It must be that time of year when your yard begins to awaken and receive some much-needed attention. A new patio would really bring things to life, and would provide a pleasant area to lounge with friends or family on a sunny afternoon. Perhaps it is the nice weather that has inspired you to do some yard work, or maybe your spouse is kicking you out the door, gloves on and tools in hand. Whatever your motivation might be, this article will give you a clear idea on the things to consider when constructing a patio, and will make the planning process both simple and enjoyable.
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- One of the first things to consider is the type of material from which to build the patio. Red bricks may create a warm, colorful environment, but may be time-consuming to install. Concrete may provide a simpler, uniform look, but it may also be more costly. Using stones can create an interesting texture, but may not fit the particular vision that you have in mind. Whatever material you choose to use, be wary of its costs, function, strength, durability, attractiveness, and availability, and also plan how you can acquire and transport the material to your home; you wouldn’t want to spoil your nice vehicle by hauling messy construction materials.
- Currently, the most popular building materials are concrete, brick, and stone, but if you’re feeling audacious, timber, marble, rocks, or tiles may appeal to your tastes. However, you can be as standard or creative as you like, just make sure your material fits your style, is practical, and that it is to you (or your spouse’s) liking.
- Some other things to consider are materials currently used in the surrounding environment such as on the house, staircases, ledges, or built-up flower beds. Matching the colors of the material to your house or plants may also help sway your opinion in favor of a particular material. Whether or not you have a pool, barbecue, or playground may also influence your decision-making. Stand in your backyard and visualize your finished product, and don’t be afraid to be a bit daring with your imagination.
- Once you have your material picked out, you can begin to choose some accessories for your patio. These can include plant varieties, furniture, water fixtures, or even a hot tub. If you like backyard gatherings, a barbecue or fire pit may be an ideal purchase for your new patio, and may be ideal for any social gatherings you intend to hold. Other ideas may be statues, benches, a swinging chair, or a hammock. Use your ingenuity to cultivate a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere that you can enjoy.
- Be sure to envision your accessories and the overall layout of your patio. It is important that your patio has enough room to accommodate all of your accessories. Avoid over-crowding your patio. Find a healthy amount of inviting items that illustrate your tastes and personality without being too overwhelming.
Some of the most unique patios are made not by people with the most landscaping knowledge, but by those with the most enthusiasm, temerity, and imagination. There really is no limit to what you can do with your backyard. It may be helpful to look through magazines or online to get creative ideas and inspiration, but it is also important to show your unique taste by choosing something that is different from everyone else.
Make your home the hotspot for social gatherings or the envy of your neighbors by putting the time, effort, and diligence into visualizing and designing your patio. It may turn out to be the centerpiece that brings your backyard together into a majestic image of blissful passion, creativity, and harmony.
Featured images:
- License: Creative Commons image source
Peter writes on behalf of Cedargate Landscaping, a company which mainly deals in patio landscaping plants