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Patios provide an attractive, sociable space in the garden but just how practical they are depends very much on how they’re designed and built. Getting the size, shape and materials right can make all the difference. But smaller considerations, including the planting and lighting, also matter. So, to boost the practicality of your new patio, take a read of these expert tips.
Put it in the right place
When laying a patio, it’s important to make sure you’re putting it in the right place. Despite what you might think, the most obvious place isn’t always the best place to put it. Yes, you want easy access to the house but you also want to have a good level of privacy and the right light levels. Too shady and it could end up being a dank, algae-prone space.
Do you want your patio to be open to the whole garden or a cosy space that’s separate from it? Sometimes patios work better at the side of the house or to one side of the garden rather than being centrally positioned.
Think about what you want from your patio and how you plan to use it. This might mean striking a balance between convenience and practicality. For instance, if you plan to sit around a fire pit, do you really want this right next to the house?
Make it easy to access
If you are positioning your patio at the rear of your home, it makes sense to get some patio doors installed. This makes your patio easy to access from the home. But having to step over the frame or step down onto the patio isn’t ideal. So, you want a frame that’s flush with the floor and, if possible, to have the inside and outside on the same level. This might mean building up the ground underneath your patio area but it will be worth it.
Another access issue to consider is whether you can reach your patio without needing to go through the house. If you’re having friends and neighbours over regularly, it can be less intrusive if there’s easy access through a side or rear gate. This also means that people aren’t having to take shoes off and on when they visit.
Size it up
Before you hire trades and order materials, it’s a good idea to size up your patio. Plot out the shape and mark where furniture will go to make sure your plans are big enough. Is it the right size and shape for your needs? Can the proposed area accommodate everything? Check you can walk between chairs and tables and that there’s space to put plants and seasonal items such as barbeques.
Doing this will also ensure you’ve got ample space to put your patio in the position you’ve chosen. There’s no point making do with a too-small patio just so you can put it next to the house.
Make sure maintenance is minimal
To be practical, patios need to be both durable and easy to clean. So, you need to put some thought into the materials you build it from.
Yes, a certain type of tile or stone might look beautiful in an online image or brochure but how much effort is needed to keep it that way? For instance, materials that need sealing or special cleaning products aren’t going to be so easy to care for.
Boost privacy levels
A practical patio doesn’t just depend on a good base, what you put around it also counts. Having some screening will give you a greater level of privacy and make the patio a more cosy and intimate space. Using a mix of decorative screens and planting will also boost your patio’s aesthetic appeal.
If you want to keep your patio open, you might prefer some sort of screening, such as trees or hedging, nearer the boundary. Or some strategically placed grasses and flowers by the seating, to protect it from prying eyes.
Weatherproof it
Another good way to improve the practicality of your patio is to incorporate some lighting, heating and cover, to combat the unpredictability of the weather. It can also make the space usable in lower temperatures and after dark.
You could use a patio heater or fire pit for added warmth but it’s a good idea to block cold winds with some screening too. Using some sort of cover can help to provide shade on sunny days and shelter on rainy ones. Awnings, canopies and pergolas are just some of the options to consider.
Lighting overhead is great for illuminating patio dining tables while a scattering of lanterns will create a cosier ambience. But you should also consider lighting the wider garden space, to add a nice backdrop and help you navigate the area at night.
Pick the right furniture
Finally, to boost the practicality of your patio, you should pick the right type of furniture. Its size is one of the biggest considerations. Too big and chunky and it won’t be adaptable for different occasions and it could dominate the patio space, making it feel smaller. Large furniture will also take more effort to maintain and it can’t easily be moved indoors over winter.
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