A patio is a paved outdoor space that adjoins the home. It may be located off the kitchen, master bedroom, living room or family room, depending on your lifestyle. A patio is different from a porch, veranda or lanai, in that a porch or lanai is raised up off the ground and supported by posts and/or railings. A patio is level with the ground and is usually made of masonry.
Concrete is the most common material for patios, as it’s inexpensive and easy to work with. It can be stained, stamped or stenciled to create a unique look and can match the color of your house. Some homeowners choose to lay wood around their concrete patios to give it a more natural feel, although this requires more maintenance than other types of flooring.
Brick or flagstone patios add a touch of elegance to the landscape. They’re a good choice for homes with more traditional architecture and also complement the colors of surrounding plantings. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these materials are not suitable for areas that will be used around pools or hot tubs, as they can react with these chemicals.
To maximize your enjoyment of a new patio, surround it with a lush garden. Plantings can provide privacy, frame views and soften the noise of traffic. Choose low-maintenance shrubs and perennials that can handle heavy foot traffic, like creeping thyme. And remember, the shade cast by the plants will help your patio stay cool.