33 trade group, agency, plant, code, maker and product pages with links to official websites and 18 comparison guides on patio materials, decks, pergolas, fire features, walls and drainage.
Each page explains what the organization, maker or agency is known for, how it comes up in real patio projects and links to the official website.
ResourceCMHAAn industry association for concrete block, pavers and retaining wall products, formerly known as the National Concrete Masonry…Learn more ResourceNALPA trade association for landscape, lawn care, tree care and irrigation professionals that shares industry education and consumer…Learn more ResourceASLAA professional association for landscape architects that publishes design resources, case studies and public information on outdoor places.Learn more ResourceNSIA trade association for the natural stone industry that publishes education, design guidance and technical resources.Learn more ResourceASCCA trade association for concrete contractors that shares industry education, technical resources and information for owners.Learn more ResourceACIA technical society that develops concrete standards, publications and education used by designers, contractors and inspectors.Learn more ResourceNADRAA trade association for deck and railing professionals that shares education, safety information and industry resources.Learn more ResourceAWCA trade association for the North American wood products industry that publishes design resources and construction guidance, including…Learn more ResourceHPBAA trade association for makers and retailers of fireplaces, patio products, grills and related equipment that shares safety…Learn more ResourceNFPAA nonprofit that develops fire, electrical and life safety codes and standards and shares public education on fire…Learn more ResourcePHTAA trade association for the pool, spa and hot tub industry that shares education, safety information and consumer…Learn more ResourceIAA trade association for the irrigation industry that shares education, water-saving information and consumer resources.Learn more ResourceICCA nonprofit that develops model building codes and standards used by many jurisdictions and shares education for builders…Learn more 
ResourceTennessee 811The Tennessee service that notifies utility owners so underground lines can be marked before digging begins.Learn more ResourceMetro CodesThe Metro Nashville department that handles building permits, inspections and code questions for the city and county.Learn more ResourceTN Contractors BoardThe Tennessee state board that oversees contractor licensing and publishes rules and lookup information.Learn more ResourceUSDA Zone MapThe United States Department of Agriculture map that shows average winter lows by zone, used to choose plants…Learn more ResourceWeb Soil SurveyA free online tool from the Natural Resources Conservation Service that maps soil types and their properties for…Learn more ResourceUT ExtensionThe University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture's Extension service, which publishes research-based guidance on lawns, gardens, trees and…Learn more ResourceNWS NashvilleThe National Weather Service forecast office for Middle Tennessee, with forecasts, radar, alerts and climate information.Learn more 
ResourceBelgardA maker of concrete pavers, retaining wall products and outdoor living kits such as fire pits and kitchens.Learn more ResourceUnilockA maker of concrete pavers, slabs and wall products for patios, driveways, walkways and outdoor living.Learn more ResourceTecho-BlocA maker of pavers, walls, steps and outdoor living products with an emphasis on natural stone looks.Learn more ResourceAllan BlockA maker of segmental retaining wall systems that publishes design and installation guidance for walls, seat walls and…Learn more ResourcePavestoneA maker of pavers, wall products, fire features and landscape materials sold through many home and garden retailers.Learn more 
ResourceTrexA maker of composite decking, railing and outdoor products made with recycled content that requires less upkeep than…Learn more ResourceTimberTechA maker of composite and PVC decking, railing and accessories with a range of colors and grain patterns.Learn more 
ResourceLynxA maker of built-in grills and outdoor kitchen appliances such as side burners, refrigeration and storage.Learn more ResourceOoniA maker of portable and tabletop pizza ovens fueled by wood, pellets, charcoal or gas.Learn more 
ResourceKichlerA lighting maker that offers landscape, path, accent and deck lighting products and design resources.Learn more ResourceRain BirdA maker of sprinklers, drip irrigation, valves and controllers for residential and commercial landscapes.Learn more ResourceCabotA maker of exterior wood stains, sealers and finishes for decks, fences, siding and outdoor furniture.Learn more ResourceTechnisealA maker of polymeric jointing sand, sealers, cleaners and care products for pavers and natural stone.Learn more Visit each source for details, support and local information. Names belong to their owners.
Names belong to their owners. We are an independent company and are not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any organization, government office, maker or brand.
Plain guides to patio materials, decking, shade, fire, kitchens, lighting, drainage, walls, turf and Tennessee conditions.
Comparison guidePatio MaterialsHow pavers, poured concrete, stamped concrete, natural stone, brick, tile and gravel differ in look, comfort, upkeep and…Learn more 
Comparison guidePavers vs Stamped vs StoneA side-by-side look at three popular patio surfaces: interlocking pavers, stamped concrete and natural stone.Learn more 
Comparison guideWood vs Composite DeckingHow pressure-treated wood, cedar, hardwood and composite decking differ in look, upkeep, heat and lifespan.Learn more 
Comparison guidePergolas, Pavilions and GazebosHow pergolas, pavilions, gazebos, covered patios and louvered roofs differ in shade, rain protection, structure and style.Learn more 
Comparison guideFire Pits and FireplacesHow wood-burning, gas and propane fire pits, fire tables and outdoor fireplaces differ in warmth, ease, safety and…Learn more 
Comparison guideOutdoor Kitchen LayoutsHow straight, L-shaped, U-shaped and island layouts work, and which appliances, counters and storage suit different cooks.Learn more 
Comparison guideOutdoor Lighting TypesHow path, accent, wall, deck, string and step lights differ in purpose, placement and control.Learn more 
Comparison guidePatio Base and DrainageWhy excavation, compacted stone, bedding and slope decide how well a patio lasts, especially in clay soil.Learn more 
Comparison guideRetaining Wall TypesHow segmental block, natural stone, poured concrete, timber and gabion walls differ in strength, look, height and upkeep.Learn more 
Comparison guideConcrete Finishes and ColorsHow broom, smooth, exposed aggregate, stamped, stained and integral color finishes differ in grip, look and care.Learn more 
Comparison guideScreened Porch vs SunroomHow screened porches, sunrooms and enclosed patios differ in bug protection, weather, comfort and structure.Learn more 
Comparison guidePatio Sealers and MaintenanceHow film-forming and penetrating sealers work, when to apply them and how to clean and care for patios.Learn more 
Comparison guideOutdoor Heating and CoolingHow patio heaters, fire features, fans and misters keep outdoor spaces comfortable across seasons.Learn more 
Comparison guideShade SolutionsHow pergolas, louvered roofs, awnings, shade sails, umbrellas and trees compare for cooling and covering outdoor spaces.Learn more 
Comparison guideNatural vs Artificial TurfHow natural grass and synthetic turf compare for look, care, water, heat, play and pets.Learn more 
Comparison guideTennessee Climate and ClayHow Middle Tennessee heat, heavy rain, clay soil and freeze-thaw cycles affect patios, decks, walls and plants.Learn more 
Comparison guidePermeable Pavers and StormwaterHow permeable pavers, rain gardens and drainage features manage stormwater on patios, driveways and yards.Learn more 
Comparison guideWater Feature TypesHow fountains, pondless waterfalls, ponds, wall fountains and bubbling rocks differ in sound, care and space.Learn more Call and describe your yard and what you would love to do outside. A designer will listen, talk through the options and give you a clear written estimate.
