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.

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!

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? 

As a landscaper designer, I’ve seen it all; from backyard wastelands to jungles that got away. When did backyards become so intimidating? Most homeowners are afraid to make changes so their backyard stays the same, year-after-year. 

Here are my 5 favourite excuses that people use when stuck in a gardening ‘rut’.

1. “If I replace my lawn with gardens, I will have to spend more time in the backyard working”. FALSE! The truth is, grass requires more maintenance than any other outdoor feature (except kids of course!) A well-planned garden will use less water and require less weekly attention then the average lawn. The key is to have a garden that works in your location. Doing a little research will provide years of reward. Get your camera and take some pictures of what grows well in your neighbour’s yard. Take those to your favourite garden centre for a little insider information.

2. “I have a large tree and nothing grows under it”. This really isn’t a challenge but an opportunity. Under a tree is the first-place people want to sit in the hot summer months. Make this garden inviting using the following simple tips. Work with the roots of the tree instead of trying to compete with them. Plan the garden in the area between the roots and think of them as your framework for designing the space. Using shade loving plants sometimes isn’t enough as they have to compete with the tree for water and nourishment. Plant your shrubs and perennials inside a larger pot in the ground which allows them a chance to get established.

3. “It’s going to be expensive to make big changes”. It’s true, landscaping is never cheap if done properly but there are a few things to consider. A well-designed outdoor space holds its value when it comes to resale. Also, no one ever said that you had to do it all at once. Have a plan and work towards the yard of your dreams as the funds become available. 

4. “I don’t have time to look after my outdoor space”.  Having the right tool for the job makes it so much easier. With new technology, gardening has never been so simple. Light weight, battery operated, environmentally conscious garden tools make all the difference. Gardening is supposed to be a pleasure, not a chore.

5. “My children need a place to play”. Perfect…kids love to garden. Plan a space with your children that they can participate in. Let them help pick plants and design their own section of the yard. Remember, this is a garden for them to play in and some things aren’t going to make it but that’s okay. A garden is a great spot to spend the afternoon for the whole family.
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The truth is, if you want to make a change in the way you use your outdoors, then go for it. What’s really stopping you?