Patio Ideas | Existing Deck and Paver Patio | New Landscape Design

by Julie

Here's a question about what to do with an existing deck and patio as a new design and ideas are desired.





I'm interested in your thoughts about how best to approach our landscaping/patio project this spring.
We currently have a 9' by 25' deck that needs to be replaced. It's separated from a patio (pavers) with a 9' circular insert and horseshoe shaped retaining wall. We also have a fairly long walkway built from pavers (concrete, I think).

We thought about replacing the deck and current patio/walkway with a 2-level bluestone patio. We also need to extend the entire area to add space for an outdoor spa and bbq area. We have a budget of about 30-35k, so I'm wondering if what the most
cost effective strategy would be.

I'm open to possibilities--I don't really care for the pavers (weeds always come through), but I'm not sure if it makes sense to dig it all up and start over. We plan to hire a designer to help. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and advice on possible directions.


ANSWER
Hi Julie,
Thanks for contacting me and visiting my website. I'll try to help.

I am wondering how high up off the ground your deck is. A two level bluestone patio can be costly since sidewalls are needed. The higher the patio, the taller the walls, the more expensive.

Since the deck needs replacing and you don't care for the patio, I would start over again. You'll be spending a lot of money so you might as well get something you love! Here are some hardscape concepts to consider.

1. Two level bluestone patio.

2. Two level new paver patio. My first choice is
bluestone, and although you don't care for the pavers, some of the pavers of today can be attractive...very stone-like in appearance and also less expensive than
bluestone.

**By the way, you have the choice of doing dry laid or mortared bluestone (even though the surfaces are raised). Dry laid is less expensive.

3. New deck with lower patio.

4. Multi-level deck.

You might like to visit these pages with paver patio pictures and other great information:

Paver Patios

Paver Patio Pictures

If you are very high off the ground, perhaps the deck and patio or multi-level deck would be nice. If you are not that high off the ground, a two level patio made from bluestone or pavers could be the way to go.

Dry laid bluestone should cost around $22 per square foot (dry laid), while pavers would run about $15/sf. If you have two patios (just an example) and each is 18' x 18' (of course one could be smaller than this) you are talking about 324 sf per patio, 648 sf total. 648 sf x $22/ sf = $14,256. But then you have the sidewalls, demolition of
existing hardscape, plantings, etc.

Some of this was theoretical and some was practical, but I hope it helped you a bit. If you need anything further, just let me know!

By the way, I do many online designs for people who do not live in my area.

Susan