Using Paved Areas:
Any place where maintenance of your turf is impossible should be paved. It is a good idea to pave small areas where a table and chairs will permanently sit as well, as this will be practical, and add visual appeal to your setting.
There are varieties of materials that can be used for paving. Flagstone laid in turf, flagstone laid with mortar joints, brick laid in sand or mortar are all options to consider. Plain cement is often used for permanent shelters or pergolas. A dull red brick or a slate is a good option for more rustic settings as these give a lovely end result. Broken concrete walks are sometimes used in place of flagstone, but these are not recommended for anything besides their low cost. As always select materials that will harmonize with your development and style.
It is much less expensive to lay stone I turf or brink in sand then to lay either in mortar. If you choose the latter, you need to make sure you have proper drainage, as well as special concrete that will avoid cracking. These are issues you will have to consider when planning the paved areas.
Pools:
Pools are just like other features that you add to your space, they can be costly or more inexpensive. A sloping-side pool without forms will be less expensive that a pool with forms. Pools can be made watertight using thin walls, however this will not remain so unless the walls are reinforced and thick enough to withstand frost.
A pool without a coping will also cost less than one finished with bricks or cut stone. Piping in water is an expense but one that is necessary if you will be using a fountain in the scheme. If your pool is for growing water lilies, you can simply fill with a hose, saving money.
It is convenient to have a drain for your pool, but this is not necessary, except as an overflow if you have a fountain. It can be possible to siphon water off wherever an outlet for the hose is available below the level of the bottom of the pool.
Arches, Arbors, Shelters:
An owner can add an archway, arbor or shelter easily on their own, or buy on pre-made from a factory. If you choose to construct your own, you will want to make sure it can withstand the harsh weather that outdoor living spaces often experience. Use durable and weather resistant materials. Make sure you build it in scale with your existing setting, while still being large enough for practical use.
Creating an outdoor living room may take a lot of time and patience, but it will become an agreeable and pleasurable task. You will soon find that all your hard work, time, and money will pay off in a relaxing and comfortable outdoor room that increases your property value!
