped concrete is dyed and then a mold is pressed into the concrete surface. Although it can be customized to almost any color, in areas where there is a freeze-thaw cycle cracking can be a problem.
4. Placement and immovable objects: There are certain obstacles that can’t be moved like your gas meter. However, they can be covered up. A gas cover that protects against the Canadian elements to wrap your gas meter is a way to resolve this issue. Contact http://www.gascov.com for more information about it.
Posts Tagged ‘BBQ’
Landscaping with Outdoor Patios
Tuesday, March 1st, 2011Making Outdoor Home Renovations Simple
Thursday, February 24th, 2011The outside environment of your home should reflect the style and taste of the interior, a reflection of yourself. However, it is the first thing that visitors and neighbors notice about your home. Therefore, it should also be as neat, stylish, and organized as the space you have created inside. Any yard, no matter how big or small, can be made into an impressive outdoor space. All you need is an idea, some creativity and ingenuity, and a budget to pace yourself with.
First, you must decide what your budget will be. If you are unable to spend a lot of money, there are many ways to make the area special and beautiful for a small price. Decide what is best for you and then plan and design. Next, you must decide how you wish to decorate the area. The front and back yards should reflect your hobbies, tastes, and style. Do you want to sit outside in an oasis? Do you want to plant veggies and flowers? Think of where you would like to have the places in your yard, taking care of where the sun hits the yard and any obstacles that may surround the yard. Do you want to become more GREEN than think of where you want to add your compost space. You must also make sure that they coincide with the exterior of your home. Your best bet is to choose bushes and trees that do not shed large amounts of leaves and blossoms; it will be easier for you to keep your space clean. Think of the outside fixtures, like your gas meter. How exposed is it? An ideal solution to hide your unsightly gas meter is to use a gas cover from GasCov. Which protects against the elements and provides you with a smooth, clean look that will reflect your home. For more information click on http://www.gascov.com.
The space that will need the most seating and entertaining areas will be the back, especially if you live in an area with a milder climate or wish to spend the majority of the spring and summer months outside. One way to create a cozy set up is by placing furniture that is designed to be outside, like couches, ottomans, and chairs, on your patio or around the common area. You may want to install fans or heaters, depending on the climate where you live and the time of year you plan to be using the space.
Where do you want your cooking area to be? You can design an entire set up surrounded by a barbeque or oven. You will also need a region for your visitors to dine, whether it is one or multiple tables with chairs. Make sure that your cooking station has space for cutting, preparing, and serving. Take into account the type of activities you, your family, and your friends prefer to participate in. If you would rather have a porch to chat, snack, and enjoy the outdoors, then you should base your design around that fact. However, if you have children or love sports, you could set up a volleyball net, basketball court, swimming pool, or croquet course. It will give you the opportunity to play and be active without having to leave home.
There are quite a few renovations and decorations you can do or make yourself. Try to find inspiration for ideas in magazines or on television programs that are dedicated to house improvement.
Is Your Backyard Your Escape?
Friday, January 7th, 2011Is Your Backyard Your Escape?
Many of us who have a backyard use it as an escape from the outside world. Somewhat as a refuge place of their own. There may be garden area to it, that you enjoy working in. Or have it landscaped where there is a patio area, your relaxation zone for instance, for you to sit and read or lounge to chill out from the all the outside forces. Some may have a dining area to entertain with, with its own BBQ area and an outside bar.-now we are talking! 
Or how about a hot tub or pool?
For whatever you use it for, we want to see pics of your backyard escape. Just add it to the comment field. We will use the best ones and add it to our Twitter and Facebook feeds.
Here is one of our GasCov teams backyard:
Designed and made in Canada, GasCov has quickly become part of many Canadian homes and is part of the Ontario Home Builders Association. GasCov products is in accordance with all TSSA. To learn more about GasCov, please drop us a line at http://www.gascov.com/order_now.php
