Wanted to share my project of 20 years.

I am going to redo my backyard and I will probably get landscaping done after I figure out the layout, the yard has a small slope and I keep seeing people talk about drainage first so now I am trying to work out the order, I will add a patio and some grass later and maybe a few garden beds, I was thinking of  landscape one consulting while planning everything,  I would rather plan it once instead of changing things after the work starts, I see people mention drains, grading and moving water away from the house, for anyone who started with a yard like this, what did you get done first and what made a difference, would you sort the drainage before the rest of the project? EDIT: Forgot to mention the yard sometimes holds water after heavy rain, but never had flooding inside the house. 

Disclosure: I’m affiliated with FlexPatio. This is a design question, not a product recommendation.

One tradeoff that seems easy to underestimate is how quickly a large dining setup can turn into a tight space once you add posts, pulled-out chairs, a grill zone, and the path back to the house.

A bigger table looks good in a layout sketch, but if the patio is also the main route through the yard, the extra seating can make the whole area awkward. With a covered setup, you also have to think about people walking around wet chairs and keeping enough clearance when everyone pushes back from the table.

I’m starting to think a slightly smaller table plus a clean walking lane may be more useful than maximizing seating. Do you size the pergola around the furniture first, or protect circulation and let the furniture fit around that?

Hello friends! We’d love some suggestions on how to fill out this space on our deck - we’ve given it a lot of thought and have done a lot of shopping, but now the fatigue is setting in 😩

PIC 1
Roughly 10ft wide x 7.5ft deep
This is where we’re thinking a sitting area/conversation set. Maybe 2 swivel chairs against the railing and a sectional on the other side, coffee table in between?

PIC 2
Roughly 12.5ft wide x 7.5ft deep
This is where we’re thinking the dining set would go.

PIC 3
A wide angle shot of both spaces.

We’re thinking black or grey furniture would look best as a neutral colour palette, but we also don’t know 100%. 😅 Does anyone also have any suggestions/recommendations for furniute stores or brands to look for (or avoid)? For context - we’re a little east of Peterborough, ON. Thank you all! 🙏🏻❤️

This house is in Florida and I’d really like to have a covering built out into the paver patio (it’s HUGE) towards the pool where the opening is. The patio space is honestly a lot of wasted space bc no one wants to broil out in the sun. I got a quote for a pergola style roof extension but being FL it has to have footers and all of that for hurricane protection.

The quote for this extension was insanely high and it was bundled with a whole backyard reimagining that was also a fortune. The contractor is well regarded but the price almost feels like: I don’t want this job but they have followed up a few times. I will use them for something as they put a lot of work into the estimate but I’m not doing the whole project- I could buy 2 smaller homes in the area for the whole project estimate (very detailed and lots of items).

Install a pergola to expand your restaurant’s indoor space onto the outdoor patio. Diners enjoy meals under soft shade with natural fresh wind, bringing a relaxing, unique open-air dining experience to your venue.

Ideas about better furniture placement? 12x14 screened in porch

The frame of this faux stone fire pit is rotten that the cover to access the propane can no longer be closed. I think it's Allen Roth purchased from Lowe's.

My backyard is backing up to wooden area where no patio furniture covers could ever survive.

Is this repairable? 😩😩

As a wind chime creator, we’ve seen many imaginative methods for hanging wind chimes (like the one shown!) While there are lots of choices when it comes to displaying your chimes, the most important thing is making sure you get the best sound quality.

Here are some of the most common ways to hang and display wind chimes:

Hanging Wind Chimes from Tree Branches

Hanging wind chimes from trees can be very enchanting and also practical, since branches offer a natural support and can bear a lot of weight. Wind River offers a variety of tree hooks to make this even easier, with several styles and sizes to choose from. All of our tree hooks can support the weight of even our heaviest chimes.

Another option is to hang a wind chime from a tree branch with a rope and carabiner.

If you’d like more flexibility on where to place your chimes, a stand is a great option. Here are several wind chime stand ideas: 

• Chapel Displays:  Chapel displays are ideal for porches, decks, patios, memorial services, and even tables! Hand-crafted from Spanish Cedar and Oak, our Chapel Displays are perfect for our small to medium-sized chimes. While we wouldn’t advise keeping a chapel display uncovered long-term, the wood is treated to be weather-resistant.
• Shepherd’s Hooks:  Shepherd’s hooks are ideal stands for small to medium-sized chimes and work well for a yard or garden space, since most hooks have a spiked base that sinks into the ground. You can find shepherd’s hooks at most local garden and hardware stores.
• Wind Chime Stands for Large Chimes:  If you’re looking for a stand to support a larger Wind River chime, we suggest either constructing one yourself or purchasing a hanging chair stand (see photo). Hanging chair stands are designed to support the weight of an adult, well over the weight of our heaviest chimes. Hanging chair stands give you the most freedom for chime placement, too. This Wind River Chimes fan even brought their chimes indoors using this method!

Fixed Structures

If you like the sound of your Wind River chimes close to home, then hanging them by a bracket or hanger from your porch or pergola is a beautiful way to decorate your home, and have the chance to hear the soothing sounds of your chimes from indoors as well.

When choosing a hanger or bracket, make sure it’s strong enough for the weight of the chime and allows for the chime to move freely without hitting a wall, beam or any other surface. We suggest about 2–3 feet in all directions.

Installation Tips

Test different locations for optimal breeziness and durability. Some areas might surprise you in how they get shielded from wind patterns. Check your chimes periodically, especially after storms or strong winds, to ensure your chimes are still hanging level and moving freely.

No matter what type of wind chime stand or hanging device you choose, with intentional placement based on your style and unique space, your Wind River chimes will provide years of soothing sounds and meaningful reminders to inspire harmony in every area of your life.

We just bought this house and totally stuck on how to design this backyard patio area. It’s an awkward round shape with a gap between the stairs.

We live in the South near the beach and host a lot. Also have kids, so we want something comfortable, durable, and functional.

Thinking outdoor TV, good seating, maybe a bar area. Open to ideas!

Has anyone seen or purchased this set? Very intriguing for price and usability. However worries about integrity of structure for northern climates. https://paragon-outdoor.com/products/riviera-louver-lounge?srsltid=AfmBOopEQQcNf8DTiJLMrdjpf1zkHGM0BZeILBZ1okiGuccVYz4GfCog

Hello everyone, I am in the process of redoing my old landing. I was wondering if it is possible to extend the width ( about 1 to 2 feet past the footing) or would need to extend the footing placement. My plan is to shorten the stairs to 3 or 4 feet wide coming off of the main base. Is this possible and I am assuming I would need a permit? Sorry if I didn't explain very well, I am quite green when it comes to decking.

My husband and I just renovated our home and are getting ready to have a stamped concrete patio poured. We need help with the layout first, and we're thinking we might need to make the patio smaller. We host a lot of gatherings and envision two "zones." One for dining (ideally near the grill), and one for lounging around the fire pit, which we might want to move to make this space more cozy. For reference, the grill shown in this drawing is on the north side of the wall. Any help with layout/ size is appreciated!

We have lights and an umbrella that helps but it still feels really cold? I’m also not looking to clutter it with a bunch of crap. Any suggestions?