Patios make custom outdoor living spaces more obtainable for anyone. The versatile designs can go anywhere in a yard and are easy to build in a size that is perfect for the landscape. Also, the ground-level design is more accessible for people with mobility issues and safer for children than a raised deck or porch.
Want a patio? Follow these six steps to plan out the perfect patio for your home.
1. Decide on Location
The best spot for a patio is wherever the homeowner will use it most. Keep a patio near the kitchen if a grilling or dining area is the purpose of the addition. Backyard features like a pool or pond will also benefit from the addition of a nearby patio. Take advantage of a great view, or choose a spot near a mature growth of trees and bushes for privacy and shade.
2. Plan the Budget
A patio installation usually costs much less than a porch or deck construction of the same size. A professionally installed patio needs less maintenance too and can often last for decades.
Like decks, balconies, and other building projects, you may need a permit for a patio, especially if you’re planning extensive groundwork, like large amounts of excavation in the yard to level the surface. Check with your local government to see what permits you need and how much they cost as you plan your patio.
In general, the ease of patio planning and the reduction in costs makes it possible for homeowners to do more with the budget they have. The average cost to build a patio in the United State is between $500 and $4,000, but the price varies based on size, material, and the amount of groundwork and surface leveling needed before the work begins.
3. Draw the Layout
Once you know where you want the patio and have decided on its use, choose what furniture to include to increase convenience and comfort. Get measurements on tables, chairs, and grills. Consider extras like lamps, a container garden, or a fire pit. Include ample room to walk around these furnishings and to sit comfortably with family and guests.
4. Choose the Material
You have many hardscape options to choose from, but few materials have the versatility of concrete. The affordable and durable product pours into any shape, and stamped concrete can mimic the appearance of expensive materials like brick or natural stone. Stamped concrete also creates a less slippery surface because of its texture.
5. Include Extra Features
A new patio installation is a perfect time to think about the possibility of extra features. The addition of custom features helps make the space personal and improves the look of the finished product.
Install a set of concrete steps down a nearby embankment or plant shelves for added functionality or style. Add a trellis or awning to control the sunlight and heat. For cooking, consider including a built-in grill.
To make the patio comfortable in the winter months, consider a patio heater. This will help you use your outdoor living space year-round.
6. Incorporate the Landscape
Patios usually blend better into the existing landscape and offer more privacy than other outdoor options because they sit lower to the ground, so visual barriers are easier to install.
However, a patio can look out of place if it is the only hardscape in the center of a large expanse of green lawn. Invest in some additions to the yard to help the flow of the design. Add walkways that lead to the patio using the same surface material. Plant bushes or flowers around the perimeter of the patio to add softness and color.
At Calcana, we design and sell excellent patio heaters for homes and businesses. Whether you love to entertain your friends outdoors or you need to keep customers comfortable in your restaurant’s outdoor dining area, we can help. Take a look at what we have to offer.
