Day

<span>February 12, 2018</span>

  • Deck versus Patio: What You need to Know

    Patio or deck, what’s the difference, you might ask? We’ll there is a difference between the two amenities but both share some common traits. Each will increase your home’s value and bolster its resale appeal. Both are great for the Sarasota climate and both provide a wonderful space for relaxing and entertaining. In fact, many homeowners consider their decks and patios to be extensions of their house, and can serve as a dining area, as well as a kitchen. Another similarity is both are sturdy but do require periodic maintenance (for instance, resurfacing a concrete patio or having to refinish a stained wood deck).

    Patio or Deck: What’s the Difference?

    Okay, so what’s the difference between a deck and patio and why does it matter? Well, you might believe one is inherently more costly than the other, but that’s simply not the case. You can customize a wood deckjust as you can customize a patio. And, it’s not uncommon to use the terms interchangeably. The difference between a deck and a patio doesn’t have to do with the construction materials, it has to do with the placement. A deck is typically raised off the ground, while a patio is built directly on the ground.

    If you’re a homeowner with nothing special outside your back door, you’ve probably felt the pang of patio or deck envy. You go to a friend’s house, and he has an incredible layout in his backyard. Someone is grilling, and friends and family are lounging in comfortable chairs on the patio. Everyone’s laughing and having fun, and you remember your own place and think: I want this. So how much does a patio or deck cost? And what should you know before building one? —U.S. News and World Report

    Patios generally extend from the exterior of homes or are built onto other construction features in yards. Decks also generally extend from the exterior of homes or are built elsewhere in yards, but are raised, hence the term, “floating deck.” Patios are usually constructed of concrete, pavers, stone, tile, or brick. Decks, however, are generally built out of wood, vinyl, or composite materials.  Also, decks are usually equipped with a railing system and are built on a support system.

    Deck versus Patio: What You need to Know

    As far as costs go, there’s really no hard and fast rule about which is more or less expensive. Each can be as expensive or inexpensive as desired — it depends on the material, size, customization, labor, and other factors. But, there’s more you need to know about a deck versus a patio. If you like the idea of installing both but just can’t decide which is the better choice, you’re certainly not alone. Here are some considerations to think about to make the right decision:

    • What will be the primary use? Most likely, the primary use will be a place to relax and entertain. But, if you have a pool, it’s probably better to install a patio because it won’t splinter (unless you build a deck of vinyl or composite). Just remember, a deck is built off the ground and that will play a big part in your ultimate decision.
    • How will you tie it into your house? Regardless of which you choose, understand it simply must tie or “match” your home, appearing as an intended extension. If it looks out-of-place, it won’t bring value to your home and could be a serious objection come resale time.
    • How will you fit it into your landscape? Just as a patio or deck must tie into your home’s exterior and overall theme, it should also be a good fit for your landscape, as well. If you have a wood gazebo, then a wood or composite deck will be a good candidate but if you have a rock garden, a patio will probably fit better.
    • Are you planning to add-on to it? This is an important question because some homeowners have a grand vision for the finished product. Meaning, starting with a basic build and embellishing it a few times to make it into an envious amenity. In general, if you want to add-on to it, a deck will be a better choice because it could be difficult to find the same or matching materials for a patio.
    • What’s the grade in your yard? This will be a huge factor because it will greatly influence the price, pushing it up or allowing you to save money. If you have a flat yard (as most do in Sarasota), then a patio or deck won’t be all that much different in price. However, if you have a sloped yard, a deck will be a less expensive choice because you won’t need all the specialty grading and building a patio would require.

  • How to Reduce Spring Yard Allergens in Your Landscaping

    With a change of season right around the corner, many people will wonder how to reduce spring yard allergens in landscapes. Even here in sunny, southwest central Florida, throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties, most plants remain dormant during the winter months. But as spring draws near, plenty of pollen and other allergens will become quite common in your outdoor living space. So, it’s good to know some ways to reduce spring yard allergens in landscaping.

    Common Spring Yard Allergens

    The most common spring yard allergens are found in trees, weeds, and grasses. Killing off crabgrass is always a good idea, but it won’t do very much for allergy suffers as digitaria produces only mild allergens. However, there are plenty of others which fall into the severe allergen category. Among them are the following trees: Bluejack Oak (Quercus incana), Carolina Willow (Salix caroliniana), Eastern Poison-Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), Laurel Oak (Quercus laurifolia), Live Oak (Quercus virginiana), Myrtle Oak (Quercus myrtifolia), Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra), Red Mulberry (Morus rubra), Water Hickory (Carya aquatica), and Water Oak (Quercus nigra).

    Prepping your yard can give you a head start on spring landscaping, but it can also mean suffering from seasonal allergies. Ragweed pollen and lingering mold can create double the symptoms for some allergy sufferers. “The daunting task of yard work can be favorable for allergy sufferers if they know how to reduce allergens in the areas surrounding the home,” said allergist Richard Weber, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “Many people think you can only control the environment inside the home, but there are also precautions you can take to help eliminate allergens outside as well.” —American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

    Weeds producing severe allergens are: Annual Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), Chinese Mustard (Brassica juncea), Florida Pellitory (Parietaria floridana), Saltwater False Willow (Baccharis angustifolia), and Spiny Amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus). While grasses which produce severe allergens are Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon) and Perennial Rye Grass (Lolium perenne).

    How to Reduce Spring Yard Allergens in Your Landscaping

    All the above trees, weeds, and grasses can really be difficult for allergy sufferers to cope with but it doesn’t end there. Pet dander, outdoor animal dander, pollinating plants, and dust are also notorious allergens. With so much potential exposure, it can be difficult to keep a landscape looking its best. But, there are measures you can take to lessen your exposure to allergens, both inside and outside your home. Here’s how to reduce spring yard allergens in your landscaping:

    • Leave flowering plants outside. If you love springtime flowering plants, do yourself a huge favor and leave these outside. While it’s certainly tempting to bring them inside your home, you’re only adding to the number of allergens already present inside your house. By keeping flowering springtime plants outside, you’ll have less to worry about.
    • Keep your home and pets clean. Often times, allergens hitch a ride into your home on clothing and pets. Both collect allergens and you unwittingly let them waltz right inside without even thinking about it. Keep all your outdoor clothing clean, including your shoes. Additionally, bathe your pets regularly. This will help to reduce pollen and it has the added bonus of reducing mold spores as well.
    • Time your landscape work wisely. During the midday hours and on into the afternoon, the pollen count is typically at its highest. It’s best to garden and landscape during the early morning or even during the evening. Morning is the best time because the pollen count is usually low, due to early morning dew helping to tamp it down. Or, just after a rainstorm is another good time.
    • Be sure to cover up your skin. Wearing long sleeved shirts and pants might not be your first choice, but it’s a good way to combat allergies with little effort. Wearing gloves is another good measure in your fight against allergens. When you’re done, be sure to wash what you’ve worn outside so it doesn’t linger in the house.
    • Keep your grass mowed. This is perhaps the most simple and easy ways to combat spring yard allergens. Just the routine act of keeping the grass mowed will do quite a lot to lessen allergen exposure. By keeping the grass trimmed to about a 2 inch height, you’ll do much because it’s at the very top where grasses release pollen.