How to Design a Concrete Patio

A patio can be a special place for conversation or dining.

When designing a patio space, give lots of thought to family activities for the patio. Create the space to work well presently and in the future. Design some of the area for grilling out and entertaining. But keep in mind that a larger patio offers possibilities for playing basketball or installing a hot tub. Do a lot of research via books, magazines and online to get ideas for the patio space. Consider how to balance the patio with landscaping, however. It should look well-proportioned to lawn areas, trees and flowering shrubs in the backyard.

Things You'll Need

• Patio design books
• Backyard magazines
• Sketch pad

Instructions

1. Measure the allowable yard space for the patio. Take into account large trees or retaining walls that will be part of the overall landscape. Sketch the patio framework for the concrete pour. Plan to build a patio at least 8 inches deep, since this will prevent cracking. Use lumber boards, which will be 2-by-8 inches in size, to frame the patio pour. Be sure to include metal gridwork in the framing, which will be rolled out before the concrete truck arrives.

2. Frame around trees or other obstructions. Build the patio around tree roots or yard buildings, if the shape will need to be uniquely created. Don't overlook creating round edges, using 1/4-inch plywood nailed to 10-inch stakes to make rounded corners for the patio. Consider cutting down any trees that might shed too many leaves directly on the patio.

3. Plan landscaping to soften the area. Include some framed spaces inside the patio area to hold flowers, for example. Frame these spaces with boards and stakes inside areas where dirt will go. Consider adding wooden or concrete planters to the perimeter of the patio, too. Keep in mind that a huge slab of concrete can look too austere in a yard space, so soften it with plants or shrubs in key places.

4. Figure out a grilling area. Consider building a brick grilling space, for example, or set aside space for a metal grill or outdoor kitchen. Use real stones, if the budget will allow, to construct a kitchen counter space to hold a grill top. Run plumbing and electricity to the outdoor cooking space through conduit. Draw any conduit for running pipes or wiring before the concrete pour. Ask a professional to look at the plan before calling the concrete deliver truck, to make sure everything is in order.

5. Consider adding a cover to part of the patio. Leave room for a roof area that's at least 9-by-12 feet, if possible. Plan to install high-quality furniture under the cover, since open sun is hard on any outdoor furniture. Build the cover close to the house, so that family dining on the patio will be easier. Add shelving or storage space to a wall area at one end of the covered space.

Tips & Warnings

• When finishing the concrete patio, don't create an overly slick surface. Rain water standing on a patio can be extremely dangerous. Texturize the patio surface with special trowels, or install tile with rough texture over the concrete.

• Don't begin construction of a patio until city officials get involved. Inquire about a building permit, if needed, and ask if neighbors need to be notified about the construction. Laws vary from place to place. Never assume a patio is just a simple structure with no building codes governing its construction.

References

• Concrete Network: Concrete Patios
• Outdoor Patio Ideas: Concrete Patio Designs
• Landscape Design Advice: Concrete Patio Design

Resources

• Ask the Builder: A Patio of Concrete -- The Right Way
• Concrete Ideas: Concrete Patios