Who doesn’t love the great outdoors? Whether you’re a boater, patio coffee drinker, or a bird watcher, you can design your outdoor living space to fit your preferences. We find a lot of clients really like to create their outdoor space and they express that in multiple ways.

Patio/Covered patio – Patios are easy maintenance and are a more affordable option for outdoor living. Instead of doing regular concrete, you can add a stain, opt for an aggregate concrete, or pick out pavers. All options vary in price but can add a new feel to your space. Maybe you enjoy your patio, but you prefer to be out of the sun. A great option is to add a roof over the patio and enjoy the shade. This can be over the entire patio or just part of it. This also helps with furniture options because you don’t have to be so concerned with the rain!

Decks – Treated or composite deck? A certain look, a certain price point, and a certain maintenance for each. Treated lumber is a great option if you like the natural look and don’t mind more maintenance with staining. This is also the more cost-efficient option if you’d like a deck space, but upgrading to the composite deck is not quite worth it to you. Composite decking offers many color options that you can select to match the exterior of your home. It definitely goes up in price compared to the treated lumber, but the maintenance is minimal, and it’s a splinter free surface!

Screened porches – Screened in areas are the best when it comes to bug protection! You have a roof over your head, and you don’t have to worry about bugs attacking you as you eat your meal. Screen in your patio, deck, or underneath your deck. Similar to the covered deck, opt for the whole space or just part of the space to be screened in.

Outdoor fireplace – What is the great outdoors without a fire? Sometimes, making a fire is a nuisance and of course, you have to have wood readily available. Instead of that hassle, why not have an outdoor fireplace? This can be a gas fireplace specific to the outside space, or it can be a two way, where you get the benefits inside and outside your home.

Fire pits – You may have your heart set on an actual fire pit, and that’s a great option. If you are the entertainment home, having a built-in fire pit with stone surround and seating is a great idea. You’ll always be ready for s’mores the next time you have company!

Porches – Front porches, back porches, wrap around porches – these are all wonderful features! Depending on the views your home has, you may decide to place this on one side or the other of your home. These are great for a swing or a little table and chairs. Read a book, sip your afternoon tea, or place a game of dominoes with your loved ones. Porches come in many shapes and sizes.

As you can see, there are so many options for enhancing your outdoor living space. Whatever is the best option for you is great! Make sure you take into thought the lay of your land and how you live your life. Is a patio or a deck a better fit? Covered or open? You pick!