Looking to build a patio in your yard? If you enjoy spending time outdoors, this is the perfect project for you. A nice patio can give you all the outdoor space you need, and it can provide quite a bit of comfort that you can enjoy with your friends and family. If you’re like most people, you probably don’t know the first thing about what you need for a patio project. To help you get started, we’ll cover all the essentials below.
The amount of space
The number one question you should be asking is how much space you want for your soon-to-be patio project. The size of the patio has an enormous influence on the project’s cost and how much material you need to get to complete it.
A good rule of thumb is to add a couple of square meters for every person you want to have on the patio. If you want to invite plenty of friends over or even host parties on the patio, you’ll need that extra space. Start by figuring out how much space you have available right now and how much you’re willing to take away from the yard to make your patio. Forty or so square meters is recommended for a spacious patio.
Adding a railing
Since patios tend to be slightly elevated, you should consider adding some railing along the edges. It’s a great way to prevent slips and falls, though the height may not warrant it. Depending on where you live, building codes may or may not require that you install a railing to up a certain height. Somewhere around 70 cm is where the line is drawn, but you may place a railing on lower elevation as well.
Keep in mind that the railing can be a practical decision for everyday usage as well. It can be used as the occasional seat or place to lean on when you’re spending time on the patio. Plus, a railing can help keep kids safe if they tend to run around or ride their bikes all around the yard. Even if the elevation isn’t significant, consider adding railing to the patio.
Building materials
There are many different materials that you can choose from when building your patio. The choice of material shouldn’t be driven by the patio’s look alone. Instead, you should always focus on creating a design that will match the design and landscaping of your home. Otherwise, the patio will stand out too much and possibly become an eyesore.
Materials like concrete are great for homes that aim for a minimalist and uniform design. It can be made to look like natural stone in any color that you need. There are many different options when it comes to patterns, so you won’t lack options to choose from. Brick isn’t a common first choice, but it can be useful for homes that already incorporate brick in their architecture. If you like the feel of gravel but don’t want to create a patio from the material, decomposed granite is a wonderful alternative. It gives that rough and earthy feel without the need for actual gravel.
Creating patio covering
One of the most important things you need to consider for your patio is adequate shade and covering. Since the area is located outdoors, you need to cover it if you want to spend time there during bad weather or intense sunlight. The best way to do this is to install a pergola roof. It’s a wonderful multipurpose structure that can allow you to over the patio as much as you need during any season.
While a regular pergola will suit your patio well, you might want to consider covering it with a little more versatility. This is where an opening roof pergola can come in handy. This retractable version allows you to choose how open to keep your patio, so you can regulate the amount of sunlight. At the same time, you can close it whenever there’s bad weather, and that keeps the patio more comfortable.
Getting a designer
As is the case with most home renovation and improvement projects, getting the design right can be challenging, especially if you’re doing it yourself. Because of this, it’s recommended that you get a helping hand during the process.
Hiring a designer might seem excessive for a patio area, but it’s a much-needed form of help. A designer can assist you with the overall design of the patio as well as the materials that would best suit your home. Not to mention, an experienced designer won’t take too long to come up with an excellent design. This will allow you to save some time and focus on other parts of the building process.
Conclusion
There are many factors to consider when building a covered patio area. If you want to create the perfect outdoor oasis for you and your family, you should approach the project with care and plan accordingly. With a little help from a designer, you can bring new life to your yard and create the ideal patio area.
