Deciding where to build your patio is an important decision in your landscape design. It can significantly affect how much you could utilise the space and how the rest of your yard’s structure would look like. So, before building your new patio, consider how you would want the space to be used and any yard elements you want to avoid or highlight. While making this decision, use these questions below as your guide so you can figure out where to build your patio.
How do you plan on using your new patio?
Patios placed right beside the house offer the most convenience, especially if you want to use your patio for entertainment, outdoor dining, and cooking. If you’re going to use it for relaxing and lounging, it also makes sense to place it beside your home, or off your bedroom or living room, so that it can serve as an extension. A patio situated farther off into your yard could likewise provide a sense of charm. You could use it as your garden’s focal point adorned with attractive foliage in Tuscan clay planters and some comfy seating or a romantic evening destination with huge lounging pillows, hammocks, and a fire pit.
Do you have to use utility lines?
If you plan on adding an outdoor kitchen, lighting, a hot tub or a gas-powered fire pit, you’ll need to hook up your utility lines. Also, if you want to use features that need electrical, water or gas lines, the distance of your patio from your house could affect the cost of connecting your utility lines.
Does your space offer beautiful views?
After you’ve determined how you’d want to utilise your patio, evaluate your yard. If you are blessed with a yard with natural views, some well-placed seating could provide a space for just relaxing and appreciating the view. But, you also need to take into account how your new patio would look like when looking at it from inside your home.
Do you need shade for your patio?
If you need your patio to have some shade, decide if you want one that’s attached to your house or freestanding. A professional can help you make a smart choice because climate and local regulations could affect the kind of shade structure you plan to add and where exactly it needs to be.
Do you want a private patio?
Side yards and backyards are the ideal spaces for private patios. But, if you want to see the street and say hello to your neighbours walking, consider your front yard as your new patio location.
Apart from all these, you also need to check local building codes if you need to have a permit to build your new patio. Some locations have strict rules when it comes to additional constructions at home. So, make sure you do a proper consultation. You should also consider working with a professional landscape architect, designer or contractor, especially if your patio construction will require drainage, masonry or grading work.
