Patio or deck?

By Keith Lemkey.

When I'm conducting an assessment with a client of their backyard needs, the question of deck or patio always comes up. The things one should assess to better answer that question is, is privacy an issue? What is the budget? Decks will typically be more expensive than a patio.

You also need to consider, what is the elevation at the access point from where your traffic would interact? What is the purpose of the deck or patio? Is it for barbequing only, so just off the kitchen? Or is it a full outdoor kitchen you're looking for. Does it include a dining area, how many people would you usually sit? What are the light lines to the area, is it full sun all day or full shade, is it 16 inches or 42 inches off the ground? You need to consider privacy issues on a deck that’s high off the ground. What will your site lines be from the inside looking out once you’ve added a 42-inch railing onto the deck? Anything over 24 inches will require railings

Consider the different opportunities of adding retaining walls to your property. They can add interest, practicality and function. Retaining walls will add dimension to the yard, but does the topography of your yard need it? Now if you're fortunate enough to live on a property that has elevation change, like backing onto a retention lake or overlooking a mountain, or if the yard is large enough to add some contour with berms and swales, retaining walls can introduce a nice element of contrast, along to the function to the space.

Just remember, whether you're installing retaining walls, planters, or patios, proper installation is paramount. Ensure the base is adequate, that proper drainage has been considered. If building retaining walls that are over 32 inches high, ensure proper geogrid or tie backs have been installed. For patios, ensure they will drain properly: are you using jointing sand for the joints or polymeric sand? They both have pluses and minuses, but the jointing sand will allow for better drainage, polymeric sand won't.

During hot dry seasons though, as much of Canada just had, if moisture doesn't penetrate under the patio, the ground below loses moisture, which allows the sub grades to shrink or sink, which means your patio will sink as well. The plus of polymeric sand is it dries hard so there will be very few things growing out of the joints.

Retaining wall.

There are lots of options available of paving stone and retaining walls, different colours, textures, sizes, and finishes. Just make sure whatever you choose, you choose to install it properly, or have it done by professionals. There is no savings to a project that fails due to poor installation.

Keith Lemkey owns Lemkey Landscape Design Ltd. in Winnipeg, Manitoba.