A patio is a wonderful escape for Georgia homeowners. It’s the perfect place to spend lazy summer evenings, and mild winters mean homeowners can use them for most of the year.
Looking for patio landscape design ideas to perfectly incorporate a patio into an outdoor space? Check out these design tips here!
How Will the Patio Be Used?
Before breaking ground on anything, it is important to figure out how the patio will be used. Homeowners who want a large party space will have different needs than those looking for a private, romantic little nook. This also dictates design decisions such as the style of furniture to choose.
Does there need to be room for an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, a stand-alone grill, or built-in planters? Consider how much space you will need for these elements and the best place to position them.
For instance, most vegetables and herbs require full sun. So, note the amount of light available when deciding the exact locations of these mini-gardens.
Consider the Space
After deciding on the elements to include, it’s time to figure out how to fit them into the available space.
The best way to do this is to draw out a patio plan to scale. Consider where everything will be located. Make sure there is enough negative space between elements (even furniture) that the patio doesn’t seem cluttered.
Remember, this is patio landscape design so don’t forget to include flower beds, container plants, and any other living elements that will be included.
And perhaps most important, make sure to include essentials. Patios beside homes must slope correctly and have proper drainage as to not threaten a home’s foundation. Further, think ahead to needs like electricity or irrigation. These items are best planned at the start of the project.
Think About Utilities
On that note, will the patio require utilities? An outdoor kitchen will require running water, power, and perhaps natural gas. An outdoor fireplace may require a natural gas line depending on the type the homeowner chooses. Even some garden features like waterfalls or fountains require a source of power.
Think about these elements at the start. It will be far easier to install them before building structures that may get in the way. And, as always, have the utilities marked by Georgia811 (or the equivalent for the area) for both the planning stage and the installation of the project.
Where’s It Going?
Many backyards are small enough that the available space dictates the design. Homeowners have to put each element where it fits/makes sense.
However, larger backyards provide more patio landscape design flexibility. Think about where the sun hits or the shady parts of the space or how the elements would look best in relation to the house and the rest of the landscaping.
For example, if the patio is mainly used in summer, a space that is shaded by the house makes sense. Or if night time gatherings around the fire pit are the goal, it is important to have open sky above to avoid a fire hazard.
Drainage and Slope
Drainage is an important design consideration for every homeowner. Pools of water gathering in unwanted places in a backyard is a quick way to destroy all the hard work that was put into it. Manmade structures (especially wooden ones) can rot quickly. Even many types of plants can rot away if left sitting in too much water.
Structures should always be built slightly up from the rest of the ground so that water runs away from them. Include drainage ditches or other elements if necessary to ensure proper drainage.
Think About Shade
The sun won’t always shine in ideal positions. This is especially true in smaller yards where there isn’t enough space to choose an ideal spot or plant overhead shade trees.
Instead, choose simple options like an awning or pergola to offer relief from the sun. Remember that sometimes these structures will need footings and it is easier to install these constructions from the beginning.
Leave Room for Plants
Patio landscape design wouldn’t be landscape design without at least a few plants. It’s easy enough to lay a solid concrete slab, but it’s pretty boring to look at. Not to mention it won’t feel nearly as relaxing without nature’s greenery.
When planning the patio, leave space for garden beds and container plants and plan how they will be incorporated with the hardscapes. Remember, even tiny backyards can burst with greenery, just build a vertical garden if necessary!
Wood and Wood-Look Patios
Wooden patios offer a classic look that many homeowners love. Plus, stain and paint are available in a variety of different colors to match any aesthetic or decorative vibe.
Of course, wood that is not properly sealed or protected from the elements will rot, warp, or become a home for insects. Thus, composite wood-look patios have become more popular. These cost-effective options look just as great as their traditional counterparts — with a lot fewer problems.
Brick and Paver Patios
Another great option for a long-lasting patio is to use sturdy construction materials like brick or pavers. When installed and maintained correctly, these patios can easily last for decades.
Bricks offer a sophisticated look to elevate the style of the patio. Concrete pavers are relatively easy to install and not too expensive for budget-conscious homeowners. Fortunately, both materials come in a range of colors. Further, they can be laid in a variety of patterns to suit any taste.
Natural Stone and Flagstone Patios
Natural stone and flagstones are perfect for creating a more rustic aesthetic. Often, the term “old world charm” is used to describe the spaces made with these materials. This usually is in reference to an English-cottage or French-country style.
Further, for a cabin aesthetic, slate is a natural stone product to consider. The stone is hewn in square tiles or organic shapes. Perfect, smooth squares impart a tidy, modern look while freeform shapes add to the rustic appeal.
Because of transportation costs, the price of these materials can soar. Choose a local supplier to save a bundle and be more environmentally friendly at the same time.
We’re Here to Help!
At Atlanta Turf & Tree, we are happy to assist on any landscaping job, no matter how big or small. Contact our landscaping services team with your ideas and goals, and we can help make it happen!
