Investing in your outdoor space

Planning a reno in the backyard this spring? Do you know how big you need to go when creating useable space? Most DIYers get it wrong when planning their own backyards, especially when it comes to calculating the useable space they really need.

So how big should the deck or patio be? It comes down to what you want to use it for. I always tell homeowners to start with the patio furniture. At the store, large patio furniture is shown as compact as possible so that they can get more sets on the showroom floor. Don’t be deceived by this. Too often homeowners plan their outdoor space and can’t find the furniture to fit it.

The easiest way to answer this question is to go to the furniture store and pick out want you really want for your space and then measure it. Bring some friends and make sure to measure your potential set with people sitting in it. Also consider how much room you need to walk around the furniture if it’s being occupied.

Here are my general rules …

A four-person square table needs a patio that is 12’x12.’ This might seem large but it is important to allow for flow around the table as well as enough space for your guests to sit comfortably. Including the barbecue as you plan your space is also very important. Make sure you allow enough space so that no one has to sit beside a heat source on a hot night.

A barbecue needs to be away from a burnable surface by 36” when its in use, so make sure to plan for an area to roll it out before you turn it on.

Four club chairs around a table or propane fireplace needs at least 15’x15’ because people tend to cross their legs or sit in a reclined position, taking up more room on the patio.

With the size of today’s furniture, aim to install a 750 to 1,000 sq. ft. deck or patio to include a six-person table, a decent sized barbecue, and an area for conversational seating, It might seem like a large investment, but all the experts say your money is secure and it will make a big impact on prospective buyers.

That’s really the key to maximizing your outdoor asset — create a space that meets your family’s needs but also increases your home’s resale value.

I have one more secret to share with you. Landscaping is the only investment that increases with time. Both MoneySense Magazine and the Gallop organization agree that as your landscape matures — you can see up to a 200 per cent return on your investment.

So feel comfortable spending a little money in order to make a profit and at the same time, enjoy your outdoor space. You won’t regret it.