A perfect addition to any backyard is a patio. A patio can be a simple as an area that the soil has been removed and chips or gravel placed down or more complex in design. If you would like to add a patio there are four decisions to make.
Time
Is your patio design a project that will take a weekend and be quite simple or will you build and design a more permanent patio that will require plans and possibly hiring a construction company.
This decision will be based on what all you plant to do with the patio area. If the idea is a place to relax with a cup of coffee in the morning or evening you may want a very simple patio area. If you plan to entertain you may want to have a patio that can be used year round and will be designed to connect the indoor space with outdoor space.
Location
Will you want the patio attached to the home or in a different area of the backyard?
A patio attached to the home often will make better sue of available space and will act as an extension of indoor/outdoor living. It will also be easier to parties and entertaining if located close to the kitchen area.
Patios placed away from the house act more as entertainment areas or secret retreats. They can jazz up a dull section of the backyard and add to the pool area. Separate patios usually work better in the large backyard.
Space
How much available space do you have for a patio? Even a small area 3 foot by 6 foot can hold a table and chairs a vertical garden and a miniature water fountain. Add a trellis to the side or back for privacy and to add small lights at night for more use of your patio oasis. The ground could be covered in wood chips, indoor/outdoor carpet or stone.
A patio of this design could be easily set up over a weekend and for a very modest price.
And if you have a larger area you may want to consider a cement floor, a roof and more landscaping to blend the home design with your patio.
Price
A simple patio used for relaxing can be set up in a few days and can often be designed with items on hand. While the more elaborate patio will take a few weeks and the price will be determined by if you do the work your self, hire contractors and plan to add a roof, cement flooring, drainage and a chain link fence.
If you decide to take on a larger patio project try to plan the work at a time when you won’t be using the backyard as much. You can also do the patio in stages where you can still use part of the patio.
Note: before taking on the larger patio project make sure you have checked into any local building regulations in you area.
With any patio design the idea is to make a relaxing area that is fun and creative. The addition of plants, trees, furniture, water fountains and lighting will enhance any patio.
The backyard patio can be an extension of your living space and blend the indoor living area with the outdoors. You can easily create a tropical feel or vacation getaway in you backyard. So add a patio area to you backyard or update your patio for a new fresh feel.
Ideas for great patio designs can be found online or at your local library.
