Posted on Tue, Aug 24, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
After you have made a wish list and considered a budget for a kitchen remodeling project we recommend working with a professional kitchen designer to create a plan for the project. Consulting a designer doesn’t have to be costly. Most kitchen showroom and home centers offer design services. Some designers will offer an initial "free" home consultation. There are design/build remodeling contractors, including McClurg, who will include the cost of the design service in the total cost of the project.
Consult a professional who is certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). NKBA certifications are based on written exams and industry experience. Always check the credentials of the designer you consult to verify that they are trained, certified and experienced.
NKBA suggests you do some research and prepare some specifications for your project before meeting with a kitchen designer. Here are some suggestions to prepare for that meeting:
- Make a checklist of major and minor problems that you have with your current kitchen. Consider the following:
- Are you happy with the traffic flow through your kitchen? Is there adequate counter, storage and floor space in the present configuration of your kitchen?
- Is your kitchen efficient? New appliances may have more efficient features and can save money on energy costs.
- Are there children or people with impairments living in your home? If so, the design of the kitchen should address safety and access for these individuals.
- Do you like the location and design of your kitchen? What are the best features? What do you want to change?
- Collect ideas and information. Read magazines and books for ideas and visit online galleries to view kitchen projects. Here are some resources:
Make a clip book of the pictures and ideas that reflect what you want to include in your project. Bring the idea book to your meeting.
- Visit showrooms and retailers and make a list of appliances, cabinetry, counter surfacing, flooring and other products you plan to use in your kitchen. Gather information about dimensions and installation if you can. Many retailers offer product information brochures to consumers and most manufacturers have product information posted on the internet. It is helpful to identify appliances because the dimensions will be factored into the design. A good designer will address this with you.
- Discuss your budget expectations with the designer. Your designer will make suggestions to help you achieve your desired outcomes and will help you keep within the limits you set for the project. A designer is knowledgeable about product lines and can save you money.
- NKBA has designed a Kitchen and Bath Workbook that includes a handy worksheet to prepare for a planning meeting with a professional designer. Complete the information as you do your research and make a copy to share with the designer.
- Questions to ask your designer:
- How can the efficiency of my kitchen be maximized
- Where can appliances be placed?
- What built-ins can be used in the design?
- How should a pantry be incorporated in the lay-out?
- How should cabinets be organized? Discuss the purpose of each unit. Consider stackable shelves, roll-outs, cup and plate racks and dividers to meet your needs.
Do you have any questions about your designing your kitchen? Our kitchen designer Paul Thompson, Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer, will provide answers.
Paul Thompson is an experienced, award winning kitchen and bath design consultant who began working with us in June. He has been designing beautiful kitchens and bathrooms (as well as other rooms) since 1987. His credentials include Certified Kitchen Designer, Certified Bathroom Designer, and Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer. Paul's designs have won many awards including 1st place in the CNY Chapter of National Kitchen and Bath Association's design contest in 2006 and 3rd place in 2007. Paul is available help you with your kitchen remodeling ideas and project plans. Call him at (315) 673-2051 or schedule an appointment online.
Posted on Tue, Aug 17, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
If you’ve put together a wish list the next step is to determine how much it will cost to remodel your kitchen.
- Cost is determined by the scope of your project. A minor kitchen update where you are painting existing cabinets, installing new countertops and flooring can cost under $10,000. A major remodel where you are upgrading appliances and installing new cabinets, countertops, flooring and making structural changes can cost anywhere from $50,000 to well over $100,000. Cost may also be influenced by where you live. Remodeling Magazine annually publishes a report on “Cost Versus Value.” For our region (the Middle Atlantic States) the average cost of a minor kitchen remodel of a 200 square foot kitchen is $22,130 while the cost of a major remodeling project is $59,905. An upscale remodel averages $115,608.
- Establish your priorities when planning your project. What do you want to change the most? What can you keep? What can be replaced at a later time? Knowing what is important to you can help you save money over the course of the project. If granite countertops are not important to you, then you can save money by installing granite-look laminate counters. Countertops can be upgraded at a later time.
- Consider your home’s value. Is resale value important to you? Are you planning to live in your home for a very long time? A common principle you may have read about remodeling a kitchen is that the cost should be no more than 15 percent of the current value of your home if resale value is important to you. If you are anticipating selling your home in the next few years, spending up to 15 percent of the value on a remodeling project can be a lot. However, if you plan to live in the home for 10 years it may make sense to spend more to renovate the space to meet your long term needs.
- Identify the “big ticket” items for your project and shop around. Cabinets are generally the most costly item in a kitchen remodel and can be as much as 20 to 30 percent of the budget. Appliances and counter surfaces are also expensive line items. Knowing the cost of these items will give you a ballpark estimate of what you can expect to pay for your project. Labor and installation can be double the costs that you spend for material. Check out home shows and talk with retailers and contractors. Visit showrooms and compare products and prices. We are a design/build firm and we shop with our clients to guide them in the process of selecting products for their project.
- Talk to friends. Talk to friends who have recently remodeled their kitchens and review reference magazines on remodeling to get a realistic idea about what it will cost you. Research on your part will help you prepare a realistic budget. A design/build contractor can prepare a budget for you.
- Work with a design/build professional. A kitchen remodel is a significant investment and it pays to consult with a professional kitchen designer who is certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. However, a kitchen designer alone may not provide the best cost information or adequately address structural and mechanical issues. You wouldn’t want a designer to build or a builder to design. Working with a design/build firm combines both services into one. A professional designer who works with your contractor will be best suited to determine logistics, suggest materials and products, and create a functional design that incorporates your personal style and budget.
- Plan your budget to address unexpected circumstances that may occur once the project is underway. Your contractor may encounter unforeseen issues once the project begins such as having to reconfigure plumbing or electrical circuiting, re-framing wall supports, adding duct work, or other problems. As a design/build firm we generally are able to get this cost down to 2 to 5 percent because we address most problems in the planning stage. Be sure you have enough in your budget to deal with the unexpected.
Which of these tips do you find most helpful? What tips would you recommend to homeowners?
Posted on Tue, Aug 10, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Most people begin a kitchen remodeling project with a “wish list” – everything you NEED and WANT in your dream kitchen. To help start your wish list, we’ve developed this handy A-to-Z guide of features you’ll want to consider as you plan and budget for your project:
- Appliances. Research appliance makes and models. Your choices will impact the design of your kitchen and your budget.
- Built-ins. Make a list of items you would want built into the design of your kitchen. Appliances now are made in counter depth sizes to fit into standard cabinetry. Other types of built-ins to consider are banquettes for breakfast areas and appliance “garages” to house microwave ovens, coffee makers and mixers. Don’t forget to factor in a broom closet if your space allows for it.
- Cabinets and Countertops. Visit showrooms to identify the type of cabinets and countertops you want to use in your project. Note the line, style, material, color and finish for cabinets and type of material, edging and colors for countertops.
- Drawers and Desk Areas. Pull-out drawers are great for under-countertop storage. Check them out when you visit showrooms. Many kitchens feature a desk area for a computer and for doing paperwork such as bill paying or meal planning. On the desk you could add a charging station for cell phones and PDAs.
- Electronics. In addition to appliances, computers and flat screen televisions have found a home in the kitchen. Think about adding these to your space along with a cable service.
- Flooring. Flooring in kitchens includes wood, ceramic tile, vinyl, laminate, concrete and carpet. Other materials used are granite, bamboo and marble. Flooring should not only be attractive but easy to maintain and practical. Go to showrooms and read product reviews.
- Galley or Gathering Space. Think about the space in your home. An efficient galley kitchen is a great asset for food prep for a serious cook while space for informal meals and family gatherings is important to households with children and for those who like to entertain. To achieve extra space you may have to extend the kitchen by adding an addition or reconfiguring an underused dining or living room in your plan.
- Hardware. Select hardware that is attractive, easy to clean and fits within your budget. If you’re planning to live in your home for a long time consider easy to use products like cup shaped pulls on drawers and lever handles on doors where appropriate. “Universal Design” ideas can be implemented in your project to create a space that can be used over the course of a lifetime.
- Islands and Peninsulas. Islands and peninsulas are the work stations of a kitchen. Generally they are designed for food prep, informal dining and storage.
- Jewels of the Kitchen. “Jewels” of a kitchen are items you add for aesthetics like pendant lighting, glass cabinets, custom tiles on backsplashes and areas for display of collections.
- Kitchen Triangle. The kitchen triangle considers the placement of the stove, refrigerator and sink/dishwasher area in the design of a kitchen so that a cook can work efficiently. Read our kitchen triangle article for more information.
- Lighting. Lighting is essential to the function of a kitchen. In your plans consider natural sunlight. If your kitchen needs more sunlight, consider skylights and sun tunnels. Your plans should also take into account lighting over work and dining areas and under cabinets. Options for lighting include florescent, halogen and LED. Fixtures to consider for the kitchen are pendant lights, under cabinet units and recessed lights.
- Moldings. Moldings add architectural interest to a kitchen but also finish off cabinetry, doors and flooring. Pay attention to ornamental moldings when you are looking at photos of kitchens.
- Nooks. Nooks or alcoves are recessed areas of a room that can be used for dining or displays. They add interest to a kitchen but also provide functional space.
- Outlets. Add extra outlets to your wish list. If you don’t, you’ll wish you had considered the height and placement of outlets as well as the number to include when you operate small appliances and gadgets in your kitchen.
- Pantry, Pull-out Storage. There is nothing more frustrating than reaching into the recesses of cabinets to find food, pots and pans and dishware. Look for drawers and cabinets that provide easy access to these items.
- Quick Access. Consider adding carousels (Lazy Susans) to corner cabinets for spice and food storage. Under cabinet trash disposal and recycling pullouts should be included in your plan.
- Recipes and Cookbooks. Plan areas to organize cookbooks. Computerize your recipe files. Here’s a tip for cherished family recipes - frame them; a favorite recipe in your grandmother’s handwriting will be treasured for generations.
- Sinks. Sinks are the most important fixture of a kitchen. Choose them wisely. Consider depth, faucet styles, utility and ease of cleaning. Don’t forget to select a waste disposal. If you have children, choose a waste disposal with safety features.
- Tiles. Floor and backsplash tiles can be used very creatively. If you are using tile on the floor, consider non-skid products. When you’re choosing tiles, don’t forget to select the grout as well.
- Under Counter Appliances and Storage. If you are adding additional refrigerator space consider installing a beverage refrigerator under a counter. A mixer can be stored in base cabinets with a pop-up shelf to free counter space.
- Ventilation. When selecting cooktops and ovens consider ventilation. Ventilation hoods come in a range of styles and some cooktops use down-draft ventilation. Your choice should be factored into your kitchen design.
- Wet Bars and Wine Storage. A space dedicated to beverage storage and glassware is always a plus in a kitchen.
- Xtra Ideas. A kitchen remodeling project is a big investment. Take the time to read product reviews especially when it comes to appliances and consumer information about kitchen remodeling projects. Read what others are saying. Sources you may want to check out are Better Homes and Gardens' Kitchen Bath Ideas, HGTV Kitchens and our Kitchens Gallery.
- Your Personal Touches. Choose colors fabrics, wall decorations, kitchen collections and other items that reflect your likes, interests and lifestyle.
- Zones. When you put together the plan for your kitchen think about the way you want to use your space and plan around “zones” for food prep, clean up, dining, storage, baking, beverages, paperwork etc. The National Kitchen and Bath Association offers an online “Kitchen and Bath Workbook” to help you plan your project.
Take your time when planning a kitchen remodel to address all the details. If the list seems overwhelming, consider hiring a design/build contractor to walk you through it.
Did we leave anything out? What do you have on your kitchen “wish list”?
Posted on Tue, Jul 20, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
This summer, McClurg Remodeling & Construction Services joined with 12 other local businesses to build a deck for Judy Aguirre, a Baldwinsville mother who suffered a spinal cord injury, which caused paralysis, when she fell in her home.
Once a year, the McClurg team works on a project to help an individual or group in the community as our way of “giving back.” We were approached by Judy’s sister, Jennifer Harte, a young mom herself, and asked if we could help Judy by building a deck that would allow her to exit her home and watch over her two sons. We met with Judy and her family and we were inspired by her strength and outlook for the future. We knew we had to help.
When we arrived on site we found a back door exit that she couldn’t use. We decided to create a large deck that spanned the length of the house to provide space for Judy to experience maximum mobility without encountering obstacles. We incorporated features that would allow her to resume an active lifestyle as she undergoes therapy for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Composite decking was selected because of its non-skid surface and easy maintenance. Glass side panels were installed on the deck for safety and aesthetics. Judy can view her yard without obstruction from the deck. A ramp with wood rails was built to allow Judy access to the yard. The deck will also enable her to exit the home in case of an emergency.
Over the course of the project we learned a great deal about Spinal Cord Injury. According to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Paralysis Resource Center, 1 in 50 Americans experiences paralysis. That statistic accounts for approximately 6 million people. Here are some facts about Spinal Cord Injury:
- While stroke is the most prevalent cause of paralysis (29 percent of cases), Spinal Cord Injury ranks second (23 percent of cases). Multiple Sclerosis is the third most prevalent cause and accounts for 17 percent of cases.
- Approximately 1,275,000 Americans have experienced Spinal Cord Injury. Most injuries occur in the work place (28 percent) or in motor vehicle accidents (24 percent). Injuries due to sports or recreation activities account for 17 percent of cases while falls account for 9 percent. Fifty six percent of those injured are between the ages of 16 and 30. Every year there are 12,000 new injuries.
- The average annual cost for medical care required to treat a person with a spinal cord injury ranges from $288,566 to $775,567 during the first year following an accident. Depending on the severity of the injury, the annual cost of continuing care can range from $16,000 to $140,000.
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for spinal cord injuries and improving the lives of people living with paralysis by funding research and providing grants, information and advocacy.
Finally, we would like to recognize and thank our partners in the project:
84 Lumber, East Syracuse
Benjamin Electric
Black Glass
Calley's Hardware
Healy Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
Liverpool Lumber Company
Matheison Portable Toilets
Nightingale True Value Hardware
Skaneateles Scapes
Tiger Claw Hidden Deck Fasteners
Trex Decking
Van Derhoof Roofing Company, Inc.
Posted on Tue, Jul 13, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
The “Universal Design” movement has gained momentum because of the advocacy efforts of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). One of the goals of AARP is to enable retirees and older adults to remain in their homes and live independently, safely and comfortably for as long as possible. The U.S. Baby Boom generation is 77 million strong (28 percent of the population) and has reached the age of 50+. As this cohort ages, making changes in their home environments will be essential to their quality of life.
To address this issue, AARP collaborated with the National Association of Home Builders to train contractors and remodelers in modifying homes to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and senior adults. The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) training program was designed by the Remodelers Council of NAHB, the NAHB Research Center and NAHB Senior Housing Council in consultation with AARP.
Graduates of the CAPS program are trained in:
- Communication techniques.
- Identifying home modifications or changes that will help people live independently in their homes.
- Finding solutions to common obstacles that make houses unsafe or uncomfortable.
- Technical/construction aspects of designing environments for a lifetime.
- Ethics.
Once certified, CAPS contractors must maintain their credentials through continuing education and subscribe to a Code of Ethics.
A CAPS contractor will typically address the barriers and obstacles in a home of a person with special needs by:
- Creating access to enable an individual to safely and securely enter and exit their home.
- Improving the function of the kitchen for easy meal preparation and eating.
- Modifying bathrooms for safety and access.
- Enabling a person to maneuver in their home safely, securely and independently.
- Designing accommodations while preserving the aesthetics of a home.
AARP maintains a list of certified contractors and remodelers and will help consumers locate CAPS contractors in their area. Scott McClurg is a CAPS-certified professional and is available to answer your questions about “Universal Design” and “Aging-in-Place.”
One final note, not only are organizations such as AARP and NAHB promoting “Universal Design,” but consumers are beginning to show more interest in home features that promote comfort, ease of access and safety. Adding these amenities can add value to your home.
Posted on Tue, Jul 06, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
If you’ve had a child with a broken leg, parents who are experiencing problems with walking or if you have had an injury or surgery which has impeded your mobility, you know that entering and exiting buildings can be a problem. There is nothing more frustrating than being unable to enter or exit your home easily.
When considering new construction or remodeling your home, consider designs that accommodate residents at all levels of ability and at life’s various stages. In the construction and remodeling business, designing for easy access is referred to as “Universal Design.” The living space should be usable by all regardless of age, size or abilities.
Here are some tips for making entryways secure and easy to access:
- Add lights to pathways and entryways to your home.
- Install flood lights with motion sensors and lights with photoelectric eyes that automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn.
- Check walkways frequently to be sure they’re in good condition. Repair holes, cracks, loose pavers and unlevel areas of sidewalks and paths.
- Install handrails on both sides of steps.
- Install lever style door handles.
- Install no step, no trip thresholds near doors.
- Exterior doors should be 36 inches wide to allow for 32 inches of clearance.
- There should be at least one no-step entry into a home.
- Consider non-slip flooring in the foyer.
- Install a peep hole at an appropriate height for residents for security.
- If needed, install ramps to doorways. The slope of a ramp should be no greater than a 1 inch rise for each foot of length and there should be handrails. A 5 foot landing should be built at the entrances and a ramp should have 2 inch curbs for safety. Ramps can be built to look attractive and to complement the architecture of a home.
For more information, check out these Web sites:
Posted on Tue, Jun 29, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
A friend of mine was talking about the experience of caring for her elderly mother and noted, "I never thought our family home (a two story cape, built in the early 1950s) could be so hazardous." One of her most difficult tasks was helping her mother to the bathroom. "The bathroom is next door to her bedroom but with her walker the halls and doorways are too narrow. Although we installed grab bars and purchased a shower seat, it's hard to lift her into the tub. I don't know how long she will be able to live at home."
Homes can become hazardous not only for older adults but even for those with temporary mobility impairments like a teen who breaks a leg in football practice or a person recovering from surgery.
If you're planning to update or remodel a bathroom consider the following "Universal Design" adaptations to improve access and safety in your home:
- Install a no-threshold walk-in shower or mini-threshold water dam shower with minimum dimensions of 5 feet by 3 feet.
- Add a built-in shower seat.
- Place grab bars in the shower, tub and near the toilet.
- Install several showerheads, including a hand-held adjustable height showerhead with easy to operate controls.
- Widen the doorway to 36 inches in the bathroom entrance.
- If possible, allow for maneuvering space. Ideally, allocate space to accommodate a 60 inch turning radius.
- Replace twist handle faucets with lever handle, anti-scald faucets.
- Consider installing a pedestal sink. Not only are they attractive, but the sink is accessible to those in your home who use a walker, wheelchair or crutches.
- If you are installing a vanity, mount the sink bowl close to the edge for easier use and select cabinetry with easy-glide drawers that close automatically.
- Toilets should be centered 18 inches from any sidewall, tub or cabinet and the seat should be 18 to 19 inches off the floor for older persons, lower for children.
- Replace round door knobs with lever handle knobs.
- Install lighting to provide good visibility when using the shower, tub, sink and toilet. Also, add a night light.
Many bathrooms are part of a master bedroom suite or located just outside the bedroom. To make your bedroom space more accommodating:
- Add a night light.
- Install additional electrical outlets to accommodate technology or future medical equipment.
- Fit closets with multi-level clothing rods or multi-level pull-out drawers and shelving. Don't use bi-fold doors on closets because they can be difficult to open and close.
The television show "This Old House" has an interesting "how-to" video on Choosing Universal-Design Bath Fixtures. Also, AARP offers a home accessibility checklist for bathrooms.
Posted on Tue, Jun 22, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Recently I met with a client who wanted to remodel a kitchen. Her house was built in 1958 and the kitchen layout and cabinets were original to the home. She told me it wasn't a practical design. She had to get down on her hands and knees to access the lower cupboards, the work triangle didn't provide for modern appliances, food prep space was scarce, the sink had an old fixture that lacked a spray to clean dishes, and the faucet was too low to fill large pots. When she was preparing meals, she often banged her head on an exhaust hood placed over a cook top on a peninsula.
This homeowner, who is a "Baby Boomer", plans to live in the house for another 20 years. She wants the kitchen to work for her today and in the future. She's also concerned about installing any "accessibility" features that might affect the resale value of her home.
If you can relate to this situation and are planning to remodel your kitchen, consider the following ideas to enhance the function, safety and value of your home:
- If your plans include "gutting" a kitchen, reframe doorways and allow at least 36 inches for clearance and easy access.
- Install multi-height, rounded edge countertops so household members can work either standing or sitting.
- Install storage with pull-out shelves, carousels and adjustable height shelving to keep you off your knees and from stretching on your toes and losing your balance when you reach in the back of upper cabinets for stored goods and dishware.
- Add a stove top "pot filler" water fixture to your cooking area so you won't have to lift heavy water filled pots and carry them from the sink to the stove.
- Place your garbage disposal switch in a location where it is easily accessible.
- Install built-in storage space for recyclables and trash.
- Add anti-scald faucets with lever handles to your sinks.
- Use D-shaped or pull-style cabinet and drawer pulls.
- When selecting a refrigerator, consider an easy access side-by-side model or an under-counter drawer-style unit.
- A drawer-style dishwasher will reduce the need for bending.
- Add extra electrical outlets for small appliances, including under the counter for easy access.
- Install bright non-glare task lighting over work areas, -sink, stove and counters.
Before you remodel, consult a kitchen designer or a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist about your needs and options. They are knowledgeable about aesthetics and details that you may not have considered. More information about "Universal Design" ideas for kitchens is available on the American Association of Retired Persons Web site.
Posted on Tue, Jun 15, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Over the course of time, we experience many changes in our lifestyles and our homes must evolve to adapt to these changes. If you're a parent of young children worried about home safety, a family caregiver attending to the needs of elderly parents, or a person with a disability, you'll want your home environment to accommodate your lifestyle.
"Universal Design" is a concept that considers the home environment of individuals at all stages of life by eliminating barriers and installing products everyone can use. Construction and design professionals realize that people go through changes and we work with homeowners to create attractive environments for all people to function in regardless of age, size or abilities.
Here are some general tips for making your home user-friendly throughout the years. I will be writing about "Universal Design" room-by-room in upcoming blog posts and welcome your questions and comments.
- Entryways can present obstacles. One step-free entrance to your home will ease access and safety.
- Add handrails to existing steps and porches. Falls often occur in these areas.
- Use lever-style handles to make opening doors easy for all.
- Install flush thresholds when installing carpeting and flooring to eliminate tripping hazards.
- Wide doorways and halls simplify life for everyone. Doorways at least 36 inches wide make it easy to move furniture or appliances into the home and accommodate people with wheelchairs or walkers. Hallways at least 42 inches wide give a home a spacious look and make it easier to maneuver and move furnishings.
- Install rocker light switches to turn lights on and off with ease. Place light switches 42 to 48 inches from the floor where everyone can reach them.
- Place electrical outlets 18 to 20 inches off the floor.
- Install thermostats no higher than 48 inches off of the floor.
- Create a laundry area on the first floor. Purchase raised front-loading washing machines and dryers to avert bending and back strain.
- Install lever-style faucets on sinks.
- Install windows that can be opened and closed easily.
- Consider single story living if you are building or purchasing an existing home.
For more information about Universal Design, check out the Web sites of the National Association of Home Builders and the American Association of Retired Persons.
Posted on Tue, Jun 01, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Patios are the perfect place for outdoor entertaining. Today's patios provide a focal point that connects a home to a garden and are important to a home's landscape. According to Better Homes and Gardens (July 2010), patios originated in Egypt as courtyards. Look around your yard, are there features in your landscape you want to complement? Materials for patios are varied and include:
- Concrete. Concrete is eco-friendly and provides a flat, durable patio surface that requires a minimum of maintenance. Stamped concrete can produce the look of flagstone, bricks, pavers and other textures.
- Pavers. Pavers are made from materials such as natural stone, brick and concrete. They are a popular choice for patios because they inexpensive and can be easily installed. Pavers come in many styles, shapes and colors which resist fading and are easy to maintain. Pavers are also produced in a concrete flagstone design which provides the look of natural stone at a fraction of the cost.
- Flagstone. Flagstone is sedimentary rock cut or split into layers for paving patios or walkways. Many of us in central New York are familiar with flagstone because it is mined in New York and Pennsylvania. Typical colors of flagstone are blue, red and buff. Flagstone is extremely durable and does require annual care since it can darken due to sediment build up, algae and mold. Sediment and debris can be removed with a power washer to restore the stone to its luster. You may also have to re-set stones with sand if they loosen. Flagstone is more expensive that other patio materials and may be more expensive to install. If you plan to reside in your home for a long period of time, flagstone is a worthwhile investment.
- Terra-cotta tiles. Terra cotta tiles are ceramic tiles that were hand-molded for outdoor use in France hundreds of years ago. Terra cotta tiles can provide an elegant look to your patio. Ceramic tiles are durable and come in a variety of shapes and colors. They do become slippery when wet and are not a good choice around pool areas.
- Brick. Patio bricks come in varied sizes, colors and patterns. Bricks can be installed in a variety of patterns and are classic patio materials. Bricks can also be used for patio walls and garden edging.
- Wood blocks. Wood blocks are probably the least expensive material to use as a patio surface. Use only pressure treated lumber, redwood or cedar heartwood. Blocks can be sliced with a circular saw to create an even surface. Wood block patios and walkways are rustic and often used in woodland cabins and summer camps.
No matter which product you choose, remember one of the most important elements to making a patio last is proper base preparation including the type of base materials, amount of base materials, level and compaction of base materials and good drainage.
Patios require level ground. Patios integrate the beauty of a garden with the exterior of a home. Consider adding features like a fire pit, outdoor fireplace, a garden wall, plantings areas and a water fall to your patio design.