A patio is a paved outdoor space adjoining the exterior of a house at ground level. It differs from a courtyard in that it doesn’t have surrounding walls. It is often found in the backyard and may be adorned with plants or other landscaping features. Patios are constructed from concrete, brick or stone and can be arranged in many different ways. Some patios are square or rectangular while others are circular in shape.
Choosing the right size for your patio is an important step in planning its layout and function. Determine how you plan to use the space, whether it will be primarily for dining and relaxing or for entertaining and cooking. Consider any other amenities that you may wish to include, such as a grill, fireplace, water feature or outdoor kitchen, as these can affect your overall patio design and size.
Start by identifying the area where you plan to build your patio, measuring it and drawing it on grid paper. This will help you to visualize the size and shape of the area that you have available. If you are building a square or rectangular patio, you can use a protractor or carpenter’s square to ensure that the corners are at exactly 90 degrees.
Once you’ve determined the dimensions for your patio, you can decide which materials to use. While there is nothing wrong with using a single material for the entire space, most patios look better when they are comprised of several different garden paving ideas. Concrete and brick are two of the most common choices, but there is a growing interest in using cobbles, tiles and natural stone for patios as well.