How to Design a Stone Patio

Laying a stone patio is a great solution for areas that repeatedly have growing problems and to set up an outdoor entertainment space. You can choose a design that incorporates some of the decor elements of your house's interior, the architecture of your home or blends in with the aesthetics of your landscaping. In addition, stone does not require as much maintenance as wood patios. Clean up generally consists of sweeping and power washing. Design a stone patio that provides comfort to you and your guests.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Paper

Instructions

1. Draw a diagram of your yard. Decide where you want to place your stone patio. A patio near the home will make bringing food back and forth easier; however, choosing a spot away from the house can create a backyard retreat.

2. Determine how much sun and privacy your area will receive. Watch how much sun your yard gets during one day. If you want to grow container plants on your patio, you will need full sunlight. However, optimal privacy will be achieved by picking a wooded area. By knowing how much sun your stone patio will get, you can make a decision about what if any plants to grow and if it will be warm enough for you to enjoy.

3. Measure the space for your patio. Because you are custom designing your patio, you can make it any size or shape. You can go for the traditional square shape or follow the contours of your yard. Write down the measurements to take with you when you purchase stone.

4. Pick out what type of stone you want to use. Stone for patios comes in a wide variety such as cantera, travertine, porphyry or granite to name a few. Select a color. Muted and light tones will show dirt and grime but blend in with the rest of the yard. Darker colors will hide yard debris but make a striking focal point that may take the emphasis off your landscaping design.

5. Choose how you want to use your stone patio. Entertaining is made easy with grills, food preparation tables and seating areas. If you just want to kick back and relax, patio furniture will offer comfort.

Tips & Warnings

• Use outdoor furniture on your patio, because it has been specifically made for weathering the natural elements.

• Find out where your underground utility wires are before laying the stone. You can call your local utility company to come out and determine where the wires are located in your yard.

References

• This Old House: How to Lay a Stone Patio