Sooner or later, a homeowner with a reasonably sized backyard thinks about putting in a deck or patio. It’s a great option for entertaining, exercising or just chilling out. As long as it is integrated into the overall landscape, it will be a valuable addition to a home.

Deck vs Patio

Decks are made of wood, are attached to the house, raised above ground level and require guard rails to stop people from falling off the edge, even if it is only a foot. Patios are usually made from concrete, can be at ground level or raised, and attached to the house or freestanding. Patios are typically longer lasting and more versatile in terms of utility and are often the preferred option.

 

How to Plan a Patio

• Permits: Firstly, you need to do is to apply for the permits required to build one. Cities have different rules for patios, so be sure that you are abiding by all the mandated procedures and methods to avoid paying hefty fines or having to demolish the structure.
• Maintenance: Think of the maintenance issues. A well-made patio will last for a very long time. Unlike a wooden structure, it will not be affected by weather and will not require resealing every few years. When there is water to wash it once in a while and the leaves are swept off it, there is no need of any other thing.
• Size: This is often a difficult decision. It should be large enough for the use you have in mind. If it is going to be a party place, it needs to be large. However, the patio should not outgrow the garden and ruin the appeal of the foliage, flowers and shrubs. Finding the right balance between the concrete and the greenery requires the kind of expert knowledge and sensibility that a professional landscaping service will have.
• Features: The patio should have the features that will make it suitable for how you plan to use it. You could have lights, provision for music, a fire pit, a wet bar and so on.
• Material: While concrete is a popular choice for patios, there are other options you can think of. It is important that the patio looks like an integral part of the house and not an afterthought. Among the materials you could consider are bricks, gravel, flagstones and pavers.

 

Also Read: The Benefits of Pavers

 

Patio Landscaping

A patio is a hybrid – part structure and part of the yard. It needs to fit into both worlds, and doing this is more than just designing it to look good. It must become a part of the open space, and that means it must both be a functional area and also add to the beauty and appeal of the yard. A DIY patio, one made by a handyman or even one done by a construction/remodeling professional must incorporate the inputs of a landscaping expert that will ensure that the patio landscaping e is functional and fits into the surroundings seamlessly.

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