Thinking ahead to warm, sunny days, this is the time to design a patio for your home that will be welcoming and enjoyable for family and guests. A patio can extend your home’s living space to provide a comfortable outdoor area for leisure and entertainment.
Plan the Layout
Consult a concrete contractor to design the layout for the concrete surface. They can make measurements of the available space in your yard adjoining the house and can help you create a layout that optimizes the available space. They should also be up-to-date on zoning laws for your area, so they can help ensure compliance. The concrete contractor will offer a choice of imprints, colors, and designs for your concrete slab as well. Ask your contractor about warranties for replacing concrete slabs that get chipped or cracked shortly after installation.
Select a Style
Concrete materials have become far more attractive and artistic in recent years. You can choose from many different textures and designs to find a theme that works with your home’s structure. You may want to have a roof put on your patio for shade, or you could install a retractable aluminum patio cover to protect against excessive sunlight. A decorative or protective half-size wall made of stone or wood can also be added with a gate to keep wildlife out and young children or pets in. You’ll also want to consider what type of doors you’ll have leading to your patio. Of course, sliding patio doors are often the first choice, but there are so many kinds and styles to choose from.
Finding an excellent window and door company can help you with the process of choosing the right style for your home and your needs. Renewal by Andersen patio doors, for example, come in a variety of styles and colors, and the Andersen professionals can help you choose between them.
Consider Extra Amenities
Patios are great for providing an area perfect for outdoor cooking, so you could build a fire pit in the middle of a brick grill at the side of your new patio. A picnic table offers a place to eat the freshly-prepared food and enjoy good weather and company. Ground lighting around the perimeter of the patio will add night-time illumination and ambiance. You can also plant flowers nearby or landscape the area surrounding the patio with flowering shrubs and seasonal blooms. Remember the insect deterrents like the inaudible high-pitched sounds that keep rodents and insects away. A citrus scent or certain plants can also help to deflect mosquitoes and flies.
Decorate for Comfort
Choose a theme that fits your lifestyle, or just use regular patio furniture. Comfortable padded chairs, a divan, a porch swing, or a glider are popular seating options for family and friends. If you have an electric outlet installed near your patio, you can plug in a mini-fridge for snacks. You might want to keep some magazines or books handy for reading relaxation.
Whatever your lifestyle, a patio can enhance your home’s comfort and living space. Start planning your outdoor addition now so that it will be ready for summer.
Hey April! You have shared an awesome blog. I was looking for something like it and I got many ideas from your blog. To make our patio look elegant we should choose best stones as they add more value in it. Thanks for posting.
Stamped concrete patios seem to be the new flavor when it comes to styles of patios. You hit the nail on the head.
With our climate change there is also a new interest for patio covers and I see that trend developing soon to protect consumers from direct heat and sunlight.
Thanks for you articles and ideas.