Top 5 Things to Consider Before Putting in a New Patio

Did you just move into a new house that you love, but the backyard doesn’t fit with your lifestyle? Or do you have an old concrete patio that’s seen better days and you’re looking to upgrade? You’re not alone. Planning a successful patio installation takes work.

Here, we’ve put together the top 5 things you’ll want to consider when it comes to patio design and installation.

1.    Patio Size

How big do you want your patio to be? The answer to this question may depend on how big your backyard is. A smaller yard will require a smaller patio if you want to have any grass for your kids and dogs to run around in.

But if you have a large lot or estate, you may want a larger patio that you can turn into several outdoor rooms, including:

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

Multiple Levels

If you have a slope of any kind in your yard, you may want to consider a patio with multiple levels. This can help further delineate the various outdoor living spaces.

Retaining Walls/Sitting Walls

With a sloped yard, your patio design will likely need to include retaining walls to limit erosion as well as provide a boundary for your patio. And even if you don’t need a retaining wall, you might want to include a garden wall or sitting wall on the outside edge of your patio for extra seating, a place to put potted plants, etc.

2.    Patio Shape

Once you’ve determined the size and scope of your patio project, you’ll need to determine the shape. Traditionally, patios have been rectangular spaces adjoined to the back of a home. While you can still enter the patio directly from your home, you may want to consider some curves.

You may want to work around existing trees and shrubs or leave spaces to plant flower beds. Work with an experienced patio contractor to come up with an attractive patio design that complements your home.

3.    Materials

If you’re going to invest in a custom patio, you’ll want to use high-quality materials such as patio pavers, brick, and natural stone. They’ll give you the high-end look you want, and when properly installed, will outlast stamped concrete.

Patio pavers come in a huge variety of colors, sizes, and textures to complement the style of your home. You may want to consider large-scale slabs as well. Check out Belgard and Techo-Bloc for inspiration.

Related Reading: How to Choose the Right Patio Pavers

4.    Lighting

If you plan to eat dinner on your patio or do some entertaining (and of course you do!) you also want to factor patio lights ad landscape lighting into your overall patio design. It’s much easier to incorporate step lights, pathway lighting, retaining wall lights, and other types of outdoor lighting when the patio is being built.

If you’re incorporating an outdoor kitchen into your patio project, you’ll want to incorporate specialty lighting there, as well. A pavilion that covers and protects your outdoor kitchen and dining area allows you to incorporate pendant lighting, a chandelier, and task lighting that is not only functional but beautiful.

5.    Hiring the Right Patio Contractor

Hiring the right patio contractor is crucial to getting the patio you deserve. Get recommendations from friends and family, and thoroughly check out the various contractors. Visit their websites to see if they do the kind of high-end project you’re looking for. Read their reviews. Are their clients happy?

Interview at least 3 contractors and review their proposals. If one estimate comes in a lot lower than the others, watch out. They may be cutting corners. Make sure the company you hire is licensed, bonded, and insured, and has been in business for at least 5 years – the longer the better. Companies that do shoddy work don’t stay in business long.

Once you hire someone, it shouldn’t be long before you’re enjoying your new patio!

Make It Exceptional. Make It Woodfield.

Are you ready to customize your backyard with a new custom patio? Whether you’re starting from scratch on your outdoor oasis or starting a backyard makeover, we can help. We design and build custom patios and other outdoor living projects our clients enjoy for years to come.

The road to your perfect patio 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.