Whether you’re looking to kick back and enjoy the outdoors or provide entertainment for guests, your patio will be center of your backyard. Plus, a custom patio can provide many benefits including increasing the value of your home to extending your outdoor living space. If you are looking achieve the right balance of function and value, a custom patio design could be exactly what you are searching for.
An inside on materials used when designing a patio
To start your custom patio design project, plan the location and design of your patio in advance. An average patio will start from a backdoor and continue to your backyard at your desired length and size. When selecting the materials your patio will consist of, you should first understand the available options. Patio materials include brick, flagstone, cobblestone, concrete, or wood. There is no material that really reigns superior over the others however a different look will be achieved using each material.
Concrete Pavers
With concrete pavers, the initial cost of this material may be more expensive, but it’s low maintenance because it’s easy to repair. And if you want a wide range of colors and textures to choose from, this is a great option for you. An added bonus is that concrete pavers provide a safe surface for walking and playing!
Natural Stone
Natural stone can be a good option if you want the material to blend into your landscape. It’s also environmentally friendly and even becomes more attractive with age. The downside is that it tends to hold moisture making it susceptible to cracking.
Flagstone
Flagstone is a type of flat stone that can be cut into square or rectangular shapes for your patio. Some designs even call for uncut pieces to again add a weathered appearance.
Brick
Brick patios are constructed by laying out bricks so that they fit together with little to no gaps between them. The bricks can be a uniform size or compiled of different sizes to add a visual effect.
Cobblestone
Cobblestone can also give off that same appearance when introduced into a patio. The patio will be made up of many stones (similar shapes and sizes) and will be matched up to create the flooring. With cobblestone, it is important to understand that by using stones that are similar but not identical, the patio will obtain a simple yet elegant texture.
Wood
Wooden deck patios are often raised off of the ground and require pressure treated wood to protect against rot, fungal decay, and termites. Wood is warm and smooth on your feet! It also has a wide array of price ranges to choose from and it’s long-lasting if maintained well. Thus, a disadvantage to wood is the maintenance aspect. It’s likely you’ll need to stain and reseal to retain the finish over time.
Concrete
On the other hand a concrete patio area is one of the easiest to install and can produce a smooth uniform surface. Coincidentally most concreate patios go hand in hand with swimming pools because of their design.
Further reading: Pros and Cons of Popular Deck and Patio Materials
What Features Are Important to You?
Now that we’ve discussed material options, let’s move on to the fun stuff. Check out some of the features to consider.
Outdoor Fireplace or Fire Pit
An outdoor fireplace can be a great addition if you love spending time on your patio in the evening or at night to add extra warmth, light, and allow you to roast food. Fireplaces help control air conditions to guarantee fire quality and make your patio a home with a hearth. Fire pits give a more rustic feeling, can accommodate more people, limit vision less, and are a breeze for installation.
Gazebo
When you think gazebo, you might automatically think of a Victorian gazebo, a tent-shaped octagonal wooden structure. These are usually painted a pristine white with little steps, handrails and ornate trim. However, gazebos come in a vast range of styles of roofs, columns, and open or closed styles. For a big project, you can have one custom built. Building a gazebo can be a great way to integrate electricity into your outdoor space to add lighting, a fan, or even food preparation. It’s important to have a foundation for your structure to prevent the weather destroying it.
Pergola
Pergolas are similar to gazebos but have an open lattice structure of wooden cross beams instead of a standard roof. This is preferable if you have a patio with less sun exposure. Like gazebos, pergolas can be used to integrate electricity. For an added glow, you could wrap outdoor light around the beams for year-round mood lighting. If you want more shade and have the patience, you can train vines to grow into a naturally beautiful covering, much like a trellis.
Common patio combinations and features
Common features include swimming pools, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, and even overhangs to keep you dry or out of the sun. Almost anything that you can think of can be incorporated into a beautiful patio area. This is what makes the creation process enjoyable and the final product seem like something out of a dream.
Other features can include:
- Water features, such as fountains, ponds, and waterfalls, can add a serene and calming element to your patio.
- A patio can be a great spot for outdoor dining, whether it’s a casual dinner with family or a formal gathering with friends.
- Adding plants and greenery to your patio can make it feel more like a natural extension of your backyard.
With these custom patio design ideas, you can transform the outdoors into a beautiful and functional space. Whether you want to create a peaceful oasis, a social gathering spot, or an outdoor dining area, there are many design options available to suit your needs and style.
Add your personality
Your patio project can reflect your personality. Patios can be built in all shapes, sizes and designs. Your options are limitless when it comes to designing your patio. You can get creative with your home’s outdoor aesthetic or you can make it look completely different. Add your own touches of furniture, plants and accessories and you create a comfortable space for you to relax or entertain.
The patio possibilities are endless
The process of designing a patio should be fun and enjoyable, after all the possibilities truly are endless. Patio designs can be as simple as you would like. They can consist of a small walkway through a garden to a table and seating area. Ranging to an area for grilling on warm summer days. On the other hand patios can be complex with as many working parts. It is possible to incorporate almost anything into a patio area.
The best way to begin your custom patio design project is to have a stable foundation for your patio or walkway. Contact New England Enterprises to learn more about best practices for installing a patio or walkway. We can provide you the look you want while maintaining a practical perspective on the project, resulting in a quality finished product that you can enjoy for years to come.