Patios are the hub of a functional backyard. Maximizing square footage while combining utility, serenity, and grace is essential for a successful build. Regardless of direction you decide to go, pre-planning your outdoor patio ideas is key.
It’s easy to let your imagination run wild when planning for your dream outdoor space.This guide aims to help you both get your creative ideas flowing and also give insight into practicalities to make your patio project a smashing success.
If you’re ready to focus on the sunny weather ahead, there are a range of tasks you can undertake to get your patio ready for lounging, entertaining, or whatever it is that you like to do outside.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when considering outdoor patio ideas
What Do I Want From My Patio Design?
Your outdoor lifestyle will change as new friends and neighbors come and go, your family grows, and your hobbies shift to new interests.
Perhaps you’ve discovered a passion for the culinary arts and want to expand your outdoor meal prep options with a brick pizza oven, built-in grill, outdoor refrigeration, or space for growing organic herbs and produce.
Perhaps you’d enjoy your fire pit or hot tub through the rainy winter months if they were more sheltered.
Before you make any changes to your outdoor patio, it is important to assess your needs. Be sure to keep in mind how your outdoor needs may change so you can make adjustments that will allow you to enjoy it for many years.
What Does My Current Patio Offer, and What Do I Need to Change?
When you’re considering outdoor patio ideas, first take a good look at what your space already offers. How large is the existing patio.
Does it need to be larger or smaller?Is it oriented toward the best views of your yard? Do you need more privacy? What condition is it in? If any repairs are needed, now is the time to do basic maintenance. Repair settling, reseal the concrete, stone or pavers, and replace any cracked stones or broken railings to be sure your space is safe and usable.
10 Patio Improvement Ideas
1. Cleaning Your patio
It is amazing how much difference a thorough cleaning can make to your patio. Power wash the area, using appropriate treatments to remove mold or rust stains. Re-sand joints between pavers and repaint or stain railings or wood accents. If you already love your patio space, a good cleaning may be all the refreshing you need.
2. Pruning Plants Around Your Patio
Overgrown plants near your patio can encroach on the outdoor living space. Shape plants attractively and consider removing or replacing any damaged or unsalvageable plants. Add new mulch around the patio for a fresh look and to discourage weeds.
3. Lighting Makes a Huge Difference
Without proper lighting, you won’t enjoy your patio after dark. Overhead illumination can be improved by adding recessed lighting to covered patios or string lights to pergolas.Up-lights can add depth and drama to your outdoor space by highlighting the beautiful shapes of surrounding plants and trees. Illuminating stairs and pathways will ensure a safe journey from house to patio in the evening.
4. Define Edges To Create Space
Redefining the edge of your patio with deeper beds, retaining walls, poured concrete planters, or a privacy screen can completely change the feel of the space.
5. Seating
Seating can be incorporated into many areas in your patio. Whether it’s a retaining wall, a semi-circular bench accenting a fire pit, or benches that serve double-duty as railings on an elevated patio. If you’re not considering any additional structures, a fresh lounging or dining set can give your patio a whole new vibe.With so many styles of outdoor furniture available these days, you’re sure to find one that suits your home, be it mid-century modern or Mediterranean. Even replacing old covers, cushions or accent pillows can give existing furniture a fresh look.
6. Concrete Patios With Fire Pits
Add elemental life to your patio by incorporating fire or water into the space. Heat it up with a gas or wood-burning fire pit, fireplace, or even fun torches or lanterns.If liquid refreshment is more your style, options are plenty: koi ponds, fountains, or streams surround you in the sounds of nature. For a more immersive experience, consider a pool or spa.
7. Contain Your Enthusiasm
Adding containers is a great way to instantly update your patio with natural elements. Large containers of tall grasses or shrubs can create privacy, whether they’re oversized pots or built-in beds.
8. Covered Patio Ideas
Providing shade over your patio will make your outdoor living space more comfortable in all weather by reducing glare, blocking harmful UV rays and controlling the temperature.Shelter options include pergolas, gazebos, and pavilions. In a small space, even a patio umbrella will do the trick. Don’t underestimate the natural sunscreen of a beautiful shade tree!
9. Fun With Flooring
Most of us think of a concrete slab when it comes to patios, and though there are some beautiful options of slab available whether stamped, stained, or textured, there is also a range of other materials to consider. Depending on the style of your house, wood tiles or decomposed granite might be stylish options. Even a mix of materials, when done right, can add interest to your overall design. And don’t forget about personal touches—adding your initials or children’s handprints will give you something to smile at for years to come.
10. Small Patio Ideas
Speaking of personal touches, you may have a treasured item such as an outdoor clock, thermometer, barometer, or sculpture that would provide the perfect centerpiece for your patio area, or even serve as inspiration for the entire outdoor space. A functional chalkboard wall provides instant art whether it’s a drawing surface for kids or a menu board for dinner guests!
Bring the outdoors in – the magic of an outdoor room!
Not that you don’t already have enough outdoor patio ideas to keep you occupied – but here’s one more.
One of the hottest trends in how we are enjoying our gardens these days is adding outdoor rooms to our homes. And no wonder – exposure to the outdoors is cheap health insurance. Just check out what Dr. Roger S. Ulrich from the Texas A&M University has to say on the matter:
“In laboratory research, visual exposure to settings with trees has produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension.” -arborday.org
An outdoor room surely makes getting that exposure easy. It can take the form of a private sanctuary, or it can become the perfect party space. The possibilities are endless.
The protection of an outdoor room can also do double duty as a haven for potted plants during our winters. So, for an unabashed “hort-head”, a built-in patio also offers much-needed protection for a treasured plant.
What Next?
Drake’s 7 Dees leverages decades of construction experience with a seasoned design influence to assure a patio space that resonates with your passions, budget and personality. If you’re ready to add new life to your patio, our team of landscape architects and designers can help you find great ways to freshen up your space so you can spend more time outdoors enjoying it.
Whether you want an out-of-the box, modern flair or an aesthetic that harkens back to an early urban nostalgia. Our family of experts is excited to talk to you about your new patio!Contact us at our Portland garden center in Portland today. We’d love to help you on your next outdoor project.
