Redesigning your patio can be as simple as adding a few pieces of outdoor furniture to your backyard. Or it can be as elaborate as installing an adjoining concrete slab with an outdoor kitchen and dining area.
Visualize the Design with a Quick Mock-up
A bench and a potted plant transform this bare patch.
As you begin a design project for a backyard patio, always check whether you need permits to make your ideas a reality. Once that is done, you can actually start the project. You may have chosen a designer to do it for you, or more probably you have decided to do it yourself to save money and because you generally like home improvement projects.
Decide where your patio is best situated. Most patios lead off from a living area or kitchen to make entertaining guests easier. Check the space you have available and size your patio accordingly. Lay out a rope or garden hose to visualize the footprint of your patio. Set a few chairs in the space to ensure it is not to small.
Decide before your build whether you want a charcoal grill or gas barbecue on your patio, or if you want to build a stone fixture. (See Choosing the Right Grill for your Backyard BBQ.) Opportunities are unlimited and you can include or leave out any of the following: a fridge, a sink, cabinets and aesthetic features such as fireplace, waterfall or hot tub.
Select a Building Material for Patio
Consider these choices when it comes to choosing the material for your patio:
- Real stone
- Stone Veneer
- Brick
- Pavers
- Concrete
Your choice should be made on the basis of the look you want to achieve and the budget you have. Some versions of material may be easier to work with and install, while others may be harder-wearing. Keep in mind the color and tone (light or dark) that you want to achieve. Use can use websites to help you in your design or get handy with paper and artists’ colors.
Canopies Provide Shade
A patio can add a whole extension to your home.
Many patios also sport overhead cover to protect against the sun or possibly a light drizzle. You have a wide choice of coverings. Many of these now come in kits that you can assemble yourself. Options include:
- Awnings
- Umbrellas
- Gazebos
- Aluminum
- Pergolas
- Corrugated metal
- Trees
- Trellis
- Arbors
Choose Comfy Furniture
Finally, choose only furniture for your patio that is comfortable for you and your guests. Look for sturdy items that aren’t too difficult to rearrange. It could be metal, aluminum, wood or plastic; you have many choices of material and designs. Chairs, tables, lounge chairs, benches and swings are all popular pieces of furniture for a relaxing atmosphere. You need not spend a fortune straight away, you can add pieces over time. To round it up, add cushions and some atmospheric lighting to set off your work.
