Patio Planning

Many enjoyable family memories are created outside on your patio.  Birthdays, anniversaries, social gatherings – these all seem to be more enjoyable if outside under the auspices of beautiful skies and weather. A patio can be a place for quiet seclusion or a spot to enjoy a favorite outdoor activity. Transform your patio from ordinary to extraordinary with tips and ideas that bring it to life. There are many things that can be done in your backyard that will make it into a true outdoor retreat for family and friends.

Pick a good spot. Most patios are adjacent to the house, but they need not be. A patio placed well away from the house can provide dry footing for a private retreat. On the other hand, if you plan to use your patio for dining, keep it as close to the kitchen as possible.

Think of what your plans are for your patio.  Do you want it for small and intimate gatherings or larger gatherings with family and friends? A good way to determine the size of your patio is to set up tables and chairs on your lawn to see how much room you will need.

A patio meant for the family can be small and intimate. But if large gatherings are in your future, you’ll want to make sure your patio can handle a crowd. One way to figure the size is to set up tables and chairs on your lawn and see how much room you might need.

The surface you choose for your patio will most likely be determined by your budget and needs. It is important to consider the style of your home if possible.  If it will be used for dining, you will want to select a surface that is smooth so chairs and tables will not wobble.  Brick, slate, and flagstone are the most popular surfaces.

Make your patio as versatile as possible by offering different seating areas. Casual gatherings call for relaxing in Adirondack chairs; more formal get-togethers are better suited with traditional lawn furniture or benches. If you have the space, create separate seating.

If your plans are to spend a fair amount of time on your patio, make sure that your patio plans offer protection from the sun.  Trees and pergolas are options to consider if your patio area receives a lot of sun.

As you plan your budget, don’t forget about the plants and flowers you will want for your patio.  Whether complex or simple, patio plantings enhance your enjoyment of the time you spend outdoors.

Source: “Step-by-Step Patio Planning.” Better Homes and Gardens. Web. 18 Dec. 2012.

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