How to Design the Perfect Patio
Patios are a great addition to any home as they provide a comfortable space for outdoor living and entertaining guests. While every home can benefit from a well-designed and properly constructed patio, it can be difficult to create the ideal design for your specific wants and needs. As experts in landscape design, the team at Jovak Landscape & Design knows that there are many elements to consider before constructing a patio. That is why we have put together some information to help you understand how to design the perfect patio for your needs, budget, and the size of your property.
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4 Steps to Design the Perfect Patio Space
To design the perfect patio space for you, your family, and your guests, you will need to complete the following steps:
1. Choose a Patio Location
The first step when designing a patio space is choosing the patio’s location. In most cases, homeowners choose to build a patio close to the kitchen to allow for easy access to the home while creating a more cohesive entertainment space. Building a patio close to the kitchen is also a great option for homeowners who love to barbecue as it ensures that everything you need is close at hand.
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2. Determine the Size and Shape of the Patio
To determine the ideal shape and size of your patio, you will first need to consider the number of people who will be using it. Consider marking out the space in your yard or creating a dimensional drawing of the space. While there is no rule for how large or small a patio space should be, making the space proportionate to the width of the house can create a more seamless look while ensuring that the space is large enough for comfortable entertaining.
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3. Choose Your Materials
Once you have decided on the location and size of the patio space, you will need to choose the materials you wish to use. Make sure to consider the overall durability of the materials you want to use, as well as which colour options will work best for your space. When choosing materials for a patio, it is also important to pay attention to the cost of the materials and their maintenance requirements, as some can be more expensive and require more labour over time.
Flagstone
Flagstone can give your patio design an earthy, timeless appearance because the colour and characteristics reflect the way it was formed, by the gradual accumulation of layers of sand, clay, minerals, and organic sediments. If you decide that flagstone is the right fit for your patio surface, you should consider having a professional install it for you as the irregular shape and size of quarried flagstones can be difficult to install. Also, flagstone can be subject to erosion and splitting, so you will have to make sure that you have a proper drainage system. Flagstone comes in a wide variety of materials including granite, limestone, slate, sandstone, etc.
Clay Brick
Clay brick goes well with both traditional and contemporary architecture because bricks retain their rich, warm colour over time, and are easy to install. Bricks can be laid in a variety of different patterns, from herringbone to basket weave, rectangular to round. You can also mix together different coloured bricks in order to create an eye-catching patio design.
Patio Pavers
Patio pavers tend to be made out of concrete, clay, stone, or even recycled plastics. Yet, even though pavers are manmade, some are manufactured to look like natural stone, brick, cobblestone, or even flagstone. Most patio pavers are slip resistant, but they should be resealed every two years because they can absorb stains.
Concrete
Concrete patio surfaces are one of the most cost effective options and are extremely durable; however, just like with brick, concrete can be subject to cracking due to freeze-thaw cycles. Even though concrete does involve professional installation, it can be poured to mimic the look of flagstone, brick, or other expensive materials at a fraction of the cost.
Gravel
A gravel patio is quick to install and inexpensive. Gravel also comes in a range of sizes and in two basic variations: crushed stone or river rock. Gravel is also a great choice for the Lower Mainland because water soaks right through it and helps prevent erosion.
4. Consider Various Landscaping Elements
Adding plants to a patio space can be an effective way to create shade while enhancing privacy. If you are thinking about adding plants to your patio space, be sure to consider how the plants will be incorporated into the overall design as this will help to create a more seamless look.
To learn more about our landscape design and construction services or to discuss the details of your project, get in touch with the team at Jovak Landscape & Design. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services.