A patio is a paved space adjoining a house that’s used for outdoor dining, relaxing and entertaining. It may also be a part of a garden.
Generally, patios are abutting the back or side of a home and are paved with gravel or concrete, though they don’t have to be raised above the ground. The size of a patio depends on the number and type of furniture that will be placed there, as well as how much space people need to move around comfortably.
When designing a patio, it’s best to buy the furniture first before you start making any changes to your backyard. Putting the furniture in place over your planned patio area will help you visualize how it should look and ensure there’s enough room to move and pull chairs back without bumping into them or hitting them against walls or fences. It’s also a good idea to walk around the furniture and make sure there aren’t any dead spots where there’s no room for people to go, especially near the entrance or the edge of the patio.
Some regions have laws about how much of the yard can be taken up by impermeable surfaces such as a patio, so it’s important to check with your local building department before starting any work. Even so, a patio can be in proportion to your house, and it shouldn’t be too large or it could overpower your property and become unsightly.