What is Better: A Deck or A Patio?

I often get asked the question by customers "What is better, a deck or a patio?"  The answer is not always simple.  Sometimes architecture or terrain will dictate the choice.  Sometimes it is simply personal preference.  There are pros and cons of both patios and decks.  What is better? Read below and hopefully the right choice for you will surface.

Generally decks will cost more than patios.  The difference in cost will depend on slope and terrain and the materials chosen.  

For decks, treated pine is the most affordable, composite materials are middle priced and exotic hardwoods such as Ipe will be the most expensive.  A 10' x 20' deck will range in cost from $6,000 to $12,000 depending on the material.  If railings are needed they can cost an additional $2,000 to $6,000.

Concrete patios will be the most affordable, brick pavers are middle cost and natural stone will be the most expensive. A 10' x 20' patio will range in cost from $1,500 to $12,000.

If your yard has steep hill, a deck will likely be less expensive.  Patios are installed on the ground with a gravel base so a flatter space is required.  A retaining wall may be needed to develop a flat enough space.  A retaining wall/ patio combination can still be more affordable than a deck depending on the height of the wall.  

Patios also tend to be less maintenance than decks.  Again this depends on materials.  Treated pine decks are more maintenance than composite decks.  But composite decks can still mold and mildew so need regular cleaning.  Concrete patios may be the least maintenance.  Partly because somethings like cracked concrete are not repairable.  Properly installed brick and stone patios require very little work.

Patios are easier to customize.  You can be creative with both decks and patios using a variety of materials and creating colors or banding.  There are more patio design options.  Pavers are now available with different surfaces including aggregates of granite and quartz.  It is very easy to install a curved patio.  Decks tend to be rectangular since is difficult and costly to curve a them.  Also, other elements such as pergolas, fire pits or outdoor kitchens are more easily integrated into a patio.

Decks also have more critters.  Animals often live under decks.  Screening or hardware cloth can be installed and buried under the deck to limit this.  Patios, when installed correctly should have no problems with critters, ants or weeds.  But, when a patio is installed improperly ants or weeds could be an issue.

In all municipalities I have worked in, decks require a permit.  Patios generally do not require a permit, however check your municipality.    Even if a permit is not required there may be zoning limitations. Decks will have set back requirements.  Patios may have impermeable surface limitations, if so you may consider permeable patio.  

The question of what is better, a deck or patio is not straight forward.  I have found when answering the question most people will opt for a patio since they tend to be less expensive and less maintenance.  Please feel free to contact me if you I can assist you with your project.

What Is The Difference Between Landscape Architects, Landscape Designers, & Landscape Contractors?

Landscape design has a unique set of challenges that makes hiring a qualified person very important.  Architects and interior designers are trained to design spaces as are landscape architects.  But, the landscape is unique in that it deals with a dynamic medium. Living plants that change and evolve over time.  And, environmental factors such as grading, drainage, and seasonal change.  There are many professionals who work in the landscape industry.  From horticulturists to landscape designers and landscape architects.  How does a landscape contractor fit in.  What are the differences?  Which professional is best for you?

Landscape Architect or Landscape Designer?

In Wisconsin and most states, Landscape Architects are licensed and certified to use the title Landscape Architect.  This means, to be a Landscape Architect, an advanced degree is needed, the required minimum amount of years working under a licensed Landscape Architect must be met, the Landscape Architecture Registration Exam must be passed and Continuing Education Units are required each year. 

The first Landscape Architect was Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of Central Park in New York. He studied surveying, engineering, chemistry, and farming.  He traveled extensively in Europe visiting parks and estates.  From his experiences and training, the art and practice of Landscape Architecture began.  

In schools today Landscape Architect students are trained in design, horticulture, civil engineering, conservation, environmental studies, and structures.  This well versed and broad knowledge provide an unique ability to understand not only design; but grades/ elevations, structures, plants and the environment.

When working with a Landscape Architect you should expect a quality drawn landscape plan.  Most often this is generated using computer aided design (CAD).  Many Landscape Architects produce 3-D drawings as well as 2-D plans.

Landscape Architects get involved in many projects such as:

• Residential Design

• Healing Gardens

• Bioremediation

• Green Roofs

• City Planning 

• Park Design

• And almost anything to do with our environment.

When contacting landscape professionals be sure to ask if the person is a Landscape Architect as few landscape contractors employ Landscape Architects.  Most company representatives you meet with will be a landscape designer or a horticulturist.  If you would like an idea of how much landscaping costs please follow the link.

A landscape designer has no formal training or education requirement although many have both.  Formal training may be from a technical college in a related field such as horticulture or landscape design.  A landscape designer may have a degree in Landscape Architecture but lacks work experience or has not passed the board exam.  A landscape designer may have experience working in the landscape industry.  However, in Wisconsin, there is no regulation defining what a landscape designer is.  A person with the title of Landscape Designer may have no experience in landscape or design. 

Field experience however, is very important and can develop a very qualified landscape designer.  It it recommended to  understand the designers background and be sure to be comfortable with their experience.  A qualified and experienced landscape designer should be able to show you many beautiful pictures of their own projects.   

What is a horticulturist?  A horticulturist is a trained plant specialist.  Horticulture is the study and science of the cultivation of plants.  Many horticulturist are graduates of a technical college or have Bachelors of Science in Horticulture.  However, similar to landscape designers, in Wisconsin, there is no regulation or credential for horticulturists.  Horticulturists know plants, but don't necessarily have any training in design, structures or grading & drainage.

Because horticulturists are plant specialist, this may be a great fit if your project involves only planting design such as a perennial garden.

How do landscape contractors fit in?  Landscape contractors are builders.  They install plants, grass, retaining walls, patios, etc.  The biggest difference is Landscape Architects, landscape designers and horticulturists will specify and design projects.  A landscape contractor will install the project. A landscape contractor may be a Landscape Architect, landscape designer or horticulturist.  Or, they may hire and work with another landscape professional.  

A few very important factors in choosing a contractor is there ability to work with and take direction from your Landscape Architect or other design professional.  This can be difficult if the plan documents do not specify clearly the scope of work.  You and the design professional may expect work to be included in the contract that the contractor did not which could result in additional costs.  

Also important is the contractors warranty.  It is typical in the Madison market for plants to be warrantied for 1 year and hardscape (patios, decks, retaining walls) to be warrantied for 1 year.  My company, Landscape Architecture, LLC; warranties all hardscape workmanship for 5 years.  

What about Design-Build?  A landscape design-build company employs professionals to design the landscape and then they build the landscape. Most design-build companies work with landscape designers or horticulturist.  Few design-build companies employ Landscape Architects so if you would like to work with a Landscape Architect, be sure to research or ask the company what their designers credentials are.  

Design-Build companies should have a seamless transition between the design and construction phases of the project.  Design-build companies earn there money building not designing.  I would recommend working with a company that values landscape design as I believe all successful landscape projects start with quality design and end with quality construction.  

Consider the warranties and quality of construction with Design-build companies just as you would with a other contractor.

In summary, you can broadly generalize that Landscape Architects tend to have more expertise, understanding, and training in materials, hardscapes, and complex grading and drainage situations.  Landscape designers experience can provide a great fit for some projects.  Horticulturists knowledge of plants make them a good fit for planting projects.  Landscape contractors build and install what the other professionals design so need to be able to work well with other professionals.  Design-build companies combine design skills and services with building skills which can be a great fit for many.

Please feel free to contact me if you need assistance with your project.  My background credentials include being a Registered Landscape Architect and a Horticulturist. 

How Much Does Landscaping Cost?

Customers share there dream landscape with me all the time.  Then they say, "How much will the project cost? I have no idea what landscaping costs."  This is a very difficult question question to answer, especially without a full site survey and elevations.  I will do my best to explain some general pricing guidelines and what can contribute to the cost.

It may be helpful to compare buying landscape to the purchase of a new car.  I recently went online to see what a new Jeep would cost.  I was thinking of a Wrangler Unlimited.  I saw the base price was around $27,000 and thought that is not too bad.  Then, I started building the new Jeep online and said yes I want the premium sound, leather interior, and Bluetooth connectivity.  This is a Jeep Wrangler so you want to have the canvas top so it can be a convertible. I live in Wisconsin so a hard top is practical too. I own a landscape company, so yes I should have the trailer package.  The next thing you know the cost of the Jeep is over $42,000.  I have not yet bought this Jeep.  But when I do, I want to be able to get the upgrades that are important to me.  Like most Americans I spend a lot of time in my car.  It is worth it to me to get what I want.

Like buying a vehicle and selecting options, there are many upgrades in landscape too.  I believe there is much value in exploring your options prior to purchasing landscape to insure the final product fits your needs and you love it for years to come.  When you work with Landscape Architecture, LLC we believe it is our job to make sure you understand your options.  I would feel I have not done my job if a customer ever said, "I wish I would have known I could have that 'name your product'...".  In the design phase of a landscape project it is our job to educate the customer on the possibilities.  Then as we work through the design and pricing, the customer needs to determine what is important to have and how much they are comfortable spending.  Many parts of a project that I think of as landscape, other may not, for example a driveway.  All outisde elements are interconnected.  They all are part of your experience outside.  As a Landscape Architect and landscape contractor we get involved in everything outside. The most common upgrades are:

• Patio, Driveway or Front Walk.

• Brick, Stone or Concrete.

• Retaining and seating walls.

• Lighting.

• Pergola.

• Fence.

• Swimming pool or hot tub.

• Fire pit or fire place (gas or wood burning?).

• Built-in grill or outdoor kitchen.

• Front yard and back yard work?

• Deck

 Each property we work on is unique and has it's own set of complications.  When Landscape Architecture, LLC provides a bid, we live it by it.  Very rarely something completely unforseen happens that can add cost, like discovering buried concrete or old footings.  We analyze every property and take careful grade measurements with a GPS or a transit.  Some items that can contribute to cost are:

• Is there access for machinery?

• Is a retaining wall needed in order to have a flat space for a patio?

• Does soil need to be added or removed?

• What is the quality of existing soil?  Should the soils be amended?

• Do plants need to be removed?

• Is there any concrete removal?

We do small projects for a few hundred dollars and we do large projects in excess of $300,000.  We will work with our customers to make a project as affordable as possible.  We do offer design services for those of you that like to do it yourself.  Or, we are happy to do the hard work like the patio or the large trees while customers do some of the other work themselves.  Either way, we feel all successful projects start with great design. Our landscape designs are produced by a Licensed Landscape Architect.  Cost for a typical landscape design will vary from about $500-$3,000 or more depending on complexity and elements being incorporated.

If you hire Landscape Architecture, LLC to construct your project the cost of the landscape design is included as long as the design fees associated with the project are less than 10% of the construction cost.  In most cases the installation cost is enough that the design fee is waived.

The total cost of landscape will depend on the size of your home and property.  New homes often cost more since the entire yard needs to done while retaining walls and lawns need to be installed.  It is easy however to phase landscape projects.  We are happy to help you through a phasing plan.

A breakdown of some typical cost ranges are:

Front yard planting for most homes range from $2,000 to $10,000.  This will depend on the the size of plants and the size of your home/ property and other related work such as existing plant removal and regrading/ lawn repair.  Front yards are very important for the curb appeal of your property.  Click on the following link for a great example of how landscape can affect curb appeal.

Rear yard planting for most homes range from $2,000 to $20,000.  Again this will depend upon the size of plants and your home/ property.  Rear planting is more than hedges and plants along the house.  The plants can help with the heating and cooling your home. There are many items we consider with planting design as outlined in this link.

A new Front Walk could vary from $1,000 to $18,000 or more depending on if it is concrete, brick pavers or if you need any steps.

A patio will vary from a $3,000 to $50,000 or more depending on the size, materials and amenities such as a pergola, seat wall or fire pit. There are many considerations to patio design. A patio with a simple outdoor kitchen area, pergola, seating wall, lighting and a fire pit could range from $40,000 to $130,000 or more.

Fire pits have been one  of the most requested elements in the past 5 years.  If considering one, we follow these fire pit guidelines.  Building a standard size (42" exterior dimension) wood burning fire pit will cost $1,500-2,500.  A gas fire pit will add about $2,000-3,000 or more depending on how difficult it is to run a gas line.  Proper sizing of a gas line is essential as gas fire pits can use 65,000 BTU's or more.  These prices are for the fire pit only, any patio around the fire pit and associated repairs of the yard will add cost. 

Landscape lighting has also been very popular in the past 5-10 years.  Homeowners like to enjoy their yards into the evening hours.  Lighting helps create a mood, provides the ability to see and way find, and can add security to your home.   A simple lighting system will start at about $1,500.  Most of our lighting projects range from $3,000-$8,000.  We have done lighting projects exceeding $15,000.

As you see, prices for landscape have a tremendous range.  Much of this is dependent upon the uniqueness of your property but also upon your tastes and desires.  One great thing about landscaping is it is easy to phase work in.  You can build a patio one year and do planting the next.  Hopefully this information will help you with your next landscape project.

The Best Quality Installation of Brick Paver or Stone Patios

Last summer I was at a party in a yard with a large multi-level patio, seating walls, steps, and a fire pit.  A friend asked me if I built the patio.  Imagine the shock in her face when I replied, "No, if I had we would rip it out and redo it".  

She said, “Really, I think it is really nice”. So I pointed what I was seeing:

• Look at the poor and uneven cuts along the edge of the patio.  

• Notice the crooked lines in the paving pattern.  

• See how the bricks are uneven and up and down.  

• Then look at the steps and the walls.  The rows of block are not level and the capstones have uneven reveals (overhang of the cap stone).  

She said, "You are right, the patio is not installed very well. I didn't notice the details".

This made me think.  We spend a lot of time on the quality of our brick and stone patio installations.  One thought was why?  If people couldn't see or recognize the poor quality, is it worth the effort?  Then I thought, of course it is.  Quality is who I am and what my company is base on. Quality is one of the things that make me proud of our product.  What makes a high quality brick or stone patio installation?

Design.  The old question, form or function?  To me, if a patio or space is not functional then why have it.  But, if you can design a patio to be functional and give it form then you have done something special.  I believe the first step in a quality patio is the design.  You can read more about quality patio design by clicking here.

It's all about the base.  The most important part of your patio you will never see, the base.  The International Concrete Paver Institute (ICPI) reccommends the following.

• Compact the subsoils following excavation.

• For pedestrian surfaces such as brick paver or stone patios and walkways the gravel base should be a minimum of 4" thick.

• Compact the base in 2" lifts with a mechanical compactor.

• To read the ICPI Installation Basics click here. 

Pitch or slope of the patio for positive drainage.  Patios need to slope away from the house a minimum of 1% (1" of drop every 8').  I like to keep the slope less than 2% (1" of drop every 4').  A walkway can slope more than this.   

Straight Brick Lines.  Brick pattern lines need to be straight.  Look at the picture above again and you see the straight lines.  Some brick paver patterns involve varying size of brick pavers.  The pattern still repeats and needs to be straight.  Please look at the picture below and you will notice every second or third brick the lines line up perfectly

Great Cuts! Straight or curved, cuts need to be done perfectly.  The pictures below say it all! 

Polymeric Sand.  Polymeric sand has a polymer in it.  Some brands of polymeric sand also have portland cement in the sand.  All polymeric sands when installed properly set up like mortar.  They are available in a variety of colors.  Some are even permeable to allow water to drain through.  Polymeric sand has taken stone and brick paver patios to entirely new level for a number of reasons.

• No more messy loose sand.

• Near elimination of weeds.

• Near elimination of ants.

I have gotten over the frustration of the patio from the party!  I have determined a quality brick or stone patio installation is worth the effort, thought and execution.  Quality is something I can be proud of.  Quality is something our customers can be proud of.  Because we install our brick paver and stone patios properly we offer a 5 Year Workmanship Guarantee to the standards set by ICPI. Please contact me so I can assist you in the installation of your quality brick paver or stone patio.