A patio is a paved recreation area that may or may not be attached to a house. While patios, porches and verandas are similar in that they adjoin a home, patios are typically more intimate and are distinguished from other outdoor structures by being built on the ground level as opposed to elevated and enclosed with roofs as porches and lanais tend to be.
When designing a patio, it’s important to understand the purpose of the space as this will have a significant impact on size and layout. For example, a dining patio should be large enough to comfortably seat a few tables and chairs, while a lounge patio can benefit from being shaped into a comfortable seating circle. Additionally, if you intend on incorporating amenities such as a grill, fire pit or water feature these will have to be accommodated into the overall layout.
Surface Material
The choice of surface material for your patio will also have a significant impact on both aesthetics and durability. Concrete patios offer the advantage of being low-cost, durable and available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Alternatively, gravel surfaces such as decomposed granite are an alternative to concrete and are easy to maintain with regular cleaning. They’re also a good choice for casual patios as they provide a textural element with a natural look and feel.
Finally, it’s important to consider privacy and screening considerations when designing a patio. Assessing the surrounding landscape and neighboring properties will help determine if you need to incorporate screening elements into your patio design, such as fences, trellises or walls.