Learn about design basics, material selection, and other considerations for paved landscaped areas
Patios anchor the outdoor landscape and provide a firm, level surface for gathering, dining, relaxing and enjoying outdoor space. The ideal patio for you will blend in with the style of your home and the look of your landscape. It also has a special charm that you, your family and guests can all enjoy.
Here’s what you need to know about adding a patio to your yard, including size and installation location, the pros and cons of different pavers, what to hire, how long the project will take, and more.
Who to hire
For most homeowners, hiring an experienced landscaping contractor is the best option. This is especially true if your patio project is large, complex, or requires significant prep work. If you want something more elaborate, it may be a good idea to consult a landscaper or designer (Add Support Links). You will also need a professional to install gas or water pipes and electrical wiring.
Herringbone
Landscaping professionals (Add Support Links) can handle the groundwork involved in obtaining the necessary permits, preparing the site, inspecting power lines, and performing the actual installation. Before choosing a professional for your patio project (Add Support Links), make sure he or she has experience building the type of patio you want. As with any project, check reviews on places like (Add Company Name), ask for references, and see examples of their work.
Installing a dry patio on sand using loose materials, pavers, bricks or stones can be a project that a professional can do themselves. This is especially true if the proposed patio is small and has a simple design. Small concrete paved Patios are also an option for DIYers. Before you begin, assess your skill level and the preparation work needed.
Patio design considerations
Where are you going?
Deciding where to place your patio should be your starting point. Most patios are located to create a transition space between the house and the backyard. Often this location is right next to the kitchen, making it ideal for outdoor activities. A patio adjacent to the living room or family room features generously sized doors between spaces, allowing for an easy transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Not all patios need to be located right next to the house, especially those designed as secondary features within the landscape. Take advantage of the view at one edge of your yard, add a hard surface to a pool or spa area, define a play area, or create a quiet spot in the side yard with a patio
Patios don’t have to be limited to your backyard or side yard. Adding a patio to your front yard creates a space to enjoy and connect with your neighbors. Size. It is wise to think ahead about how you will use your patio to ensure it is large enough to accommodate your needs.
If you plan to use your patio for dining or entertaining, make sure it’s large enough for you to move around the table, pull out chairs, or relax in front of the water or fire. Before building, also decide whether you want to incorporate an outdoor kitchen area, fire pit, spa, fountain or lighting. These features require additional preparation work.
Key measurements for the perfect patio design Shape.
A simple square or rectangular patio can be used for a variety of purposes, from creating a quiet place in your yard for someone to relax to having a full-fledged entertaining space.
For a more sophisticated feel, consider adding curved corners, creating a completely circular space, or pouring large concrete slabs with a small gap in the center for a modern feel. Placing a patio next to your house increases usable space. Style.
The material you choose for your patio surface will determine its look and feel. Concrete is suitable for a variety of landscaping styles. Brick, stone and tile work well in both traditional and contemporary designs. All of these materials, along with loose pavers, can be used in formal or more casual spaces. You can also customize your patio design by adding integrated design features such as decorative accents, mixed materials, plant cutouts, or other garden features.
Patio material options
Although the final look you want for your patio will be a deciding factor, each material has its pros and cons. It is advisable to consider the durability and longevity of the material and ease of maintenance.
Cast-in-place concrete. Concrete is at the top of many people’s lists when it comes to patio materials. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, durable, and low-maintenance. It can be manufactured to imitate brick or stone, is easier to install and is less expensive.
For cast-in-place concrete, you can choose between a continuous surface or a series of large or small concrete pads. The finished shape of a concrete patio can be square, rectangular, round, curved, or freeform. Concrete is a stable surface, so there is no need to add borders to maintain its shape.
Finishing options are nearly endless, from smooth to stamped, brushed, scored, and pebbled. Concrete can also be stained or colored, giving you a variety of color choices. Concrete can also be combined with tile or wood inlay.
Cast-in-place concrete creates a solid, impermeable surface. To handle runoff, drainage systems must be considered and designed. If freeze-thaw cycles occur in your area, this must be taken into account and designed for.
Concrete patios should last for decades, but they require basic maintenance, including regular cleaning and rinsing with water, cleaning up spills that may stain the surface and fixing inevitable cracks. If you apply a sealer, it will need to be renewed every few years.
Concrete pavers. Concrete pavers feel like they bridge the gap between a concrete slab and brick or stone pavers. It lasts as long as a poured concrete surface and can mimic the look of brick, stone or cobblestone. Concrete pavers come in many shapes and sizes and can be installed in a variety of patterns to create the look you want.
Concrete pavers have a higher initial cost than concrete slabs, but they last longer, are less likely to crack due to bad weather, and are easier to repair. You can also find permeable pavers. These are designed to allow moisture to escape through them and into the ground below. Some pavers also have cutouts designed to add low-lying ground cover.
Loose or one-piece concrete pavers can more easily mimic other materials, but require the addition of edging or mortar in place. Grouting or adding sand between pavers can also help stabilize the pavers.
Interlocking pavers do not have as many natural shapes or design options as loose pavers, but because they are interconnected, they do not require edging, mortar, or sand to hold them together. Multiple joints also mean that small cracks that form are less noticeable and weeding between pavers is minimized compared to that seen with wider spaced pavers.
Concrete-paved patios require the same maintenance as concrete slabs, requiring regular cleaning, rinsing and removal of spills. If pavers shift, crack, or are otherwise damaged, they can be simply removed and replaced without affecting adjacent pavers. Remove weeds growing between pavers.
Guide: Advantages and disadvantages of precast concrete pavements (Add Support Links) Brick. Whether you’re looking for a classic old-fashioned feel or a modern vibe, consider adding a brick patio. This centuries-old material can define formal spaces, create a casual atmosphere, and set the tone for a modern landscape, depending on the color and layout pattern you choose.
Brick is durable, weather-resistant, and fade-resistant, but color options and shapes are more limited than concrete pavers or landscape stone. It can be cut to fit tight spaces, and if a single brick is damaged it can be removed and replaced. Brick patios provide more traction than stone patios. When choosing a type of brick, make sure it can withstand weather and wear.
Bricks can be laid on a sand foundation mixed with gravel, on a sand foundation on compacted gravel, or on a concrete foundation with mortar. The first option creates a more permeable installation. Once the bricks are in place, the joints can be filled with sand to create a more breathable patio or mortar.
Regular cleaning and washing will keep your brick patio looking good. Remove stains as quickly as possible and remove any weeds growing between the bricks. Moss may look attractive, but it can make bricks slippery. Especially in areas where a lot of people gather, areas with a lot of moss should be cleaned.
Regular power washing will keep your bricks looking new. Avoid sandblasting or using hydrochloric acid as these will damage the brick surface. Sealing your bricks will help keep them bright. Sealants should be replaced every few years.
Guide: Advantages and disadvantages of brick paving (Add Support Links)
Natural stone. Patios built from natural stone add permanence to the landscape. Like brick, stone has been used as a patio surface for centuries. Cut stones give a more formal feel, while irregular slabs give a casual and natural feel
Although one of the most expensive options, stone patios are extremely durable and long-lasting. And just like with bricks, you can also replace individual stones that are broken or chipped. Choose from a variety of stone options, from flagstone, bluestone, limestone, and sandstone to marble and granite, to create unexpected looks. For the most natural look and better price, choose local stone. Another option is natural or artificial gravel. This is attractive, but not always reliable. Works best in small, lightly used areas.
The stone is difficult to work with because it is heavy and breaks easily. It can also retain heat. Although sandstone is cooler than most other stones, it is more porous and more susceptible to water damage. Bluestone requires a sealer, but most other stones benefit from sealing to prevent staining and preserve the surface. To highlight the beauty of your chosen stone, choose a penetrating sealer with a matte finish.
The stones can be placed on a permeable substrate consisting of compacted stone and building sand. The space between the joints can be filled with sand, gravel, or even plants so that water can drain through the joints. Stone can also be installed using mortar over a concrete floor. Basic maintenance includes regularly sweeping and rinsing surfaces as needed. Clean up spills as quickly as possible to avoid stains. Regular power washing will add shine. Remove excess standing water to prevent discoloration. Individual stones placed on sand and gravel may also need to be leveled periodically.
If there are any unwanted plants between the stones, remove them periodically. If you apply sealer, renew it annually. Stone surfaces may last a long time, but joints may become damaged. Check it occasionally and reconnect or reinstall it every few years.
Tile. Patios made of glazed terracotta or clay tiles or unglazed ceramic tiles have been used for centuries in warm winter climates. Today, new processes allow ceramic tile to be installed even in cold climates. These tiles can be cheaper than other materials.
Terracotta tiles, especially the popular Saltillo tiles, are known for their warm, earthy colors and natural variations. It fits perfectly into a rustic setting or Southwestern or Spanish style home.
Terracotta tiles are sturdy, but their porous surface makes them prone to stains and can be easily damaged. Keep it free of dust or foreign substances, and if any stains or stains are found, wipe them clean. Clay tiles, even those designed for outdoor use, can be slippery when wet. It is generally recommended to seal reseal every two years your tiles to prevent them from discoloring or staining. The grout may need to be replaced.
Ceramic outdoor tiles come in a variety of colors and finishes and are stain resistant. Choose unglazed tiles that are rated for outdoor use. It can be left unsealed, but a clear seal can provide additional protection.
Keep your outdoor ceramic tiles clean by regularly mixing a mixture of water and dishwashing detergent, spreading it with a broom and rinsing it. You can also use a power washer. Check annually to see if it’s time to reseal your tiles and renew and reseal your grout lines.
Loose material. Gravel, crushed stone, and decomposed granite (DG) have the advantages of being easy to install, inexpensive, and highly breathable. Although easy to install, patios made from loose materials are not as supportive as other materials, and the materials can easily spread and track through the home. Crushed gravel can be rough even on bare feet.
Even if you use landscaping fabric, you will still need to remove weeds regularly. Gravel can shift easily, so you may need to add more gravel periodically. This is especially true if there are no edges. Gravel surfaces are not as stable as other patio surfaces, so they may not be a stable surface for people with furniture, wheels or mobility issues. Placing gravel on top of a solid base may help.
Other considerations when adding a patio
Permits and codes. Check with your local building department for permit and code requirements before beginning your patio project. Codes and requirements vary widely, even for small patio projects, and additional requirements may be added for more extensive projects. If you belong to a homeowner’s association, check to see if there are any guidelines or restrictions you should be aware of.
When should I do this project? As with all outdoor projects, the best time to build is when the weather is nice, typically spring through fall, when the climate is expected to be mild to warm and dry. You will want to avoid the extreme heat of summer, and cold winter conditions generally do not allow for outdoor construction
How long will it take?
For most patio projects, installing the finished surface material may be the easiest and fastest task. Time is needed to prepare the site, including allowing the concrete to fully harden. If you need a permit or plan to get one, expect it to take longer.
A small patio built from loose materials, bricks or stones can be completed in a day or two. According to experts of RDKHardscapng in buffalo NY USA, it is expected to wake up to a week to create the concrete slab
How you use different materials will depend on the project and the size of your crew, according to experts of RDKHardscapng in Buffalo NY USA. He suggests taking at least a week or two, preferably several weeks.
