10 Tips for Successful Patio Planning

The garden is a great social space in the summer. But getting the right size patio is more than a case of good luck. Good patio planning is simple with these top tips.

1. In proportion

Make the patio as wide as the house and as deep as its height, if you want a cohesive, symmetrical appeal to your new patio. Some designers also suggest making it as big as your ground floor, effectively doubling the size of your social space.

2. Position

Traditionally, patio sit square to the house but if you want a contemporary look and your garden allows it, create a patio at an angle.

3. Try it for size

If you are unsure where the patio is the right size – too small, and it will be next to useless – map it out on the ground before you start the process of laying the patio. This way, you have a much better appreciation of the finished size.

4. Don’t neglect the pathways

A beautiful patio is one thing but so many homeowners forget to add pathways leading to and from it. This gives you garden extra detail too as well as encouraging guests to use a certain route to and from your patio rather than trampling your lawn!

5. A bistro patio is perfect in so many ways

A bistro patio is an ideal addition for morning breakfast in the summer sunshine and can work well for both smaller and larger gardens. Don’t be frightened to separate your patios, if you have the space, assigning each a specific purpose.

6. Go informal

A patio doesn’t have to be just a flat hard space. You can add height to it with steps and platforms, but we’ve also noticed an increase in homeowners asking to build informal space, like an outdoor living room. With low walls for zoning and creating an enclosed space, add an outdoor sofa and low tables to complete the effect.

7. The 3-metre diameter

For the average round patio table with six chairs, you’ll need a patio at least 3m in diameter. For a rectangular patio table with six to eight chairs, you’ll need 4m by 4m to make it work.

8. Sun deck

A sun deck is similar to the bistro patio in that it is a smaller space specifically for loungers. Many customers have one built in the sunniest post in the garden and a bespoke size for two loungers and a low table.

9. Consider a built-in fire pit

Once complete, you will love your new patio. Versatile and simple, it makes enjoying the garden simpler and easier during the summer months. Extend your use of the garden into autumn months and even winter with a built-in firepit.

10. One patio with multi-purpose

If you don’t have the space or don’t like the idea of multi patios, consider the maximum size of patio your garden could accommodate and then assign its multi-purpose use by using movable partitions and versatile outdoor garden furniture.

Why not plan your patio with the SD Project team?