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The benefits of green spaces are getting more and more attention these days. Cities all across the globe are looking for more ways to incorporate public green spaces in their design.

While they’re working on that, there’s nothing that says you can’t create your own personal green space oasis in your backyard. To make your space comfortable and usable, designing your patio is a great place to start.

However, when you’re on a budget, you don’t want to spend a fortune on it. You want to have enough money for the soothing plants and flowers you want to buy to decorate the area.

Check out the cheapest patio material here to find some great ideas for your green space!

1. Concrete

Concrete is a simple, inexpensive material for building your patio. The price ranges from $6-$13 per square foot. Poured concrete is easy to shape, thus making it possible to create different shapes and designs to make it more unique.

The material is strong and durable and, when installed correctly, will hold up well for years. Concrete is porous so you do have to be careful about water getting into it. If it freezes, it will expand and may cause cracks in the concrete.

A simple remedy is to paint a sealant over the concrete to prevent it from sucking up water in the first place. This will have to be redone every few years.

If you think that concrete has to be dull and unexciting, think again. Instead of plain concrete, you can opt for the stamped version. This opens up a variety of style options.

Stamped concrete comes in many colors and textures, including products made to look like natural stone or other materials. You can also create patterns, shapes, and designs to give your patio its own unique look.

It’s not super easy to install, so hiring a contractor is highly recommended. However, the price of concrete, even with labor, makes it one of the most inexpensive options.

2. Gravel

Gravel is one of the most inexpensive patio material options. You’ll pay approximately $6-$10 per square foot. It is also easy to install so you can save on the cost of labor if you want to do it yourself. All you have to do is wheelbarrow it in and spread it around. The hardest part is creating a border to give it some shape.

As a loose material, gravel can be plagued by weeds and sprigs of grass growing up through it. You can avoid this by putting down landscaping fabric before spreading the gravel.

Gravel types range from small round pebbles, often called pea gravel, to larger rough-edged stones. Pea gravel is softer for walking on but shifts considerably and it can be hard to keep patio furniture level and stable. Larger gravel holds it’s shape better but is not kind to bare feet.

3. Pavers

Nothing quite beats the elegance of a natural stone patio. It can be rustic or chic depending on how you style it. Plus, it’s durable and is easy to match to your house style.

The big downside is the cost. Natural stone is quarried and you have to pay to transport the heavy slabs to your home.

The pieces are not uniform in size which adds to it’s aesthetic but also means they are not the same thickness. To have an even floor the ground under each piece must be individually carved out to the exact thickness of the piece.

As you can imagine, this adds significantly to the time it takes to install, driving up the labor cost.

A simple solution is to buy pavers instead.

These manufactured paving stones come in a huge variety of colors, shapes, and textures. They can be made to look like natural stone, brick, or even cobblestones. They look so great that even some high-end homes are using them for their designer patios.

Their even size makes installation a breeze, thus lowering the cost. You can expect to pay between $13 and $20 a square foot for pavers.

Pavers are made with a variety of materials including concrete, clay, and even recycled plastic for those looking for a green patio material. Another plus is that if a section of your patio cracks or is damaged, you can simply replace the affected pavers and don’t have to redo the whole thing.

Choose the right material and style and pavers can be an extremely economical and stylish patio material.

4. Brick

A brick patio is a classic timeless look. When you want to add sophistication to your patio, this is a great way to do it. Installation is timeconsuming but, depending on the pattern, can be a great DIY project.

It’s not as cheap as some of the other options, you’ll pay about $14-$20 per square foot. However, brick lasts for years and you can easily purchase salvaged bricks to save on the cost of materials.

Though brick is durable it is porous. This means it can have the same water and freezing problem as concrete so you have to be aware of that. However, in an area that doesn’t get too cold, this is a fantastic option.

The Cheapest Patio Material for Your Space

Ultimately, the patio material you choose should be the one that works for you. The cheapest patio material out there won’t do you much good if it doesn’t fulfill your objectives.

Decide on your goals for your patio space. Look at your budget and figure out what you can afford to spend. Then schedule a consultation with us. We’re happy to help you decide on the right material for you and make your outdoor living dreams come true!

Of the many home improvement projects that Americans invest in every year, backyard and patio renovations account for 43%. Deciding to invest in your outdoor living space is an excellent way to spend your extra cash.

Spending time outdoors is good for both the mind and body. Studies show that being outside every day, even for 20 minutes, can decrease your heart rate, your blood pressure, and lower stress.

But not everyone has the time to go for a hike or visit a park on a daily basis. So why not ponder some outdoor patio ideas that will help you create an outdoor oasis in the comfort of your own property? Take steps to transform your backyard today for the sake of your happiness and mental health.

Here are 7 outdoor patio ideas that you’re sure to love!

1. Add a Kitchen

During those cool summer nights, nothing can be more rewarding than grilling for guests in your own backyard. Adding a kitchen to your patio is one of the best backyard makeover ideas.

At the very least, a good grill can make or break your summer outside. Just make sure you think about it before you do it. What do you like to cook? Will you be cooking more at night or during the day? If you think you’ll use your outdoor kitchen space more during the day, make sure you give it shade.

Do you want to make cocktails outside as well? Consider adding an outdoor ice-maker to your new paradise. Do you want to be able to sip on a refreshing glass of lemonade while you fire up the grill? Consider adding an outdoor fridge to the mix.

Once you’ve decided what elements of a kitchen you’d like for your backyard, then you can focus on materials and color scheme.

2. Add a Fire Pit

A fire pit is one aspect of a backyard that can be extravagant or done on a budget. For less than $100 you can glue some concrete blocks together and make your own fire pit. And if you don’t have room for a grill, you’ll be able to roast marsh mellows over your own fire pit.

A fire pit will add fun to your patio during those hot summer months but will keep your patio inviting during the cooler months.

3. Make It Cozy

If you’re looking for backyard ideas but you want to start small, you can start by making your space cozy. All you have to do is start with outdoor pillows. There are so many options when it comes to color and design and when they’re waterproof, the possibilities are endless.

Adding an outdoor rug will also help to give it that cozy feel, especially if you don’t have much vegetation or the floor of your patio is bland.

You could also add a hammock or a hanging chair. Having a comfortable place to sit and read or think is the first step to spending more time outdoors.

4. Add a Bar

Staying hydrated is one of the most essential things any human can do, especially during those hotter months or while spending time outside in the heat.

Going in and out of the house to get ice, or another glass of wine or even water for your kids can get old, and fast. Adding a bar is an excellent way to transform your space and make it more convenient. You’ll have much more fun spending the day on the patio with your kids and you’ll be able to throw a dinner party to remember.

The great thing about adding a bar is that it can take up a lot of space, or hardly any at all. And if you have space and the money, you can build a bar space that you’ll never want to leave.

5. Add Lights

Adding outdoor lights and hanging ones at that can be the perfect addition to your backyard space.

Especially if the only time you have to spend outside is when the sun begins to set, opting for lights can transform your space into a tranquil area that you can actually use and enjoy.

6. Think About the Water

Have you ever noticed that anytime you go to an appointment or enter into a building that has trickling water, you instantly feel more at peace?

Water sounds are some of the most peaceful in the world and a fountain can give you that same feeling in the comfort of your own backyard. You could go all out and re-tile your entire backspace. From there you could build a stone or tile fountain that complements your entire space.

Or you can start small and invest in one just for the sounds. Either way, it’s a win.

7. Set up a Dining Table

Nothing is more enjoyable than firing up your grill while listening to your favorite tunes, and then enjoying your feast at an outdoor table of your very own. If you have the space for it, go all out with a long dining table that can accommodate the most elegant of dinner parties.

Even a smaller table that seats 2 to 4 can provide a different way to unwind and enjoy a meal.

Choose Outdoor Patio Ideas That Work for You

When you’re thinking about the many different outdoor patio ideas to use to transform your backyard space, be honest with yourself. What do you want to get out of your new space? What will you be doing outside the most?

There are so many things you can do to transform your outdoor space, both on a budget and in the name of luxury. The most important thing you can do is make the space comfortable and inviting for you. Do you need help in deciding how to create the outdoor oasis of your dreams? Schedule your outdoor consultation today!

Pool sizes are like shoe sizes. When it comes to choosing the right swimming pool size, one size does not fit all.

Pools come in all shapes in sizes and there are different options for every backyard and budget.

There are a few key things you should consider when determining what the right size pool is for you and your family. From what you will use the pool for, to the amount of money in your budget, here’s a quick guide to everything you need to know about choosing a swimming pool.

What Will You Use Your Pool For?

When deciding which pool size you’d like to go with, you’ll want to consider what you’re using the pool for. Maybe you’ll be using the pool for lap swimming, or you have a family of little ones who will be cannonballing in and out of it all summer.

The purpose of your pool will help you determine what size pool is best for you. You should also consider the climate where you live and how much you’ll use the pool. If you live in a warmer climate like Arizona for example, you could utilize the pool all year round. If you live in the Midwest, you may only be able to use the pool three months out of the year.

Keep in mind that if you have a larger family or intend to use the pool for exercise, you’re likely going to want to go bigger. If you only plan to use the pool to cool off while sunning solo, you can save some yard space and maintenance and stick with a smaller sized pool.

How Big Is Your Space?

The next big consideration while pool shopping is how big of a space you have to put your pool. If you have acres to spare, the sky is the limit. If you live in an urban area with a small backyard, a smaller pool will likely suit your needs fine.

The other thing to think about is what you do with the rest of your yard. If you still would like to leave some green space for your kids or dog to run around, you should factor that in. If you like to entertain, consider adding on a larger deck or cement area for lounging and eating.

There is a lot of inspiration online to help with your outdoor planning. Once you’ve planned out your space and measured your desired area, it’s time to start shopping for some different options.

Standard Swimming Pool Size for Home Use

Now that you have your game plan, you’re probably asking yourself what is a good size swimming pool? What the right size pool is for you, will depend on a number of factors. In addition to thinking about the size of your yard and how you’ll use the pool, you’ll want to consider how many people you can expect in the pool.

In addition to the size, you’ll also want to think about whether you’d like an in-ground pool or an above ground pool. An in-ground pool will typically be made of cement or fiberglass. An above-ground pool will usually be made of fiberglass, aluminum or plastic.

The depth is another factor to consider. You’ll want at least part of your pool to be under four feet deep. This is a safe depth for a majority of people and older children to stand with their head above water.

If you’d like to have a diving area or an area for older adults to swim, you can go as deep as six or seven feet. For younger children, you can also increase the depth gradually and have an area that is only one or two feet deep for them to stand and play or swim back and forth to different depths.

Here Are a Few Common Swimming Pool Sizes to Consider:

• 18×36-foot pool: Recommended for six to eight people to float and play games. You’ll also be able to swim laps in this size pool. These size pools are typically rectangular and come in cement or fiberglass form.

• 16×32-foot pool: Recommended for six or fewer people to causal swim and float. These pool sizes are typically kidney or free-form shaped and come in cement or fiberglass.

• 14×25-foot pool: Recommended for small footprints. These pools make great plunge pools or swim spas. A pool this size is often rectangular and is made of cement or fiberglass.

• Round or oval pools: Above ground round or oval pools are less expensive options and you can use them in areas with colder climates where you’ll be draining them or even taking them down during the winter months. These come in a variety of different sizes and depths.

Crunch the Numbers

One of the most important factors to consider is your budget. Pools can range from anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a removable above ground pool to upwards of $50,000 for a cement in-ground pool. These costs don’t include additional deck area, water features, diving boards, or spas.

In addition to the pool, you’ll need to factor in maintenance and safety costs. Pools require regular cleaning and maintenance. You’ll need proper chemicals and treatments, filters, vacuums, and covers. You’ll also need safety features if you have children, such as gates or fences.

The Best Pool Size for You

When deciding what the best pool size is for you, remember to think about what you’ll be using the pool for, who will be using it, how often you’ll use the pool. Keep in mind the budget for your pool and the size of your yard as well.

In addition to your pool, you may want to upgrade the rest of your outdoor space. From outdoor kitchens to water features, the possibilities are endless. If you’re ready to start transforming your outdoor space, click here to get started with a design professional.

When you’re working on your backyard oasis, you really can have it all. You don’t have to go to far off destinations to enjoy luxurious amenities.

You can look at the plentiful backyard oasis ideas and get inspiration for creating paradise at your very own home.

With the average American spending 93% of their time indoors or in a vehicle, you have to wonder why. Could it perhaps be because they lack a lush space to relax in the outdoors? Continue reading this article to learn 9 great tips on creating your backyard setups.

Must-Know Backyard Oasis Creation Tips

Creating a backyard getaway isn’t as difficult as you might think. And you’ll be well on your way with these following tips.

1. Segment Your Backyard

If you only have one segment to your yard and you have children, it’s likely that your oasis vibe will be interrupted. The best thing you can do is create an area that will allow the kids to play but won’t overlap with your relaxation space.

2. Clear Away Clutter

Clutter makes even a beautiful backyard look small and cramped. Clearing clutter will help you make the most of your space.

If you don’t have anywhere to put your things inside your home or in a storage unit, you can buy furniture with built-in storage. Think of an outdoor couch that allows you to put pool noodles underneath it without sticking out around the bottom.

3. Don’t Block the View

If your home has a beautiful view, make sure you design your yard in a way that it is easy to enjoy the view. You might set up your yard in a way that your chairs are facing away from the home if there are beautiful mountains to look at.

When you put a pool in your backyard, you can have your yard designed so you can look at the gorgeous view from your pool.

4. Water Features

Humans love being near the water. Even if you’re not near the water, you can bring the water to you with a gorgeous water feature.

Water features are not only calming but they bring beauty to the yard. There are many different styles you can choose from depending on the look that you want for your yard.

Being able to customize the shape and size of your water features is great but you always want to make sure to work with a quality company so the quality is never compromised.

5. Go All Out with the Patio

When you’re figuring out how you want your patio, one of the things you need to determine is whether you want the patio to be connected or free-standing.

If you have a great view far from the house, you might decide you want to create a free-standing patio. On the other hand, if you love the look of your home and you have a small backyard, you might opt to have a patio that is connected to the house.

6. Outdoor Kitchen

All of us love a good meal but oftentimes, we don’t feel like going in and out of the house fixing a meal. You can remedy this challenge by putting in an outdoor kitchen.

You can choose the right setup for you depending on how you like to cook. Always make sure outdoor kitchens are built out of non-combustible materials so they don’t catch fire.

7. Shade

When you’re figuring out how you want to design your backyard, make sure that you plan out plenty of shade. If you have a gorgeous backyard but nowhere to get out of the sun, you’re going to feel miserable.

You might put umbrellas around the pool in various areas so during different times of the day, you’ll have shade in the different areas. You can also put up awnings in different areas.

If you choose to put trees around the yard to get shade, make sure you don’t put trees that will shed leaves around the pool. Figure out the type of trees you want and see how they will do in your location.

8. Landscaping

When you’re planning out how you want your yard to look, you need to carefully design the landscaping. If you don’t know how you want to set up your yard or how to best use the space, you may hire someone to take care of the design part of the process.

You may want to make your yard look like a favorite vacation spot but before you can put the plants in your backyard, you need to make sure they will thrive in your location. Not all plants will do well in the local elements.

Make sure to check your budget as some plants can be rather pricey and you want to make sure to have enough money to finish your project.

9. Don’t Forget Privacy

If you have neighbors that are nearby, you might not want them peeking into your yard at all times.

Figure out how you can design your landscaping in a way that you have little nooks where people won’t be able to see you. You might create a meditation area or just a place to sit and read your favorite books without anyone being able to watch.

You may also want to think about a privacy fence designed to fit in with your yard.

Get Help With Your Beautiful Backyard

Now that you have these great tips for creating a backyard oasis, why not let us help you make it a reality? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Requests for outdoor living spaces are increasing every year. That’s because spending time outdoors on a daily basis can improve both your mental and physical health.

That’s right. Spending time outdoors can do things like improve your outlook on life and lower your blood pressure. And when it comes to kids, spending more time outdoors can improve fitness levels and performance at school.

And if your outdoor space is limited, don’t fret. There are plenty of small patio ideas that you can use to transform your outdoor living space. And some of them will even make you appreciate having less square footage.

With smaller spaces, it’s much easier to make things cozy and peaceful. Keep reading to uncover 10 small patio ideas that will help you make a statement with your outdoor space.

1. Get a Space-Saving Bench

A bench can serve two purposes. It can both add to the decor of your outdoor space and provide seating without taking up too much space. If you’re looking to renovate your entire small patio, opt for a stone bench that is a part of your patio’s structure.

You could even build a table in just the same way. If you don’t want to break the bank, you can buy a bench that complements the aesthetic of your space.

Build or buy a bench with storage as well to save even more space.

2. Use Your Fence Space

You don’t need a garden to grow herbs or strawberries. If you love plants and you want to be able to eat what you grow, using your fence to grow plants and herbs vertically is one of the smartest tiny patio ideas.

If you don’t have time to tend to plants, you could always plant vines and let them take over your fence or even have a mural painted on it. Either way, jazzing up your fence will do wonders for your small space.

3. Add a Fountain

Water sounds are peaceful, and they evoke feelings of growth and serenity. Adding a fountain to a tiny patio is entirely plausible. And it doesn’t have to burn through your pockets.

The important thing when deciding to improve your outdoor space is the process of getting there. You want to make the right choices for the right reasons, and part of our process is helping you determine exactly what you want and need.

4. Match Your Shapes

If you have a tiny patio that’s square, you might not want a round table. While different shapes can complement each other in a larger space, they can also make things feel cluttered and even smaller in an already small space.

Get a small table and chairs set that matches the shape of your patio itself.

5. Add Pops of Color

With larger patios, too much color can be overwhelming and can make it hard for people to focus. That being said, it’s much easier to play with pops of color in a smaller space.

You can start with outdoor cushions for your furniture, or a couple of bright chairs if you don’t have furniture at all. Stick to colors that play off what’s already there. If you have lots of vegetation on the other side of the fence, play around with bright shades of green.

6. Make It Cozy

Especially if the base of your small patio is cracked or worn, a rug can be an excellent addition. Put it under a small table for eating or drinking wine. And if your table isn’t doing any favors for your eyes, look for a vintage table cloth that complements your rug.

And if you’re living in a concrete jungle, try an outdoor rug made out of imitation grass. You’d be surprised at what a difference it makes!

7. Add Lighting

Adding soft lighting around your space can make it cozier and more inviting. It will also make using it at night even easier. If you have a ceiling, go for hanging lights.

You may also want to add a mirror to create the illusion of more space.

8. Add a Pool

Believe it or not, even the smallest patios have space for a tiny pool. And to be able to sit and relax in that cool water may be all you need to make your space enjoyable during those hot summer months.

You don’t have to be able to swim laps, just to sit comfortably.

9. Add a Bar

You can build a bar in any space. But if your outdoor patio is unreasonably tiny, you could always invest in a Murphy bar. A Murphy bar will install against the wall and keep bottles safe. But when you want a table to build a drink or sit with a friend, all you do is detach the table from the outside of the bar.

When you’re done, push the table back up against the wall where it belongs, and your space is yours again.

10. Give Yourself Somewhere Comfy to Sit

If all you want to do is to be able to enjoy the outdoors in comfort when you have a moment of time, then installing a hammock is one of the best outdoor patio ideas you can go for.

Even a couple of comfy chairs will make or break whether or not you use your space consistently.

Small Patio Ideas Can Transform Your Space

It’s amazing what small patio ideas can do for your outdoor space. While you may be wishing you had more space to work with, it’s actually much easier to make a smaller space cozy and inviting.

Start small by determining what exactly you want to be able to use your patio for. Do you want to grill for a few guests, or do you want to unwind with a book after a long day?

Either way, you could transform your space in no time and start feeding your soul with the outdoors after a long day of work. Want to know how we can help? Check out some of the work that we’ve created.

Growing up, we were all jealous of the kid who had a pool in his back yard. If you were lucky, you were friends with him and got to enjoy it during the summer. If not, you were stuck going to the public pool where you knew everyone was peeing in the water.

Fortunately, you’re all grown up now and you can have your own private pool!

While we realize custom pools are an investment, the benefits far exceed the cost! Not only that but if you ever sell your house, you’ll get a return on that investment!

Keep reading for ten reasons why building a custom pool could be the best decision you make all year.

Why Anyone Should Invest in Custom Pools

Saving up for a swimming pool will be well worth the effort.

However, for the most bang for your buck, we suggest exploring the route of custom pools rather than prefabricated ones. As you read on, we’ll explain why.

But first, let’s dive into all the reasons why investing in a swimming pool is the right move for you and your family!

1. A Pool Gives Your Family a Fun Activity to Do Together

No matter what age you are, it’s easy to enjoy a swimming pool, especially on hot summer days.

Unfortunately, it seems like once our kids reach a certain age, they don’t really want to spend time with us anymore. If you haven’t experienced that, count yourself lucky.

Building a custom pool in your back yard is a great way to keep the family together and show everyone a good time, day after day. Furthermore, encourage your kids to invite their friends over for even more enjoyment. It’ll probably make you the coolest parents on the block.

2. Custom Pools Put Control in Your Hands

One of the main reasons we suggest looking at custom pools rather than prefabricated ones is simply due to the ease of integrating it onto your property.

Prefabricated pools come with specific shapes, sizes, dimensions, and so forth. Your back yard may not be able to facilitate a prefabricated pool. Or perhaps, the prefabricated pool is too big or too small.

Alternatively, you may already have outdoor features, that can’t be moved. Things like fire features make for beautiful yards, but some aren’t easily moved after installation.

Custom pools allow you to personalize them however you want. You can make it whatever shape you want, make it as deep as you want, and add whatever features strike your fancy. The point is, with custom pools, every aspect of pool design is in your hands.

3. A Pool Adds Value to Your Property

Another great perk of building a custom pool is the equity it adds to your property. In fact, a pool could increase your home’s value up to seven percent.

It may not sound like much, but when it comes time to sell your $300,000 home, it will give you an extra $21,000! That doesn’t even account for the value of the fun times you and your family had in it.

In terms of memories, custom pools are priceless.

4. Custom Pools Go Great With an Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular for entertainers and close-knit families alike.

However, people who install them often find themselves forgetting to use them unless they have company over. If you installed a custom pool in your back yard, you would have a reason to use your outdoor kitchen every day.

There’s nothing better than preparing an exquisite meal while you watch and listen to your family splashing around in the pool.

5. A Pool Automatically Makes You a Great Party Host

If you’re all about entertaining, custom pools give you an easy win. Just like when we were kids, everyone wants to be friends with the person with a private pool.

It’s not about popularity, it’s about giving your friends an awesome place to hang out, enjoy a few drinks, beat the heat, and relax.

6. A Pool Gives You Your Own Private Oasis

People who build custom pools create their own private oasis. A pool provides a haven for those who deal with hot summers.

Additionally, as you’re designing your custom pool, you can think about how it would look with different accentuation features and lighting. Alternatively, you can design your pool around the landscaping features you already have.

7. Custom Pools Keep the Whole Family Healthy

Perhaps one of the biggest perks to owning a private pool is the natural and fun exercise it provides.

Unfortunately, the majority of us in the U.S. are overweight or obese. The problem is that our modern society facilitates sedentary lifestyles. More often than not, by the time people get off work, they don’t have the motivation to exercise or be active.

Owning a private pool can reignite your motivation to stay healthy and it affects the whole family!

8. A Pool Provides Wonderful Stress Relief

Aside from exercise and parties, custom pools provide benefits on the other side of the spectrum. Having a private pool to retreat to at the end of long days or weekends gives you a wonderful source for stress relief.

Relaxing by the pool as you have a few drinks or taking an easy-going swim can melt away all of your stress.

9. A Custom Pool Can Be Used Year-Round

Regardless of where you live or what your seasons look like, custom pools can be used year-round. You can get relatively inexpensive high-efficiency pool heaters.

That way, your investment can be used during every part of the year. You don’t have to wait for summer every year to use your pool!

10. Advanced Pool Features Make Maintenance a Breeze

As well as new pool-heating technologies, pools are nearly able to maintain themselves.

You can buy systems that regulate your water levels as well as chlorine levels in the water. Additionally, new filtration systems take the cleaning nearly entirely out of your hands.

However, if you prefer the old-fashion way, maintaining a pool isn’t as hard as you think!

What Are You Waiting For?

Custom pools have so many benefits, it seems hard to come up with a reason not to buy one.

If your kids are getting bored during the summer break, your family is dying from the heat, or you’re looking for a way to add something fantastic to your home-life, you need a pool!

Start looking at building a custom pool today!