NYC Terrace Remodeling Guide: Planning, Design, and Budget Tips

A landscaped terrace can be one of the best features of your city apartment. You can use it as an extension of your home and turn it into your own quiet retreat when you are not out exploring everything New York City has to offer.

As you start to picture the new space, it helps to understand what terrace landscape remodeling actually involves. There are plenty of factors to weigh, like size, lighting, plants, and budget.

Whether you want a full transformation or a simple facelift, this city terrace landscaping guide will help you plan, design, and budget your project.

How to Plan and Prepare For Your Terrace Remodeling Project

When it comes to landscaping, you need a plan. A good first step is to decide on the kind of atmosphere you want for the space. Are you after a chic outdoor lounge, or your own oasis filled with lush greenery?

As you develop the vision, a few things can shape the design:

• Property size
• Structural obstacles
• Existing trees, shrubs, and plants
• Access to outdoor electrical outlets

With those in mind, magazines, blogs, and social media like Pinterest are a great place to pull inspiration.

Outdoor Terrace Features, Amenities, and Decor

Now that you have a sense of what you want, it is time to think about the features and amenities that bring the vision to life. Would a water feature add some tranquility to the space? Would a deck, artificial turf, or concrete patio serve you best?

With so much you can customize, here are some options to consider:

• Water features and fountains
• Outdoor garden
• Types of plants
• Types of stones
• Artificial turf
• Decks
• Stonework and masonry
• Lighting and sound features
• Fire pits
• Fence installation

Decor like rugs and furniture rounds out the design and adds personality. Wooden or rattan furniture creates a different vibe than metal or resin, so it can be fun to experiment with a few styles.

DIY vs Professional Terrace Landscaping

A DIY terrace remodel can be a fun project, but it adds up in cost and takes many hours of your time. You may also find your skill set limits the vision if you cannot install specific elements like decking or turf yourself.

A professional NYC terrace landscaper can help you design a space that fits your budget. Because companies buy materials in larger volumes, you often pay less than you would sourcing the materials or plants on your own.

The project also gets done much faster, and with a level of quality that comes from years of experience. During planning, you might be surprised by ideas for the space you had not considered or thought were possible.

How to Determine Your Budget and Costs for Your NYC Terrace Remodel

A landscaping project can run anywhere from $5,000 to well over $50,000, so it pays to set your budget while you plan. The cost comes down to the materials, features, plants, and furniture in the design.

If you go the DIY route, figure out which elements matter most to you first. If the plants and furniture are the priority, shop around to see what they cost and set a starting point from there. DIY projects can get expensive once you account for tools and pieces you did not plan for.

When you hire a professional, you work on the budget together. Your team can put together different mockups and options around your number, so you get a clear picture up front instead of paying as you go.

Trust The NYC Terrace Landscaping Professionals

Solicito & Son is a family-owned business with over 40 years of experience turning city terraces into beautifully designed, functional spaces. If you want to build your dream terrace, we can help with budgeting, design, and installation.

Planning a terrace remodel?

Let’s design your city terrace.

Free estimates on terrace landscaping across New York City and the surrounding metro.

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