A patio is an outdoor paved area adjoining a house where people can relax or eat. It differs from a porch, lanai or veranda in that it is usually more directly attached to the home and is generally found on ground level rather than elevated above it. Unlike a deck, it is not framed or enclosed by railings. It may be constructed from a wide variety of materials including concrete, paving stones and bricks and can also include structures such as a pergola or pavilion.
A well designed patio is the ideal place to entertain, dine or just chill out and will enhance the overall look of your garden. If you’re planning on installing one, it’s a good idea to think carefully about how you want to use it and plan accordingly.
Some regions have size restrictions on paving surfaces so check with your local building department before planning a new patio as permits, setback requirements and other regulations may apply. It’s also worth checking the permeability of the material as some types, such as decomposed granite or gravel, will qualify as permeable whilst others such as poured concrete, block paving and even tile can be considered impermeable.
If you are planning a paved patio space, remember to consider the furniture you have or will be purchasing and make sure that the area is large enough. Adding an extra foot or two to allow for chairs and tables is a good idea. It’s also a good idea to mock up a simple paper model of the furniture you are considering using before starting any work so that you can visualize the space and be confident that it will fit perfectly.