Patio design ideas for your home! Learn the basics and benefits of good planning and your patio designs will turn from ideas into a beautiful and livable reality.

If you love the outdoors, whether it’s the fresh scent of the air, soaking up some rays, relaxing in the shade, or all of the above...patios are a natural choice for your home.

Are you in the planning stages for your patio, and looking for some ideas and direction? Great!

Here are some important considerations for you to ponder before taking any action (translated, that means don’t spend any money until you come up with a realistic plan!)

First, determine what type of patio design you’re after.

Sounds easy, right? Not always, because many times you’re swayed by the beautiful photos and layouts of patios seen in magazines and online. You want them all!

Think about WHY you want a patio and HOW it is going to be used. That will help narrow down all the patio design ideas you see.

The function of a patio is really no different than the function of a room in your home. So, write down the reasons you want a patio and how you envision it will be utilized.

Next, take that list you just created and think about how much space will be needed for your patio - how large should it be? Along with that thought, determine if the patio will be connected to your home (most of the time this is the case), or created as a space in itself.

Based on the function of the space, will your patio be covered? Open to the sky? Enclosed with screening (bugless!)?

How about the shape and number of levels, or tiers, if any. Continue writing down your thoughts, because that list will become very useful when you pair it with the types of materials that might be utilized.

Let’s talk about some of the materials commonly used when creating patio designs:

Real Stone Typically the most expensive choice, but natural looking and long lasting.

Stone Veneer Faux stone is less expensive but can look very authentic, with many choices and options available.

Brick Again, a product that lasts, with the option of new or "historical" bricks. Different patterns are possible. Not quite as expensive as stone.

Pavers Faux pavers that are less costly than the real thing, and generally not too difficult to install. Many patterns and shapes to choose from. One of my personal favorite options.

Concrete (Stamped and Colored) Practical and increasingly popular. Often looks just like stone or bricks. Be sure to select a professional with lots of experience to get the best-finished product.

Concrete (Plain) Not always the most aesthetically pleasing, but can always be spruced up with brick borders, etc. Durable; costs vary.

Selection of your foundation will depend upon your budget, and whether you’ll be a do-it-yourself project engineer or subcontract the services of a professional.

What other options do you envision for your patio design? Here are just a few of the extras that are possible...which fits with your lifestyle?

Outdoor Fireplace Depending on your climate and activities, an outdoor fireplace could be a great addition to the patio design. They are available in many styles, materials and costs.
Garden Fountain or Waterfall If you love the sound of a babbling brook, one of these options might be just the thing for your patio design project. Again, the cost will vary with the type of fountain or waterfall you select, and the choices are many.
Hot Tub If your idea of the perfect evening is a soak in the hot tub with a refreshing beverage, see if your budget will accommodate a hot tub. Keep it simple, not too large and you might be surprised at their affordability.

Think about your lifestyle and how your patio project is shaping up at this point. And, remember that some things can be accomplished in stages, with proper budgeting and planning.

Finally, take all of the patio design ideas you’ve put on paper, and take the most important step of all in the planning process. Determine your budget, then do some pricing of the materials.

Simple patio designs, do-it-yourself projects, etc. probably don’t need the services of a professional designer, but larger and more involved project might. See where your project fits, take another peek at the budget and consider getting some expert assistance.

Above all else, plan carefully, take your time, set your budget and comparison shop. You’ll create a patio design that fits your lifestyle and your budget!

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