Designing the Perfect Patio for Your Pennsylvania Home
From classic poolside lunches to memorable dinner parties, the charm you can create in your outdoor oasis is unparalleled. Whether you’re looking to impress friends with grandeur or cultivate an intimate family setting, use the following suggestions to achieve your perfect patio today.
Form Matches Function
First things first, it’s important to decide what you primarily intend to use your patio for. Take into account your desired size, hardscaping material, privacy level, and proximity to your main home.
Size matters. Do you envision small, private gatherings or extravagant, expansive parties? Be realistic about how many guests you expect the space to hold. Imagine how many pieces of furniture your patio design should accommodate: will you only need room for a single table and a few chairs, or multiple tables with seating for a dozen or more? Just as a cozy fire pit would be overwhelmed by a sprawling patio space, a tiny deck would not be suitable for throwing lavish parties. Think functionally about size when planning your design.
Use hardscaping practically. Imagine walking barefoot upon mossy natural stone or, perhaps, watching guests as they jealously stare at your dazzling, ultra-modern ceramic tile underfoot. Unfortunately, when anticipating high traffic areas, these and other seemingly ideal hardscapes might not be your best options. Look into combining natural stone selections with concrete pavers - which come in a variety of textures, colors, and patterns, and are often slip-resistant, weather-proof, durable, and easily repairable.
Check your privacy. Think of your patio as an extension of your home, privy to its own “walls” and “windows.” Just how exposed to the outside world your outdoor space should be is up to you. Want a sense of seclusion? Trees and plants don’t only offer too much shade, but provide leafy barriers from neighbors and onlookers. Vines and sturdy foundation plantings are another excellent option which, while having similar potential to create natural walls, can also act as attractive focal points to coax guests into the space. If you choose to integrate plants into your patio design, look into which types of hardscaping will stand up to roots, shifting soil, and irrigation runoff.
Location is key. Just as you would want your kitchen close to main dining area, a smartly designed patio should be located in proper proximity to the main home. Will you require easy access to the kitchen, or do you envision your patio acting as an extension of the family room? If, instead, your perfect patio is a “getaway” destination, where is the most secluded spot in your yard, and with the best view? Take a walk around your property to find the right location.
Lay the Groundwork, Then Build!
Imagine a breezy summer night filled with fireflies, clinking glasses, and hearty laughter. With this advice on designing the perfect patio in your Pittsburgh, Sewickley, and other Western PA areas home, you’ll be enjoying your new outdoor space in no time!
Image: A project by Blackwood & Associates in Greensburg, PA. Read more about it here.