A new patio or deck can transform your Southampton, NY, backyard. A well-made patio will provide the foundation for years of outdoor entertaining and relaxation. For that reason, careful planning is needed during the design and construction stages—or problematic issues could occur months or years after installation. These five landscaping tips will help you avoid some of the most common hazards when it comes to adding a patio or deck.
Start with a Good Plan
Choosing a reputable landscaping company for your patio or deck project is the first step as is coming up with a good plan. The landscape professionals can survey your property and develop a plan for an appropriate size of your patio and deck, based on careful measurements and knowledge about what dimensions will work best for the activities you envision happening in this outdoor space.
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Avoid the Unknown
A large landscaping project such as a patio or deck will require some digging. Be sure your contractor obtains the necessary permits for excavation work in your area. And have a licensed professional locate any underground lines or cables to avoid the risk of having to cut any important utilities.
Prevent Sinking Patio Stones
Sunken pavers is an avoidable hazard. Such pavers result in an uneven, unattractive patio that is difficult to navigate. They can also be an indicator of bigger structural problems. Improper drainage and a poorly constructed base layer are usually the cause of sinking and shifting patio stones. If the base layer is not well-made, it can affect the integrity of the entire patio.
Patios Southampton NY - Tips for Avoidon Hazards
A solid patio base requires excavating to the right depth and building a good fill layer. Sinking pavers can also result from improper compaction of the base material. To avoid these issues and the expensive repairs that follow, always hire a licensed contractor with landscaping experience.
Factor in the Risk of Pooling Water
Pools of water on your patio can be problematic for a number of reasons. Standing water can erode the filler between patio stones or cause wood to rot. Pools of water can also render some areas of your patio unusable after a heavy rain. All of these issues would reduce your enjoyment of your patio.
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Pooling water on a patio is often the result of improper grading or poor drainage. A patio could be slightly sloped so that water will run off the surface and away from nearby structures. Using a permeable paver system can help improve drainage and prevent severe runoff. Redirecting downspouts away from the patio area will also help avoid pooling water problems.
Ask About Edging
Without a good edging system, the outer borders of your patio can shift and separate. And unrestricted pavers can creep outward, leaving large gaps between each paver. An edging system will help keep pavers in place and ensure your patio keeps its shape. A successful edging system begins with the base construction. Allowing the base to extend past the edge of the patio could create a more stable surface.
Patios and decks often have one side resting along the foundation of the house, but any open sides will need edge restraint. Plastic strips that are spiked into the base layer will secure the pavers.