One evening last summer we had a terrific evening with friends on our patio. We sat around a cocktail table eating appetizers. After grilling burgers, we ate at the dinner table. Then we retired to sit around the fire pit. The company and weather was great and the ability to sit outside and entertain on our patio made the night special.
Having the patio space to host our party was key to a fun night. What do you need to think about when designing the perfect patio?
Location, Location, Location. You should locate your patio where you like to sit. Most patios are small spaces jammed up against the house where the back door is. Tables and chairs are always at the edge of the patio not by the house.
When I design a patio, I walk the yard slowly and linger a bit. My goals are:
To find the spot I am most comfortable in.
The most comfortable spot is usually away from the house where you get more light, a better breeze and usually a better view.
Remember circulation, you need to connect the patio to doors.
Locating the patio away from the house allows you to soften the space between the house and patio with a garden.
What about Size? When you identify the spaces and functions you desire it becomes easier to provide the space you. When I ask clients how large a patio they are thinking about I usually get a blank stare and a shoulder shrug. Then, I ask the question in a different ways.
How many people will use your patio regularly?
What types of furniture groupings do you visualize?
A grilling space.
A space for dinner table.
A conversation setting, two chairs, a couch or chaise lounges.
A fire pit or fireplace?
An outdoor kitchen.
Grades & Elevations. The topography of your yard is very important. Patios are generally flat. They should pitch between 1% and 2% (1-2 inches of drop every 8 feet). Your yard won’t be this flat. Most local codes require yards to pitch a minimum of 2% (2 inches every 8 feet) away from the house. The slope in your yard can provide both a challenge and an opportunity. Consider a retaining wall or seating wall as part of the patio. Be sure not to hinder your yards natural drainage.
Round or Square? Customers often ask me to round the corners of a patio to soften it. I would rather think about the patio space as an extension of the house and use the remaining designed space around the patio to soften it. If curves are used, in most cases they should be geometric to compliment the homes geometry. Then use plantings to soften the space.
Brick Paver, Stone, or Concrete. I will always prefer a brick paver patio or a natural stone patio for a number of reasons.
Brick and stone patios are timeless.
They can be traditional or contemporary.
The natural tones of brick or stone patios warm the space.
They are easy to repair and durable.
The color and texture of a brick patio or a stone patio provide winter interest.
Concrete patios do have their place.
Concrete is less expensive.
Concrete fits well with many home styles.
In sunny locations concrete reflects light and causes glare.
In northern climates concrete cracks easily from freeze-thaw cycles.
Concrete is difficult to repair.
Local Building and Zoning Codes. Always check on building and zoning codes with your municipality. You may need a permit. You may have setbacks from property lines or from your home especially if your patio has elements like a fire pit or a structure like a Pergola. Since storm water management is so important, more common now are laws that govern impervious surfaces. Consider a permeable patio or rain garden that will allow water to infiltrate.
Many factors need to be considered when designing a patio. Thinking about how you will use your patio will increase its functionality. The shape and planting space around the patio will soften the paving and help it blend in with your house. Upfront design will benefit you with a patio you can enjoy for years to come. Feel free to email me for help in designing your patio.
