When planning a landscape always leave room for backyard structures

by Sally Bouorm | December 1, 2013 4:02 pm

By Jason Mitchell

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Planning a backyard landscape design is not an easy task as many homeowners are often overwhelmed with ideas and images they have either seen online or heard about from friends. The biggest mistake a consumer makes, however, is requesting a swimming pool that is too big for their backyard, which leaves little room for a patio or other structures. Therefore, it is important to take a step back and work through different aspects of the project and focus on other areas aside from the swimming pool, such as a poolside enclosure or cabana.

Not only is this a great opportunity to introduce an outside structure, which can add a whole new dimension to a homeowner’s backyard, but it also gives the builder the opportunity to differentiate themselves from their competition.

Determine the budget

There are many different styles of backyard enclosures—from pergolas to prefabricated sheds to custom cabanas—that suit any backyard landscape design. Enclosures are also being built with a number of different materials, including cedar, stucco, stone and stucco, and siding. However, before getting too far into the planning process it is important to first establish the customer’s budget. For instance, the addition of an outdoor washroom will add a considerable amount of cost to the project. Therefore, it makes little sense to design a $75,000 backyard cabana when the homeowner’s budget is only $40,000.

Further, although a building permit is required for a backyard structure that is larger than 10 m² (108 sf), the permit process is much easier than people think. Each municipality has slightly different requirements and setbacks, but generally speaking, once all of the drawings and paperwork is in order, it can be completed rather quickly. Of course, integrating plumbing into a cabana creates a little more work in obtaining a permit; however, an outside washroom and running water are two of the best features a homeowner can add to their backyard.

How much detail should an enclosure quote include?

When quoting an enclosure project for a customer, be sure to include all of the details, along with any specific finishing materials and accessories.

For instance, the quote for the enclosure project this article focuses on included an exterior natural gas fireplace, which was to be finished with Owen Sound ledgerock, an exterior infrared heater, along with an outdoor TV and stereo system, which was to have speakers installed throughout the yard. The interior of the enclosure was to include a granite counter top and bar area and, of course, running water with an outdoor washroom. Finally, the large cedar posts were to receive an exterior finish comprising of stone and stucco to provide a unique look.

Once the client’s budget was confirmed and their approval on the quote and overall design plans was received, and the appropriate building permits were in order, construction of the enclosure could commence.

Step one: Preparation and base

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The area where the base of the enclosure would sit was excavated to a depth of 457 mm (18 in.), and a 19-mm (¾-in.) layer of clear limestone was applied to create a stable foundation and allow for optimal drainage. Another benefit to using limestone is it does not require compaction.

Next, an engineered concrete slab was poured 305 mm (12 in.) deep and 457 mm (18 in.) wide, sloping to the centre at a 44-degree angle to a 152-mm (6-in.) depth. Two rows of 15M-reinforcing bar (rebar) was used at the bottom of the thickened portion of the concrete slab, while a grid of 15M-rebar was placed at 305 mm (12 in.) on centre, approximately 76 mm (3 in.) below the surface of the concrete. Anchor bolts were placed a maximum of 1.8 m (6 ft) on centre for fastening the enclosure’s wood-frame structure.

Step two: Framing

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The enclosure was framed using spruce 2x4s with plywood sheathing wrapped in a high-density polyethylene fibre house wrap to create a moisture barrier, but not a vapour barrier.

The exterior finish comprises an eramosa ‘tiger stripe’ natural stone ledgerock coursing, which allowed consistent heights of stone (76 mm [3 in.], 127 mm [5 in.], and 203 mm [8 in.]) to be used, which sped up the installation process. It also added a nice variation and sharp look to the enclosure’s exterior.

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Stucco was 38-mm (1.5-in.) Styrofoam screwed to the plywood, and sanded to create a straight surface. Then, a reinforced base coat was applied after which it was finished with an acrylic-based textured finish coat.

The enclosure’s 203- x 203-mm (8- x 8-in.) solid western red cedar support columns were selected for their beauty and ability to stand up to the elements. Custom-fabricated steel brackets were used to secure the columns to the concrete slab.

Step three: Finishing touches

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In finishing the enclosure, the roof presented two different options—asphalt or cedar shingles. The former option was selected, however, to match the shingles on the home, while solid core clear cedar doors were installed to maintain continuity with the design. Aluminum roll-up security shutters were also added to provide a weather-tight barrier, as well as security from intrusion.

To co-ordinate with the exterior ledgerock finish, eramosa ‘tiger stripe’ flagstone (with mortar joints) was used to complete the floor of the enclosure. The floor was installed on a concrete base, which is preferable for this type of installation. Lower-cost installation methods exist, such as installing flagstone flooring on a granular base or high performance backfill (HPB); however, these methods often require more maintenance in the years to follow.

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And, as previously mentioned, granite countertops were chosen not only for their durability, but also to maintain a natural stone appearance. It is also much easier to maintain and clean a granite countertop as opposed to using wood or tile.

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To extend the use of the homeowner’s backyard, ambient lighting was also incorporated into the enclosure’s design. That said, the proper placement and use of lighting allows the client to continue their backyard entertaining long past sunset.

Therefore, it is important to consider lighting not only for the enclosure, but also throughout the rest of the landscape to showcase all of the backyard elements.

 

 

 

With 16 years’ experience in the industry, Jason Mitchell is the president of The Pool Craft Company Ltd., in Richmond Hill, Ont., a pool construction and landscaping business. For more information, visit www.poolcraft.ca[8]. He can be reached via e-mail at jason@poolcraft.ca[9].

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/when-planning-a-landscape-always-leave-room-for-backyard-structures/

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