Landscaping and Hardscaping advice

[tennisray]

We will hire out most of this job, but would like advice on a general plan.

The hill on the side of the house is eroding, so I am thinking to cut that out and have a retaining wall placed. That would also provide room for a ground level patio.

I'd also like to add dirt and continue that height all the way to the large tree for privacy. Basically mulch and shrubs from the house to the tree. The tree roots make grass unable to grow.  I wouldn't mind taking down the tree, if that would help start from scratch.

Our biggest issue is that we are south facing in GA, making the deck unusable due to heat. I know it's expensive but I'd like to have a roof put in over the deck replacement. It would help cooly living room also.  I tinted the windows but it's still hot. Also stairs down to the ground level.

Any other ideas for shading the deck that may be cheaper? Any other design ideas that Im overlooking? Thanks!
http:// https://imgur.com/a/mWBUURZ

[uniwelder]

I don't think I'm seeing what you're seeing.  The steep slope against the house (where the clapboard siding gets staggered in rows 3 high and maybe 3 feet long each) seems to taper in the direction of the tree.  If you extended a retaining wall all the way to the where the tree is and cut it down, wouldn't that create a steep slope on the side facing the street?  If your plan is to put bushes there, why not just plant bushes at the current height and let them grow to about 6 feet tall?  It looks like your retaining wall would end up being at least 6 feet tall, and ff its over 4, it would require a guardrail along the edge.  Plus a retaining wall would make it difficult to get around the back of the property.

What would the purpose of the patio be?  I don't see any entrance doors in the area I think you're talking about, so it doesn't sound very useful, except where the deck stairs would land, but thats pretty far from where it sounds like the retaining wall would be.  This leads me to ask why your houses doesn't have any doors at ground level in the back?  If you wanted to spend money on house projects, I'd convert one of those big windows to a door.

Do you have a rough sketch you could upload?  Ideally with top, side, and back view.  Or just draw some lines on the photos?

As for shading the deck, have you looked into a retractable awning? 

If this were my house, I would not do the retaining wall.  Simply landscape the steep section of slope with bushes and short trees.

[tennisray]

Sorry, I should have added another pic. There is a door out of the basement that is under the deck area.  The retaining wall would be just for about 10-15 ft. Then my idea was to haul some dirt in to taper down. But I see your point of needing a railing for code. I think you are right in just putting larger bushes in that area for privacy. And then a walkway for access.

The patio would maybe be shaded with properly placed trees in n the ground level if the deck can't be shaded cost effectively.  I've thought of retractable awnings, but some owners have had issues. I'll keep that option open.

Thanks!

[uniwelder]

I see now about the door under the deck.  It doesn't look like you use it at all since there's a bunch of stuff in front.  That's definitely really far away from where the retaining wall and patio would be.  I just don't imagine anyone going all the way over there to make use of the patio, unless you incorporated racquetball.

[sonofsven]

We will hire out most of this job, but would like advice on a general plan.

The hill on the side of the house is eroding, so I am thinking to cut that out and have a retaining wall placed. That would also provide room for a ground level patio.

I'd also like to add dirt and continue that height all the way to the large tree for privacy. Basically mulch and shrubs from the house to the tree. The tree roots make grass unable to grow.  I wouldn't mind taking down the tree, if that would help start from scratch.

Our biggest issue is that we are south facing in GA, making the deck unusable due to heat. I know it's expensive but I'd like to have a roof put in over the deck replacement. It would help cooly living room also.  I tinted the windows but it's still hot. Also stairs down to the ground level.

Any other ideas for shading the deck that may be cheaper? Any other design ideas that Im overlooking? Thanks!
http:// https://imgur.com/a/mWBUURZ

I'm not seeing the erosion, but moving a lot of dirt around can get expensive, and nice retaining walls are even more expensive.
Are you wanting a patio behind that one tree for the shade? Or are you removing the tree? Kinda confusing.

But I can see adding vegetation and a path to a patio/structure. But is that where you want to sit, out by the road? It could be nice but I think you'd be adding lots of plantings.
The roof over the deck is not a huge job, but you have to make a solid structure and tie it into the house, cut the siding, add flashing, roofing, etc; by the looks of the existing deck it would be mostly rebuilt, too. If you did rebuild it maybe build it narrower (less depth from the house) that would make the roof  look better.

Really, though, if shade is what you want put up nice awnings or a shade type of thing; I've seen some pretty cool ones that hang up like sails almost.

I had a neighbor years ago that was a really talented, I traded finish carpentry in his house for a professional design. It was worth it. So if you want to do something really nice, that's what I would recommend.

But on a frugality forum? Naw. Just get a big cafe umbrella in a heavy stand.

[tennisray]

[/quote]

I'm not seeing the erosion, but moving a lot of dirt around can get expensive, and nice retaining walls are even more expensive.
Are you wanting a patio behind that one tree for the shade? Or are you removing the tree? Kinda confusing.

But I can see adding vegetation and a path to a patio/structure. But is that where you want to sit, out by the road? It could be nice but I think you'd be adding lots of plantings.
The roof over the deck is not a huge job, but you have to make a solid structure and tie it into the house, cut the siding, add flashing, roofing, etc; by the looks of the existing deck it would be mostly rebuilt, too. If you did rebuild it maybe build it narrower (less depth from the house) that would make the roof  look better.

Really, though, if shade is what you want put up nice awnings or a shade type of thing; I've seen some pretty cool ones that hang up like sails almost.

I had a neighbor years ago that was a really talented, I traded finish carpentry in his house for a professional design. It was worth it. So if you want to do something really nice, that's what I would recommend.

But on a frugality forum? Naw. Just get a big cafe umbrella in a heavy stand.
[/quote]

We have a big umbrella up there, but unless we move it, the sun heats up the deck throughout the day. I’ve used it to cover me when grilling, but we have never eaten out there.

The patio would be under the deck. But it would be nice to have some plantings to provide shade and privacy.

We are planning to keep the tree. But would be ok removing it if it would help the overall plan. A friend had used a gazebo from Costco ($1500) on their deck for shade. I’m not sure if our HOA would allow it though.

[uniwelder]

The patio would be under the deck. But it would be nice to have some plantings to provide shade and privacy.

The hill on the side of the house is eroding, so I am thinking to cut that out and have a retaining wall placed. That would also provide room for a ground level patio.

What's the idea for the patio?  Would it be the whole length of the house, from under the deck to retaining wall?  Or is the idea still evolving?

[Uturn]

I have an 18' x 12' deck on the back of my house, and I would like it covered so that it blocks the sun from heating up the house, and also so I can still use my deck if it is raining.  I like to eat out there and sometimes enjoy a cigar and bourbon.

I asked a roofer to ballpark putting an actual roof with singles, he said around $20k.  Ouch.  So then I started looking at aluminum covers like this, https://www.renaissancepatio.com/patio-image-gallery/moderno/

I got two quotes, $10k and $12k.  I am not looking to source the materials myself.  I think me and a buddy or two could hang it.

[tennisray]

The patio would be under the deck. But it would be nice to have some plantings to provide shade and privacy.

The hill on the side of the house is eroding, so I am thinking to cut that out and have a retaining wall placed. That would also provide room for a ground level patio.

What's the idea for the patio?  Would it be the whole length of the house, from under the deck to retaining wall?  Or is the idea still evolving?

Still evolving. I'd love the whole length of the house but it depends on cost.

[tennisray]

I have an 18' x 12' deck on the back of my house, and I would like it covered so that it blocks the sun from heating up the house, and also so I can still use my deck if it is raining.  I like to eat out there and sometimes enjoy a cigar and bourbon.

I asked a roofer to ballpark putting an actual roof with singles, he said around $20k.  Ouch.  So then I started looking at aluminum covers like this, https://www.renaissancepatio.com/patio-image-gallery/moderno/

I got two quotes, $10k and $12k.  I am not looking to source the materials myself.  I think me and a buddy or two could hang it.

That looks really nice! And I hope you get to enjoy many cigars and bourbons!

[NaN]

You might just consider moving the house south a 100 ft so that nice tree line in the back is right next to your patio. /s

Totally get why the deck is unusable. I think you just need to plant trees. Unfortunately, they won't be useful for you. I never can understand why most developers just cut down all trees on a lot.

[lthenderson]

Any other ideas for shading the deck that may be cheaper?

Especially for morning or evening enjoyment, I know many that built a pergola structure on their deck. It provides shade when the sun is lower on the horizon and if fairly economical and easy to build by a DIY person with some framing skills.

[uniwelder]

Any other ideas for shading the deck that may be cheaper?

Especially for morning or evening enjoyment, I know many that built a pergola structure on their deck. It provides shade when the sun is lower on the horizon and if fairly economical and easy to build by a DIY person with some framing skills.

Unless they're covered in vines, like wisteria or ivy, I have never understood them.  Uncovered, there is a 10 minute window of time they can provide a few square feet of shade, but otherwise, completely useless.

[former player]

If the ground that is eroding is laid to lawn then you are probably cutting the grass too short: leave it longer and it will do a better job of holding the earth in place.

You have a number of different aims: privacy, shade, patio and earth moving.  It's a tricky site with those levels and I think a garden designer is the only way to get a plan that will do everything you want.  You can employ someone just to do the design and then implement it in steps yourself to save money.

[FLBiker]

Any other ideas for shading the deck that may be cheaper?

Especially for morning or evening enjoyment, I know many that built a pergola structure on their deck. It provides shade when the sun is lower on the horizon and if fairly economical and easy to build by a DIY person with some framing skills.

Unless they're covered in vines, like wisteria or ivy, I have never understood them.  Uncovered, there is a 10 minute window of time they can provide a few square feet of shade, but otherwise, completely useless.

We inherited a nice deck w/ a wisteria covered pergola from the previous homeowner.  I love the deck, but I don't like the pergola because it's a pain in the butt to re-seal.  When the time comes to replace it, we'll do something else.  Shade wise, it's fine, but as previously mentioned it doesn't add a lot.  We're in Nova Scotia, though, so that isn't such a concern.

A friend in Tampa had a rigid sail (maybe some sort of canvas?) for shade that I really liked.  Nova Scotia might be too windy for that, though.

[tennisray]

OP here

Just met with a contractor (son of a friend)

He thinks best idea is repair deck, use an awning, and he'd also extend the railing posts so that he could install roller shades for privacy on the deck and for shade when the sun is coming in low. He thinks those options along with my cantilevered umbrella will solve 90% while being most cost effective.

He thinks planting ground cover on the hill will stop any more erosion.

That and a small paver patio would cost about 10k.

[Greystache]

Regarding shade for the deck, I have a pergola and was not satisfied with the amount of shade it was providing. I could have added more cross members, but I chose to add shade cloth on top. It's cheap and easy to install and it has lasted 5 years with no issues. You can buy shade cloth at any garden center and fasten it with staples or screws/roofing nails. I live in SoCal, so I don't know how it would stand up to snow.

[sonofsven]

OP here

Just met with a contractor (son of a friend)

He thinks best idea is repair deck, use an awning, and he'd also extend the railing posts so that he could install roller shades for privacy on the deck and for shade when the sun is coming in low. He thinks those options along with my cantilevered umbrella will solve 90% while being most cost effective.

He thinks planting ground cover on the hill will stop any more erosion.

That and a small paver patio would cost about 10k.

That sounds like a good plan. That deck looks rickety.

[Bartlebooth]

I have an 18' x 12' deck on the back of my house, and I would like it covered so that it blocks the sun from heating up the house, and also so I can still use my deck if it is raining.  I like to eat out there and sometimes enjoy a cigar and bourbon.

I asked a roofer to ballpark putting an actual roof with singles, he said around $20k.  Ouch.  So then I started looking at aluminum covers like this, https://www.renaissancepatio.com/patio-image-gallery/moderno/

I got two quotes, $10k and $12k.  I am not looking to source the materials myself.  I think me and a buddy or two could hang it.

That looks really nice! And I hope you get to enjoy many cigars and bourbons!

Hmm, depends on the house style and setting I guess, but in general those lack form/substance/mass and look like a cross between a gas station canopy and something you would see attached to a trailer house.  If anyone builds one, please at least extend the beam down the sides to tie back to the house.  Just because the materials allow for a thin plank to span that distance doesn't mean it looks good.

[lthenderson]

Unless they're covered in vines, like wisteria or ivy, I have never understood them.  Uncovered, there is a 10 minute window of time they can provide a few square feet of shade, but otherwise, completely useless.

It really depends on how they are built. Ones with the boards running north and south and with adequate height and spacing will provide complete shade for all but three or four hours in the middle of the day when the sun is at it's peak. I've seen many installed east and west which does nothing for you or use cheaper material that isn't tall enough.  A friend of mine has one (no vines at all) and we've been in the shade from 3 p.m. on which is fine for our get togethers.