Paul Lafrance's Do's & Dont's Of Deck Design

Spring is so close we can almost smell the fresh-cut grass, the backyard barbecues, and the fabulous flowers! And with the snow slowly melting away, it's time to start thinking about that deck renovation you've been stewing over all winter long.

Getting started on a backyard redesign can seem a little daunting at first. That's why Paul Lafrance host of HGTV's Decked Out and Deck Wars, has shared a few Do's and Don'ts of deck design to help you prepare for your project.

Paul says that, when starting a backyard renovation, the first item on a homeowner's To Do list is to bring in a professional to help point your design in the right direction.

"Get a design done. Having a customized design from a reputable firm will not only ensure you have a space that represents you, but with a good design, you can gain more of a wow factor for less money."

Another definite Do is to watch your budget! Paul says that aside from hiring an expert, there are plenty of ways to make the most out of your design without breaking the bank. You may even be able to re-vamp your existing deck!

"Often the structure of the deck may still be intact, and by adding upgraded deck boards you can improve the overall look on a smaller budget. Think quality of square footage over quantity - it's better to have a smaller, more inviting and functional space than a huge, sprawling space that has no creativity or defined use."

Patio buffs rejoice! Once you've settled on a layout, Paul says to do your homework when it comes to outdoor furnishings. Say goodbye to cheap-looking chairs.

"The outdoor living space world has changed. No longer do we have to tolerate plastic furniture and rusty charcoal barbecues. There are revolutionary products on the market today that are not only cost-effective, but when incorporated into a design, can make your outdoor space just as inviting as the interior of your home."

To bring together a great deck design, Paul tells homeowners to pick a unique focal point that will compliment their personal themes. He says that each of his clients have specific tastes that he will bring out in their decks' focal points.

"Everyone's focal point will be different; be it a decorative screens, water feature, fire feature, gazebo, pergola, vibrant garden, etc. The most important this is for that focal point to be just as dynamic from inside the house as it is outside the house."

Something to consider, which Paul says is often where homeowners go wrong when them=y attempt a DIY deck renovation, is that the view of the backyard is important from every angle.

"The most common mistake is that [homeowners] do not take the view of their backyard from inside the house into account. It is so important to align focal points of your design with the most dominant views of the outdoor spaces to draw you outside."

Now that you know where to start and what to avoid, it's your turn to put Paul's tips and tricks to use and make the magic happen in your own backyard!

For more expert advice, visit Paul at the Edmonton Home + Garden Show, March 19-22 at the Edmonton Expo Centre. He's taking the stage on Saturday, March 21 at 1pm and 6pm. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!

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The Year-Round Backyard with Canadian Handyman Paul Lafrance

“...a good backyard retreat is all about emotional response.”

Spring is in the air, and if budget is a concern, and let’s face it for most Canadians it is, getting a proper design done before tackling any outdoor living area is essential, says the creator, owner, and CEO of Cutting Edge Construction and Design Paul Lafrance.

It doesn’t matter what your budget, “within reason even someone with the smallest backyard the size of a postage stamp would be surprised to see what you can do with a 10x10 deck. It’s not about quantity of square footage it’s about quality.”

Regardless of your finances, or the size of your al fresco retreat, creating a backyard oasis that shows your personality comes promptly after a well thought out design plan, at least that’s what the National Home Show celebrity and HGTV “Decked Out” and “Deck Wars” guru believes.

According to Lafrance, “a good backyard retreat is all about emotional response.”

So if the adage is true, what does his say about him?

“Exactly what I hope it would; it makes me want to spend all my time there,” he reveals.

“Even in wintertime I have it set up with a fireplace and heat. I’m able to enjoy my backyard all four seasons of the year. That’s the whole point; even if [your backyard] is in suburbia. I have all the features to make it not feel that way - water falls, mini pond with bridge, fire feature, retractable canopies and multi zones for usage, as well as a kick ass barbeque area.”

When designing any outdoor living space it is important that it feels comfortable to you, and that it is an extension of your house and your personality.

Can your personal style be brought to the outdoors?

Yes it can according to Lafrance, and this is how:

1. Break it down: Think of your outdoor space like you would a room inside your home. Houses are broken apart even in an open concept dwelling. Rooms are always separated by something, whether it is a sofa dividing two rooms or a feature wall. Create individual zones outside the same you would indoors, and if you can, incorporate level changes to further define divisions.


2. Lighten Up: Like any interior space, make sure your deck incorporates some element of lighting. Adding a little illumination to your outdoor space will not only make it more inviting to guests who want to keep the party going till the wee hours, but it will also compel you to think of your new exterior space as a great location to spend weeknights, as well as weekends.


3. It’s all About the F’s - Furniture and Fabrics: “When I grew up it was plastic furniture and charcoal barbeques,” Lafrance recalls. Now planning your deck around the outdoor furniture you fall in love with makes perfect sense. There are so many great choices and fabric options available. People often design a house to flow with a piece of furniture they fall in love with, so why can’t you do that with a deck? At least here, you are not bound by walls.

Great tips Paul! 

Stay tuned to our blog for more from Paul Lafrance. He'll be appearing at four of our Canadian Home Shows. Click any of the logos below to learn more about what we've got in store this year.

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