Planning the Perfect Patio

You have finalized the plans for your home, or your home is in the process of being built. Spring is here, and you realize that you have overlooked planning the patios for your home! Fear not. We have some patio planning tips that will enable you to get the planning started quickly. Here are four Cs of patio design presented to help in your planning process:

Consider the Compass
You probably don’t even have a compass, so why are we telling you to consider one? Well, as we all learned in elementary school the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Because this is quite predictable, you should be able to judge the amount of sun that will encompass your patio at certain times of the day. Also predictable, is that the sun is visible longer in the summer because it is further from the Earth than in the winter.

Consider your Neighbors
…and how frequently you would like to look at them while entertaining or relaxing on your new patio. Yes, it really is important to consider privacy and view in the planning stages. You may be one of those homeowners fortunate enough to have a tremendous view of the ocean, the mountains or even a beautiful garden. However, if you are not that fortunate you can at least try and figure out a way not to be looking into your neighbor’s kitchen window while you relax and they wash the dishes.

Consider your Parties
During the summer and autumn seasons, it is common to entertain on the patio. Thus, when designing the patio for your new home, it is important to consider your entertaining plans. Because your guests need to be adequately accommodated, you should estimate around 500 square feet in size. This allows ample room for patio seating, stand room and even banquet tables for food and beverages.

Consider Being Creative
In the process of building a home, you are able to extend some of your own creativity into the home. Don’t lose sight of that creativity; make your patio as unique as your home! Experiment in the design phase with ideas including: adding more than one patio surface; adding fountains or flowerbed for an aesthetic touch; or including a sound system or barbeque kitchen.

Another way to personalize and make your patio unique is to experiment with different material combinations. Gaining popularity as a patio surface material is stamped and dyed concrete. A patio contractor specialist will be able to show you photos of the choices available in stamped concrete. Another option is to use patio pavers, or even brick, to add a warm and inviting feeling to your outdoor space.

So, consider our four Cs for perfect patio design and you cannot go wrong! Putting a little time and consideration into the planning of a patio will make for many years of happiness for yourself and your outdoor guests!

This home building article by:
Michelle McClory with BuildingPlans.com

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