A patio is a hard-surfaced area outside the home used for dining, relaxing and entertaining. It is typically paved with concrete, bricks, pavers, flagstones or tile, but can also be covered by a pergola, arbor or pavilion for shade and comfort. It is located adjacent to the house but not attached or elevated from the ground like a deck, and may have walls or railings around it for safety or visual interest.
When it comes to a patio design, the size is not as important as the overall feel and how it fits into the surrounding garden. The number of people you want to seat comfortably will play a role here, as will whether you plan on using it for eating. If you only need it for a quiet morning coffee, you may want to keep it small and cozy. If you entertain large crowds, you’ll want to plan for more seating and a central gathering place.
The choice of materials is another consideration when deciding on the size of your patio. Often, patios are constructed from poured concrete slabs, but they can also be made of gravel, stamped or stenciled asphalt or even recycled materials. Some are completely paved while others have a more natural, organic look with soft edgings where the paving meets the lawn or flower beds. Even a simple, circular paving circle can add a more informal and gentle changeover to the greenery. It’s rarely a good idea to cover more than half of the garden space with paved areas, however, so blending it in with the plant materials will give you an appealing balance.