Creating an outdoor space for entertaining, lounging and relaxing is one of the best ways to enhance your home’s resale value. Patios and decks are two common options for adding an outdoor living space to your property. But which option is right for you?
A patio is a concrete, brick, gravel or flagstone area outside your home that is often used as a place to dine, entertain and relax. It is generally attached to the house, but it can be detached and used as a standalone space.
Patios are usually more expensive than decks but can help increase your home’s resale values. They can also provide a more upscale, bespoke vibe to your home than a plain deck.
Sizes of patios vary depending on your needs and the style of home you’re building. But there are general sizing rules of thumb that can help you figure out how big your patio should be.
Defining your wants and needs
A good way to start is to make a list of your biggest must-haves. Think of things like a place for dining, a grilling spot and a fire pit. Then assign each a number from 1 to 5.
Measure the space that you want your patio to be and mark it with lawn-safe chalk so you can create an outline of where you plan on placing furniture, grills, gathering zones and more. This will allow you to better plan out how your patio will work with your home and how many people you need to accommodate.