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Countless homeowners throughout America are interested in improving their outdoor living spaces, and this is a huge reason why patio construction projects have boomed in popularity throughout recent years.
If you’re currently planning a patio build at your home, then there’s A LOT that you need to keep in mind. We’ve partnered up with the patios troy oh experts at Natures Own Landscapes to develop this comprehensive guide that’ll help you better understand what your unique patio needs are—and how to ultimately invest in the patio of your dreams.
So, check out the below sections to see what you should be keeping in mind while planning out your next patio build!
Defining Your Patio’s Specific Purposes
Patios are meant to enhance your home’s outdoor living spaces, and ultimately give you and your life a major fun boost. A lot of people want to host guests and family on their patio, and they also envision private relaxation spots as well.
Be sure to make a quick list of everything that you’d like to get from your new patio at the very beginning of your planning process. And if you’re seeing a mix of patio uses, start prioritizing which uses are most important to you.
Simply understanding your future patio’s purposes will go a very long way as you make decisions about factors like layout, size and features!
Choosing Your New Patio’s Perfect Location
There are many important factors that come into play when you’re choosing your new patio’s location on your property. Things like privacy, shade, sunlight and access all impact where the perfect spot is at your home.
Here are some more in-depth details about these patio location factors:
- Shade & Sun: Pay close attention to how the sun moves across your yard on a daily basis, and decide whether or not you want sun or shade on your patio. Everyone has unique preferences, and installation spots can vary depending upon whether you like sun or shade better.
- Privacy: If you have neighbors close by, it’s normal for privacy to be a significant concern. This is why adding shrubs and other privacy installations are a great idea when you want your patio to be extra secluded.
- Accessibility: Ideal patio locations are usually very easily accessible from a home’s interior areas. This means that it could be a good idea to install your patio near your living room or kitchen, because this will make hosting and relaxing more convenient and easier.
Selecting Patio Materials
It’s normal for homeowners to be confused about which patio materials are best for them, and our tip is to prioritize aesthetics and longevity when making these investment decisions.
Each material offers unique benefits and drawbacks, and here are some details about popular patio materials:
- Concrete: Easy to maintain, durable and affordable. Concrete can also be stamped or stained to look more stylish.
- Pavers: Offered in many different styles, pavers do a wonderful job at adding interest and texture to a patio.
- Natural Stone: Very beautiful, but also pricey. Stone will give your patio a very high-end appearance.
- Gravel: Affordable and simple. One drawback is that it can be less comfortable for your patio furniture.
Determining Ideal Patio Shape & Size
When you’re in the process of planning a patio build, determining the right shape and size is absolutely critical. Try to envision the many activities that you’ll want to do on your patio, and choose the amount of space that these activities require.
Some factors to keep in mind regarding patio size and shape include:
- Foot Traffic & Furniture: If you want to add patio seating, you’ll need enough space for tables, chairs, and walking room. For example, if you’re adding a dining table, you’ll need about 14 feet to comfortably sit around 4-6 people.
- Patio Shape Fitting Your Yard: A lot of people will install curved patio edges to make a smaller space seem slightly larger, and this concept also blends really well into residential landscaping—as compared to rectangular patios that tend to feel more structured.
- Long-Term Patio Flexibility: Even if your initial patio construction plans are to start small, it’s always a good idea to keep options available to you just in case you want to expand later on or add more features like an outdoor kitchen or fire pit.
Planning Your Essential Patio Features
It’s also very important for homeowners to understand what their must-have and nice-to-have patio features are during their planning stages.
Here are some absolutely essential patio features that you might be forgetting about:
- Drainage: Patios are supposed to slope slightly away from your property, because this prevents water from pooling up in and around your home’s foundation and patio. No one likes stepping in puddles on their patios right after a rain shower, so draining is crucial for every patio construction project!
- Patio Lighting: You should also plan for your patio to be fully functional during the nighttime hours, which means installing plenty of lights. A lot of homeowners these days are investing in solar lights and low-voltage options that don’t require excessive wiring.
- Permits & Safety: You’ll also need to double-check your municipality’s regulations regarding patio construction permits. Most cities like Troy OH will require permits for larger patio projects, and you’ll always need to abide by your area’s building codes as well.
Style & Comfort Enhancements
Once you’ve covered you basic essentials, you’ll need to start thinking about your patio’s upgrades. This can include things like stylish furniture or adding shade, or just subtle aesthetic touches that help improve your patio’s overall experience.
Some popular comfort and style enhancements include:
- Shade Structures: things like retractable awnings and pergolas do a wonderful job at providing patios with shade relief when the sun is a little too direct during the daytime hours!
- Fire Elements: Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are incredibly popular, because they’ll give your patio a better ambience and improved warmth during cold days and evening hours.
- Furniture & Other Patio Accessories: It’s important to choose weather-resistant, outdoor furniture for your patio area, as well as cozy accessories like outdoor area rugs to make your patio feel more like an extension of your home’s living space.
Patio Construction Budgeting
Planning a major home improvement project is never cheap, and the same goes for patio building. You can expect to spend anywhere between $5,000 and $50,000 on your new patio, and certain high-end investments will only drive costs up higher.
Although it can be tough to do so, you should try to avoid budgeting pitfalls by sticking to your material choices and keeping a close eye on a contractor’s labor hours.
Contact Natures Own Landscaping When Planning New Patios In Troy OH!
There’s a lot that homeowners in the Troy OH area need to consider when they’re planning a new patio construction project, and the above factors are just a glimpse into the many considerations you’ll need to keep in mind.
One of the top patio builders in the Troy area is Natures Own Landscapes, and they can be reached for comment when you check out their website by clicking on the hyperlink located at the beginning of this article!
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