Planning Your Project
Here are all the points to consider when planning your patio, deck, or balcony project.
Before building your patio, it's essential to put your ideas down on paper. No idea is too safe or too bold. The goal is to think about your needs and how you want to use your space.
There's nothing more frustrating than realizing you should have made your deck one foot longer for better flow, only to discover it's much larger than you actually need.
6 Questions to Ask Yourself When Planning
1. What's the best spot in my yard?
The first step is to start observing the sun exposure in your yard. Are there areas in full sun, others completely shaded? Sketch out your yard and mark those zones.
Think about your future projects
Then think about your current and future needs so you can position the elements that will take up the most space in your backyard. Are you thinking about eventually adding a pool, a shed, a garage, or a play area for the kids? A pool works best in full sun, while a shed or play area can work perfectly in the shade.
Make the Most of the 5 Zones in Your Yard
In permaculture, the concept of 5 zones is often used to plan a property based on how each area is used and how much maintenance it requires. This way of thinking about your project is really helpful for placing each element in the right spot based on your lifestyle.
For example, someone who uses their tools frequently should place their shed in zone 1 with direct access via their patio, to avoid constant back-and-forth rather than having to walk to the back of the yard.
The goal is truly to make your space useful, practical, and enjoyable to live in!
Storage Where You Need It
Another great example is using the space under your balcony as a storage area. As shown in the photo, our client wanted a storage space for pool accessories right next to their swimming area.
Other Important Points to Consider in Your Planning
- Think about sun orientation throughout the day.
- Evaluate whether you need more privacy by positioning your patio farther from a neighbour's property or by adding a privacy wall to your project.
Customer Spotlight
Here's another great example of smart space optimization from one of our clients, who set up a BBQ area along with an herb planter for cooking, right next to their patio door!
Proof that a practical, well-thought-out space can work in any yard, big or small!
2. Will my project have one or multiple levels?
For inspiration, check out our photo gallery featuring several client projects or our patio plan ideas page.
Keep in mind:
- A clean, simple design is always a good idea. It helps you avoid getting tired of your patio after just a few years.
- Think of your patio as a timeless canvas. To add colour, focus on your furniture and accessories instead. It's much easier to change the colour of your cushions than your deck boards.
3. Which Solution Should You Choose to Support Your Deck Structure?
There are several ways to support a deck structure. Here are the four main options, each designed to withstand the challenges of our northern climate.
Concrete piers with footings
Advantages :
- Permanent solution that withstands frost
- High stability
Disadvantages:
- Higher cost
- Excavation required, which can damage the terrain and landscaping (budget for additional costs to restore the yard after construction)
Concrete piers without footings - Sonotubes
Advantages :
- Frost-resistant when installed below the frost line
- Suitable for several soil types
- Affordable option if done yourself (auger rental + tube forms + concrete)
Disadvantages:
- Less stable if piers don't reach below the frost line
- Requires an auger for drilling. More difficult in the presence of rock or large roots (an excavator may be needed in those cases, though this remains the exception)
- More labour-intensive if done as a DIY project
- May cause minor disturbance to the terrain and landscaping
Helical piles (screw piles)
Advantages :
- Installed deep below the frost line, ensuring high stability with no seasonal movement
- No excavation required. Installation is done with a small machine that causes minimal disruption to the yard
- Adjustable if minor shifting occurs over the years
- Can be installed even after a new home is built, without major disruption
Disadvantages:
- Less suitable for very rocky soil
- Must be installed by professionals, as specialized equipment is required
Concrete support blocks
Advantages :
- Most affordable option
- No excavation required
Disadvantages:
- Shifts with freeze/thaw cycles. Not well suited for patios anchored to the home's structure
- Not recommended for large patios or heavy loads (e.g. hot tub)
4. Do I want a cooking space and a separate dining area?
Make sure to plan enough space around the BBQ for comfortable use and most importantly, keep it away from the dining table to avoid smoke reaching your guests. It's also not recommended to place your BBQ in front of a window.
As explained in the 5 zones section above, position your BBQ near the patio door and, if possible, on the same level as the door to avoid a long trip between the house and the grill.
Also think about leaving enough room around your table so guests can sit down and get up comfortably. A minimum clearance of 36 inches is generally recommended.
5. Do I want a relaxation area?
If so, will it be on the same level, a separate level, or further out in the yard?
Think about the elements you'd like to include: lounge chairs, a hammock, a swing, a side table, a pergola, a storage bin, planters, etc. and plan the square footage accordingly.
Adding a spa area
It is possible to install a hot tub on a deck, but this must be planned from the very beginning of the project. It is important to know the total loaded weight of the hot tub (weight of the spa + water + occupants) and to consult a contractor or engineer to calculate the load per square foot, as well as determine the structural requirements needed to support it. Beam size, post dimensions, joist spacing, and the type of footing or post support are all factors that must be taken into account.
6. Dreaming of a pool?
If you have a pool or are planning to add one, create a patio zone specifically designed around it. You'll enjoy a comfortable space for lounge chairs while keeping the wet area contained to one spot on your patio.
Make sure to plan storage for pool accessories nearby.
Very important: Be sure to check your municipality’s current pool fencing regulations. Feel free to mention this when submitting your quote request. We offer Kléco aluminum and glass railing systems in compliant heights. To learn more about the applicable requirements, read the Kleco blog article on the subject.
