Creating an Outdoor Living Space

By Robert Robillard on Design, Landscape

patio

Choose The Size And Layout Of Your Space

This decision is sometimes dictated by available property space but can also largely depend on what activities you want to accomplish.

Once your space is defined decide how you will organize this space. For example; create areas for activities such as cooking, conversation, and relaxation.

in how people will move in and through your space and considerations such as views, sun orientation, prevailing winds, and any privacy screen issues.

TIP: organize seating to overlook plantings, flowerbeds, water features, and other attractive scenery.

patio

Determine Privacy Issues

Unlike your home you do not have walls for privacy so you need to create your own privacy screen. Installing a b
rick walls, fences or tall plants between you and the neighbors can create an intimate yet private space.

Existing concrete or brick walls can be covered with arbors and spreading vines to create vertical gardens. Vertical wood fences can be erected with slats or high-end lattices to create privacy screens.

Food Preparation

When creating an outdoor living space decide whether you will be preparing or cooking food in this space? Consider convenience and try to locate your cooking area in an easily accessible location from the house to reduce trips back and forth.

When creating an outdoor living space decide if you will want an outdoor kitchen or just a grill.  Consider access to power and water. Electricity, as well as cooking fuel, can be piped into your kitchen space. Outdoor kitchens integrated into masonry are becoming popular. Built-in items such as grill, sink and mini-refrigerator, and cooking fireplaces all integrated into masonry.

Converting to a natural gas grill, and connecting it to a natural gas connection can eliminate the need to refill propane tanks.

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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