Since the climate in this part of Texas is pleasant; people fortunate enough to live in a property spacious enough to have outside yards, like to spend time out in the open (both for their own enjoyment and when entertaining family or guests). The design and layout of these outdoor living spaces will be given almost as much thought as was given to the home’s interior – even to the extent of hiring an exterior design consultant. If you really have no interest in spending leisure time out of doors while still at home, then you might just as well move into an apartment block.
How Best To Utilize Your Space?
Swimming pools and hot tubs come readily to mind and these are fine if you have both sufficient aquatic inspiration and the space (and budget) to bring it to fruition. Barbequing and picnics at home also feature on many a wish list. Putting greens and tennis courts along with the likes of horseback riding enclosures are more the style of the rich and famous.
However, possibly the main attraction in having outdoor living space is over looked with any of the above. Somewhere to hang out alone or in company should be of prime concern and other features should be blended into that; just as the whole should blend in with the natural features of the property and its surroundings.
Do you want your space to be completely open to the elements – such as a sundeck – or shaded and cool –a gazebo for example? Whatever your choice, it will have to have a flat and stable surface since you are going to fit it out with outdoor furniture to, at least, the extent of some chairs and a table. While this can be accomplished on a lawn; most people will prefer the easier maintenance provided by a patio or decking. This has the added advantage that it can still be effective even if the yard is not particularly large. Obviously if other “comforts” like a barbeque or hot tub are to be included the space will need to be larger.
Getting It Done
If you have opted for a patio or decked area your first decision is whether to make and install it yourself or to hire a contractor. For example, people like Shaw Company Remodeling have a wealth of experience in providing patios and decks for San Antonio homeowners to enjoy.
