{"id":13536,"date":"2023-04-11T19:16:55","date_gmt":"2023-04-11T19:16:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wolfhomeproducts.com\/?p=13536"},"modified":"2026-03-24T14:26:31","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T18:26:31","slug":"your-ultimate-deck-and-patio-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wolfhomeproducts.com\/blog\/your-ultimate-deck-and-patio-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"YOUR ULTIMATE DECK AND PATIO GUIDE"},"content":{"rendered":"\t
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Looking for ways to upgrade your home? There are plenty of enhancements to choose from. You might refinish the basement or attic, or perhaps build an addition to or add another bedroom. Maybe you\u2019ll revamp that garage into your dream workshop.<\/p>

One of the most exciting ways to upgrade your home is by creating an outdoor living area. Adding a deck or patio allows you to experience the outdoors while still maintaining the comforts of home. Even if you think you\u2019re the type of person uninterested in a deck or patio, think again! These spaces can be designed in all shapes, sizes and varieties. One size definitely does not fit all, and there\u2019s sure to be the perfect deck or patio out there for you.<\/p>

Maybe you\u2019re interested in adding one of these spaces but don\u2019t know where to get started. If you\u2019ve never had one before, you\u2019re probably a little unsure how to appropriately plan for a deck or patio.<\/p>

To help you get started with your outdoor project, we\u2019ve put together the ultimate deck and patio planning guide \u2014 so you can become an expert on the patio and deck planning process.<\/p>

HOW TO PLAN THE PERFECT OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE: WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN DECK PLANNING AND PATIO PLANNING<\/strong><\/h4>

Before you begin diving into the real nuts and bolts of construction, let\u2019s review some of the primary deck and patio topics you need to consider. Once you have these categories nailed down, you can move forward with some of the smaller details.<\/p>

1. WHERE WILL YOUR NEW OUTDOOR AREA BE LOCATED?<\/strong>\"\"<\/a><\/h5>

One of the first things you need to determine is the location of your deck or patio. To do this, you want to take a close look at your property and yard to select the best possible location for your outdoor living space. Most people like the idea of keeping their deck or patio as close to their house as possible<\/a><\/u>. Many people even choose to create this space in such a way that it\u2019s actually attached to the house.<\/p>

However, making your deck or patio close to the house isn\u2019t the only option. If you have the space for it, you can also position your deck across the yard from your house, making this a kind of mini-retreat in your own backyard.<\/p>

You might even install a charming stone path, or a similarly elegant and creative pathway through your yard leading to your deck. If you plan on eating on your patio, it will be most convenient to keep this space close to the kitchen. Otherwise, you\u2019ll find that carrying food out across the lawn gets old quickly!<\/p>

Also, consider the impact that weather or water issues may have on your outdoor plans. Find a space that works for your plans \u2014 determining whether it\u2019s attached to your house or not is completely up to you.<\/p>

2. WHAT IS A GOOD BUDGET? \"\"<\/a><\/strong><\/h5>

Another important factor to consider early on is the price. This will help you as you consider size, materials and professional help. Realistically, we all have project budgets. Yours might be large, it might be small or it might be somewhere in between. The specific size of your budget will be unique to you, and its size doesn\u2019t matter as much as establishing and adhering to it does.<\/p>

It can be difficult to find an average price for a new outdoor living space because each project varies so much. One contractor might be more expensive than another. Some decking materials will be more cost-effective than others. Research shows the average cost<\/a><\/u> of a deck addition using composite materials is $17,668. The cost can vary depending on the size of the deck and which type of decking is used. If you\u2019re considering a patio, the mid-range cost is $54,130<\/a>.<\/u> Again, the size of the patio and materials used will affect the price.<\/p>

It\u2019s important to stress the absolute importance of creating a budget. If you do not set yourself a price limit \u2014 or even research general costs \u2014 it\u2019s all too easy to overspend before you realize it.<\/p>

Sit down with your spouse or anyone else who has a say in this decision-making process and figure out how much money you are willing to spend on a new deck or patio. What\u2019s the maximum you\u2019re willing to spend to create your ultimate deck or patio?<\/p>

Creating a budget like this may seem like a hassle, but it\u2019s a great way to help yourself stay on track as you plan.<\/p>

3. <\/strong>HOW MUCH SPACE DO YOU NEED?<\/strong><\/h5>

Size is important when it comes to designing your outdoor relaxation space. You want it to be large enough that everyone is comfortable and doesn\u2019t feel like they\u2019re on top one another, but you don\u2019t want it so large that you have to shout from one end to the other to hold a conversation.<\/p>

Wondering how you gauge the size of your new outdoor living area? An excellent place to start is with a headcount. How many people will use the space on a regular basis? While it\u2019s impossible to predict the exact number that will attend every gathering you ever host, it\u2019s certainly possible to arrive at a rough estimation.<\/p>

Rarely have guests over? Keep your space small and cozy. Do you frequently entertain extended family or large parties? As you can imagine, this means your space will need to be a bit larger.<\/p>

If you\u2019re having trouble estimating how a certain number of people translates into the specific square footage, try this trick: Cluster enough lawn chairs, picnic tables and other pieces of furniture around in a seating arrangement that would comfortably suit the number of people you have in mind. Take a good look at how much space this takes up. Jot down some measurements. This exercise should give you a rough idea of the amount of deck space you\u2019ll need.<\/p>

4. WHAT MATERIALS WILL YOU USE? \"\"<\/a><\/strong><\/h5>

Once you have a rough idea of where you\u2019re going to be building and how large your deck or patio is going to be, the next step is to think about materials.<\/p>

As with anything else, there are numerous choices on the types of materials you can use for your deck or patio. Flagstone, concrete, brick and slate are the most popular material choices for a patio<\/a>.<\/u> For decking, composite and PVC materials are becoming increasingly popular over traditional wood.<\/p>

Not sure how to go about choosing your material? Here are a few factors you should think about when making a patio or deck material selection:<\/p>