The patio is a great outdoor space to enjoy summer time meals, relaxing in garden chairs or lounging around a fire pit with friends. A patio is also an ideal spot for a water feature like a fountain or still mirror pool.
But there are a few things to keep in mind when planning a patio. The most important is understanding the function and purpose of your patio space. This will guide your design and help you create a patio that perfectly meets your needs.
For example, if you want your patio to be used for dining, it is best to choose a shady location where the sun will not be a problem throughout the day. If your yard has a southern exposure, you may need to incorporate shade or even a roof over the patio to protect it from harsh sunlight and scorching heat.
Another factor to consider is the way your patio will meet the rest of the landscape. If you are planning a patio against your home, you should plan for a gradual transition from the crisp definition and straight lines of the house to the organic features of the garden, such as the lawn or flower beds. The more gentle the changeover, the easier it will be for guests to adapt to the new setting.
It is a good idea to use a garden hose and outline the proposed footprint of your patio in the yard to get a more realistic visual of how it will fit within your landscape. This will also help you understand the size of furniture and other amenities, such as a fire pit or water feature that might be part of your patio design.