skip to main content

Porches & Decks Design Dilemma

Lower level walkout patio help please

last year

Hello. I am looking for ideas to spruce up our patio. Although we own the condo, we are not allowed to affix anything permanent to the decking or exterior walls. The unsightly brown thing at the far end belongs to my neighbour and i would certainly like to hide that! Any ideas for making the space more usable and attractive are most welcome. Thanks in advance!

Featured Answer

everdebz

last year

Same thing - I thought that 2 large pots would work.

Comments (7)

Lynzy
last year
Nice space! How about something like a free-standing screen between you and the neighbor? See link and photo below. In addition to that, I’d add some larger planted pots and maybe more loungey seating, and there you go! You could also do an outdoor rug if you like since it’s a covered space.

https://ak1.ostkcdn.com/images/products/is/images/direct/a4e2898eef380d4d988f357965fc7877d57f315d/HighlanderHome-Freestanding-Modular-Metal-Privacy-Screen,-6FtX-12Ft.jpg?impolicy=medium
Phoebe Quinlan thanked Lynzy
Related Discussions
show me your stone patio - with 2 levels? please
Q
Comments (2)
Thanks, rhodium. I don't think we can tear out the slab as my office is sitting on it and I think if we chip away at it we might take a chance on damaging the foundation. Here in earthquake country I figure it best not to help Mother Nature along. :-) The width of the step causing accidents is exactly the problem I have now. It is the wrong width, too narrow, and I stumble and the dog stumbles. I wish I could knock it down some to lay stone up to the door but I think what is best (so far) is to pour more cement to widen the step part and the build the wider stone steps down to a patio up to that. Then stain the cement to match the stone.
...See More
Help us layout our lower level please?
Q
Comments (7)
I’d highly recommend having the builder or architect lay this out. We had a general sense of our layout and located rough plumbing based on that. Fast forward to the full design and rough plumbing ”could” have been in a better spot. It’s $4K to move it as the closest vent is far from the new location. Even the crock ”could“ have been a better place if the plumbing rough as left where it’s at. There are a few other reworks HVAC and plumbing) that could have been avoided if the plan would had just been completed ahead of actual construction.
...See More
Covered Cement Patio and Covered porch above. Walkout lower level
Q
Comments (3)
IMO 9x9 is too small for any outdoor space I do think you need to wait until you are in the house before deciding how the outdoor spaces will actually be used. Houses have a way of telling you how they are used and often not what you eaxpected. I can’t imagine how the lower patio will be used for much since it requires a set of stairs to get from the kitchen to that space so maybe that would be a great space for some seating and a hot tub. I like multi level decking with large areas for cooking. dining and them much like a house the seating space on a different level It also make it easier to have heat control. So wait until you are in .These are a couple of inspiration pics to get your ideas flowing.
...See More
Trying to update a walkout lower level.
Q
Comments (1)
Are you haveing a problem with the carpet here? I ask because it seems like you're talking about the equivalent of a tile entry area, which seems unuual in your layout. I'd either do the whole room/level or nothing, adding a good entry mat instead.
...See More
Phoebe Quinlan
Original Author
last year
@Lynzy Thank you for the great ideas!

@everdebz Thanks!
millworkman
last year
Is the upper deck yours as well?
Phoebe Quinlan
Original Author
last year
Yes, @millworkman it is.
millworkman
last year
Does the top deck boards have gaps for water and crap to fall thru? What were your thoughts on how you were going to use the lower area?
Phoebe Quinlan
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
@millworkman The upper deck does have gaps for water but they are not wide enough for anything else to drop through. We plan to use the lower area for casual, comfortable hanging out when it’s too hot to sit on the upper deck. My aim is to make the patio aesthetically pleasing as it is visible from a low traffic private road.

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

BASEMENTS Basement of the Week: Tall-Order Design for a Lower-Level Lounge

By Becky Harris

High ceilings and other custom-tailored features in this new-build Wisconsin basement put the tall homeowners in a good headspace

BASEMENTS Basement Becomes a Family-Friendly Lower Level

By Becky Harris

A renovation creates room for movie nights, overnight guests, crafts, Ping-Pong and more

PATIOS Patio Details: Awning-Covered Patio and Playhouse for a Shared Property

By Annie Thornton

A main house’s patio uses a wall of the property’s secondary unit to help create a private outdoor living space

PATIOS Patio Details: A Shaded Patio Opens Up the View in Wine Country

By Annie Thornton

A Douglas fir and metal pergola offers shelter from the hot sun on this scenic California property

MOST POPULAR Find the Right Glass Door for Your Patio

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

It’s more than just a patio door — it’s an architectural design element. Here’s help for finding the right one for your home and lifestyle

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Light Your Patio, Extend Your Evening

By Mike Dietrich

Cast a magical spell on a summer night with decorative outdoor lighting as sleek or as rustic as you please

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 10 Sunken Seating Areas Bring Drama to Decks and Patios

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

Boost your yard’s design by lowering a section of seating and gaining a new perspective

HOME OFFICES Quiet, Please! How to Cut Noise Pollution at Home

By Christine Ciarmello

Leaf blowers, trucks or noisy neighbors driving you berserk? These sound-reduction strategies can help you hush things up

TRANSITIONAL HOMES Houzz Tour: Home Reimagined as a 3-Level Treehouse

A designer found on Houzz helps a couple bring nature views into their downtown Seattle home

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Bring New Levels of Interest to Your Flat Landscape

By Patricia Tyrrell Living Landscapes

Sunken patios, mounded plantings and raised beds are a few of the elements that can add variety to your yard

Sponsored

More Discussions

precasted firepit or custom built?

0

would like to move furniture

3

Stamped concrete

0

Advice on sliding pocket patio doors - La Cantina or other

5

Should entry doors match?

6