Plan Your Patio

Want to add some outdoor living space, but not interested in a deck? Adding a patio may be the answer for you. It is a relatively inexpensive and easy way to create a low-maintenance outdoor living area for entertaining or relaxing. Here are some things to keep in mind as you begin your patio planning.

Location
The first step is to determine where to locate the patio. But stop to consider:
How accessible should the patio be to the house?
Is a shady or sunny patio preferred?
Will the patio location fit in with other landscaping plans for the yard?

Some people like patios close to the house, maybe near sliding doors that open off the kitchen or living room. Others may prefer to tuck a patio into a wooded corner of their yard.

Although shaded patios offer a nice escape from the sun, patios that never receive sunlight usually don't dry completely after rainstorms. This can lead to algae growth on the damp stones.

Once you've decided on a proper location, you should take the time to plot out the shape and size of the patio. It may prove helpful to stick stakes into the ground and run string borders to help visualize. Next, take measurements so you will be able to estimate the amount of materials and approximately what the cost will be.

Materials
There are many durable products that can be used for a patio, from pavers to stone. There are a wide range of colors, textures and patterns to choose from. When deciding, consider how each would fit into the existing or planned landscape. Also remember that some products are easier or less expensive to install than others. When making cost comparisons, determine the total price for the paver or stone, and any gravel, sand, concrete or mortar which may be necessary.

Perhaps the easiest product to install is a paver. Pavers can be made from brick or concrete and are more durable than a brick one, but brick pavers are still durable enough for a backyard patio.

You may want to use brick pavers over regular bricks because pavers don't have holes through their centers. While the holes give regular bricks strength when used for a wall, they absorb moisture when placed flat on the ground. Water that gets into these holes will freeze and thaw, and this can eventually cause cracks in the brick.

Find Your Contractor
The end result of putting in a patio should bring not only enjoyment, but a higher resale value of your home. Therefore, hiring the best possible contractor for the job is a vital necessity. Look no further than Build Me A Deck.com to find the contractor in your area.