A patio is an outdoor living space that adapts to the needs of homeowners and their guests. It can be used for dining, entertaining and relaxing and is typically paved with concrete, stone or brick. It can be covered or open and may be built close to the house or set back in a garden area. A patio can provide a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces and can be as small as a bistro table or as large as a backyard grill and fire pit.
Getting the patio size right is key to helping your customers create an inviting and well-used outdoor living area. Too little patio space can feel cramped, while too much can be expensive and take up valuable garden real estate. For those in the middle, some general sizing guidelines can help you fit just the right amount of patio into a yard, avoiding the pitfall of creating more space than is needed.
When determining how big to make a patio, consider its intended use, Frisch says. Will it be the spot for large family parties, cozy dinners for two or Saturday morning meditation? Knowing how the space will be used can help determine the furniture dimensions and help you map out a general patio layout ahead of time.
Be sure to account for walkways around seated areas, too. Guests don’t want to have to squeeze by chairs or be forced to take the long way around to get to their seat. Also be sure to leave room for the addition of a grilling, firepit or breakfast nook area.