5 Tips for Building an Outdoor Living Space
There are few home projects that are as exciting as building your very own outdoor living space. It’s an opportunity to showcase your personal style while creating a relaxing area with almost endless possibilities. If you’ve been wanting to transform your backyard into an outdoor living space, you know that there’s no shortage of planning involved. Even though starting this type of project feels a little intimidating, there are some best practices that can help.
Let’s talk about five of our top tips you can use to build your perfect outdoor living space.
1. Take Your Climate into Consideration
Consider the climate where you live when planning the look and budget of your outdoor living space. If your area is warm for most of the year, it might be worth investing in different parts of the space, knowing that you’ll likely use it year-round. Climate should also influence the design of a space as well. For example, in areas with hot summers and bright sun, you might want to install a pergola or screened-in porch area for some added shade; in rainy regions, overhangs and covered areas can keep you comfortable cooking out in drizzly weather.
It’s important to note that every climate will have its own unique maintenance you’ll need to keep track of. Some colder states will have to sweep off snow, and coastal areas will have more salt in the air that could degrade certain materials. Try to take your local weather into account when choosing the composite decking, railing, and amenities for your project.
2. Give Yourself Some Space
If you’re looking to include furniture, a hot tub, grill, or any other standout feature, having enough space is essential. Start by listing all the features that you want. Once you have that list, determine what size deck you’ll need by following a few best practices:
- Try to give yourself two feet of room between furniture pieces for added comfort.
- Less is often more when it comes to furniture, plants, and amenities. If the space is starting to look cluttered, see if there’s anything you can scale back on.
- If your backyard is limited on space, having a place to store excess furniture, such as pieces you only need when entertaining, will offer some added flexibility. Under-deck areas are an ideal spot.
3. Choose the Composite Decking and Railing Color
An outdoor living space is an extension of your home. If you’re not sure about what color composite decking and railing to choose, let the exterior of the house offer some inspiration. One of the advantages of composite decking is that it comes in more varieties of shades than traditional wood without having to stain. A bold color like Grey Wood from our Distinction Collection or Vintage Oak from our Ridge Premium Collection could be a natural complement to your home’s trim and siding. With deck railing, think of a color that is more of an accent that will make the deck stand out (like a picture frame).
4. Include a Variety of Light Sources
The right lighting adds a layer of warmth, creates a welcoming atmosphere, helps your outdoor living space design be memorable, and, of course, helps extend the time you’re safely able to use the space. If possible, add multiple sources of light to your deck to add to the ambiance. You could:
- Incorporate post cap lights and railing post sconce lights
- Add string lights and lamps where the house and deck connect.
- Install lights into steps and along walkways for added safety while making the space easier to enjoy at night.
- Add a fireplace or firepit into the mix for a nice rustic touch to the entire space.
5. Use Durable Outdoor Living Products
Before you start building an outdoor living space, you want to make sure to use durable composite decking and railing. These spaces often get a lot of use, so it’s best to choose products that are low maintenance with reliable durability. With traditional wood decking and railing, you have to worry about the boards splitting and/or splintering, not to mention the time-consuming maintenance of having to apply sealant or stain every year.
With Envision composite decking, your outdoor living space will be built to last. Every composite deck board is compression molded; this proprietary process creates a strong bond between the cap and core while pressing in a beautiful non-repeating grain. When it’s combined with the precision craftsmanship of the Fairway Railing Collection, your space is sure to become the envy of the neighborhood.
Get Your Outdoor Living Project Started with Envision
If you’re looking to build the perfect outdoor living space, Envision is here to offer inspiration and a variety of composite decking and deck railing options to find your perfect style. Head over to our idea gallery and order a sample to get your project moving in the right direction today.
