Patios
& Walkways Idea Book
Create
Innovative Patios & Walkways from Entries, Pool Decking, Outdoor
Kitchens & Paths to Retaining Walls and Terraces
By Peter
Jeswald
Transform Your Patios & Walkways with Innovative Ideas
Patios and walks no longer consist of bland
expanses of concrete or an unimaginative rectangle tacked onto the
back of a house. Designs are elaborate and materials abundant.
There's no better way to get a glimpse at how you can transform your
landscape than with the inspiration in Patios & Walkways Idea Book.
This book has it all, from front entries to back patios, pool
decking to outdoor kitchens, paths through the woods to retaining
walls and terracing close to the house. In addition to the
wide-ranging examples of styles and materials, you'll find advice
for all the practical concerns you have questions about.
About the Author:
Peter Jeswald is a builder and designer in
Massachusetts. His work includes residential projects, as well as
medical facilities, a school renovation, retail stores, and
restaurants. He is also the author of
Basement Ideas That Work,
How to Build Paths, Steps, and Footbridges, and Homework: Ten Steps
to Foolproof Planning before Building.
Introduction:
During the past several years a long-simmering trend has become a
bona fide craze: The All-American yard has been transformed from a
dull maintenance hog into valuable living space. Homeowners
everywhere -- in warm climates or cold -- are realizing that the
outdoors can be just as much a part of their homes as the indoors.
Moving activities from the house into the yard -- in effect,
bringing some of the indoors outside -- is blurring the distinction
between the two. Patios are at the forefront of this growing
phenomenon and often top landscape-construction wish lists.
One driving force behind the resurgent interest in patios is the
development of numerous and attractive building material options.
Brick and concrete pavers have benefited from advances in
manufacturing techniques and are produced in an almost endless array
of patterns and colors. Many types and shapes of stone, with its
timeless quality and unmatched durability, can be purchased at local
masonry supply yards and garden centers. New preservative treatments
have made rot-resistant, pressure-treated wood safer to use. And a
new family of materials made with recycled products makes building
in the environment safer -- for the environment.
One of the hallmarks of indoor living -- comfort -- also has
found its way outside. Sitting on a patio should, and can, be every
bit as comfortable as lounging in a living room. Recognizing the
growing popularity of outdoor living, manufacturers are paying more
attention to details, constructing more durable furniture, and
creating styles that mimic indoor pieces. While cast iron and wood
furniture still have their place, pieces made of lightweight
extruded aluminum account for most of the outdoor furniture sold. In
addition, colorful fabrics that can stand up to the elements now
cover cushions and pillows.
More and more of the creature comforts that not too long ago were
for indoor use only have found their way into backyards. Kitchen
appliances such as refrigerators and beverage coolers, stereo
systems, and sophisticated lighting are now available for outdoor
use. Perhaps the most telling example is the television. TVs built
with all-weather construction that can stand up to rain, dirt, and
extreme temperatures can now be used to create a patio TV room.
Patios & Walkways Idea Book introduces you to this new and
improved world of outdoor living. With hundreds of photographs to
inspire you and solid information to guide you through the planning
process, Patios & Walkways Idea Book is an excellent
companion and valuable resource, whether you're planning a small
patio or a complete backyard makeover.
Table of Contents:
Introduction 2
Chapter 1: Creating Outdoor Living Spaces 4
Variations on a Patio 6
Walkways to and from the Home 12
Tying Places Together with Steps 18
Walls in the Landscape 24
Materials for Patios and Walkways 28
Chapter 2: Patios for Dining and Cooking 32
Family Dining 34
Dining under Cover 42
Outdoor Kitchens 48
Outdoor Entertaining 52
Chapter 3: Patios for Relaxing 62
Patios Connected to the House 64
Patios as Retreats 74
Chapter 4: Patios for Play 86
Patios around Pools 88
Patios for Sports and Recreation 100
Chapter 5: Front Entries and Driveways 108
Front Entry Areas 110
Driveways 126
Chapter 6: Moving Through the Landscape 130
Walkways 132
Steps 162
Resources 181
Credits 183
Soft-cover, 9-3/16 x 10-7/8 in., 192 pages, with color
photos and drawings
Published 2008
ISBN 978-1-56158-936-4
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