Don’t be intimidated by the idea of planning your own patio, as it’s defnitely a project that any homeowner can easily tackle. Besides, it’s supposed to be your dream patio, so don’t be afraid of putting your own fingerprints on it. Below are some of the major thigs to consider when planning your patio:
Too Big is Better Than Too Small: I’ve never heard anyone complain that their finished patio was too large, while it’s very common totalk to disappointed homeowners that are happy with their new patio but surprised it seems so small, when it’s filled with patio furniture and plants.
It’s easy enough to buy more furniture or plants to fill out space, but much harder to expand your patio once it’s built. If you plan on having parties and entertaining friends, you should shoot for a minimum patio size of 500 sq. ft. If you already know what patio furniture you’ll buy or already have it, drag it out into the area where you plan the patio to be. If it helps you visualize the space, spray paint the grass or lay garden hoses out so that you can see roughly how big the patio will be with your furniture in place.
Be Creative: Compared to some major home renovations, patios are actually relatively cheap, and it’s your chance to really make your backyard (and house as a whole) sparkle. Don’t limit yourself by simply plunking down a traditional square or rectangular patio and calling it good.
Patios can take many forms, including two separate patio areas made of different materials and connected by paths or walkways, and they can incorporate elements such as fountains and garden ponds. Let you imagination run free, as patios cost less per square foot than any other home addition so you get more bang for buck.
Maximize Your Assets: Every backyard is different and what works well for your neighbors patio might be terrible in your own backyard. Patios should be planned to make the most of the light and views that you have to work with.
Pay close attention to the orientation of your patio as far as where the sun rises and sets, and where the existing shade will be throughout the day. Will the planned patio be shady enough to enjoy when you’d like to relax on the patio or will you be baked to a crisp by unrelenting sun? Will the view be pleasing and relaxing or will you be staring at the side of your neighbor’s house if you build your patio as you’d originally planned?
Mix Up Your Materials: You’ve got a large palette of materials to choose from when planning your patio, including concrete, brick, flagstone, slate, and more, all of which come in a multitude of shapes, colors, and designs.
As long as what you choose is durable, don’t get locked into thinking that your only option is a red brick patio, with brick, brick, and more brick, nothing but brick. If that’s the look you like, then by all means, enjoy your brick patio, but don’t be afraid to incorporate a variety of materials into your design, as each adds interesting elements and contrasts to patios.
