Architectural Landscape Design Blog

Archive for the ‘Patio Decks’ Category

Top Three Reasons to Install a Cement Patio

Monday, April 29th, 2013

Summer is finally just around the corner, and you’re probably gearing up to host barbecues or back yard parties. If you already have a patio, you already know how great they are for those types of gatherings, but if you’re thinking of installing one, take a look at what cement patios have to offer.

Durable:   One of the main reasons concrete is so popular is because it’s so durable. Unlike wood, it won’t fade or rot over time, so you won’t need to worry about staining or replacing bad beams.  Unlike patios made out of pavers, there are no cracks between the stones through which grass and weeds can grow. This means less time spent pulling weeds, and more time enjoying your gatherings.  Best of all, cement will stand up to scorching Minnesota summers as easily as it does to the deep freeze of our winters.

Versatile:   In addition to its toughness, cement is unique in that it can be molded to meet any space constraints.  Concrete patios can also look like the more expensive stone and tile options through stamping, stenciled, engraving or texturing processes. Combine that with its ability to be dyed any color you want it to be, and you have an option that can match any décor.  These features all add up to a creation that you can customize to your unique tastes. Your outdoor get away will be yours completely, and not a copy of any one else’s in the neighborhood.

Cost Effective:   Installing a patio is also a great investment. They cost less to install than many other outdoor structures, and they add value to your home’s equity. Since they need so little maintenance, you will also save money on repair supplies like stain, sand and timber.  When you invest in putting your new patio in, you’re summer get-togethers will be better than ever before.

ALD designs and installs hardscape features such as patios in the Minneapolis area and surrounding communities. 

 

 

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Dreamy Outdoor Spaces

Tuesday, January 29th, 2013

Longing to transform those winter dreams to life?  Here are some gorgeous pictures of patios and decks – really outdoor rooms – that can feed your fantasies and give you some inspiration for landscape changes come spring.

Outdoor living spaces are becoming more and more popular as people want to bring the convenience of indoor living out to the natural beauty and environment of their yards.  The plastic chairs on the deck or the umbrella-shaded picnic table on the patio are just a start.  Raised platform decks, outdoor kitchens, sunken patios – there is  wide range of configurations to choose from.  Whatever your taste and your budget – from simple to lavish – there is an outdoor room that will fit your lifestyle and your budget.

Patios and decks don’t have to look like afterthoughts – with the help of an experienced landscape designer specializing in outdoor living spaces, you can have a relaxing outdoor space that actually feels like it is part of your home, an extension of the indoors.

Planning outdoor living spaces like kitchens, patios, decks, and pergolas which accent a home and provide a truly-enjoyable outdoor experience is just one of the landscape design services we provide at ALD.  If you’ve found some inspiration from looking at these photos but are wondering if it would work for your yard, please give us a call.  Our designers would be happy to help you convert your ideas into reality.

 

 

 

 

 

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The Best Laid Plans; Why Work With A Design Landscaper in Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer?

Tuesday, June 19th, 2012

Why would you want to work with a landscaper in designing your yard in any of the four seasons? Your yard offers different views in all seasons that help in the planning process and much of the physical part of landscaping can be done in from spring through late fall. In developing a landscape plan at Architectural Landscape Design our designers and architects begin with a carefully thought out plan based on your needs and wants that includes a step-by-step process. Well review it’s:

Boundaries-We’ll establish the boundaries of your property with you. Looking at boundaries we determine whether we should install fences, hedges, stone walls. We want to be considerate of the views that you have and your neighbors currently have considering the different seasons.

Ground levels-We’ll review your ground levels and drainage. Are there any areas where we want to change the ground levels? We may want to build and install retaining walls, level ground areas, or maybe even dig and install fire pits water ponds or reflecting pools, stream beds, or waterfalls.

Primary infrastructures-Is there a need to plan to build up primary retraining walls to hold back soil, is there a need for walls to create raised beds. What paths, driveways, sidewalks, edges of flower beds, gate posts, foundations for potting sheds, steps, or any other hardscapes we should plan to build?

Features and details- We’ll put in or build the main features, or the “fun features” like install liners for water ponds, lay patios, erect sheds, build gateposts, hang gates, erect pergolas, arbors, and trellis, and build walls.

Lawns- We’ll add the topsoil and finally roll the ground. Than either laying down sod or seeding the lawn we’ll finish the ground.

Planting-We’ll review our planting plan one more time and start by planting the main feature trees and shrubs, and than the subsequent plantings. And if we put in a pool or a pond we’ll fill it.

Let us help you plan your landscape any season of the year, call Architectural Landscape Design Minneapolis at 952-292-7717.

 

 

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Plan Your Decking Design Now: Decks To Consider For Slopes, Rocks, and Damp Areas

Tuesday, June 19th, 2012

Decking is a great way to float a solution over problem, unusable space in your yard, or even outside drains. It is an immediate solution to a place where installing a patio may not work for a variety of reasons. Creating a new place for sitting in difficult spaces is one of the things that our landscape designers and architects do best. They’ll work with you to answer the questions you may have and design a space that works.

While a deck is a platform made of wood, there are multitudes of interesting options. You can have a singular deck, a series of terrace like decking going up a slope, bridges made from decks over stone riverbeds, decks around trees, decks around trees next to patios, or decking snaking across your yard to create interest. These questions are just a few to consider for getting your decking plans started:

How are you going to use the deck, are you interested in sunbathing or sitting in the shade?

Do you want the kids to play on it, or is it for barbecuing, or both?

Do you want the deck to be isolated, or linked to the house physically?

Are you interested in it being at ground level, or raised up on legs?

Does your deck need to wrap around a corner of your house, or do you want it to come out like a pier?

Are you interested in the lowest maintenance wood or are you looking for a lower cost option?

How does your deck affect the view of your neighbors and their view of you?

Are there overhead power lines to consider that are going to be a problem?

How does the deck integrate with your overall house and landscape plan?

Do you want built in seating on your deck?

Let us help you with your decking designs call Architectural Landscape Design Minneapolis at 952-292-7717.

 

 

 

 

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Building an Outdoor Office on Your Deck or Patio; A Spring, Summer, Fall Office

Thursday, May 31st, 2012

Have you ever been working inside and thought about how great it would be to do your work outdoors? Do you have a space that just calls to you to come outside when you should be working inside? Why not build an outdoor office on a deck or a patio?

Set up your office headquarters on a deck or patio outside. We can help you bring your work outside by installing a deck or patio for the foundation of your office. Topping the office with a 4” by 10” feet pergola or arbor overhead can provide partial shade and give the sense of an enclosed area. A work surface or desk can be made out of either wood or stone. Adding waterproof connections for electricity and lighting rounds out the basics of what is needed for setting up your work outside. If you like we can make “outside” walls with fences and retaining walls that will afford you partial or complete privacy.

In addition our landscape architects and designers can also plan and install koi ponds, waterfalls, and year round interest plantings to further mix business with pleasure. We can round it out with outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, grills for entertainment and business pleasure.

Spring, Summer, and Fall your office can be headquartered on the deck. When the office is closed for the day or the winter the deck can be available for other deck activities. The desk can serve as the place to set a buffet, bar, or add pots of greenery to view throughout the winter complete with lights from the waterproof electric connections.

It’s the coordination of the elements of the arbor or pergola, the desk, the patio or deck, and waterproof electrical connections that can transition space into a practical and attractive outdoor office headquarters.

We can help you develop your outdoor office call 952-292-7712 for a free one hour no commitment consultation.

 

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Patios A Hundred Different Ways

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

It used to be that a patio was a grey concrete slab with some folding metal chairs. Obviously, those days are gone! Today, there are hundreds of ways to design patios and countless materials to choose from to create a patio. You can use brick, concrete, brick pavers, cobblestones, stamped concrete, natural stone, marble, tile, and the list goes on.

How is the best way to choose what will work with your house, fences, driveway, and paths and fit in your neighborhood? Our landscape designers and architect can help you design the right patio or patios for your space. They’ll help you narrow down the choices of materials to one or a combination of materials that complements your yard’s design. Another benefit is they know the natural stones quarried in this area that is another option to consider.

The shape, style and placement of the patio you choose is very personal. It has to do with what your expected uses are of that space. A patio is typically no more than a well-drained area that is somewhere to sit and play. But when you add on your personal expectations it takes it to the next level.

You may like the look and feel of the very basic rectangular patio. That is always a good option for a small garden space. But geometric combinations of circles and rectangular spaces together are very dynamic. They can be used very effectively to create separate patio outdoor living rooms. We can easily design those to be on different levels to increase the visual interest of your yard also.

Another option is to consider adding built-in furniture. It’s a great time and space saver when you don’t have to take the time and plan at the end of each season how and where to store garden furniture. We can build stone bench seats and stone-slab coffee and dining tables that are available for year around use, summer dining and winter prep areas for cross country skiing. Call our MN landscape company today on 952-292-7717.

 

 

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Patio Sitting Areas: A Place To Sit, Eat Al Fresco, Relax, Entertain and a SANDBOX?

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Eating Al Fresco is one of the simple pleasures whether it’s summer or fall. Being outdoors just seems to make everything better.

What changes if you have a poorly designed sitting area? Lots of newly built houses often have a patio or deck at the back of the house. However, many times they merely are a “token” patio or deck. There may be a couple of concrete slabs, but a lot of times it isn’t a big enough space to accommodate the needs of even a small family.

Choosing the right spaces and the right light is key to a good patio or sitting area. A spot with morning light would be lovely for that early morning cup of coffee or breakfast. Lunch might be best in dappled shade on a patio under a pergola with vines and climbing flowers. The end of your day might be when you want to catch the last of the sun’s rays and watch the sun go down.

We can help you track the sun’s progress around your yard, and help you design the best patios and sitting areas to meet your needs. At Minnesota’s Architectural Landscape Design we’re used to picking the best locations for patios that help you relocate throughout the day to get the sun exposure you desire.

The size of these patios can be just large enough for one bench or a single chair nestled among some plants, or a table and chairs, with space for a barbecue and even an outdoor kitchen or fire pit. Or you can extend the children’s play areas by sinking a sandbox in a patio with a removable cover, that allows for dual purposes and uses.

Choosing the right hardscapes: floors, pavers, retaining walls, or materials for a fire pit or outdoor kitchen will help establish the look and feel of the outdoor room. Call us today on 952-292-7712.

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Add Landscape Pizzazz with Garden Structures: Fences, Trellis, Gazebos, Arbors

Monday, August 15th, 2011

If you want to add some landscape pizzazz to your yard nothing beats knockout flowering shrubs like hydrangas and annual and perennial flowers! But, to set off the plants and give your garden some shape you’ll need some garden structures. A partially enclosed garden structure can be a refuge and provide shade during the day and a quiet respite at night.

Fences and trellises can be used to create seperate outdoor living rooms in a backyard. Low wide walls made of natural stone or concrete can provide seating. Spas or hut tubs, outdoor kitchens, decks, or a series of decks and platforms can bring the comfort and ambience of indoor rooms. Garden structures are some of the most costly parts of any garden so you want to plan them with care.

Gazebos, arbors, and overheads arches help by adding shelter, privacy and support for beautiful climbing vines. Arbors are lattice work covered by shrubs or vines. They can be attached to a house wall or roof, or be freestanding.Gazebos are free-standing roofed structures that are usually open on the side or screened. Some have glass wall inserts so they double as conservatories for part of the year. They are usually six or eight sided and have sloping rafters that join in a central hub at the roof peak.

There is a wide range of materials to choose from that offer a lot of flexibility in terms of your taste, needs, and budget. At Architectural Landscape  Design, our MN landscape designers can help you make the right choices that are perfect for you.

If you are interested in a garden structures to enhance the beauty of your plantings don’t hesitate to call us today on 952-292-7717.


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Using Natural Stone As The Perfect Building Material in Minneapolis

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

No matter where you live in the world you will see structures built with natural stone that have been standing for 200 years or more. This was the conventional building material for thousands of years, and still is for those who want to build something that lasts.

Stone comes in countless colors; uses, and characteristics. Installing them correctly is what makes them last, and the reason why people should hire only skilled and experienced professionals to do this job. It takes a certain set of tools, and years of on the job training to know how to cut and place stones so that they will not come apart during the first freeze.

Knowing how to place stones so that water will be allowed to either drain or run through them is an important part of building a solid structure. If water is allowed to stand, or get trapped in-between stones, it can freeze; expand; and break apart even the largest of boulders. It will also give the perfect surrounding for the growth of moss and algae, 2 things no homeowner wants on any large scale.

When stone is combined with stamped concrete, our talented team at Minneapolis’ own Architectural landscape Design can create some of the most beautiful tailor made patterns and colors ever seen, even some that display your family shield or company logo as a center piece.

From straight driveways, to gently sloping, winding roads, our experts can create anything you can imagine. From the design stage to completion, you will be amazed at how these materials will convert an average property into a unique palace, for you and your family and friends to enjoy forever. Make a name for yourself, and your property by calling on Architectural Landscape Design, and learn more about how to re-create your real estate and buildings with all natural stone.
952-292-7717

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Minneapolis Patios Conjure Up Hundreds Of Ideas

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

For most, a patio is a flat, paved area behind the house that keeps mud from forming. For Minnesotans, it is much, much more. The patio has evolved into a social gathering point that allows some of our greatest thoughts to transpire. For some, it is a safe haven for the little ones while mom is busy with something else. For others, it is their own private kitchen, where they can change hats at the end of the day.

To start with, the patio design in Minneapolis must be something that fits the homeowner’s life style, and brings out the best in your Minneapolis landscaping.  Next, it should reflect the style and dimension of the people using it. For instance, you would never put tiers of potted plants there is you had grandkids playing kickball there every time they came over. Likewise, you wouldn’t put an outdoor kitchen if you hate to cook.

Finding your own personal space hiding within the confines of your property lines is something that takes real skill and talent; not to mention experience. To actually build this dream come true is something even more spectacular, unless you work with Architectural Landscape Design. We are capable of designing and building all the structural and aesthetic portions of any outdoor space, and transform it into the one you always wanted. Once we come together on a vision, our professional team will go to work to present you with a blueprint that will help this dream become a reality.

We are able to build in stages, so that you can move at a comfortable pace until you are completely satisfied with this added space within your home.Just because it is outside, doesn’t mean it has to stay there. We can make this part of your home the most special place on the lot. Contact us to find out more about how to create your perfect patio. 952-292-7717

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