Introduction
Patios will give your property an extra dimension and provide an attractive and practical transition from house to garden. Everybody wants more and more space these days and what better way to provide than by creating an extra room outside. We take a brief look at things to think about when planning a patio, some design ideas, a few tips on laying pavers and a quick overview of some of those essential and luxury accessories.
Planning A Patio
Once you decide to create a patio or too redesign or relay an existing one there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you most decide on the general location of the patio. You want the patio to make the most of the sun and provide some protection from prevailing winds. Try to avoid areas of permanent shade, although you may want to keep a border or part of the patio in shade to give some welcome relief during hot summer days. Once, you have your location sorted you need to decide on the shape and size. It should obviously be easily accessible from the property and connect to busy areas of the garden. A good idea is to peg out proposed layouts and place some garden furniture inside the layout. Work out how these layouts would operate in reality. The patio should fit comfortably with your house, so try to make the patio a natural extension of the property.
Patio Design Ideas
Broadly speaking you have a choice between
There are literally hundreds of different shapes and styles of paving slabs you can choose from. You can have a uniform size slab, which is easy to lay for the diy beginner. Alternatively, if you are feeling creative you could have complicated mosaic design or you could use masonry and set stones for a more traditional look. Concrete is a good practical solution, where as loose material such as gravel is the least popular and probably the least practical.
Patio Accessories
Finally, you will need those all important accessories. Essentials include some furniture -- you will obviously need somewhere to sit. You will obviously need some shade -- if you do not have any natural shade, then look into parasols and awnings. If you are going cook outdoors then look into a decent barbeque or even build a permanent one.
Some luxury items include heaters -- to extend the seasons. You could also look at a hammock for enjoying lazy summer evenings. Whatever you decide start planning your new patio without delay.
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