A patio is a concrete space usually adjoining the house and situated in the backyard. Patios are often used for dining, entertaining and relaxing. They can also be designed as a focal point for a garden or landscape.
Patios can be large or small, but no matter their size, they should always be well-planned. Determine your biggest priorities and use that to help you figure out the best layout. For example, if you plan to host big family dinners or weekend parties, then a patio that can accommodate a lot of people is essential. A smaller patio can still be effective, but it would be better suited for intimate social gatherings.
Then you’ll want to determine what types of furniture you need, such as sofas, chairs, tables, chaise lounges and umbrellas. When choosing outdoor furniture, look for sustainable options like poly-resin wicker. It’s fadeproof, waterproof and extra lightweight and has a very natural appearance that complements any décor. Teak, acacia and powder-coated aluminum are other durable options.
Once you’ve figured out your seating requirements, consider any additional amenities that you might want to include, such as an outdoor kitchen, barbecue grill, water or fire feature and so forth. You’ll want to make sure that the space allows for those things and leaves plenty of room for movement and aesthetic flow.
You’ll also want to give some thought to how the paving material and edging will look, particularly where the patio meets other garden elements. A patio that abuts the house will typically have a straight, regimented edge, but one that is free-standing can have a sinuous, sculpted edge to soften the transition.