What to Consider for Your Backyard Patio Design
April 19, 2018When planning your custom home, one of the fun aspects is looking into outdoor options. What kind of yard would you like to cultivate? If you settle on a patio, there are a few key things to think about before beginning. Here are a few things to consider for your backyard patio design:
Primary Uses
Before breaking ground on your backyard patio, consider what it will be used for. Do you prefer quiet nights listening to the windchimes and wildlife? Or, are you more of an entertainer? Contemplating how many people will be using your patio can dictate its size and functionality. You don’t necessarily need a huge patio to accommodate just yourself, but if your backyard gathering has a guest list, it will absolutely need to be an appropriate size.
If you prefer solitude and privacy, you may want to include an enclosed patio. If chatty neighbors aren’t your thing, this might be a good option for you. Plus, an enclosed patio offers some weather protection. Having a roof over your head on the patio will allow you to enjoy soft summer rains without risking getting wet. For more sociable homeowners, having an open layout would likely be just fine.
Weather Protection
Weather should always be a factor when planning out a backyard patio. If your region is temperate, it’s not quite as worrisome; however, when dealing with heavy snowstorms or torrential rainfall, patios can take a beating. If you live in an area that has drastic weather systems, it’s a good idea to invest in sturdier materials and finishes. For example, using stone or brick as the main material will withstand inclement weather. Or, weather-treated wood will suffice as long as it’s maintained regularly.
In addition to your local climate, also consider the primary uses of your backyard patio. Will you sit out there during the summer? Add a pergola for some shade. Do you need to worry about protection from rain, but don’t want to have it in enclosed? Add a roof or overhang. Determining primary uses and what type of weather protection you would like to have helps you figure out the patio structure that will best fit your lifestyle.
Built-in Features
There are scores of patio features to think about, but it all comes down to what you like to do outdoors and how you’ll want to use your patio. There are plenty of features you can add after it’s built and there are several you can plan to integrate into the build. If you’re an avid cook, you may want to consider including a built-in barbeque or an outdoor kitchen. If you enjoy a warm, crackling fire in the fall, there are fire pits and fireplaces that can be integrated into your patio. Gazebos and gardens beautify any outdoor space – the opportunities are endless.
If you’re looking for a contractor that can add a backyard patio to your exact specifications to your custom home design and build – look no further. At Custom Home Group, we work with our customers throughout the design/build process to make sure they get their dream home.