Building a Patio: What You Need to Know Before You Start

Building a patio that will give you many happy moments comes with proper planning and design decisions. Support from a good professional designer that captures your vision and a good contractor also ensures that you build a patio of your dreams. A beautiful patio can be the source of many happy memories while adding curb appeal to your home and increasing its resale value. Read on for ten things you need to know before you start building your own patio.

1. The Purpose Of The Patio

The reason for making a patio dictates most of the decisions you will make when you build patios. This includes the location, size, and materials that you will use. The activities that you will be engaging also influence the design; be it dining, lounging, entertaining, or a quiet retreat. Finally, it is important to envision how many people you expect to use the patio as this will influence its size.

2. The Setting

There is more to locating where to build your patio than the function that it will serve. The space available, the views from the house, the style of the main house, the topography, and the drainage are all factors you should consider when thinking about how to build a patio.

Consulting a professional designer at the beginning of your patio building plan will help find the best location to build your patio and the best materials to use. A professional designer will help you with regulations such as attaining permits for excavations, construction, safety, and environmental issues.

3. Accessibility

Accessibility to the patio is another important consideration, whether it will be next to the house or distantly located. Designing an inviting entrance or pathway to the patio enhances access. Stairs leading to or off the patio need to be easy to climb as poorly designed stairs can be a trip hazard. Certain features like having a fire pit or a waterfall withing the patio may also affect your patio’s access design.

4. Size

The space available for the patio will influence the final size that you settle upon. You should also consider the number of people you expect to be entertaining in your patio so that you build a size that is big enough to accommodate them.

5. Shape

People think that they have to limit the shape of their patio to the space available or the materials they intend to use. But this doesn’t have to be the case. A proper designer can come up with creative shapes for your patio. Different materials can be used for aesthetic impact to highlight dominant shapes, curves, and patterned edges. There is no need to worry about cutting since pebbles and other features can be employed for assent.

6. Materials

The type of material used to build your patio will dictate the longevity, durability, and maintenance of your deck. The type of material you choose will be driven by your budget as well as your desired form and feel of the patio. A professional can advise you on the best materials to use given the atmosphere of your outdoors, the patio’s functions, and your personal style. Leading materials like concrete, stone, bricks, pavers, and porcelain offer ideal choices.

7. Integration

Harmony and integration within the home are key when thinking about how to make a patio. The easy blending of spaces as you move from the house into the patio and garden improves the aesthetics and enjoyment of your outdoors. For instance, a traditional house built with brick will blend well with a brick patio and brick alleys.

. Budget

The costings for your planned patio building should fit your budget. Average costs for different materials are as follows per square foot:

• Concrete patio: $10 to $15.
• Decomposed granite: $7­ to $10.
• Sand-set brick: $20 to $25.
• Sand-set pavers: $20 to $25.
• Putting stone or pavers on top of concrete: $35 to $40.
• Cut stone: $50

9. DIY Possibilities

DIY patios are possible depending on the required skills and simplicity of the installation on a flat surface. Building your own patio is best done with professional input factored in. For example, by buying ready-made kits with back-up support within reach when required. If the patio design is complex with excavations, heights, and railings it is best to have a professional who will meet the required regulations, inspections, and permits.

10. Maintenance

Maintenance of your built patio should be as low as possible. This could be occasional sweeping or washing with water. This is possible if you use the right materials and professionally install the patio using a designer and contractor.

For more tips on home improvements such as how to do Xeriscape landscaping, read the rest of our blog.

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