It was about 10 years ago that real estate agents and experts starting warning homeowners about the risks of having swimming pools in the backyard and how they can lower the value of the property. Thankfully for all of us who like to take a dip in the comforts of home, this stat no longer holds water (pun intended). We now know that while some buyers prefer to not have a pool in the backyard, there is a completely separate market of ones who do.

When buying their county home, Stew and Rebecca overlooked the weeds and neglected backyard when purchasing their home because they saw the potential of the saltwater swimming pool that was already installed. They just needed to take a really BIG step towards creating the space of their dreams. In this case, this backyard just needed a really big deck to cover over absolutely everything. With all of the different elevations and slopes around the pool, there really wasn’t any useable space. Adding a massive wood deck is the easiest, and most affordable to get them enough room for lots of neighbours all summer long. 

Although adding a deck was an easy solution to many of the problems in the backyard, there were a few design elements that had to be incorporated.

First was the choice of wood. I was pretty adamant that MicroPro’s Sienna was used for a couple of reasons. Sienna wood has been endorsed by several registered environmental agencies to be safe for use in areas that include water and children’s playgrounds. I also felt that it was important for homeowners to have a pre-stained wood so that it’s easy to maintain with an application of a water repellent.

I also wanted the linear lines in the space to help make the yard feel even bigger. Too often with backyards that have pools, the pool visually dominates the area. In this situation, I wanted the deck to be prominent enough so that it wasn’t dwarfed in the yard.

Even though we went with a wood deck, it was important to have a stone coping around the edge of the pool. This bullnose coping from Rinox is perfect for getting in and out of the pool with ease and it visually creates the perfect transition between the wood and the water. 

Even if you don’t have a pool in your backyard, use some of these design principles to help make your space look bigger and last longer as well. Just replace the pool with gardens or even a lawn and the stone coping with the rounded bullnose is prefect as a transition between a deck and a garden bed.

One of the most popular additions to the backyard is the outdoor fire pit with seating around it. Having an area for entertaining that is separate to the patio table has been featured in magazines, websites and all types of social media. Even the designs that I’ve been doing for homes in downtown areas seem to always include high-end wood or gas burning fixtures.

Before you go any further in exploring if an outdoor fireplace is right for you, check your municipal bylaws. Some areas ban outdoor burning altogether. Others allow outdoor fireplaces, but regulate the smoke to ensure that your neighbours are not disturbed. Some municipalities require that grills be in place so that these fire pits fall under barbeque laws. Just because a store in your area sells you a fireplace doesn’t mean that you can actually use it.

If however you’re like me and love the smell of burning wood, the sound of crackling logs and can spend hours watching flames and coals, then there is nothing like an outdoor wood-burning fireplace. That said, burning wood always comes with lots of risks and rewards. Live fires are unpredictable and as a result, can be dangerous if not handled properly.

When it comes to fire safety, make sure that you allow for at least 6ft. of space between the edge of the fireplace and the chairs. Sparks can easily fly from natural burning fires. If you don’t have sufficient clearance, choosing a natural gas or propane option would be a safer solution. If you do go with wood burning, then make sure you have either a source of water or a fire extinguisher nearby. 

Also consider where the best spot is for you fire pit and what surface it is going on. The best surface solution is always stone. Whether its manmade pavers, natural flagstone or even gravel, stone is perfect for dispersing heat or flying sparks. I have created fireplaces on wood decks but I always make sure that the area under and around the fire pit is either gravel or concrete. When it comes to locations, wood-burning fire pits need to be away from the house. Smoke always seems to get into open windows or patio doors. You’ll want to choose a spot that is away from large trees or anything that is burnable.

Having an outdoor fireplace can be an amazing way to spend a summer night or even host an après ski party. Just make sure you do your research first.

A few years ago, my inquisitive nephew wanted to help out with the fall to-do-list. We spent an afternoon doing some yard work and  I showed him all of my fun yard tools and how they worked. As I taught him about the jobs that needed to be done, he constantly asked “but why?” to each of my demos. I realized afterwards that most homeowners may know what they should do when it comes to fall cleanup, but few know the real logic behind it. 

Today I’m answering a few of the “but why’s” so that you will know why we do what we do when it comes to our fall outdoor yard work.

1. String trimmers (weed whackers) have always been the handy tool that lets you cut the grass in spots that you can’t easily get to with the mower. Around trees, on steep slopes or near the raised concrete paths, the string trimmer has become a staple in the garage mostly for its ease of use in problem areas. We cut this grass in the fall to ensure that insects and diseases like Rust or Mildew don't overwinter at the base of the trunk. I've seen many homeowners do a lot of damage to the bark of young trees by trying to get too close with their mowers or by hitting the trees with the high-speed twine in their trimmers. This outer layer of bark carries nutrients back and forth between root and leaf.  Using a string trimmer with a proper shield guard trimmer/edger combo, which will prevent damage to the tree and be safer for the user. 

2. Mower height is a big debate with a lot of lawn care maintenance companies. Some argue that shorter is better for the look of the yard while others feel that longer promotes a healthier lawn. For most of us, the best height is somewhere between 2 ½ and 3 inches. Setting your mower to 3inches in the hot summer months helps the grass from drying out, but do you know what height the last cut of the season should be? By going lower than normal, between 2 and 2 ½ inches, you can take advantage of the cold weather at night to kill off crabgrass, which is a tender annual. Also consider putting the bag back on the mower to capture the seeds from these self-seeding weeds

3. Getting the leaves off the grass is an annual right of every lawn owner. Having leaves on the grass once the snow has fallen will smother the lawn below. Not to mention that the wet leaves in the spring look terrible and are twice as hard to remove. Another less commonly known reason for removing the leaves is leaf mould. While great for decomposing matter in the composter, leaf mould is terrible for allergy sufferers. The mould spores cause an allergic reaction similar to pollen in the wet spring, causing many people to incorrectly blame the trees and flowers for their stuffed up noses.

If you’re already doing these chores, don’t stop. When a small child asks ‘But why’; you now have a little more information and won’t have to resort to the default answer of “Because it's what we've always done”.

As an allergy sufferer, I understand how hard it is to maintain a beautiful outdoor space when every time you go outside, you body lets you down. Allergies are the body’s natural defense to things it doesn’t like, in this case ‘allergens’. For me, that includes pollens and molds. When I come into contact with one of these allergens by inhaling or against my skin, my body produces histamines, a defense mechanism that works to stop the access of whatever it is reacting to. If you are an allergy sufferer and a gardener like me, here are a few tips to help make your summer a little more enjoyable.

There are definitely some plants, trees and types of lawn that you should avoid. Daisies, sunflowers and mums are at the top of most peoples allergen lists because they are closely related to ragweed. I learned this when I invested in some huge potted mums and placed them at the front door in my planters. I had horrible watery eyes for weeks and couldn’t figure out what was setting them of. If you love these blooms, keep them to the back of the yard and away from the front door so that the pollen isn’t getting into the house. Instead, plant roses or hydrangeas. Both of these flowering options have low pollen counts. When it comes to trees, avoid the birches, poplars, willows and even cedars! All of these options are high offenders as are any trees that are male. Male trees (non-fruit-producing) like holly; pump out large amounts of pollen as they are trying to fertilize the females of their species. Even your lawn can produce allergies, especially rye and fescue blends. 

There are also some ideal times of day to be outside to avoid having an allergic reaction to your plants. Gardening in the morning while it is cool outside without any wind is the best time for low pollen counts. As the day warms up, or a breeze starts, the plants start to release pollen into the air and into your lungs. Unfortunately, the best time to be in the garden also happens to be the exact same conditions that mosquitos love. In fact, mosquitos are the perfect indicator of low pollen counts. Unfortunately, I haven’t decided if they are a lesser evil than my stuffy nose and watery eyes.

Always make sure to remove the pollen before you go indoors. Pollen sticks to hair, clothes, and even skin. Wearing a removable light jacket, clothes and a hat will allow you to leave the pollen at the door when you come in. Alternatively, have a shower after gardening to ensure that the pollen isn’t being spread to the carpet of the fabric furniture. Pet owners should also know that pollen will attach to your pets coat so even if you don’t have an allergy to cats or dogs, you might have a reaction to the allergens that they are bringing in from the garden.

The best line of defense for allergy sufferers, start taking an anti-histamine BEFORE you go out to do your garden chores. The bodies' reaction to allergens is to produce histamines, so by taking allergy pills which prevent their production, you can alleviate some of the symptoms before they even happen.

Recently I took on the weekend project of transforming the small patio on the back of my in-law suite for my mom.  We decided that while a patio might be okay in some ways, having a large deck with a pergola all made from a low maintenance material like the new brown treated wood called Micro Pro Sienna, was a significant improvement. As I was building the space, it occurred to me that most people struggle with this decision for their own homes. Here are the questions you need to ask yourself when planning your outdoor renovation.

1. What is the purpose of this space? Do you really need the space for a reason? Knowing the purpose will help you design and understand the square footage that you require. In my case, my mother-in-law wanted a patio table, an area for conversation separate to the table for when she has guests, a spot for a comfortable lounger and maybe a spot to read. Each of these requests requires a footprint (occupied space). For example, a 4-person table needs a 10x10 area so that all of the guests can sit comfortably and still have some room around the back of their chairs. For the wish list I was working with, I needed a deck that was at least 24’x24’ or 476 square ft.

2. What obstructions are you working around? Too often homeowners want a deck without realizing that their doors are ground level, or that they have windows to the basement that would get blocked by a wooden structure. A deck such as the one I built requires a sub-structure which is at least 8-12” high…and that is before you install the floorboards on it. I think some people believe decking can be installed like a floating floor in the kitchen. To get a deck to be flush to the ground (and it can be done), the entire substructure has to be dug out which can be extremely labour intensive.

3. Plan for stairs and railings. Too many diy’ers build home decks without proper access. What might start as a low deck can quickly get taller in areas where the ground is not level. While building codes differ by region, usually any deck above the height of 24” requires a railing. This 24” measurement is from the longest point between the ground and the top of the deck surface. Also consider that the optimal height for a stair riser is 7”s. When you are measuring the distance from the ground to the top of the completed deck, try and plan for a number that is divisible by 7 so that you will have stairs of equal height. In my case, I was able to keep the deck low, with only a single stone riser and no railing required.

Some of these questions may seem obvious if you know what you are doing. If not, then make sure you really take your time planning the space before you run out and buy the lumber. I’ve had to come in and finish too many half completed jobs!

As we go through a period of financial uncertainty, homeowners are focused on making sacrifices in order to put little extra aside. The backyard is a perfect opportunity to save a little money. The kitchen garden has become fashionable again. People are adding gardens, raised planters and containers filled with attractive herbs and vegetables to their outdoor spaces!

If you are new to growing your own food, there are definitely a few pitfalls that you should avoid. 

Companion planting is a lot like creating a seating chart in a wedding. There are some plants that don’t work well with others. 

1. Beans are the ‘problem child’ in the garden! It seems that beans don’t play nice in the veggie patch. Beware of having beans with any of the onion family: no leeks, no chives, and no garlic near the beans! Beans and peppers are also not a great mix. 
2. Tomatoes are definitely considered the jewel in any vegetable plot but they have lots of specific needs! There are several plants that inhibit the growth of tomatoes including all of the Brassicas family (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussel sprouts). Corn, fennel and potatoes are also all bad ideas near your tomatoes. Instead, plant your tomatoes with all of the plants that your beans didn’t like. Onions, chives, even basil make tomatoes shine.
3. Plant lots of sage and thyme. These two herbs are the popular ones, getting along with almost every other veggie. Just be careful how you plant them as both of these perennials can take over.

Don’t restrict your vegetables to plant beds. We’ve been growing tomatoes in containers for years, but how about lettuce in a pot? Salads always taste best when they are fresh and you’ll have no excuse with a beautiful urn filled with gorgeous frilled and colourful leaves. Also great in containers are zucchinis, bush beans, even pumpkins! Just make sure to choose containers with good drainage that will support healthy root growth. I usually go with a recycled plastic option instead of the traditional terracotta. Terracotta is really good at absorbing water…so good that it often dries out plants faster than other options.

Having the garden at an easy-to- reach height makes it easier for some homeowners to get into home agriculture but be careful when creating those raised planters. It is really important to choose the right type of wood to grow food in. Avoid those tar covered railroad ties and other types of wood that use harmful toxins. These chemicals are able to leach into the soil and in some cases directly into your produce. Instead, opt for clean cedar or the new type pressure-treated wood called MicroPro Sienna (MPS). By using new technology, MPS has been awarded several accreditations and has been shown to be safe, even in areas of open water. 

Water your garden from under the plants. Vegetables and herbs are very susceptible to different types of fungal infections, brought on by water on the leaves. Drip hoses are perfect for most vegetables because they keep the leaves dry. 

If you are new to the vegetable garden scene, trust me, do your research! Growing veggies in small spaces and maximizing the amount of produce has become a science. Don’t assume that how your mother grew potatoes is the best way anymore. I can promise that growing vegetables is going to be a lot of work, but that first salad from your efforts is going to make it all worthwhile

For the last 10 years, the term ‘Outdoor Room’ has been used by realtors and homeowners to refer to any type of seating outside. The truth is, you can’t assume that if you have a deck or a patio, you have an outdoor room. Even better, installing an outdoor room at the end of the season can save you thousands of dollars, as more construction companies are available to bid on your job in the fall then they are in the busy spring. Just make sure you add a heat source so that you can use your amazing space for as long as possible. 

Here are the key items that you need to create the perfect outdoor room:

1. Flooring. Just like any indoor room, your outdoor space needs a good floor. Decks and patios have traditionally been the best choice because they hold their value the longest with minimal effort. When choosing the best floor for your outdoor space, budget is always important. My favourite way to spend less and get the biggest return is to use one of the new types of pre-stained pressure treated wood that looks like cedar but costs significantly less and allows you to create the impression of an outdoor hardwood floor with less maintenance. An alternate to traditional wood, composite decking has grown in popularity even though it costs more. If you already have a patio or a deck, consider adding an outdoor area rug. A well-placed rug can define a space, introduce a colour scheme or even create a focal point.

2. Walls. Outdoor walls are not just for hanging pots. The walls around your outdoor room are also very important to create privacy. Whenever I mention outdoor walls, people always assume that I’m referring to the fences around the property line. To me, the fence defines a boundary, whereas the walls around an outdoor room create intimacy and keep your guests from feeling like they are on display. The key to a successful privacy screen is to keep it close to where you actually need privacy. 

3. Roof. Not just for blocking the sun, an outdoor roof defines the room. My favourite option will always be the pergola. Great for growing vines, creating ambience, even for hanging outdoor lights, the pergola makes any outdoor space feel welcoming and intimate. Some may think a pergola is purely decorative, but to me, when I walk into an outdoor room with a roof, it just feels right. It’s that intangible connection that you want a potential buyer to unconsciously notice.

Every renovation we make to our homes not only has to meet our needs as homeowners, it should also increase the home’s value. This idea of return-on-investment (ROI) has arguably become the most important factor influencing how we spend our renovation budgets. An outdoor room is a fantastic way to increase home value, but also gives your family more living space. Who could ask for more? 

The popularity of the patio makes a lot of sense. Canadians want low-maintenance and there are few things that require less effort than stone. A properly installed patio with a good base and jointing sand can easily last 25 years. That’s one important reason to make sure you pick a stone that you will love the entire time you have the space. It also justifies the costs. Patios rank as one of the highest expenses for outdoor renovations but if you average the cost over the lifespan and the increased home-value of up to 12% (Century21, Canada); patios are a smart investment.

The evolution of the patio stone has come a long way from the two-foot by two-foot concrete slabs that I keep replacing in older backyards. With more colours, shapes and sizes available, choosing a patio is just like choosing flooring for a living room or a kitchen. When it comes to size or patterns, there really is no single answer. I always tell homeowners to go and see products in an actual installation instead of just from a pamphlet before they commit. I personally choose stones that are in the grey or tan tones as they create a neutral backdrop for some dynamic furniture or art pieces. The biggest trends for 2020 are man-made stones designed to look natural. Wood grained patio stones in natural browns and greys has me the most excited of all the outdoor options. (Rinox.ca)

Patios are built on the ground. This is very important for two reasons. The first, involves basement windows. Most decks need support structures built underneath them, often blocking the light and the view for basement spaces. A patio can be built much lower, allowing for more light and less obstruction. The second important reason has to do with privacy. Most urban homeowners struggle with privacy in the backyard from their neighbours. Traditionally, decks are elevated, making a privacy situation even worse. With a patio being lower in the yard, you naturally feel less on display.

Patios are also getting bigger. Every year, I have more customers asking for less grass and bigger patios as part of their landscape designs. Larger patios may be more expensive, but when it comes to low-maintenance useable space, nothing compares. 

Canadians want big and comfortable chairs and tables, sectionals, sofas, even coffee tables in their back yards. Whether you choose stone or wood for your own home, never under-estimate how much space you’ll actually need. Always go bigger than you think.

 I promise, you’ll be able to fill your outdoor space with something special.