Even though you may not like winter, you have to agree that it’s a great time to sit down with your planner and a pencil and write down everything you want to do in the new year. Where would you travel? Which new skills should you learn? In what ways can you improve your home? Speaking of home improvements, our Maryland deck builders are happy to offer you a few ideas for enhancing your backyard in 2016.
Build a Deck
It’s not at all surprising that we would suggest building a deck. After all, a deck is one of the most versatile structures you can build on your property. And in Maryland, you can use your deck to some extent almost year round. Relax on it in spring, host parties in summer, carve pumpkins in fall and grill tasty dinners in winter!
If you already have a deck, consider how you could improve it. Is it old and shaky and could use some reinforcements? Do you want to add a hot tub but not sure whether your deck will support it? Do you want to maximize the space and have your deck wrap around your house? There is a sea of possibilities and the final design will depend on what you want to do with your outdoor space.
Add a Patio
Don’t have enough room or funds for a deck? Start with a patio! With no stairs to climb and virtually zero maintenance, a patio is the perfect project for anyone who just wants more usable outdoor space. Keep in mind that you don’t have to build a patio right off your back door. You can pick a spot on your property where a patio will make the most sense. Don’t forget about all the things you can build into your patio, such as a fire pit, fireplace, seating, etc.
If you do decide to build a patio off your back door, consider a covered patio with a pitched or a canopy-style flat roof. The huge benefit of a covered patio is shade in the summer and rain/snow protection in fall and winter. Add some patio heaters or a fire pit and you’ll be all warm and cozy no matter the weather!
Add a Sunroom
Do you like the idea of being outdoorsy, but not necessarily like the bugs, the harsh sun and how the wind messes with your hair? Then you may enjoy a sunroom. This is a space with lots of windows spanning from floor to ceiling. Sometimes even the ceiling can be see-through to let in even more natural light. Many homeowners also opt to install screens on the outside to keep the insects away.
In summer, you can keep the windows open to let through a nice breeze. In winter, keep the windows shut and turn the heat on to enjoy the snowy landscape from the comfort of your home. If you have indoor cats, they will also love your new sunroom, which will offer them a 360-degree view of all the birds, squirrels and chipmunks. Love gardening? A sunroom is the perfect place to grow your indoor herb garden or replant your existing potted plants.
Do any of these ideas sound interesting? If so, we’ll be happy to implement them for you! Feel free to give us a call or contact us online to discuss these or other outdoor projects.
Thousands of Happy Customers
“ Jim at North American patio and deck's came up with the most ingenious way of utilizing our small very slanted very water drained environment and turned it into a virtual oasis. Making this deck the envy of all our ambitions and gem for the community.”
– C. Cross
30+ Years of Industry
Experience
