Patio Design Ideas Worth Considering

by HDME Staff

Looking for patio design ideas? A patio is an outdoor space that becomes an extension of the house when it is planned and constructed properly. Many people use a patio as a place to have outdoor gatherings of friends and family while others only seek to create a private corner outside where they can go to meditate or read or simply breathe some fresh air. There are certain features one must think about when creating or considering patio design ideas.

The first thing to consider, when it comes to patio design ideas, is how the patio will be used. Will it be a gathering place for outdoor parties, a cozy breakfast nook outdoors, or a private retreat? The purpose the patio will serve will have significant impact on location and size when planning where and how to construct it.

Location is another key feature when sifting through patio design ideas. Most people place their patio close to the home's kitchen because this is where people expect to access it. It is also more convenient when one is hosting a barbeque or outdoor party where refreshments will be brought out from the kitchen periodically.

If one is considering construction of a private retreat, it does not even have to be adjacent to the house if the property allows space elsewhere to be set aside. If the patio is built next to the house, it is usually placed in a more remote location toward the very back of the house to discourage others from invading your private sanctum.

Size does matter, despite what others may have said at different times. One must consider the maximum number of people that will be expected to be using the patio at any given time. Once an estimate is reached, it is probably a good idea to add space for an extra ten people so that everyone can feel comfortable on the patio without being crowded. Of course, in the case of a private retreat, the size of the patio will be a direct function of what the individual considers comfortable and cozy.

The shape of the patio will be an important consideration. It could be round, square, rectangular, any other geometric pattern, or completely non geometric with smooth flowing curves and lines. In many cases, the way the property lays will have a direct effect on the shape the patio takes due to changes in elevation, limited spaces, and other considerations.

What material the patio will be constructed from and any plants and landscaping features one may wish to add will also need to be considered as one creates or considers patio design ideas.

The Big Question for YOU!
What's the biggest challenge you're facing with designing your patio? And if you already have a gorgeous patio, tell us about it and some of the details and elements that make it a special place.

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Mumnina
by: Anonymous

I have always wanted a new patio. I have these grand patio design ideas and visions in my head but they never seem to come to reality. I would love to build a nice large one that has a retractable awning.

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Adds a whole room to the house
by: Maya

My sister has a very small property and she just added a deck and patio this past spring. We spend so much time out there it's like adding a whole other room to the home. It's a wise investment.

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My biggest challenge
by: Smith

My biggest challenge is to finish what someone else started. There is a support beam missing that's going to be hard to measure.It's going to takes a lot of thought and patience.

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Screened porch
by: Sally K.

We have plans to build a screened porch off of our kitchen this fall and I am so excited! It's going to be lovely to have a space to sit outside protected from the beating sun and mosquitoes. I can't wait to decorate it too :)

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Load Bearing
by: MLsmith

When you add extra space to make sure the deck is large enough it is also important to consider how to make sure the construction continues to say load bearing. When you add ten feet you probably need to make sure you add another beam to distribute total weight. This way your patio design ideas will be safe and last longer.

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Entertainment and Private Retreat
by: Momof12

We wanted a place where we could be alone and a place to have friends over. We built a patio outside the kitchen door to meet the socializing needs. Then we made a small path to a private retreat area. We surrounded it with greenery and shrubs so no one would be disturbed. There are flowers along the small path.

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