You can expand your patio space if you’re lucky and have the room for it. You can easily make the space bigger by adding another section beyond the segmented walkway. You can also make it greener by planting vines and hanging baskets. The possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas for a simple patio design.

First, consider the layout of the patio. Consider the views it offers and where you can position a table and chairs. If you have uneven ground, install stepping stones to avoid slipping. If you have loose chips or gravel, you can cover it with an outdoor rug to create a more elegant look. Then, use complementary cushions to create a cohesive design scheme. A garden statue can be a great accent to complete the outdoor space. It can help if you place a firepit off the patio as it can provide functionality during chilly evenings. You can also create separate zones of interest.

If you’re working with limited square footage, consider creating an alfresco dining space. Although outdoor dining requires open space, a patio can offer the perfect place to relax and socialise. An awning or a homemade canopy can provide a stylish cover from the sun or the rain! Or, you could make use of a garden accessory, such as a hammock. A hammock works well in both small and large spaces and is a relaxing spot to lie in the shade.

If you encounter drainage problems while laying a patio, you might want to have any underground pipes checked for damage. A fast and effective repair can be completed after Drain Lining Surveys. Find out more at https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/sewer-repairs-drain-lining-concrete-cutting/drain-lining/

You can also consider adding terraces to your patio for different purposes. You can use the uppermost terrace for dining and cooking, while the lower terrace can be used for plants or a relaxation zone. Whether you are a professional or a beginner, you’ll find a design that suits you.

For example, you could incorporate a high-transparent patio cover that lets in the most sunlight while keeping the patio area warm in the summer evenings. The shade structure is attached to a track and moved by a detachable rod. Alternatively, you could choose a simple wooden slat shade structure that doesn’t compete with the views.

If you’re looking for a furniture material that’s easy to clean and maintain, consider using synthetic wicker. This material is more resistant to the harsh sunlight. You can also use artificial wicker for a more durable patio set.

 

Adding shade to your patio

A patio is far more usable on a hot day if part of it is shaded, so plan for shade alongside the layout and planting. There are many types of garden shade, and each has its own advantages. Choose one that suits your local climate, and think about when you use the patio most, since some options work better at certain times of the day.

Awnings are a popular choice because they fix to the house and give shade while still letting some light through. A patio table and chairs set close to the house can also make use of the shade the building already provides. Check that any shade you pick works with your furniture rather than against it.

If you have the space and budget, you can go further and create a complete outdoor room, with stylish chairs, comfortable cushions and a shaded area to relax in. Doing your research first will save you buying something that does not suit your patio.

Planning an awning over the patio

An awning can turn a patio into a space you use far more often, but it pays to think it through first. Decide whether you mainly want shade from the sun or shelter from the weather, and whether you would like to use it in the cooler months as well as summer.

A retractable awning lets you choose how much light the patio gets, while a fixed canopy gives permanent cover but can block the sun when you want it. Measure the length and width of the area so the awning covers it properly, and check the height clears your table, chairs and any other garden furniture that the sun could damage.

Finally, consider the style and material. It should suit the house and be tough enough to withstand the elements for years. Awnings are among the easier outdoor additions to install, and once in place they give the family shade and protect the patio and its furniture.