How to Design Your Own Patio
Patios are a great way to beautify your home. They also add extra living space without costing you the time and expense of traditional construction. When you are planning your outdoor living space, consider its intended use as well as the aesthetics of the space. Entertaining spaces can be improved with extra seating or a built-in fire pit. A cozy nook for reading might need privacy walls or landscaping to add shade. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Measure your available space. Evaluate any trees, shrubs or walkways that might interfere with your patio plans. Determine what the typical traffic pattern will be when accessing the space. Plan to keep high traffic areas clear of furniture and built-in amenities.
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Determine what extra amenities will enhance your space. An outdoor entertaining space might include a built-in bar, a fireplace or a fountain. If you are adding a low wall, consider making it the correct height and wide enough to accommodate some cushions for extra seating.
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Plan your landscaping. Patios can look bleak and barren without plants and shrubs. Before you begin adding hardscape to your space, you want to consider running drip lines or irrigation to your patio. Built-in planters are also a nice touch and make the space look softer and more inviting.
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Consider the elements. Spaces that will be pelted by rain, snow or even the sun might need built-in awnings for protection. Decide whether the space needs to be used during a rainstorm or if you simply need to protect the furniture. This will help you determine if an umbrella will suffice or if you need a more permanent solution.
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Choose materials that will complement your home. Don't add stucco walls if you live in a ranch-style home covered in wood siding. The patio should match your existing structure as much as possible. Patios can be constructed using stained concrete, brick, slate tiles or flagstone.
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Light your space. It is much easier to run low-voltage electricity before any hardscape is installed. Lighting makes the space available for use at night as well as during daylight hours.
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Draw a detailed plan on graph paper to show to contractors. Get out the colored pencils and get as detailed as possible. Draw in the fireplaces and the furniture to scale. Make sure you have enough room for all the extras you want to include.
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Tips & Warnings
Outdoor furniture should be durable and comfortable. Invest in outdoor furniture as you would the furniture you buy for indoors. There are fabrics specifically designed for outdoor use that resist fading and will last a long time. Sunbrella makes a large selection of outdoor fabrics that are widely available where you buy patio furniture.
