5 Simple Steps to Plan Your Perfect Outdoor Living Structure

The idea of an outdoor timber living space is invigorating. It adds a new dimension to your home, creating a hub for fun and unity as you begin to plan and visualize what could be. Big timbers speak of longevity; your creation will be cherished and valued for a long, long time, becoming a part of your family's story.

As you move forward with planning, use these five important steps to help you make the best decisions and bring your ideal outdoor timber structure to life.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Situation and Needs

This first step is straightforward, but it's surprisingly easy to overlook important details. Before you do anything else, ask yourself these key questions:

• Location: Will this be at your primary residence or another property?

• Investment: Will you be investing alone, or will others share in the benefit?

• Purpose: What is the primary use for the space? What are the secondary uses?

• Usage: What times of day and year do you expect to enjoy this space?

• Occupancy: How many people will typically be using the structure at one time?

• Accessibility: Are there safety or convenience needs for younger or older age groups?

• Restrictions: Are there any building restrictions that might affect the size or location?

• Attachment: Will it be freestanding or attached to your home?

• Environment: Will weather patterns affect the orientation? Will it block natural light to the interior of your home?

• Constraints: Are there existing features to consider, like windows, chimneys, septic tanks, or utilities?

  

Case Study: The Sherertz Family Project

The story began with Ms. Sherertz's vision to add an outdoor kitchen to her large back deck.  She connected with Garret Hergert of GRO Outdoor Living to find a design/build contractor who could understand her needs.  Garret presented several ideas and explained how he could translate her vision onto paper, which allowed for accurate cost estimates.  Feeling confident that GRO was best qualified to deliver her vision, Ms. Sherertz decided to move forward with them.

Step 2: Brainstorm and Explore Ideas

A) Define the Feeling

Start by describing how you want your space to feel.  List words you'd want friends and family to use when they experience your new timber structure.

B) Sketch it Out

Create a simple bird's-eye sketch of your property, noting room locations, weather patterns, and existing constraints.  Use a small cutout to represent your potential structure and move it around the sketch.  This exercise will help you eliminate unsuitable locations and may even spark new ideas.  Go through this process twice: once to find the best location for usage and convenience, and a second time for the easiest construction and best aesthetics.  If you land on the same spot, you can proceed with confidence!

C) Gather Inspiration

Collect pictures that communicate your ideas.  This is where your personal timber style comes into play.  At this stage, many people benefit from professional help to navigate questions about the final look, feel, and cost.  The goal is to develop options that meet all your requirements, including your budget.  Be patient; the "AHA!" moment will come.

Case Study: The Sherertz Family Project

After establishing the project's goals, Garret and Ms. Sherertz visited other projects GRO had completed.  This helped them visualize how to blend natural landscaping with hardscapes like decks and structures.  They explored three different concepts before settling on one to develop further.

Garret and I then collaborated on the design. A key challenge was providing cover in front of a bank of two-story windows without creating an eyesore.  After exploring several options in a 3D model, we landed on a long, arched beam to connect the outdoor kitchen with an open trellis.  Garret was thrilled, and after seeing the 3D model, Ms. Sherertz provided her feedback, suggesting an extension of the kitchen roof.

Step 3: Learn From Common Mistakes

A) Avoid the Unsightly Structure

A poor investment is one that simply doesn't "fit."  This often happens when a structure looks like a cheap afterthought.  To avoid this, your structure must be cohesive with your home's existing style.  This doesn't limit your flexibility, but it does mean replicating certain style elements—like roofing, siding, or geometric shapes—to create a sense of unity.  Also, beware of the "Obvious Afterthought Syndrome," where a pavilion is placed next to a house but isn't connected, or where the posts lack the visual weight to support the structure, making it feel unsafe.

B) Remember that "Convenience is King"

Failing to prioritize convenience is a timeless mistake.  An unwieldy or uncomfortable layout will severely hamper your enjoyment.  Ensure your traffic flow is convenient for its intended use and consider accommodations for weather.  Think about remote switches for lights, heaters, or even the grill to maximize relaxation.

Case Study: The Sherertz Family Project

Ms. Sherertz and Garret wisely decided against one large, overpowering structure.  Instead, they designed four distinct "outdoor rooms" to better facilitate entertaining and guest usage.  Convenience was a driving factor from the start.  The need for an arched roof, an oversized serving bar, an easy-access wood box, and multiple walkways were all prompted by a focus on convenience.

Step 4: Get Feedback

Once you have a fleshed-out concept, seek opinions from friends and professionals like a timber design expert, architect, or landscape designer.  Incorporate the new ideas you like and use their advice to address any concerns that came up during your planning.

Case Study: The Sherertz Family Project

Ms. Sherertz shared her ideas with friends from the beginning and later consulted her personal assistant and children as the design became more finalized.  While she had the final say, asking for opinions brought new ideas to the surface and reinforced her own choices, ensuring she would be happy with the final result.

Step 5: Take Action!

This is the easy part.  Choose the option you like best and get started by signing a bid or contract.  Remember to trust your contractor.  A contract is a communication document, but the trust behind it is what truly matters.

Case Study: The Sherertz Family Project

The fear of making a bad decision can cause a lot of worry, but in Ms. Sherertz's case, Garret and I had clearly communicated the final product and earned her trust.  This made the decision to take action much easier, turning the price tag into a fleeting inconvenience when compared to the lasting disappointment of a project you never truly love.