How to Plan a Patio
- 1). Decide where you want to add the patio to your home. Do you want to have a free-standing patio or one as an extension of a room? Is there access to the patio area you selected?
- 2). Measure the perimeter area of the patio location. Write these measurements down on the regular paper. Use the gridded paper to draw a rectangular or square block for the basic design of the patio.
- 3). Examine the current landscape and shape of the yard. On the grid pad, change the shape of the patio to customize it to fit your home's style. For example, you can have rounded corner sections or even a wavy outer edge instead of a straight line.
- 4). Decide the types of plants you would like to have near or on the edge of the patio. View the amount of lighting available throughout the day. Check the amount of drainage and soil type to decide which plants will work best.
On the grid pad, use a green pencil to mark location of plants. Write down the number and types of plants you will need for the patio. - 5). Select a focal point for your patio. You can add a small pond, fire pit or whatever you like. The focal point should be in the center of your patio.
Measure out the center section of your patio location to ensure the focal point object will fit in the patio area while leaving room for using the patio. Mark on your grid paper with a grey pencil the shape and size of your focal point. - 6). Select the type of material to make your patio. The type of material to build your patio will depend on your soil type, current landscape, use of the patio and house style. For example, if your house is contemporary with siding, you might like a concrete patio, or if your house is all brick, a patio of bricks would work best.
On a separate piece of paper make a list of all the supplies you will need for the building materials of your patio. If possible, estimate the amount you will need and the cost of each material by checking with your local home improvement store. - 7). Plan lighting for your patio. Will you use an external light on the outside of your home? Will you use solar walkway lights? Use a red pencil to mark the location of the lighting on the grid paper.
- 8). Decide on furniture pieces for your patio. Measure the areas on the planned patio area. Mark the grid paper with squares, rectangles and circles with a blue pencil to represent the furniture. This will help you plan the patio furniture. Write down the patio furniture items you already have and the ones you will need to buy.
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