What Do Outdoor Living Structures And Potato Chips Have In Common?

Outdoor living structures are a lot like potato chips, you can arguably agree that just like America’s favorite snack, it is difficult to stop at just one! You may remember the catchy potato chip jingle that perfectly illustrates this statement.  Most outdoor living aficionados would agree that when it comes to outdoor structures, it is also hard to stop at with just one.

There is no denying the appeal of the outdoor living space combination. An outdoor living space combination marries the functionality and aesthetic elements of two or more outdoor structures allowing them to function as one large space that feels much like an outdoor room. You have likely sees these versatile spaces referred to as “outdoor living rooms” throughout media and on the internet. Here at Deck Plus, we have seen the popularity of this type of outdoor environment soar to new heights recently, as Charlotte-area homeowners have evolved to transferring the assets of interior casual living to the outside of their homes.

What is an Outdoor Living Space Combination?

To get your head around the outdoor living combination concept, just step into your home and consider the parts of your home you use for relaxing (the living room, family room, or den of course), entertaining (the dining room and formal living room most likely), and recreational activities you enjoy (the playroom or game room). Additionally, your home’s fire feature (interior fireplace) likely is a spot you use for gathering with family and friends, too! Now simply take those areas and marry two or more and move that functionality outside —  and voilà… you have mastered the concept behind the appeal of the outdoor living space combination.

Learn more in our story: Explore the benefits of a combined outdoor living space by Deck Plus

Types of Outdoor Living Combinations

Now that we have established what an outdoor living combo is, it is now time to go over the various combinations that we most often design and build here at Deck Plus. Although a combo space is only limited to the reaches of your imagination, there are some designs we get more requests for than others.

The Deck & Patio Combination

A backyard deck is the epitome of the all-American outdoor living space. As American as potato chips or even apple pie! Most homeowners begin their outdoor living environment from the deck and branch out. Decks complement almost every outdoor living structure, from a porch, pergola or patio, decks can combine any accompaniment beautifully. Patios and hardscapes, in particular, look and function the part when used in a deck and patio combination. This is due to the natural flow created when a deck gently descends into a patio. It opens up and extends your outdoor living space, along with enhancing it.

There are more benefits at play with a deck and patio combination than just the added space a deck and patio provide, much more. Decks are generally built from wood or natural-looking “wood-toned” synthetics, whereas patios are built from pavers, tile, concrete, or other hardscape materials that emulate the look and feel of natural stone. Wood and stone are elements that flow well together as they occur naturally in nature. Just as we see in the natural world, the aesthetics and textures of wood and stone just naturally look great when fused together.

The Deck & Covered Porch/Screened Porch/3-Season Porch Combination

Now it is time to consider adding the convenience of shade and protection from the elements into the outdoor living combination space equation… Deciding on a patio and/or deck alongside a covered or screened outdoor structure is for the Charlotte homeowner that wants to “have their cake and eat it too” — Yes, more food analogies, are you getting hungry yet?

A deck or patio offers open-air outdoor living which is often complemented by retaining walls, pergolas, spas and even outdoor kitchens and fire features… The only drawback to an open-air outdoor living space (singularly) is that in some circumstances, the weather can influence their functionality and thus your enjoyment.

By combining a covered or screened outdoor living area alongside a patio or deck, you and your family will have a haven to retreat to when the weather becomes unfavorable, and a shady spot to enjoy on even the most humid of days. A porch from Deck Plus, whether open or screened,  can be designed to include a large menu of creature comforts such as ceiling fans, lighting, outdoor kitchen, integrated fireplace and media connections to add even more comfort.

Taking that same concept a step further by using a 3-season porch in the combination space design will enable ever more unfettered outdoor living enjoyment. Our 3-season porches enable almost year-round outdoor living through a convertible panel/window system that works alongside screened. the windows are movable and/or removable. This means when the weather is cold you can use the system with all the windows in place. Some clients even choose to add an outdoor fireplace or space heater during the colder months to create a cozy space no matter the weather outside. When the temperatures turn mild, you can choose to use a portion of the windows and expose the amount of screen you wish. This system can be changed to suit your needs season to season, or even day to day! Our window panels are made of crystal-clear vinyl. You have the ability to slide the vinyl panels open to reveal up to 75% of the porch screens. At that point, it really feels like a screened porch. You can also remove all of the window panels and store them until cold weather returns — The choice is yours!

Read more in our feature story Are You Ready To Enjoy Four Seasons Of Outdoor Living? 

More Combination Choices!

In addition to decks, patios and porches there are many more outdoor living structures that make the grade as part of a successful union. Among one of our most popular accompaniments is the pergola. A pergola is the one structure that blends seamlessly with any outdoor setting. They can be used solely as an aesthetic feature to add dimension, vertical interest and character to an outdoor space. A pergola is also sometimes used to provide some measure of shade and privacy as they make a beneficial privacy barrier alongside a spa deck, for example, as a buffer from prying eyes.

An outdoor kitchen is also a delicious accompaniment to almost any outdoor living space. They can be easily integrated into a deck or patio setting, poolside, or even within an attached or freestanding porch setting. Having the added capability to prepare food outdoors for gatherings, or even intimate dinners, as well as plenty of seating, adds to the function of your outdoor space and opens the door to endless entertaining possibilities.

No matter what combined living space suits your taste, you can trust the experts at Deck Plus to create your one-of-a-kind combined space. Whether you choose a deck and hardscape combo, or a deluxe outdoor design with all the bells and whistles, Deck Plus can create a unique environment that will not only meet but will exceed outdoor living goals.

If you are looking to extend your home with a beautiful, combined outdoor living space, call Deck Plus today. We offer a free design consultation, but the results promise to be priceless! We’d love to hear from you! Contact Deck Plus today at (704) 993-7696 to schedule your complimentary design consultation.