A patio gives you a place to entertain, enjoy alfresco dining and just sit and relax during those long summer days. But it requires careful planning if it's going to be the tasteful feature you're hoping for. Here are three considerations to bear in mind when planning a patio:
Location
A patio tends to be a long-term garden fixture, so don't get stuck with a gorgeous patio that's positioned in the worst spot in your garden. Think of how you want to use the patio and ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you know what spot in your garden gets the most sun, and what area provides the best shade?
- Do you enjoy spending time in the sun or prefer a little shade?
- How important is privacy to you? Would you rather have your patio tucked away in a corner that's out of your neighbour's sight than enjoy the sunny spot right in the middle of your garden?
- Do you want to be able to step out of your home and onto your patio, or are you happy to create a path leading to the patio?
Size
Consider what you want to use your patio for when settling on its size. If it's mostly for cosy meals with your partner, a patio that can accommodate a bistro table and two chairs is all you need. However, if you want to be able to throw barbecues and entertain friends, you'll need to ensure there's enough space between the dining area and barbecue to allow guests to get to and from the table without the risk of brushing against a hot barbecue. You should also take how you use the garden in general into consideration when planning the size of your patio. For example, if you have children or grandchildren, consider whether you want to leave room for them to play on a softer surface.
Surface Material
When selecting the surface material for your patio, take the style of your garden and any existing garden features into consideration. The following three surface materials are popular:
- Pavers - Pavers can be easily cut into different shapes and come in a variety of colours. They are easy to lay and repair, as if one paver cracks, you only have to replace that single piece of your patio.
- Stone - This is a hardwearing material that's more expensive than pavers, but its natural look makes it perfect for mature gardens or those with lots of greenery.
- Concrete - This is a cost-effective option that works well in gardens that already have a concrete feature, such as a path or wall. If you're not a fan of plain, smooth concrete surfaces, consider using stamps to create patterns that complement the surroundings, such as leaves.
If you're unsure of the type of patio that would suit your needs and garden, ask a contractor or patio builders to come and review your garden in person rather than giving you a quote for the work over the phone. They can help you move past any sticking points and visualise what your garden space will look like with a patio before you commit to the project.
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