Why should you spend time planning a perfect patio? Because a well-planned patio will greatly increase:
- Your enjoyment of your home
- The dollar value of your home
Planning your perfect patio makes good dollars and sense!
How to Determine the Perfect Patio Size
Three major factors go into determining the perfect patio size.
They are:
- Your available space
- The patio’s placement
- The patio’s function
Available Space and Your Patio
It’s important to calculate the size of your patio carefully.
The amount of landscape space may limit your decisions. But even if you have more than enough outdoor space, you want to have a patio that complements your landscape.
Plan carefully to make sure the patio doesn’t appear too big, too bare, and overwhelming. And you certainly don’t want it to be too cramped.
Make sure you have room for all the patio furniture and other items you want, such as grills or decorative planters.
To start, measure your yard to determine how much space you have available. Some people like to match the patio size to the width of their house.
Best Patio Placement
Think about where the patio should be on your property.
Where will it take best advantage of favorite views? Where will it best work with existing shade/sun at different times of the day?
The patio’s function will also affect the best placement decision. If you are using the patio primarily to enjoy meals you prepare indoors, you’ll want to keep it close to the house. But if your patio will serve as a private retreat, you may enjoy it as an oasis away from the house.
What Is the Patio’s Function—How Will You Use Your New Space?
When it comes to patio design, the sky’s the limit. Imagine how your new patio can enhance your life!
Today, homeowners use their patios for:
- Informal and/or formal dining areas
- Extended entertaining space and extra seating
- Outdoor kitchens and bars
- Places for quiet relaxation
- To accommodate a firepit
- Safe areas for children to play
Here are some valuable tips on creating the perfect outdoor kitchen and dining space.
Some Average Patio Measurements
- A small patio for comfortable dining for two can measure as little as 7’ x 7’ (49 square feet).
- A medium patio with dining for 6-8 people should measure at least 12’ x 14’ (168 square feet)
- A patio for entertaining larger groups of people, or incorporating a lot of furniture, can often function well at 16’ x 18’ (288 square feet) or 18’ x 20’ (360 square feet)
An Easy Way to Envision Your Furnished Patio
Are you wondering if your planned patio can hold all of your patio furniture? Should you purchase an outdoor couch? Here’s an easy way to answer these and other questions.
Create a template of your planned patio and patio furniture to scale. Look online for dimensions and footprints of patio furniture that you want to include.
Cut out the furniture and place cut-outs on the template to see how things will fit. Be sure to leave 2’-3’ around furniture so people can easily move on the patio and pull chairs away from tables.
If the desired items can’t be arranged to fit, you either need to scale back on your furniture or increase the size of your patio.
A Word About Firepits on Patios
Firepits extend the time you can comfortably enjoy your patio. When the nights take on a chill, or the days grow short, sitting around a firepit warms both bodies and souls. Firepits encourage togetherness and the sharing of new stories and memories.
But how much room will a firepit take up in your patio design?
The size of a firepit can vary. But a common size for a patio firepit that allows people to gather comfortably and talk, has an inside diameter of 36”- 44”.
Remember to add space for seating around the actual firepit.
Benefit From Custom Patio Design
Your patio should complement your home’s existing architecture. It also needs to withstand the harshest outdoor elements.
An experienced landscape designer will:
- Recommend different patio designs
- Recommend the best hardscaping materials
- Help you select the best size, shape, and location of your patio
- Help you get the most out of your limited patio space by presenting multifunctional options for patio furniture and design
- Be able to advise you on the best outdoor lighting options and techniques
Add Landscape Lighting for Ambiance
Don’t forget to include lighting in your patio plans. Proper lighting not only adds ambiance but is also functional and an important safety feature.
The right lighting makes entertaining so much easier and you can enjoy your time outdoors long into the night.
There are so many different outdoor lighting options, some of which would be more difficult and more costly to install later on.
Some Practical Next Steps in Patio Design
Once you have an initial patio design plan, ask yourself these questions:
Do I need to make water, electric or other utilities accessible as part of my patio design?
The proximity of new lines to already existing lines will affect cost.
Do I have a realistic budget?
If you need a bank or home equity loan, check it out now to avoid unwanted costs or disappointment later.
Will I need a building permit for my patio?
Your local municipality usually regulates building permits. Failure to follow guidelines or obtain permits will only bring unwelcome fines and penalties.
In New Jersey, you usually need permits for changes to or the installation of:
- Gas lines
- Plumbing
- Water service
- Electric service
- Sewage lines
- Additional hardscaping
Read more about permits and planning your outdoor living spaces here. A landscaper familiar with your area can guide you through your town’s permit requirements.
Now that you’re ready to get started, it’s time to contact us at Landscape Solutions. We offer professional landscaping patio design services and flawless installation. We can cover all aspects of your patio design from initial plans through the completed installation.
