Outdoor Living Spaces: Patios, Decks & the World Outside Your Door
By Lisa Hallett Taylor, About.com Guide to Pool & Patio
The boundaries of our homes have extended up and out, as in outside. As our homes become smaller, we've seen living spaces pushed outdoors, often to the point where inside and out blend seamlessly. Outdoor spaces are where we gather with family and friends, barbecue, eat, play, exercise, work on projects, garden, read, and retreat.
What's in an outdoor living space? Patios, decks, porches, balconies, gazebos, walls, fences, kitchens, firepits, swimming pools, spas, children's play areas, playhouses and treehouses. And then you need to furnish, landscape and decorate your outdoor space. Get busy-- there's lots to do.
Patios
Step outside into the world of patios. They can be attached to your house or detached. Paving materials range from standard brick or concrete to flagstone or pea gravel. Patios can be built in any shape or size, and can be a do-it-yourself project or built by a contractor and crew.
- Patio Planning, Design & Construction
- 10 Considerations Before Choosing Patio Paving Materials
- Patio Glossary: A-L
- Patio Glossary: M-Z
- Paving Materials Photo Gallery & Project Ideas
Decks, Porches, Balconies & Other Outdoor Spaces
What makes a deck a deck and not a patio? What's the difference between a porch and a portico, or a porch and a balcony? What's a verandah, piazza or courtyard?
- How to Dig Post Holes & Install Posts
- 10 Things to Consider When Hiring a Contractor
- DIY Deck Repair, Maintenance & Additions
- Water-Wise Pathway Materials & Ideas
Landscaping Your Outdoor World
You've got a patio, deck, inground spa, interlocking pavers and an arbor. What's missing? You can't live outdoors without plant life, whether it's poolside plantings, a patio garden, containers on your deck or a Pennisetum setaceum on your front porch. Learn how landscaping works into the whole outdoors scheme, and vice versa.
- Poolside Landscaping Do's & Don'ts
- Best Plants for Your Pool or Spa Area
- Plants That Add Sweet Scents to Your Outdoor Hubs
- How to Groom Ornamental Grasses
Children's Outdoor Play Areas
Children need a designated area outside to hang out with friends and play, exercise, maybe grow a vegetable garden, and spend some quiet time by themselves. The space doesn't have to be large, but it does need to be safe and a place where imaginations can grow. Include your child in planning the ideal outdoor play space.
Outdoor Furnishings & Accessories
Besides their obvious practical functions -- like somewhere to sit on the patio -- outdoor furniture, decor and accessories help establish and continue a design theme in the landscape. Learn decorating techniques, tips and trends.
- Outdoor Seating: Chairs, Benches & Chaise Lounges Under $250
- The Top Patio Dining Sets Under $1,000
- Shopping at Flea Markets for Vintage Patio Furnishings
- Reuse, Recycle & Repurpose in Your Drought-Tolerant Landscape
- The Top Patio Side Tables Under $150
The Outdoor Lifestyle
You swim in the pool, relax in the hot tub, entertain friends by cooking on your outdoor grill and dining on the patio. Children spend hours in their special outdoor play areas. Holidays and milestones are celebrated outdoors, and you decorate accordingly. Everything seems just a little more special when it's experienced outdoors.
