Exciting and Easy Home Patio Designs
Create an Outdoor Space Where You Can Enjoy That Perfect Fall Weather
Most sensible adults agree that fall is the best season. Especially for those of us in the Midwest, autumn may be short-lived but it’s wonderful. The summer heat gives way to those cool, relaxing fall evenings. Pesky mosquitoes are no longer an issue. And football returns to our weekends! Minus the chores of raking and cleaning up the yard, life after Labor Day is good. But at Home Solutions of Iowa, we think it can always be better. And one way to make the most of your fall is to create an outdoor space where you can enjoy that perfect fall weather. Here are a few ideas for maximizing your backyard space with some exciting and easy patio designs.
Large Pavers & Gravel
A very simple and cost-effective way to improve your outdoor living space is to design and install a patio using concrete pavers and gravel. Not only do the stone pavers have a good aesthetic appeal to your backyard, but it allows you to use that space in a variety of ways. Plus, it’s easy!!
- Step 1 – Remove the grass and depending on how thick your pavers are, dig so that your stones are flush with the surrounding lawn.
- Step 2 – Lay down some stone screening (powder made from crushed stone) and make sure it is level.
- Step 3 – Put down some weed barrier cloth so that you do not have the issue of weeds creeping up through your patio.
- Step 4 – Position the patio pavers where you want them. Make sure they are level and straight(ish).
- Step 5 – Fill in the gaps with pea gravel or river rock.
Gravel patio with fire pit
One motivating factor for creating a new and/or improved patio space should be so that you can have the occasional fire in your backyard. And who doesn’t want that? With a little time and effort, the backyard bonfire is a luxury that you can have for this coming fall. Make sure you find a location in your yard that is conducive to a fire and get to work! The easiest way to create the ideal spot for your bonfires is to clear the sod and add stone pavers. Once you have the pavers in place and have filled in the areas between the paver with gravel, get yourself a portable fire pit and some firewood! If you want to take the extra time to build your fire pit, there are many how-to videos to show you the way.
Pea Gravel patio
Do you have space in your yard where the grass just doesn’t seem to grow? Need a space for your grill and that picnic table that you have to move every time you mow the lawn? Well, do we have an idea for you? Pea Gravel Patio. And the best thing is it’s easy. No, wait, the best thing is, is that it’s cheap. Here is what you need:
- Weather-treated 2 x 6’s (measure your space before you head to Home Depot)
- Pea Gravel
- Weed barrier cloth
- Man-power
Build a floating deck
Building a deck can be an overwhelming task depending on your carpentry skills. For those who consider themselves less than a carpenter “master”, consider a floating deck. Building a floating deck is an easy and exciting fall project that will go a long way to improve the overall look and feel of your front or backyard. Whether you need a space to place a table and chairs or envision your deck as a relaxation oasis with a hammock and/or outdoor furniture, the floating deck gives you the flexibility of keeping things elevated off the ground. Curious about what it takes to make one? Check out this “how-to” tutorial via homedepot.com
DIY – Pallet Deck
Here is an easy and affordable way to build that deck you’ve always needed and wanted. All you really need is enough similarly-sized pallets to fill the space that you want. Maybe you have a “pallet guy” or can get enough from work, but pallets can often be found on craigslist. Once you have enough to cover the space, cut some plywood to fill in the gaps and to connect the pallets. Secure them together, add some stain, and poof! You have yourself a deck.
Patios and decks can be easy DIY projects that you can tackle yourself. However, to protect your hard work, you should consider a LeafGuard® Gutter system which is both maintenance-free and clog-free. Spend your fall days enjoying your hard work on the patio, instead of on the ladder cleaning the gutters! Contact us at Home Solutions of Iowa for a free estimate!
