10 factors to consider before installing a patio

One way to improve the surroundings of your back yard is to add a terrace. Here are factors that homeowners should consider before installing a patio.

Are you considering adding a terrace to your garden? Patios were an integral part of the American backyards since the 1950sand they are becoming more popular every year. When you add a terrace, you give yourself a wonderful meeting point and An attractive feature that you can use to sell your house later – but how do you start?

Read on to learn more about 10 factors to consider before installing a patio!

1. Understand what you want to spend

With the average cost of a new terrace just under $ 5,000It is important to know what you want. If you scale up and add a grill station, fire pit, and other accessories that you likely want, the price of a patio can go up.

So you have to create a budget. Any type of home project can take on a life of its own if you allow it to. Make sure you set a clear ceiling so your project doesn’t get too expensive.

Don’t worry – there are ways to save money from the start. If your garden is flat, it means that installing a patio is easier (and cheaper). You can select an area that is already flat or try to align the area designated terrace space itself.

You can also use salvaged material from an old patio to keep costs down. There is a hierarchy of materials that affect the installation costs of the terrace (more on that later). So make sure you get the final material cost in writing.

Also avoid excessive landscaping if you want to keep your budget tight. Instead of planting ornamental grasses, you should use potted plants to create a border and some visual interest without straining your bank account. And choose inexpensive garden furniture to get started – you can upgrade anytime later!

2. Determine the size

An important preparatory step is knowing how big your terrace should be. You may not have a lot of flexibility if your lot is small, but if you have more space, spend some time at trade shows and speak to an expert to get perspective.

Think about which scale fits the scale of your house and yard. A huge terrace, paired with a modest home, could look uncomfortable. And a huge patio that chews up most of your back yard can lead to regret after installation.

The planning phases may seem lengthy – after all, you just want to sit on your terrace! – but it is worth taking the time to be satisfied.

3. What shape should it be?

Know what shape you want. Let yourself be inspired by your home and garden. For example, a very rectangular terrace with clear lines would complement a modern house. But if you want to create a cozy short vacation in the backyard, you can try something more organic.

Popular shapes are the standard rectangle, the semicircle, the rectangle with rounded edges and the organic terrace. Some homeowners want to have several smaller courtyards that are connected by stepping stone paths.

4. Know where to install a terrace

Will your terrace be an extension of your house or will it exist in a separate room? This is an important question to consider when planning and considering various patio designs.

It is always advisable to see where the sun hits your terrace all day long. If you sit on the terrace at night, this is not a problem. But if you have a happy hour under the hot July sun, you want some shade.

You can try to plan for your patio to have a shade tree, or you can buy umbrellas or an enclosure to avoid having too much sun.

5. What is the purpose of the room?

Are you planning occasional meetings with just a few friends in the summer? Do you sit alone on coffee in the morning and on cocktails in the evening? Or will your terrace be the meeting point for large parties?

Knowing the purpose of your patio can help you determine so many other factors. You want to scale the patio for its purpose and understand what types of decorations complete the room.

For example, if you want to convey that your terrace is a private space, you want to build some walls. Partition walls can help create a sense of refinement and protection. However, if you hope that your terrace is the gateway to your garden, you should keep it free of barriers.

6. Examine contractor

Investing money in a home project can seem daunting. So make sure you have the right team to do the job. First, ask neighbors or friends who have recently completed patio or patio projects for recommendations for contractors. They may be able to guide you to the best.

Make sure you choose a Contractor who is licensed and has a strong track record. Ask about their experience in installing patios and get a quote for the project.

Another consideration is timing. They know that everyone longs for a new terrace for the summer, so contractors can be booked in the spring. If you plan and have your terrace built in the off-season, you can save money.

7. Determine the best materials

Concrete is one of them most popular guy Material for a terrace, but by no means is it your only option. You can also examine bricks, cut stone, wood, and even mixed materials. And as mentioned earlier, you can reuse old patio materials to save money.

Concrete and pea gravel are on the cheaper end of the spectrum, although concrete will need to be replaced afterwards a couple of decades.

One option that should be considered is a terrace made of pressed concrete. What is stamped concrete terrace?

It is a terrace that gives you a lot of creative flexibility! The concrete can be stamped or printed to mimic the look and style of other materials while still wet. If you want your patio to look like wood or slate, this type of patio may be the right choice for you.

For an upscale look with greater durability, choose stone or brick. Each of these materials should have a lifespan of over 100 years, which means that your initial investment may be all you do – as long as you wait.

Choosing a combination of crushed stone and some paving stones will add a structural mix to your garden. Especially when your garden is flat and low in vegetation, choosing a variety of materials is an easy way to arouse visual interest.

With the exception of pea gravel, which you can install with limited tools, you should hire a professional to do the installation. Since you want your patio to withstand parties, dinners and bad weather, it is important that experts with material and terrain knowledge do the job.

8. Know where to put lighting

As soon as you have a terrace, you want to be able to use it at any time of the day. This means that you need to determine where to place the lighting – and what type of lighting to use.

Hang up some fairy lights to create a magical outdoor space. Or place lights on the edge of the terrace for a festive night experience. Don’t overlook this important part of the room!

9. Look at the landscape around him

Landscaping will make a big difference in how your patio looks. You can keep things clean and minimalist, which you might want to do when your patio overlooks a beautiful garden or water. In some cases, a terrace is the access point for a better view.

But if you want your patio to be your primary outdoor conservation area, you should plan a bit of landscaping. Add a few bushes and a variety of native grasses around the perimeter. Plant a few trees or introduce some vines to integrate your space into the environment.

Patios also look great next to gardens. Imagine what it would be like to grab fresh mint for your tea from your bank!

10. What other add-ons do you need?

Make sure you allow money for other accessories in your budget. You want to invest in durable furniture that makes your terrace cozy and complete. Opt for bold splashes of color or keep them neutral for a quieter atmosphere.

In addition, you can add a fire pit or a small fountain for the ambience. The crackle of fire is perfect for a family Friday night out, while a fountain is a perfect soundtrack for an afternoon with a book.

Consider other outdoor requirements, e.g. B. a grill station or a bar. Take the time to brainstorm in the frontend what you need – or plan to add these fun features later!

You have that!

The installation of a terrace requires a lot of planning, but is worth it in the end. You create an outdoor space where you can chat or relax after a long day at work. Talk to your contractor about options and get ready to add stunning outdoor living space to your property.

When you’re ready to come up with new ideas to upgrade your living space, drop by for more great items!