Secrets of the Best Patio Builders

Revamping your yard may seem like an easy weekend activity, but experienced patio builders are often called upon to fix homeowner blunders. Choosing the wrong material, not taking advantage of the space available, and underestimating your needs can result in a poorly designed layout that is avoided rather than used. Here are some secrets from patio builders to help you identify potential problem areas.

Material
Choosing the right material is a key element for not only the aesthetic but for practicality. Patio builders work with homeowners to help them narrow down their selections and make the most of the space that is available. Whatever the main purpose of the patio will be can help determine what material is most suitable. If you don’t use the yard much, colored loose rocks or gravel can be an inexpensive and easy way to section off the area. Loose material, though, is not always safe to tread on especially for the elderly or younger children who can slip. If you plan on using the area for outdoor dining or entertaining, a flat surface is generally more desirable. Slate, tile, brick, and concrete are all good choices. You may also want the materials used to match the color scheme and overall feel of the house and gardens.

Maximize Space
Patio builders can do a surprising amount with very little room. The secret to making the most of your yard or garden is by planning carefully and maximizing the space. For example, if you plan on doing a lot of outdoor cooking, it may be more plausible to build a barbecue within brickwork on an existing wall rather than crowded the space with a moveable one. Adding a cover or posts where lighting can be added is another way to open up the area and make it more practical for regular usage. Bringing the garden into the area can also help you with a small sized yard. Patio builders can provide areas where climbing vines can flourish or where planters can sit.

Too Small
When people try to be do-it-yourself patio builders, they often make one huge mistake. They don’t make the space big enough. If you have the room—use it. If you are redoing the yard because you have your eye on some nice furniture, make sure that you allow space for the furniture as well as for a wide enough berth surrounding it. If your chair and tables are pulled halfway out on the grass there isn’t much of a point.

Future
You’ll want whatever yard design you plan to serve you for several years as well as increase your home’s value and appeal to potential buyers (even if you don’t plan on selling, if you ever re-mortgage it can be helpful). You will also want to choose a design and material that is easy to maintain. If you don’t have time for trimming the edges of your lawn or keeping surfaces hosed clean, pick materials that don’t require too much attention between uses.