Picture yourself relaxing in a lounger on your patio, the sun is shining, you are surrounded by the soothing sounds and fragrances of nature. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you get the most out of your patio project. It doesn’t matter if you have a large garden or a small urban backyard.
With our top 10 patio ideas, you’ll enhance your outdoor experience like never before. Moreover, you will discover tips on preparing the ground and transforming your outdoor space into a comfortable living area. Get ready to elevate your enjoyment of the outdoors with this fool-proof guide.
Today, thanks to advances in outdoor heaters and canopies, the UK patio can be used all year round. So, why wait any longer? Don’t miss out on the benefits of having a patio in your garden that you can enjoy throughout the year.
Furthermore, a patio is a practical addition to any UK garden, offering a versatile space for sitting, dining, and entertaining. It is much more than just a large expanse of grass lawn. To create the perfect patio, careful planning and preparation are crucial. Selecting the appropriate paving slabs, referred to as patio slabs, is essential.
Before starting a patio project, nevertheless, you should consider adding a lawn, a canopy, edging details etc. Additionally, raising the patio itself is an option. Even small patio spaces can be maximised with clever design choices. Read on to find out everything you need to know about patios and start planning your perfect outdoor space today.
The design of the patio is going to be an extension of the house. Adjoined patio areas should be physically connected to the kitchen or the living room for optimum results. Additionally, orientation plays a vital role in ensuring maximum daylight exposure. For the UK, this means having a south-west facing patio.
After deciding on the design and orientation of your patio, it’s important to consider the style you want for your outdoor space. There is a number of different established patio ideas and styles that have become very popular over the years. To help you get started, here are some of the most popular options.
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The Mediterranean-style patio takes its cues from the way the Spanish and the Greeks live outdoors. Typically, that means a barbeque, a relaxation area and a dining table all organised within the sunniest part of the garden. Add a variety of shrubs and potted plants in planters to get the look and aroma.
During the 18th Century, the English landscape garden became synonymous with ‘Capability’ Brown, who favoured the naturalistic approach. This remains the most popular UK style today and describes a rustic aesthetic. Here the lines are organic, curved edges separate the grass and the patio slabs. Planting and water features recreate the look of an Arcadian landscape.
An emerging style becoming popular is the contemporary patio. This style treats the patio as if it were an indoor room. The lines are geometric, and the materials are pristine, clearly differentiated from the surrounding nature. Concrete, porcelain and metal are ideal for creating a contemporary patio.
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Patio ideas all start with the tile or patio slabs that help create a usable area in the garden for sitting, dining, sunbathing, entertaining, etc. There are several practical choices for the patio paving slabs which will help to create the right look. All, however, will have to be properly bedded and provided with a separation membrane to ensure long-lasting results.
As a rule, all new-build patios will require the following sub-layers:
▶Note: ultimately the success of your patio ideas will depend on the sub-base and site preparation. Do not skimp on this step of the project. Like all things construction related the preparatory work is the basis for longevity.
Then comes the paving material which provides the finish and the style of the patio. The following choices are both practical and weatherproof ensuring that the patio will age well over time. Some such as outdoor tiles are available in a wide variety of finishes.
Porcelain is a versatile material that can imitate wood, stone, terracotta, and brick with remarkable precision. Besides, when used outdoors, it doesn’t come with the downsides of these materials. Why? Because porcelain is a super-dense type of ceramic that’s fired at extremely high temperatures.
This makes its use outdoors highly recommended for the following reasons:
▶Note: Porcelain is compatible with RAF or raised access flooring for patio areas. This system resembles timber decking where the tiles are supported off the ground on a pedestal system. The pedestals are adapted individually to ensure a level finish, while rainwater runs off below. This further allows utilities to be camouflaged beneath.
For garden patios that are not connected to the main house, the same criteria as normal patios apply. Nevertheless, garden patio ideas can be more creative and are not necessarily limited by the style of the house.
Nowadays, the firepit is a great way to add a separate area to the garden. It can create a totally separate, stand-alone patio. Equally, if the garden is a suitable size a separate outdoor kitchen can be created for outdoor cooking. For a dining area, a covered canopy and a terrace heater will ensure use all year round.
Even if you have a small townhouse with a modest backyard, you can benefit from our patio ideas. In some ways, the task is easier. Proximity to the indoors makes using the small patio more practical.
Small patio garden ideas can include planters instead of grass. Pots are easier to manage and provide surprising results. Don’t mix and match too many finishes. For a small patio, less is more.
Try and establish a direct relationship between inside and outside with connecting patio doors and a similar colour palette, for example. Lighting the patio is a simple way of extending the indoors to the exterior after dark.
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No matter what style patio suits your home one important consideration common to all patios is the edging. There are proprietary edging solutions that are matched to the patio slabs.
Tried and tested methods can be used to separate the lawn from the patio. These methods look good and are practical for lawnmowers and other equipment. The following solutions match material with style:
Providing shade or a cover is one of the ways to ensure that the patio can be used all year round, no matter what the weather conditions. Together with the patio heater, it’s a game-changer for patio ideas.
There are two types of canopy. One is a free-standing structure or pergola. The other is an awning attached to a wall of the house or boundary wall. The best option for your patio will depend on the space available and the coverage required.
▶Note: Awnings should be retractable and making provision for regular cleaning and maintenance is important.
The raised patio is suitable in circumstances where there is a view or a better orientation available at a slightly higher level. The difference between decking and raised patio ideas is that a deck has a void beneath while the patio is constructed on solid ground. Raised patios have the added advantage of rainwater run-off. The patio slabs must be laid to a slight fall, then gravity takes over.
A raised patio can be a beautiful addition to any garden, providing a space to relax and enjoy the outdoors. However, creating a raised patio requires careful planning and execution to ensure that it is safe, functional and aesthetically pleasing. In this section, we will provide you with tips and guidelines to help you create your perfect raised patio.
No matter the size of your outdoor space, a patio can completely transform the experience of being in your home. Not only during the spring and summer but all year round.
However, to achieve the best results, it is important to consider some key factors before starting a patio project. To help you get started, here is a checklist of things to keep in mind:
With so much potential, the first step to getting the most from your outdoor patio is by consulting a professional. Our showrooms will open your eyes to a whole potential other life outdoors. Unlike indoors, however, knowing what to do and what to avoid is even more important for avoiding disappointment. Make an appointment today to unlock your garden’s potential.
