What Size Patio Do I Need?

Investing in your home's outdoor living spaces is one of the most sound decisions in remodeling today. According to a 2014 study by RealEstate.com, landscaping and hardscaping can bring returns of up to 150%—passing traditional kitchen and bath remodels in the ROI department. 

Backed by the reassurance that developing your landscaping is a great idea, now it's time to decide on what size space is right for your family's needs. Traditional speaking, the patio becomes the hub of your Hudson Valley outdoor space, so it's important to size it correctly. 

Sizing your Hudson Valley patio doesn't have to be so a mystery. Image: ConcreteNetwork.com

How to choose the best size for new patio?

Considering how you will actually use your patio is the best way to solve for the sizing problem. How big is your family? Do you like to entertain regularly? What type of furniture do you like and what are the dimensions? Questions like these are extremely helpful in making sure to not go too small or too big. 

We've included a handy guide from the Concrete Network which shows the average square footage it takes to accommodate different furniture arrangements. Planning should start from the essentials like a dining set and expand from there. Once the fundamentals are met, you can access what's left in the budget and how you would like to allocate them. 

Handy Tip: Thinking of your outdoor spaces, just as you would your indoor living room and kitchen, is an excellent way to get a feeling for the space. Considering the trends in outdoor living today, chances are pretty good that you will find yourself using your landscape spaces just as you would your indoor home. 

What outdoor living features should I include?

Now that you have an idea of the budget you have remaining for special elements, it's time to dive into the world of outdoor living accessories. You are pretty much only limited to your imagination and budget here, so it's time to get creative. 

Outdoor fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are incredible ways to extend the useable months outside, while also bringing the family together for some quality time around the fire. Water features are also very popular in the Hudson Valley and bring an amazing focal point and soothing sounds to the party. 

With everything from fully functional outdoor kitchens to overhead structures that add shelter and shade, outdoor living spaces can truly become a seamless extension of your indoor home. 

Bluestone and Brick Walkway: A Classic Combination

A during and after shot of the bluestone front walkway at Roe Brothers in Florida, NY.

We love working with other local business in Orange County, NY. At Roe Brothers, the Landworx crew is wrapping up a new bluestone walkway with a brick border course—a classic combination. The timeless material choices bring a sense of place and history to this new entrance. 

Bluestone walkways and patios can be installed two main ways—wet or dry. A dry lay of bluestone involves a gravel base and the bluestone is installed without using any cement. Wet laid bluestone is installed over a concrete pad with rebar and/or wire mesh reinforcement and is finished off with grouted joints. This project was the latter. 

Providing the finishing touched to the walkway is a precast curbing and a fresh planting design and installation. Thanks to our friends and Roe Brothers! 

Fall in love with Outdoor Rooms

Southern Living Magazine shares their favorite outdoor rooms for the fall season. 

What better way id their to spend the upcoming chilly nights than relaxing by a beautiful custom masonry outdoor fireplace? We're not sure. But the best way to start planning a beautiful outdoor living space for for fall festivities is by gathering some inspiration. 

Take a look at some of these stunning outdoor spaces located throughout the country. Let them inspire you and then decide...

How will you enjoy your outdoor rooms this fall here in the Hudson Valley? 

The Landworx Blog: Landscaping and Outdoor Living Tips for Hudson Valley Homeowners

The Landworx of NY Blog helps homeowners in Orange County, NY and the Hudson Valley plan and live better in their outdoor spaces. 

Homeowners and consumers today shop differently than they did 5 years ago. Research and learning begins online far before any purchases are made. Landworx understands this new way of shopping and is committed to helping Orange County, NY homeowners educate themselves on outdoor living products, landscape design, and hiring the best landscape contractor for their project. 

The blog at www.LandworxLandscaping.com is a great resource for homeowners planning to invest in a new outdoor living space or update their existing ones. We post weekly articles, blogs, project case studies, and updates from our installation crews, sharing a bit of the behind the scenes experiences that homeowners can expect. 

We hope Hudson Valley homeowners check in regularly and find value in the Landworx of NY blog. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions!

Why autumn is a great time to plan your Orange County, NY landscape project

The best landscaping companies in the Hudson Valley region book out their seasons quickly. Planning and scheduling ahead is important for the success of your project and ensuring its timely completion. 

Many homeowners begin thinking about their outdoor projects when the beautiful spring weather hits in April and May. Understandably so, right? Who wants to think of outdoor living when the temperatures here in the Hudson Valley are dipping down into the teens?

The problem with beginning in spring is that many of the best landscape design/build firms have already booked up. Planning ahead will help prevent you from looking at a blank backyard all summer long. That's why working with a landscape professional to begin planning and designing your landscape project in autumn is a great idea. Who knows, maybe they'll even be time for breaking ground! (As a side note, winter isn't a bad time to begin either!)

What are the benefits of planning your Orange County, NY landscaping project in Autumn?

• Get a jump start on next year's outdoor living season by planning your project in the fall and winter.
• Get a spot on the schedules of the best landscape companies in the Hudson Valley.
• Have more time to really design and plan out the perfect space for your family.
• Possibly save some money on either materials for your project or the labor of installation.