Custom Patio Blog

A hearth was once the heart of the home as centralized heating systems were yet to be invented. Now, the hearth has moved outdoors and has become the magnet that attracts family members to gather round the fire pit.

A fire pit in the middle of the deck equally spreads the warmth around your patio and outdoor area. When the sun has set and the stars have begun twinkling in the skies, enjoy warmth while stargazing. You can use coals for a traditional fire pit or a modern fireglass for less soot. Moveable outdoor seating will also increase your comfort as you lounge and chill in your cozy deck or patio.

If you have a small space, define it while providing ample seats and conserving space by having a ledge-style seating installed. This deck maximizes the space and allows for a moveable grill or folding table to placed if it’s needed. From the seats, you can admire the side yard garden during the daytime and stargaze at night, all within the comfort and warmth provided by the nearby fire pit.

Despite the definite length, a ledge style can also encourage a cozy seating arrangement and more room to fit in people.
Aside from being a seating area, the ledge also serves a double purpose as a border keeping your lawn and garden safe from unwanted foot traffic.

Take the fire pit out of the pit and onto a table and you’ve got something that can also act as a grill right on your table. A unique and fully customized fire pit, you already have a fixed centerpiece at the end of the countertop but also a conveniently raised pit that provides warmth round the table.

See any fire pit you would like installed in your patio? Call us today for a free quote or consultation!

Gone are the days when porches are only for afternoon naps and teas. Porches have since become the second-best refuge away from your stuffy living room. That said, here are 5 backyard porch ideas to transform your porch into your first best spot to rest and relax during this Coronavirus health crisis.

Hang a hammock.
Nothing speaks like relaxation like a hammock. Take a cozy afternoon nap in a hammock and feel like a baby once again while being gently swayed by the light afternoon breeze.

Consider porch swing.
If you’ve got little ones who need something more fun than your regular porch furniture, hang a porch swing. It’ll give them the same playground effect but within the comforts of your porch. Make it more inviting with a set of pillows, even a cozy blanket to keep you warm as you lounge in your porch until late into the evening.

Place a rug.
A rug defines your porch space and makes it look more put together. Since it’s outdoor, you can experiment with the colors and design. You also need not worry about the rug matching your interiors.

Put up a shade sail.
Staying in your porch is a great idea but it might turn you off once the sun sets its rays upon your porch. Regain your porch during the hottest summer afternoons with a shade sail perfectly blocking the harsh afternoon sunlight.

Install a porch screen and/or privacy screen.
If bugs and the bees are your number one concerns during your porch stay, make your porch a safer spot with a porch screen installed. You can then safely watch the bird and the bees in your porch without them invading your porch. And in case of nosy neighbors invading your private porch time, privacy screens can easily help you regain a sense of privacy away from prying eyes.

As we are all advised to stay-at-home and reduce going out except for getting our essential supplies, here are some porch rules you should have in place for your family.

1. Wear proper protective equipment when lounging outdoors.
   Even if you are just sitting in your porch, always make sure to wear your mask to prevent yourself from touching your nose and mouth. You can also wear sunglasses not only to shield the sun’s glare but also from the coronavirus spread through droplets.
2. Have an outdoor outfit ready for outdoor activities.
   If you are going to garden or simply read in your backyard, have an outdoor outfit ready. Once you’re done with your activity, you can take your outdoor clothing and hang it outside instead of taking it in with you. Also practice having a different set of footwear for indoor and outdoor to prevent carrying the coronavirus indoors.
3. It is preferred to have a clear screen blocking the entry of droplets and particles.
   As coronavirus can easily spread through droplets in the air and linger on surfaces waiting for a host, having a screen protect your porch is better at preventing the virus from reaching you. It will also help to clean the surface with soap and water to kill the virus.
4. Wash your hands or keep a sanitizer close at hand.
   As your hands touch a lot of different surfaces while you’re outside, always practice proper and frequent handwashing. To effectively kill bacteria, germs, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms on your hands, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or the length of two Happy Birthday songs.
5. Practice social distancing.
   We know it’s hard to keep your loved ones at bay but in this time of the pandemic, it’s wise to keep distance from everybody. This is to protect you and your loved one from either getting infected or infecting someone you know.

Not all of us have a large enough outdoor space to do all the things we have. However, there are great ways on how to work with a small yard. Here are 3 big ideas you can try if you have a small yard.

Aerial garden
When land space is limited, try raising your garden to new heights, literally. Instead of populating your already compact space with potted plants, try using air plants which can also act as a green roof for your area. Hang it higher than your usual roof to prevent the space from feeling claustrophobic. With air plants freeing up space on the ground, you can now set up your patio to be your literal green room where you can sit down, chill, and enjoy nature in your special nook.

Bonsai garden
Before you think bonsai plants cost a lot to acquire, explore other miniature versions of plants that aren’t technically bonsai. Instead of the real bonsai, try creating a menagerie of succulents or combine them in a small enough container pot. This miniature setup gives you a pocket garden of small proportions which gives you more room for other outdoor ideas you have in mind. Not only that, succulents also require less

Bento-box yard
It’s easier to deal with a small space by thinking of it as a bento box and assigning a certain box for a purpose. It may or may not have solid borders but thinking of it in definite spaces helps you prioritize what you need and want for the space. Using this strategy, you can allocate enough space for a small garden plot, a fire pit with a seating area or even a small water feature to help with the ambiance.

Pergola are traditionally made of wood like cedar or redwood. However, modern homes require an updated look when it comes to its outdoor structure installations, too. In this blog, we’ll show you 5 modern pergola designs you can consider.

Metal and Concrete
Here are two formidable materials that create a sound structure. If you already have a concrete patio, you can consider installing a metal pergola made up of relatively thick beams welded together. You can keep the gray color for a more austere and classic look, especially if you already have a burst of color coming from your plants. The contrast will give your landscape a better impact while your patio serves as a nondescript background.

Sunroof pergola
Made of thick polycarbonate sheets, a sunroof pergola provides you with a solid patio cover while still keeping your patio bright and airy. This fits a wooden deck beautifully and provides a good contrast to the platform.

Metal gridwork
If you want a neat look for your patio, a metal pergola with a gridwork will give you that geometric look. You can leave the gridwork as it is or having lovely vines and other aerial plants hang from it. This is also a great design idea if you’re looking for a pergola right next to your outdoor office space.

Aluminum pergola with wood grain finish
For something sturdier than wood but still retains the wood aesthetic, choose aluminum as your pergola material. You can then mix this with a retractable vinyl shade for cover or install polycarbonate sheet in between the top beams for additional cover.

Lean Metal Pergola with a Privacy Wall
For better coverage and privacy, have your contractor draw up a metal pergola with lean metal bars spaced more closely together. This creates a privacy wall and cover while still spaced just enough to let the sunlight softly filter in.

Whether you want to mimic the brilliant blue skies of summers or the glittering blue of the open sea, here are some outdoor structures that’ll help you imbibe the classic blue vibe for the new year.

Water Features
Whether it’s a gentle flowing stream, a multi-level fountain, or a minimalist tall container fountain of burbling water, running waters easily capture the classic blue vibe. You can install it beside a pathway, run it through the perimeter of your outdoor area or a spot that sorely needs a revamp.

Fire Pit
The opposite of fiery red warmth, paint your fire pit in classic blue and achieve that beautiful calming contrast. Take it one step further with a glow-in-the-dark hue and you have a glorious blaze above a calm cauldron.

Deck
Get all aboard a deck reminiscent of sailing the high seas. Get pillowcases printed with anchors, hemp ropes supporting swings or even a captain’s chair in classic blue. Pallet furniture will also mesh well for this nautical-inspired deck.

Nautical Pergola
Install a unique pergola sporting classic blue and white shades instead of the traditional wooden sets. Classic blue symbolizes stability and dependability, two qualities anyone expects from this Roman garden structure.

Patio Cover
If it won’t clash with your existing roofline or if you’re considering putting a standalone patio cover over your outdoor area, it’s a prime opportunity to paint your patio cover in the shade of classic blue.

These are just some ways you can use classic blue in your new outdoor projects. Have other ideas you want to share? Leave a comment.
Want to explore more ideas with our brilliant team of landscape artists and expert craftsmen? Give us a call today for a free consultation and let’s get started working on that classic blue outdoor structure in time for the coming new year and decade!

The year is about to end but the tasks seem to just pile up. In this article, we list down the 5 most important tasks you should accomplish for a better new year. If you don’t do anything but these 5, we’re sure you’ll be set for the coming year and decade.

Deal with the fallen leaves.
There are two schools of thought when it comes to fallen leaves. One group says to just leave it be and let it decay back into the ground. Another group is for mowing it down, shredding it, and using it as a main component of either mulch or as a fertilizer to a garden patch. Whichever school you follow does not really matter so long as you don’t burn fallen leaves. Burning leaves might be an easy way to get rid of the unpleasant sight but it pollutes the air and releases harmful gasses into the atmosphere.

Survey your outdoors.
The holiday season is also a season for rushing and countless comings-and-goings. Ensure your outdoor areas, and pathways are safe from slippage. Address any cracks, chips, or wobbling in your pavers or bricks. Dead branches must also be cut to avoid injuring someone in case the branch breaks off.

Protect outdoor structures and installations if needed.
If you have an outdoor kitchen which you don’t plan on using during the holidays, it’s better to shut off the water and gas supply. Also ensure that there is no remaining water in the pipes leading to your sink or fridge to prevent stagnant water. Thoroughly clean your fridge and storage areas to prevent mold and other bacteria from forming.

These are just 3 year-end outdoor tasks you should accomplish. Have any you also do every end of the year? Share it with us in the comments below.

Basic, organic, and rustic—these are the top 3 qualities brick easily provides as a patio surface material. Brick has been used as a building block for homes and outdoor spaces since time immemorial. Still, designers find a way to incorporate this easily recognizable patio material in the most unique ways. In this article, we list 3 new approaches to laying bricks as your patio surface material.

Winding pathways

Bricks can be laid down in different patterns: from a basket weave to gentle curves. Just like Dorothy on her way to the Wizard of Oz, create winding pathways that invite people to discover what’s lurking at the end of the trail with neatly laid down bricks as your patio surface material.

Perimeter fence or border

Bricks are sturdy components that can easily be used as a perimeter fence or border for your garden plots and outdoor sections. Its bright red color naturally attracts the eye and gives a warm vibe to your outdoor space. This will also naturally highlight your raised garden plots. And even if the bricks were to get chips and dent, one great thing about it is that these imperfections on its exposed layers will only further give it a rustic appeal.

Welcome arches

If you want to make a grand entrance, there’s no better material to use than good old brick. With its rustic look that only gets better with age, its imposing façade and striking color welcomes one and all with a warm, inviting vibe.

While using brick as a patio surface is quite commonplace, these 3 new spots are also areas where bricks can truly shine and breathe a new design to these often-overlooked areas. Give shape to your outdoor spaces and mold it with interesting focal points by using bricks.

Want more ideas on how to use bricks as a patio surface material? Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation today!

Screened porches are like safe havens where you can relax while still enjoy the outdoors albeit in a safer and cozier outdoor room. Here are 5 benefits of a screened porch.

1. Save on heating and lighting expenses!
A screened-in porch is a perfect outdoor room where one can relax and feel the cool breeze during hot summers. With a screened-in porch, there’s no need for insulation or HVAC anymore, making your stay comfortable without racking up expenses on your utilities. Natural sunlight is also the best lighting there is and it won’t cost you a penny.

2. Repurpose your entryway into a receiving area.
A screened-in porch can be the outdoor room you never knew you needed. As long as you have comfortable seats, this area can function as an outdoor room where guests can wait and relax as you prepare refreshments for them.

3. Get free therapy from Mother Nature.
Watch spring come alive without pesky bugs and let Mother Nature take away your worries. Studies have shown that spending more time outdoors in the greenery helps in lowering your stress levels. There’s no better anti-stress pill than what Mother Nature shows and you can enjoy more of your outdoors with a screened-in porch.

4. Add more charm to your home.
A screened-in porch is not only an outdoor area, it transforms your outdoor living area to a more comfortable spot inside while looking charming from the outside. Clear screen panels keep your porch visible while the screens are prevented from becoming an eyesore.

5. Increase your home’s real estate value.
Adding a screened-in porch is more than just a simple outdoor project. It’s also a new feature to add to your home’s real estate features. It can be a screened-in porch, an outdoor room, a sunroom, a breakfast room—the options are endless!

A fire pit’s warmth is just as good as the materials which built it. In this article, we’ll go over parts and materials which best fit a fire pit.

Gas Line & Ring

Whether your fire pit is running on gas or propane, a safe gas line must be prepared and ready even before breaking ground for the fire pit. For a beautiful and even fire distribution within the pit, a gas ring is put in the base of the pit. For this gas ring, a stainless steel is highly recommended. A stainless steel ensures a smooth flow of the fire fuel while also casting an even distribution and last longer than any other material out there. Gas rings come in different shapes. Your gas ring shape will be dictated by the shape of your fire pit.

Filler Material

Leaving a gas ring isn’t as attractive as having a filler cover it up. While a filler material is there mostly for decorative reasons, filler materials also act as a heat conductor, spreading warmth throughout the area more evenly. Filler material can be fire glass, synthetic wood logs and even fire stones.

Inner Fire Pit Wall

The inner wall of the fire pit should be fire-proof and heat-resistant as it will be subjected to the high temperature inside the pit. Your choices for an inner fire pit wall can range from clay, to brick or even copper or steel. Whichever material it is, make sure it’s fire-proof and will last a long time.

Exterior Fire Pit Wall

Mostly decorative in nature, you can use the same material you used for your inner wall. You can also opt to match the exterior of your fire pit to your existing deck or patio for a cohesive look and design.

Fire Pit Cap

Running the perimeter of your fire pit and serving as a counter space where you can set your drinks. You can also have it constructed as a seating area. Heat-resistant material such as concrete, flagstone or bricks are great choices for a fire pit cap.