Buiding a Garden Patio – Some Great Tips!
Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 November 2009 11:39 Written by admin Wednesday, 11 November 2009 10:48
Garden designers love to talk about the benefits of a seamless extension of your indoor living accommodation into your outdoor space – and the installation of a patio is the natural first step to achieving this idyllic scenario.
As a result, patios have become one of the most popular features in UK gardens today, providing a dedicated space in the outdoor room (which joins with the main living accommodation), specifically designed for outside dining, relaxation or recreation. Regardless of whether you have a rambling country retreat with plenty of space, or a small urban back yard, a patio makes it possible to create a dedicated outdoor living zone. And if you needed any further persuasion, lifestyle benefits aside, a patio will also add to the value of your home, according to a report in the Scottish Sunday Mail which claims “a new patio will add more in value to your house than the cost of laying it”.
The key benefit of a patio lies in its undisputed ability to extend the amount of time you are able to spend in the garden. In the warmer months, the patio becomes the central hub for informal entertaining and socialising with an endless flurry of barbecues and impromptu garden parties – with the excellent advantage of dispensing with worries about mess and accidental spillages ruining the carpeting! As the temperatures begin to drop, the patio comes into its own by providing a safe place for the kids to play (thankfully without their play stations or Wii games) whilst getting some good old-fashioned fresh air.
Location location location
The natural siting for a patio is immediately outside any patio doors (if your property boasts this feature) or alternatively immediately outside the back door of the house. Given you are likely to be using the patio for outdoor dining, easy access to the kitchen is key. Think carefully about which parts of your garden enjoy a sunny aspect – although sitting in the glorious sunshine sounds appealing, the reality is that when you are sitting down eating a meal it is far more comfortable to be in a slightly shaded area. Many people choose to position the patio in the warmest part of the garden but invest in a shade solution such as a good size parasol, bespoke awning or even – for the more adventurous – a contemporary sail.
Shapely solutions
The shape of your patio needs to be considered not only in terms of the space available, but also in relation to the overall styling you are hoping to achieve in your outdoor room.
Circular patios: part of a circle can often look better than a full circle when it’s right up against the house – it creates interesting shapes around the edges for planting.
A circular patio in the middle of the garden will reflect a modern look, although it can also be used in a formal garden. Think about having two overlapping circular paved areas, of different sizes or at different levels, for a less symmetrical look. Positioned at the rear of the garden a circular paved area makes an unusual ‘hidden’ feature, or it can also provide a perfect base for a gazebo.
Square patios: a square patio at the front of the garden can easily look a little unadventurous, unless you use a variety of textures, or add detail around the edge, such as building hollow-topped dwarf walls to plant in. it may be worth considering taking a corner out create a more inspiring L-shape.
A square patio in the middle of the garden suits a formal courtyard-style garden, but once again, it is in danger of lacking impact unless you add detail like a central water feature, sculpture or container display.
A plain shape is easily lost when positioned at the rear of the garden where it’s flanked by planting, although it makes a good base for a summerhouse with seating space in front of it. However, note that a square, rectangular or L-shaped patio is the most economical shape if you are a sun worshipper and plan to install a series of sunloungers in the garden.
Triangular patios: a triangular patio at the front of the garden suits a modern design, and it adds drama to a typically rectangular garden. A triangular patio in the middle of the garden is only really suited to an outdoor space which boasts a very strong modern design. At the rear of the garden a triangular patio is ideal for a private seating area tucked away in a corner.
Sort out your surface
The appearance of the finished patio is often the first priority for many people. The choice of materials available to work with is endless and includes natural stone flags, man-made slabs, slate paves, bricks, crazy paving, concrete paves and granite setts. Generally your final decision in terms of surface choice will be largely dictated by budget, the style of your property, anticipated practical usage and personal preference. It’s harder to place furniture on some of the rough textured surfaces and if you have children riding tricycles, elderly friends or family who might trip, be sure to avoid anything that might produce an uneven surface.
One important consideration to bear in mind if you opt for a natural sandstone surface in today’s increasingly “ethically conscious” society is where and how the stone has been sourced. Make sure that the stone has been processed and supplied to comply with ethical trading standards.
John Key is a website designer in the UK and has recently designed and built an all new website for Outdoor-Creations.co.uk, leading garden designers and garden landscapers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_J_Key
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