What are the things that you need to consider before building a patio? Do you know how much space is required for your needs and budget? Do you have any idea where to start with regard to construction materials, styles, shapes, and colors? If not, this article will help you build an amazing outdoor living area.
Planning Your Design
It’s a good idea to carefully plan your design before you start digging. You’ll need to decide on the size and shape of your patio, what materials you want it made from, how much rain drainage you want built-in, and whether you want a retaining wall. When you decide on a specific design, contact a builder or designer to work with.
You can also build your own patio as an inexpensive way to maximize space. Basic building skills allow for simple construction such as brick or stone paving slabs; an easy slope, such as a level 4 flat yard; and simple landscaping like adding plants around the edges.
If you are thinking of getting roofing for your patio, there are numerous solutions to choose from, depending on the dimensions of your patio and how much protection you want it to have. You can choose between lattice wood, metal panels/aluminum, translucent fiberglass or you can opt-in for a polycarbonate patio roof for your design. It’s always better when you can choose a roof for your patio that complements the style of your home.
Patio Requirements
Some of the key elements every patio requires are:
- Drainage: For safety and health, a patio must be drained. Whether you’re building a concrete patio or stone/brick patio, make sure these materials can drain water away from the surface. A French drain is necessary for any stonework below ground level to keep water from pooling and creating mud.
- Sides: Sidewalks should slope away from the house and meet the lawn at a 3% grade for drainage purposes.
- Edge treatment: A lip of at least 2″ of height is required around all sides of the patio to prevent weed growth and injuries when sitting on the edge of the patio.
- Fencing: Fencing should be 6′ tall to prevent children or animals from falling into the patio. Slats should be spaced no more than 4″ apart to prevent small animals (like gophers) from getting underneath.
- Patio Lighting: To create a great atmosphere for entertaining, you’ll need good lighting around your patio. You can use wall lights or mount posts with integrated lighting fixtures.
- Finishing Touches
- No matter how beautifully constructed, if your new patio lacks curb appeal, then it will feel like an eyesore and become an unused relic in your backyard. Finish the job off nicely by adding some of these finishing touches!
- Accessories – Accessory items like planters, mailbox post caps, benches, or chairs are a fantastic way to add extra personality to your patio area.
Building Materials & Styles
One of the first things to decide when you’re planning to build a patio is what materials you would like it to be made from. The type of material will affect many aspects, such as the look and feel of the space, cost, ease of installation, etc. Some good options for building materials are wood and brick. Wood is a popular choice because of its appearance, but it needs to be maintained. Wood that has been stained or sealed will need occasional upkeep to keep it looking good and lasting for many years. Brick may last forever, but can also crack if it’s not in the correct structural environment.
In this blog post, we’ve talked about some of the things you need to consider when building a patio. Whether you want it for your home or business, patios are the perfect space to relax and enjoy your free time! And depending on your budget and plans, you can choose to build it on your own or hire someone to do it.
