6 Top Patio Design Tips from the Pros

Adding a new patio to your backyard is one of the most popular outdoor projects for homeowners nationwide. Whether starting with a blank slate or tearing out an old concrete slab, you’ll improve your home’s value to your family while increasing its monetary value. Before starting a large outdoor living project like this, read our top 6 patio design tips to help you make decisions.

Tip #1: Work with Experienced Professionals

Suppose you want a high-end, custom patio design that turns a drab backyard into a fabulous entertainment spot. In that case, you need to work with experienced professionals who do the caliber of work you’re looking for. 

There are a lot of patio builders out there to choose from, but not all of them can provide you with a well-thought-out patio design. Your patio design should incorporate engineering and beautiful aesthetics, giving you options for doing more than just a patio.

Related Reading: How to Choose the Right Patio Contractors for Your Project

Tip #2: Create Outdoor Rooms

As you plan your patio design, think about what you want to do outside. Many homeowners today want one or more places to sit and chat with guests, a place to dine outdoors, and a place to cook and grill. If you already have an inground pool, consider upgrading the pool deck to coordinate with your new patio or matching the new patio with the existing pool deck.

Decide which of the following you want to incorporate into your patio design. Even a small backyard can accommodate most of these areas.

• Outdoor Living Room
• Outdoor Dining Room
• Outdoor Kitchen
• Pool Area

Tip #3: Incorporate Multiple Levels

Incorporating multiple levels is a great way to help divide your patio into various outdoor rooms. This method is a natural choice if you have any slope in your yard. But you can also build an area that steps up to a seating space with a fire pit or a dining area.

Tip #4: Use High-Quality Materials

If you invest in a custom patio, it makes sense to use high-quality materials. They’ll last longer than stamped concrete and give you the beautiful surroundings you deserve. Here are a few materials you may want to consider:

• Concrete Pavers and Patio Slabs
• Slate
• Bluestone
• Flagstone
• Travertine
• Brick
• Tile
• Pea Gravel

You can combine these materials to create borders, steps, retaining walls, and more. Pavers come in various shapes and sizes to give you the desired look.

Tip #5: Add Low-Maintenance Landscaping

A new patio with retaining walls, sitting walls, steps, etc., includes a lot of hardscaping. Soften and enhance the look with low-maintenance landscaping. Include garden beds in your patio design, and add seasonal planters for pops of color.

Some popular low-maintenance landscaping options for your patio design include using:

• Hostas
• Ornamental Grasses
• Arborvitae for Privacy
• Groundcovers
• Perennials
• Mulch

You want the landscaping to look good but only require a little pruning and weeding.

Tip #6: Include Outdoor Lighting in the Design Plans

Finally, don’t let outdoor lighting be an afterthought. You’ll want to use your patio well into the evening hours. Incorporate landscape lighting, task lighting in your outdoor kitchen, recessed lighting in stairs and retaining walls, and pathway lighting into your patio design. 

Outdoor lighting adds ambiance, safety, and security. And it’s much easier to get a seamless look if you install high-end outdoor lighting fixtures during construction.

Make It Exceptional. Make It Woodfield.

Are you ready to turn your backyard into an outdoor living space where you can entertain year-round? Whether you opt for a new patio, an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor fireplace, an inground pool, or all of the above, we can help. We design and build custom outdoor living projects our clients enjoy for years to come. 

The road to your perfect patio and outdoor oasis starts with hiring an outdoor living contractor who can give you the exceptional experience you deserve. That’s what we deliver. We provide custom design and installation services for homeowners throughout the Baltimore area, including Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Cecil County, Harford County, and Howard County. Schedule a call today.