SmartHomeOwners

As warm weather rolls around, you might be considering a new patio for your home.  Patios provide added space outdoors to entertain guests and relax after a hard day's work.  You can grill out or take a rest on your comfortable patio furniture.  A patio can also add value and exterior appeal to your home.  Building a patio is one home improvement project that offers lasting benefits.

Choosing Patio Materials

Whether you choose to build a patio yourself or hire a professional patio/deck builder, the first thing to consider is what type of patio material you will use.  Patios can be made of wood, concrete, brick or flagstone...and the designs for patios are innumerable!  The material you choose will likely determine how you will decorate your completed patio.  With a wood patio, for instance, you might use simplistic wooden or rustic patio furniture with decorative plants in wooden planters.  If you use a modern-style brick or concrete patio, then you might prefer wrought iron patio furniture or elegant cloth-padded furniture.

Using wood for your patio offers many options on its own.  There is a variety of wood types that can be used for patios, such as redwood, cedar wood, cypress and pressure-treated lumber.  Probably the most popular among natural wood decks are redwood and cedar. These are the most durable when sealer is used, and will create a beautiful look and feel for your home.  Cypress is used in warmer climates and is less expensive.  You might also opt for synthetic decking, which looks like wood but is actually a durable substitute.  It is made of vinyl, plastic or wood polymer.

If you'd rather stay away from wooden patio designs, consider brick, concrete or flagstone.  Brick is available in various patterns and colors, and will certainly stand the test of time.  You can also use poured concrete with brick paths scattered here and there to save money and create a unique design of your own.  Flagstone also offers flexibility in design but is more expensive.  Regardless of which material you choose for your patio, be sure to pour a level foundation.  This is crucial because your patio will be exposed to weather elements on a daily basis, and your overall design outcome will depend on the stability of the foundation.

Covered Patios

Another choice to consider is whether you would like a covered patio or completely open patio.  Covered patios offer shade from the sun and protection from rain.  Your patio can act as a shelter while grilling out, etc. if a rain storm pops up suddenly during your family cookout!  Adding a patio cover also adds expense to your project, so you'll need to consider your overall budget and what options you can afford.

The shape and design of your patio can be a traditional square or rectangle shape or a curvy design that "moves" with your yard.  Ask a deck architect to draw up several possible plans for your patio, considering the way your home and yard join together.  This will be based upon how much yard space you have and the amount of space available at that particular area of your house.  Having several design plans to choose from will help you think out of the box!

Once you've completed your patio project, you can decorate, plant bushes or flowers around the patio, insert outdoor lighting near the steps, etc. to create a gorgeous yard decor.  Use your creativity and make the most of your new home addition!