Patio styles                                                                                                                                  The size and style of your patio depends on how you plan to use it. It should be a comfortable, well-planned solution to your family's needs. If you entertain often, you'll want an area large enough for guests to comfortably converse, mingle, and dine. If the patio is used only for occasional family barbecues or for relaxing and reading, it can be fairly small. A well-designed patio features different areas that fulfill a variety of expectations. There can be cooking centers, meditative retreats, and outdoor musical stages, often all at once. Listing your primary goals is the first step toward effective planning. A patio is placed directly on the ground, and the final design often depends on the shape of the terrain. To some extent, land can be altered by machines into a new topography. Of course, extensive site work will affect the cost of your project, expect to pay several thousand dollars for site work that includes grading your land and adding retaining walls. Imaginative design often can solve problems, including uneven land or steep grades. Before you call in the bulldozers to carve flat areas into your backyard, be sure to consider other options that could be more cost-effective, such as creating a series of smaller, stepped patios or adding a deck that vaults over the landscape. Patios don't readily fall into distinct categories, but some styles share basic characteristics. Some common forms: Open patios are designed to take maximum advantage of sunlight and fresh air. There are few obstructions, and the patio area is usually set apart from large trees and overhangs. They are often found in northern climates, where warming sunlight is valuable. An open patio helps extend enjoyment of the outdoors into spring and fall. Covered patios usually are constructed next to a house, where extended eaves or an overhead structure shelters the patio from sun and rain. Often, a portion of the patio floor extends beyond the sheltering roof so that a portion of it is in full sun. A covered patio is much like a porch, except that the flooring is usually masonry installed directly on grade. Getaway patios are located away from the house. They are usually small, intimate areas surrounded by plants and landscaping features that provide a sense of privacy. Getaway patios can be open or covered by a simple arbor or gazebo-like structure. They are connected to the main house with a path, and are often built in yards large enough to create separate garden rooms. They include simple furnishings, such as outdoor benches, tables, and chairs. Poolside patios provide durable, waterproof surfaces and open areas for sitting or sunning. Slip-resistant surfaces, such as textured concrete or split-face flagstone, are commonly used for poolside patios. Entry patios are built at the front of the house. These public spaces are relaxing and inviting. They are characterized by wide, paved areas and often include landscaping features such as built-in planters, casual seating, and pathways leading to side yards and garages. Texas Styles Patio designs often take their cues from regional influences. Climate, culture, and indigenous plants all play an important role in the design of outdoor living spaces. Regional styles fit well with their surroundings, taking advantage of established methods of construction and materials that originate in the region. This usually means the landscaping components are readily available and cost-effective. An English garden and formal brick patio placed in arid Texas not only would look out of place, it might be difficult and expensive to maintain. For advice about regional materials and plants, consult an experienced professional landscape designer and hardscape designer such as Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston in your area. Making and preparing the base >>
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