A patio is an outdoor space where people can sit, eat and relax. It can be found in the backyard or in the garden area of a house and is usually paved with concrete, pavers, tile or bricks. People use patios to enjoy meals outside, entertain guests and spend time with family and friends. It is also a great place to add a built in fire pit, barbecue grill and seating arrangement.
The difference between a patio and porch is that the former is at ground level while the latter is elevated. Porches are often designed to wrap around a house and feature railings while patios can be detached from the home or completely separate structures in the yard.
Many people use the terms patio and balcony interchangeably but they are different in structure. Patios are usually made up of concrete and are paved with stone, brick, tile or pavers while balconies are elevated structures that can be attached to homes and feature railings.
A well-built, aesthetic patio can add up to 10% to a home’s value, so investing in one that is both functional and attractive is always a good idea. For a quick and easy way to improve the look of a patio, adding outdoor lighting, a shade structure and some small plants can instantly make it feel like a relaxing retreat. The most common type of patio is L-shaped or U-shaped and hug the exterior walls of a home for a natural transition from indoors to outdoors.