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The patio is one of the most important features of your outdoor living area. So its important to plan carefully, choose the right materials, and above all, build a compact and secure base before installing pavers, stone or concrete.
Before you build: The Plan
The design and placement of your patio is determined by several factors: how you will use the space, traffic flow, sun patterns, septic systems and grading.
Tim Johnson has been designing landscapes for ten years and has earned his specialized certification in patio construction from the Interlocking Concrete Paver Institute (ICPI). "Planning is key," says Tim. "I usually start the design process by asking clients about how they entertain, especially the size of the group. Not the once-a-year events, but the typical get-togethers. We also talk about how they prepare and serve food, whether they need space for grilling, beverages, a fire pit, furnishings, lighting, and so on.".
The primary goal is to create a space that is comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and functional. In addition to how the patio will be used, its important to consider the unique characteristics of the site. You would be surprised how many people plop their patio right outside the back door, and then discover that at dinner time, its uninhabitable because of the angle of the sun, or that its awkward getting in and out of the house, Tim adds. In some cases, the best location for the patio may be farther from the house, where the sun and traffic patterns are optimal. Planting older trees, building an arbor for privacy and shade, and choosing easy-to-move furniture can all help make patios and outdoor areas habitable at all hours, throughout the season.
The right location really depends on the property. Sometimes drainage and septic issues will affect where you can (or cant) put the patio. If the grade is steep, multi-level patios, with different areas for eating, a fire pit, and sometimes grilling, or an outdoor kitchen, are common. I see a lot of people entertaining in the front yard now, says Tim. People come by and they want to sit down to visit for a minute, while the kids ride their bikes or play night games.
Materials: Pros and Cons
The three most popular patio materials are concrete pavers, natural stone and stamped concrete. When selecting materials, consider appearance, costs, maintenance, durability and snow removal.
Concrete pavers are available in a wide range of surface finishes, colors shapes, and patterns. The initial cost is moderate, and installation can be done by the homeowner or a professional.